Owners have filed 466 complaints
about the 2003 Acura TL with NHTSA between 2002 and 2025.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Acura TL. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 75
14.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 39
23% 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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
82.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
226.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
297.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5113.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6818.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
6016.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
8823.9%
150,000+ miles
4211.4%
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.
Jul 2002peak 10Jul 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 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.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
EA15001Opened 24 Feb 2015Still openAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE14016Opened 11 Jun 2014Closed 2 Mar 2015AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE02081Opened 28 Oct 2002Closed 5 Mar 2003POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SUDDEN DOWNSHIFT
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
Recalls on the 2003 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
19V499000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
19V182000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
15V320000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in 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.
02V226000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.
Risk: IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2019323222,662 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Note: This is a new recall campaign that includes vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced under a previous recall or had a replacement airbag installed. The previous recall provided an interim (short-term) repair. Interim repair parts must be replaced with the final repair parts provided in this recall. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to replace the driver and/or passenger-front airbag inflator. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 201911783,977 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a problem with the driver-front airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, pieces could be propelled toward the occupants. This could also cause damage to the airbag assembly and prevent it from inflating properly. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles that had a Takata airbag inflator installed during a previous airbag recall or collision repair. Safety Risk: In a crash where the airbag deploys, there could be an increased risk of injury. Corrective Action: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the driver-front airbag inflator replaced.
Recall 2015225704,770 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall supersedes special service campaign 2014567. Correction: Dealers will inspect/replace the driver's frontal airbag inflator. All vehicles having received a replacement inflator as part of any previous driver's inflator campaign will have a replacement inflator installed. Note: Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844
Recall 2014567704,770 units in Canada
Airbag
Honda Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Honda will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This special service campaign was replaced by recall 2015225. Please see recall 2015225 for more information: <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015225">Click here for more information</a>
Recall 201141926,964 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver's airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture and metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material and cause injury to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will replace airbag inflator.
Recall 201004241,685 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver's airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture and metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material and cause injury to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will replace airbag inflator. Note: Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844 Update June 2016: New U.S. research shows that these Takata airbags may be at higher risk of failure. Please ensure you have this recall done if your vehicle is affected.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 163,000 milesDE Pere, WICrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MOTOR FRAMES OR ENGINE CRADLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS BADLY RUSTED, AND IT ABOUT TO FALL APART. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR REPLACEMENT PART, AND EVERYONE OF THEM THAT THAT I HAVE FOUND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. I FOUND OUT THE PROBLEM WHEN I WAS TRYING TO REPLACE THE FRONT ROTORS BACK IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR 2018 AND I HAVE NOT BEEN DRIVING IT BECAUSE I ALSO NEED TO REPLACE THE DRIVE AXLE AND I COULDN'T FIND THE ENGINE CRADLE FOR REPLACEMENT, I COULDN'T DO ANYTHING WITH IT.
NHTSA complaint #11142543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,000 milesDE Pere, WICrash
SUSPENSION
MOTOR FRAMES OR ENGINE CRADLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS BADLY RUSTED, AND IT ABOUT TO FALL APART. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR REPLACEMENT PART, AND EVERYONE OF THEM THAT THAT I HAVE FOUND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. I FOUND OUT THE PROBLEM WHEN I WAS TRYING TO REPLACE THE FRONT ROTORS BACK IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR 2018 AND I HAVE NOT BEEN DRIVING IT BECAUSE I ALSO NEED TO REPLACE THE DRIVE AXLE AND I COULDN'T FIND THE ENGINE CRADLE FOR REPLACEMENT, I COULDN'T DO ANYTHING WITH IT.
