I am thinking about getting a TL later this year and am worried about
all the transmission horror stories I'm hearing. I currently have an
Accord and love it. The last car I had was also an Accord and that
also never had any problems. Honda seems like the most reliable brand
out there, which is why I can't believe Acura is giving so many
people problems. I would hate to get a TL and be stuck dealing with
all the transmission headaches everyone else has experienced. Knowing
what you know now about the transmission, do you still think it's a
good idea to get a TL? How many of you wouldn't have gotten a TL if
you knew what you know now about the transmission? Do you think the
2004 model will resolve these issues?
Also, is this problem more common on the Type-S or does it happen in
equal amounts on both versions? Do the 2003 models also show this
problem?
I had the transmission completely replaced late last year. It was
slightly missing, and I was totally unaware of the transmission
troubles Acura was having. The dealer replaced it without a fuss,
they offered it to me as first choice. Shortly after, I got the
warranty extension from Acura extending transmission coverage to
100,000/10 year. It's the only time I've had the car at the
dealership.
I think they have had a problem but still stand behind the product.
I've had my '03 TL-S for 2 years in March. For my money, there isn't
another car that gives you the package the TL gives you at the same
price point. Short of the Honda Accord or Maxima/I35, I wouldn't
consider any other car.
On a side note, for regular readers of the group, I tried the regular
fuel experiment, which has been discussed, and my TL dropped from an
average of 300 miles to the gallon to 250, and there was a marked
decrease in driving performance. I'm back to premium, and plan on
keeping it that way.
The guy at the dealership told me the transmission problem was
especially true in the TL-S, but I don't have any numbers to back
that up, it was just what he told me.
I say get the TL, preferably the TL-S. You'll be glad you did.
The problems only seem to be with the 2002/03 Type-S TL/CL. They are
taking care of the problem. Honda is really good about taking care
of any problems. If it were an American company, they would deny it
instead of fixing it. If you like speed, I wait for the 2004 5-speed
manual.
Been a while for me here, just checking in - scant moments ago from
the test drive of my '02 TL-S with:
A) New Transmission
B) New Fuel Pressure Regulator
C) New ECU
My trusted mechanic was back at American Honda's HQ a couple weeks
ago, and they admitted that they really don't understand all the
modes of failure, but they're are sure they've got it fixed. I hope
so - I love my car, but not if the vital organs are gonna fall out of
it...
OBTW - My only other ping has been the brakes, or more specifically,
the front rotors. Resurfaced at 7.5K, replaced at 15, resurfaced at
30K, and I strongly suspect, replaced at ~37K. Honda and Acura deny
any knowledge of recurring problems...but while at the dealer just
now, a took a peek at the '03 and guess what? larger rotors. Thought
so...overheating.
-dave diego