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