NHTSA complaint #11142543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesCanastatoa, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 ACURA TL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT AN INTERSECTION, IT WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. DUE TO THE CRASH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED INTO THE BACK SEAT AND FRACTURED INTO TWO PIECES. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WAS JUST REPLACED EIGHT MONTHS BEFORE PER THE TAKATA RECALL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR CUTS UNDER THE RIGHT KNEE AND ALSO X-RAYS FOR HIS RIGHT SHOULDER, WHICH LOCATED A TORN RIGHT ROTATOR CUFF. SURGERY WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT HOLDING YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11025282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 263,138 milesLoveland, OHCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AROUND A CURVE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO BRAKE OR ACCELERATE AND THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND LEFT THE ROAD. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HANDS, WRISTS, HEAD, ANKLE, CHEST, AND SHOULDER. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED AND THE CONTACT VISITED HIS PHYSICIAN AFTER THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 263,138.
NHTSA complaint #10971841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 263,138 milesLoveland, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AROUND A CURVE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO BRAKE OR ACCELERATE AND THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND LEFT THE ROAD. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HANDS, WRISTS, HEAD, ANKLE, CHEST, AND SHOULDER. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED AND THE CONTACT VISITED HIS PHYSICIAN AFTER THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 263,138.
NHTSA complaint #10971841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 263,138 milesLoveland, OHCrash1 injured
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AROUND A CURVE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO BRAKE OR ACCELERATE AND THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND LEFT THE ROAD. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HANDS, WRISTS, HEAD, ANKLE, CHEST, AND SHOULDER. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED AND THE CONTACT VISITED HIS PHYSICIAN AFTER THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 263,138.
NHTSA complaint #10971841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Conway, AR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
It's like when my transmission gets warmed up the RPM's will rev up and then it will come out of gear. Then I have to pull over put it in park and turn the car off. Let it sit for a minute or two then it will drive fine for 10 to 15 minutes before doing it again.
NHTSA complaint #11673008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Juan, PR
AIR BAGS
This complaint relates to safety recall campaigns work regarding my 2003 Acura TL car's SRS (air bags). I took my car to the Acura Service Center in Guaynabo, PR, for recall related repairs at various times during 2022 and 2023. The last time was [XXX]. The PROBLEM is that the Acura center's initial recall-related repair may have been faulty, thus causing the SRS warning light to turn on and stay on while I drive the car. The SRS warning came on a few days after the initial Acura service was performed. I was told during the second visit that they just had to reset something in the car's computer to turn off the SRS warning. But the SRS warning light would turn on again a few days after each service visit. The last time I took the car to Acura regarding this problem was on [XXX]. At that time, I requested a thorough diagnosis of the SRS problem. After that visit , the Acura service center sent me a video of the inspection work performed. However, that video and the $144.95 invoice paid, do not show that any SRS diagnosis work was done. They just did a "multi point" car mechanical condition inspection. Regarding the SRS problem, they again turned off the SRS warning light but did not indicate that in the video or the invoice. A few days later, the SRS warning came back on again. I called the national Honda HQ offices in the California, a few months ago. I expressed my frustration with the Acura dealer's failure to resolve this safety problem. They told me that they could not do anything, that I have to go back to the Acura dealer in PR (something that I already did, various times.) This is why I am now submitting this complaint to NHTSA. I present this complaint as a failure of the Acura corporation to satisfactorily perform the SRS safety recall work. They must re-do the work adequately on my Acura TL 2003 automobile. Please help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11615607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
POWER TRAIN
Driving on Highway going 65mph vehicle suddenly jerked and dropped to 20 mph. Causing my entire body to collide with the steering wheel. Luckily there no cars behind me. Was on my way to work when this happened too far from home. So when I got at work which is thirty minutes from where I live I had to get a tow truck to get my car home. That’s how bad it was. My mom had this car for about ten years. I’ve had it now for three years. Never had this problem before. We’ve had the car in the family for almost fifteen years. Only thing that’s had to change was a power steering line and front shocks. Almost sold it last week and I’m glad I didn’t. Has over 230,000 so I’m not upset. Just a bit sad that this happened to my TL. Needs A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valves A B.
