Owners have filed 163 complaints
about the 2001 Acura TL with NHTSA between 2000 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 38
Against the median year of the Acura TL. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 48
9.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 36
21% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
8786.1%
Engine
44.0%
Lower Ball Joint
22.0%
Interior
22.0%
Windshield
22.0%
Manual Transmission
22.0%
Antilock
11.0%
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
11.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
22.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
33.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2829.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1111.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1414.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2425.5%
150,000+ miles
1212.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2000peak 7Jan 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 Acura TL
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE02081Opened 28 Oct 2002Closed 5 Mar 2003POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SUDDEN DOWNSHIFT
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
Recalls on the 2001 Acura TL
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V027000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
04V176000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
Risk: GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
01V166002
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES WERE REPAIRED WITH INCORRECT PARTS: 2002 ACURA 3.2TL SEDANS WITH REPLACEMENT BUCKLES INSTALLED PER RECALL 01V-166001; CERTAIN 2000 ACURA 3.2TL VEHICLES WITH REPLACEMENT BUCKLES INSTALLED AS PRODUCT UPDATE REPAIRS; AND CERTAIN 2000-2002 ACURA 3.2TL VEHICLES WITH REPLACEMENT BUCKLES INSTALLED AS WARRANTY OR COLLISION REPAIRS. REPAIRS WERE MADE FROM MARCH 9 THROUGH JULY 27, 2001. SOME OF THE NONCOMPLIANT BUCKLES WERE MISLABELED AND REDISTRIBUTED TO ACURA DEALERS TO BE USED AS RECALL REPAIR PARTS. HONDA ALSO DETERMINED THAT INCORRECT FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE USED FOR SOME PRODUCT UPDATE REPAIRS OF 2000 ACURA 3.2TL VEHICLES, AND WARRANTY OR COLLISION REPAIRS OF 2000-2002 3.2TL VEHICLES. THESE SEAT BELT BUCKLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202001585,247 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash. In some cases, this could cause an airbag not to fully inflate, while in others it could cause it to deploy with more force than normal. It could also cause the inflator to rupture. If the airbag inflator ruptures, small pieces of metal could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag and prevent its proper function. Note: This recall is for airbag inflators that may have been installed when the vehicle had the steering wheel airbag replaced. Safety Risk: In a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the driver-front airbag may not inflate properly or the inflator could rupture. This could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. There may be a significant delay before replacement parts are available. The company will send you a second letter once replacement parts are available and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the driver-front airbag inflator. If the inflator requires replacement, a newly design part will be installed.
Recall 200414385,184 units in Canada
Powertrain
Certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or, in very rare cases, gear breakage can occur. Gear failure could result in transmission lock-up. Correction: On vehicles with 24 000 kms or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to second gear. On vehicles with more than 24 000 kms, the dealer will inspect the transmission to identify gears that have already experienced discoloration due to overheating. If discolouration exists, the transmission will be replaced. If discolouration is not present, the dealer will perform the revision to the oil cooler return line.
Recall 20012151,022 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain 2002 Acura 3.2TL vehicles with replacement buckles installed per recall 1X-3-01 certain 2000 Acura 3.2TL vehicles with replacement buckles installed as product update repairs; and certain 2000-2002 Acura 3.2TL vehicles with replacement buckles installed as warranty or collision repairs. Repairs were made from March 9 through July 27, 2001. Honda has determined that certain vehicles were repaired with incorrect parts. Some of the noncompliant buckles were mislabeled and redistributed to Acura dealers to be used as recall repair parts. Honda also determined that incorrect front seat belt buckle replacement parts were used for some product update repairs of 2000 Acura 3.2TL vehicles, and warranty or collision repairs of 2000-2002 3.2TL vehicles. These seat belt buckles may not comply with requirements of C.M.V.S.S. No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained. Correction: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the front seat belt buckles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Stockbridge, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY AT 25 MPH, A SECOND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND CURTAIN AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO THE HEAD, NECK, UPPER BODY, LEFT EYE AND NECK VERTEBRAE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11299934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 217,000 milesLOS Angeles, CACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I DROVE MY CAR OUT THE GARAGE INTO THE COMMON ALLEY IN REVERSE, ONCE OUT THE GARAGE. WHEN I WAS OUT OF GARAGE ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE GARAGE DOOR WITH THE GENIE , AND THE GARAGE DOOR WOULDN'T CLOSE . I DROVE THE CAR FURTHER AWAY FROM THE GARAGE/BUILDING IN REVERSE TO DETERMINE , WHETHER THE GENIE WOULD OPERATE FROM ANOTHER POSITION , NEXT THING I KNEW THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING UNCONTROLLABLY, BETWEEN 20 - 25 MILES PER HOUR IN REVERSE NEXT TO OUR BUILDING'S GARAGES . MY CAR ONLY STOPPED BECAUSE I SLAMMED INTO MY NEIGHBOR'S GARAGE , WHICH WAS 4 DOORS DOWN FROM MY OWN GARAGE . MY ACCELERATOR WAS ESSENTIALLY, FROZEN...A RUNAWAY ACCELERATOR. SIMILIAR INSTANCES WHILE I WAS IN THE DRIVE MODE , BUT JUST FOR QUITE , SHORT, TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #11194834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesSpring, TXFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING, BLACK SMOKE APPEARED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THEN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A STORAGE LOT, WHERE THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THE FAN MOTOR FAILED CAUSING THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. UPDATED 06/19/06.