NHTSA complaint #11566694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ballston Spa, NY
ENGINE
This car is not safe. First, the Takata airbags are in it. I drove my daughter, my mother and my little dog in this car! I can’t believe the used car dealership did not let me know that. Then the car starts shifting funny. Also dangerous. There should be a recall for transmission. There are over 500 people affected by this. I’m trying to enter a highway and I need to pick up speed, because there is a tractor trailer in the right lane and heavy traffic. I try to accelerate and it goes nowhere. 30mph. And that was after I merged in and have traffic going 70 behind me. Scariest thing ever. They should not be allowed to sell these cars. It is not safe for the driver and their family and it is not safe for others on the road. I can’t believe the negligence. I will not be driving this death trap ever again.
NHTSA complaint #11551189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ballston Spa, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This car is not safe. First, the Takata airbags are in it. I drove my daughter, my mother and my little dog in this car! I can’t believe the used car dealership did not let me know that. Then the car starts shifting funny. Also dangerous. There should be a recall for transmission. There are over 500 people affected by this. I’m trying to enter a highway and I need to pick up speed, because there is a tractor trailer in the right lane and heavy traffic. I try to accelerate and it goes nowhere. 30mph. And that was after I merged in and have traffic going 70 behind me. Scariest thing ever. They should not be allowed to sell these cars. It is not safe for the driver and their family and it is not safe for others on the road. I can’t believe the negligence. I will not be driving this death trap ever again.
NHTSA complaint #11551189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesKilgore, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to shift from second gear to third gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the RMP’s revved up but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11521433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berkley, MI
SEAT BELTS
The driver’s side seat belt is frayed. The area of concern on the belt goes through the upper guide loop and into the B-pillar trim panel. When in use it resides along my upper left torso. The amount of fraying is about twelve inches in length and the width is decreased by about a quarter of an inch in one area. The issue came to my attention on January 18, 2023. when a co-worker, who has worked in designing and engineering vehicle safety components, brought it to my attention. He informed me that that all safety features such as seat belts and air bags, are warrantied for the life of a vehicle as they work together as a safety system as an industry standard, and that the belt is compromised and may not work as designed in the event of a crash. On January 18, 2023, I spoke on the telephone with the service manager, Martin, of Acura of Troy in Troy, Michigan. Martin informed me that the belt was not a warranty item. I also contacted Acura by online chat on January 19, 2023, and received the same information. On January 27, 2023, I visited the Acura of Troy dealership and had a service representative review the component and received a written estimate to replace the defective parts at my expense, and not under warranty. I believe this to be a defective part caused by the components comprised in the system. I would like this matter to be elevated with Acura as a matter of record. My expectation is to confirm this is either not a safety concern or repair the belt as required under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11508091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, WI
AIR BAGS
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11489415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11489415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Staten Island, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
This complaint is in regards to the 2003 Acura model TL, which is made by Honda and seems to have a notorious car frame rust/rot problem due to designing the AC compressor drain line to dump water directly onto the cars front subframe/engine cradle causing it/them to be compromised to a serious extent that could lead to major injury and or death if not spotted and dealt with. All complaints clearly indicate the problem is on the right/passenger side of certain Hondas and Acuras in the early 2000's. There is no major issues in regards to driver side frame rott. How is that? Because it's a problem created by a variable located there and that is explained here in this complaint. By the grace of God, I had a sway bar link issue making a ticking noise and asked my mechanic to get It onto the lift a take a look. He told me that I should, "Drive it home, park it and start looking for another car. Put it this way, if you were to hit a bad pothole you could have been in a serious situation." Honda has had an innumerable amt of complaints regarding the same issue and it should have been recalled and redirected the drain line, and ppl suffering this issue should have been compensated for the repair (if even possible to do). I will attach photos if permitted to show the extent of the rust on the front frame of the vehicle. Sad nobody has done anything to remedy this. Disgusting.
NHTSA complaint #11481669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesSan Juan Capistrano, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and hesitated to accelerate. The check engine, third and fourth gear, ESP fault, and VSA system warning lights were illuminated. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle with a code reader and the code P1750 appeared. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11457848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesTacoma, WA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle then lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11457315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Charles, LA
POWER TRAIN
Unknown but transmission is slipping in and out of gear even while going down the road
NHTSA complaint #11453213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,000 milesCrewe, VA
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the front driver's side air bag PODS control unit and sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he contacted the manufacturer who confirmed that there was a manufacturer recall for the front driver's side PODS control unit and sensor. The VIN was included in the recall however, the vehicle was not serviced under the recall because the recall had expired. The contact stated that the manufacturer representative stated that the PODS control unit and sensor recall should have been remedied under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V182000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000.
NHTSA complaint #11448662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesChicago, IL
SUSPENSION
REAR SUBFRAME RUSTED
NHTSA complaint #11354512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesElsobrante, CA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND HESITATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT ABOVE THIRD GEAR. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE SPEED SENSOR. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 230,000.
NHTSA complaint #11328050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesVirginia Beach, VA
POWER TRAIN
THE PAINT ON ALL 2003 ACURA TL THE PAINT FAILS BADLY. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO WENT OUT ON ME SOON AS MY CAR HIT 100,000 MILES WHICH SAD FOR AN ACURA. I OWNED A 96 TL AND NEVER HAD ANY OF THESE ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #11323382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesVirginia Beach, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE PAINT ON ALL 2003 ACURA TL THE PAINT FAILS BADLY. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO WENT OUT ON ME SOON AS MY CAR HIT 100,000 MILES WHICH SAD FOR AN ACURA. I OWNED A 96 TL AND NEVER HAD ANY OF THESE ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #11323382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 264,038 milesPerris, CA
AIR BAGS
SRS LIGHT IS ON
NHTSA complaint #11315585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
POWER TRAIN
2003 ACURA T.L WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED SLIPPING ON 2ND GEAR. THEN WHEN VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IT WOULD NOT MOVE IN REVERSE GEAR. AS I WAS ON HIGHWAY THE CAR STARTED JERKING OUT OF CONTROL, I COULD NOT ACCELERATE, VEHICLE BARELY WANTED TO MOVE SO I PUT IT IN #2 GEAR SO IT WORK CATCH AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO SAFETY WITHOUT ANYONE GETTING HURT. VERY FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS. PROBLEM MUST BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA complaint #11311313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
AIR BAGS
2003 ACURA T.L WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED SLIPPING ON 2ND GEAR. THEN WHEN VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IT WOULD NOT MOVE IN REVERSE GEAR. AS I WAS ON HIGHWAY THE CAR STARTED JERKING OUT OF CONTROL, I COULD NOT ACCELERATE, VEHICLE BARELY WANTED TO MOVE SO I PUT IT IN #2 GEAR SO IT WORK CATCH AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO SAFETY WITHOUT ANYONE GETTING HURT. VERY FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS. PROBLEM MUST BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA complaint #11311313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pacific Grove, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V182000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES SQUEAKED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11289629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pacific Grove, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V182000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES SQUEAKED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11289629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesDistrict Heights, MD
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ACURA OF LAUREL (301-498-3322, LOCATED AT 3506 LAUREL FORT MEADE RD, LAUREL, MD 20724) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11282338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesDuncanville, TX
AIR BAGS
I NEED TO MAKE A COMPLAINT AGAINST AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. THIS ENTITY HAS BEEN SENDING ME LETTERS, CALLING ME AND KNOCKING ON MY DOOR FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS ABOUT AN AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL. EACH TYPE THEY CONTACT ME I TELL THEM I NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE. IT WAS TRADED IN OVER TWO YEARS AGO. EVEN THOUGH I MAY STILL BE REGISTERED AS THE OWNER, I HAVE NO IDEA WHO TRULY OWNS THIS VEHICLE AS IT WAS TRADED IN AT A DEALERSHIP. I FILLED OUT A VEHICLE TRANSFER NOTICE OVER TWO YEARS AGO BUT HONDA ACURA KEEPS CONTACTING ME ABOUT THIS RECALL ON A MONTHLY BASIS, TO THE DATE! SOMEONE PLEASE GET THEM TO STOP OR FURTHER ADVISE ME IF I SHOULD JUST IGNORE THEIR LETTERS. THANK YOU!
NHTSA complaint #11280780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.