NHTSA complaint #10158727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesAlpharetta, GACrashFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
AFTER REAR-END COLLISION (MY FAULT ON SLICK PAVEMENT, GOING EST. 15 MPH WHERE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND CAR SKIDDED FOR AT LEAST 15-20 FEET) THE FRONT END OF MY CAR SIMPLY HAD A DENTED FRONT END AND GRILL AND LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE) HEADLIGHT. A FEW MINUTES LATER A SMALL FLAME BROKE OUT AROUND THIS BROKEN HEADLIGHT AND THE FLAME QUICKLY GREW BEFORE THE FIRE ENGINES COULD GET THERE, W/IN 5 MINUTES THE ENTIRE ENGINE AREA WAS ON FIRE AND THE CAR IS NOW TOTALED. THE FIRE CHIEF TOLD ME THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN A HEADLIGHT CATCH FIRE AND THEN SPREAD THE WAY THIS DID. I'M QUESTIONING WHETHER THIS WAS A MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL DEFECT IN THIS MODEL OF ACURA AND WHETHER I HAVE A CLAIM AGAINST ACURA.
NHTSA complaint #10143916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,790 milesSAN Jose, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN TWO CAR ACCIDENTS WHERE I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IN THE SECOND ACCIDENT MY CAR WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #10136468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW York, NYCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
MY ACURA 2001 3.2TL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSON WAS STARTED BY TURNING ON THE IGNITION. AS SOON AS IT WAS STARTED, WITH TRANSMISSION IN PARK, THE CAR TOOK OFF IN REVERSE. STEPPING ON THE BRAKE DIDN'T SLOW DOWN THE CAR, NEITHER DID SHIFTING THE GEARS. THE ONLY WAY THE CAR STOPPED WAS WHEN IT HIT THE FENCE AND HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE CAR, WELL OVER $7000. I CALLED ACURA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND STATED THAT ACURA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE INCIDENT. THEY DIDN'T HELP AT ALL. I WROTE A LETTER TO THE CEO OF AMERICAN HONDA AND THEY JUST REFERRED IT TO ACURA CUSTOMER SERVICE. THEY REFUSE TO HELP AT ALL WHEN IT IS CLEAR FROM ALL THE INCIDENTS REPORTED IN THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT THERE IS A CLEAR PROBLEM WITH ACURA TRANSMISSIONS. THE NHTSA SHOULD TAKE ACTION SINCE THERE ARE MANY INCIDENTS WITH HONDA AND ACURA'S. I AM DEFINITELY AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. I DON'T SEE ANY REASON TO BUY A HONDA OR ACURA AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10051489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Bailey, NC
AIR BAGS
I have reached out to Acura on three separate occasions to try and get them to inspect and possibly replace my recalled airbags. They have failed to contact us back every time and this is our only mode of transportation. I've expressed my concerns to them each time and let them know I'm forced to drive this vehicle until it's fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11710808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesWilmington, NC
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A NHTSA RECALL LETTER NUMBER 20V027000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER FLOW ACURA 4952 NEW CENTRE DR, WILMINGTON, NC 28403 (910) 218-7070. DURING THE RECALL REPAIR THEY TOLD THE CONTACT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE RIGHT PARTS AND SAID THEY WOULD CALL HIM BACK. THE DEALER CALLED BACK AND SAID THAT THE MANUFACTURER REP SAID THEY DID NOT MAKE THAT AIRBAG PART SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO PASS INSPECTION SINCE THE REPAIR SHORTED OUT SEVERAL FUNCTIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS UNREPAIRED WITH A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG WHILE THE DEALER LOOKS FOR ANOTHER PART. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #11386676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bristol, TN
AIR BAGS
FOR MY ACURA TL 2001 WE HAVE BEEN WAITING OVER 6 MONTHS FOR THE AIR BAG TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP AND HONDA (CALLED HONDA THIS WEEK) WILL NOT EVEN PROVIDE A DATE WHEN THE REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS WILL BE AVAILABLE. VERY POOR AS THIS IS A KNOWN SAFETY HAZARD AND WE DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE!
NHTSA complaint #11361877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,000 milesMurfreesboro, TN
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION SLIPS BETWEEN 3 AND 4. DOESN'T DO THIS ALL THE TIME, HOWEVER; MANY, MANY FORUMS ARE FULL OF 2001 ACURA TL'S HAVING TRANSMISSION SOLENOID ISSUES. WE BOUGHT CAR USED (163,000), MANY CARS OUT THERE WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED IN THE 2000'S.
NHTSA complaint #11359756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED ACURA OF TEMPE (7800 S AUTOPLEX LOOP, TEMPE, AZ 85284; (480) 344-5800) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11354475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Washington, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE LOCAL DEALER RALLYE ACURA LOCATED AT 1750 NORTHERN BLVD, ROSLYN, NY 11576, AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2021. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11352214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11351852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Galloway, OH
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11326458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beaverton, OR
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BOTH THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF
NHTSA complaint #11322559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockbridge, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY AT 25 MPH, A SECOND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND CURTAIN AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO THE HEAD, NECK, UPPER BODY, LEFT EYE AND NECK VERTEBRAE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11299934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesAurora, MO
AIR BAGS
I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR 6 YEARS AND REALLY LIKE IT. MY PROBLEM IS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT FREQUENTLY LIGHTS UP? IT HAPPENS IF THE SEAT IS EMPTY, A PURSE IS THERE OR SOMEONE IS SITTING THERET BY THE VIN IT IS NOT SUPPOSE TO BE AFFECTED BY THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11291369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 217,000 milesLOS Angeles, CACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I DROVE MY CAR OUT THE GARAGE INTO THE COMMON ALLEY IN REVERSE, ONCE OUT THE GARAGE. WHEN I WAS OUT OF GARAGE ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE GARAGE DOOR WITH THE GENIE , AND THE GARAGE DOOR WOULDN'T CLOSE . I DROVE THE CAR FURTHER AWAY FROM THE GARAGE/BUILDING IN REVERSE TO DETERMINE , WHETHER THE GENIE WOULD OPERATE FROM ANOTHER POSITION , NEXT THING I KNEW THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING UNCONTROLLABLY, BETWEEN 20 - 25 MILES PER HOUR IN REVERSE NEXT TO OUR BUILDING'S GARAGES . MY CAR ONLY STOPPED BECAUSE I SLAMMED INTO MY NEIGHBOR'S GARAGE , WHICH WAS 4 DOORS DOWN FROM MY OWN GARAGE . MY ACCELERATOR WAS ESSENTIALLY, FROZEN...A RUNAWAY ACCELERATOR. SIMILIAR INSTANCES WHILE I WAS IN THE DRIVE MODE , BUT JUST FOR QUITE , SHORT, TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #11194834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,300 milesWest Springfield, MA
POWER TRAIN
FEW WAYS AGO BUY THIS CAR HAS ONLY 84,300 MILES ....WHILE DRIVING TODAY SUDDENLY MALFUNCTION SIGN COMES AND CAR SLOW DOWN AND MAKING WEARED SOUNDS... GO TO ADVANCE AUTO PART TO SCAN THE MALFUNCTION SIGN AND AFTER SCANNING NO CODES COME BUT SHOWING ISSUE WITH TRANSMISSION. SO DON'T KNOW WHERE AND HOW MUCH ITS GOING TO COST TO FIX OR REPLACE TRANSMISSION. IF ANYONE HELP ME WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I LIVE IN MA ( WESTERN MA)
NHTSA complaint #11183700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,992 milesHuntsville, AL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR (AUTO DIMMING) BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE OUT OF DUE TO A DEFECT THAT CAUSED A LIQUID TO LEAK AND CLOUD THE MIRROR. HAD TO REPLACE IT IN ORDER TO SEE OUT THE BACK. IT OCCURRED GRADUALLY OVER ABOUT A YEAR. AT FIRST IT WAS JUST THE CORNER AND EVENTUALLY IT COVERED THE WHOLE MIRROR. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #11000660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parkton, MD
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10934395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesSaint Petersburg, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10881983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesCoral Springs, CO
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING 72 MPH WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10846498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesBaltimore, MD
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10807173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesBaltimore, MD
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10807173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesToronto, NY
POWER TRAIN
WHILE DRIVING MY 2001, THE TRANNY WAS NOT SHIFTING. SCARED MY WIFE SILLY. HAD LESS THAN 50000 MILES AND HAD TAKEN THE CAR TO ACURA FOR THIS ISSUE.THEY INSTALLED SOME KIND OF COOLER DEVICE RELATED TO TRANNY ISSUE. $3000 LATER FOR A TRANNY REPAIR AT A REPUTABLE INDEPENDENT GARAGE AND ACURA REFUSED TO FOOT THE BILL. NO MORE ACURAS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY.HIT THEM WHERE IT HURTS- IN THE POCKET BOOK!
NHTSA complaint #10681978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesRiverdale, GA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE TRANSMISSION JERKED VIOLENTLY AND FAILED TO SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR. THE RPMS BEGAN TO INCREASE WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE TCS AND ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE SECONDARY GEAR DID NOT EXHIBIT DISCOLORATION AND THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE . THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS O 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10551099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,373 milesToledo, OH
POWER TRAIN
I LIVE IN TOLEDO OHIO BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MICHIGAN WAS ON MY WAY HOME WHEN MY CARS WHEELS LOCKED UP SCARED ME TOO DEATH JERKED BACK AND FORTH IN GEAR CHECK ENGINE LITE CAME ON TCS LITE CAME ON AND D5 LITE WAS BLINKING THIS CAR ONLY HAD 82,000 MILES I CAN NOT BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT CLOSES ITS EYES TOO ALL THESE COMPLAINTS SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET SERIOUSLY HURT WE NEED TO SUE ACURA FOR CRAP TRANSMISSIONS I MEAN COME ON AND THEN FOR THEM TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HARD WORKING AMERICANS WHO TRUST HONDA IS NOT RITE AT ALL SOMEONE IS GETTING PAID OFF IS THE ONLY REASON THIS ISSUE HASNT BEEN RESOLVED AND FOR THE DEALER NOT TO DO ANYTHING BUT WANT TO GIVE YOU ANOTHER JUNK GARBAGE TRANSMISSION AND CHARGE YOU 3500 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM TO HAPPEN AGAIN IS RIDICULOUS WE ALL NEED TO FILE A LAWSUIT FOR THIS AND THEY NEED TO UPGRADE THE TRANSMISSIONS TO MAKE THEM BETTER AND FOR THE SAFETY ADMINISTRATION TO TURN A BLIND EYE FOR A CAR THAT COULD LOCK UP AND KILL SOMEONE AND NOT FINE OR MAKE ACURA EAT THE COST FOR THERE SCREW UP SHAME ON YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10525957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesUpper Malboro, MD
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY LOSE ENGINE POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD START NORMALLY BUT AS THE TRANSMISSION BECAME HOTTER, THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT PROVIDED WITH THE REASON THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
NHTSA complaint #10510482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesPleasanton, CA
SEAT BELTS
AFTER SEEING MY SEAT BELT LIGHT ON FOR A LONG TIME, I DISCOVERED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V166002. I CALLED THE ACURA NUMBER LISTED, AS WELL AS THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD AND HAS SERVICED MY CAR, AND BOTH ARE STATING THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL FOR THESE SEAT BELTS. I VERIFIED THEY KNEW MY CAR WAS A 2001 ACURA TL, AND SPECIFICALLY ASKED ABOUT THE SEAT BELTS.
NHTSA complaint #10505975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
POWER TRAIN
I WAS EXACTLY HALFWAY THROUGH A 350 MILE ROAD TRIP, DRIVING UPHILL ALONG A BUSY INTERSTATE IN THE LEFT LANE WHEN, WITHOUT WARNING, MY 2001 ACURA 3.2 TL BEGAN LOSING SPEED DESPITE CONTINUED THROTTLE ACCELERATION. THE ENGINE RPM'S WERE CLIMBING AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WERE IN NEUTRAL. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO ROLL TO RIGHT SHOULDER AND COME TO A SAFE STOP. MY TRANSMISSION SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. THE REVERSE AND ALL DRIVE GEARS BEHAVED AS NEUTRAL. I WAS LEFT WITH ONLY PARK AND NEUTRAL. I OPENED THE HOOD AND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. WHEN I CHECKED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IT WAS BLACK AND SMOKING. JUST 3 HOURS EARLIER WHEN I CHECKED ALL MY FLUIDS BEFORE LEAVING, I NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS THE NORMAL SHINY RED. I WAS GIVEN NO WARNING SIGNS, NO SYMPTOMS OF SHIFTING PROBLEMS, AND NO CONSOLE INDICATION THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS RUNNING HOTTER THAN NORMAL. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY YEAR MAKE AND MODEL, AND THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. WHY DIDN'T ACURA FIX THIS PROBLEM? MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY 103,000 MI; THIS SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10500889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.