Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Acura TL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On July 23, 2011, my hand and elbow were permanently disabled, when my 1999 Acura TL rolled backwards down the driveway and knocked me down. As I tried to stop it from rolling down the driveway but the car won. The car was in park and the brake was engaged, but it still rolled backwards. The car had been in for service at least three times previous to the accident in 04-20-11,05-16-11, and 06-22-11. Each time, the car was taken to mungenast Acura for service yet not once did they mention the recall of the interlocking switch to repair this problem. Their negligence in this matter directly contributed to this accident and my permanent disability. They just replaced the switch when the car began to turn over but stall out as I reported to them 3-13-14. Their disregard for my safety and Honda's refusal to address my concerns about this problem has been outlandish. …
TL* the contact owns a 1999 Acura TL. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and the engine stopped. The brake warning indicator illuminated. The contact had to turn the key to the off position, shift into park, and turn the key in the ignition in order for the vehicle to start. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Two days later, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 225,000. Updated 01/25/2017 the consumer has since sold the vehicle. Updated 02/14/17.
Identical to item odi id: 8003029. On March 05, 2002, I drove my car to several different places to take care of some errands. My last stop was at the seminole county circuit court in altamonte springs to apply for a passport. I parked my car in a parking spot. While I was moving the automatic transmission stick into the park position (with my foot on the brake pedal), my car suddenly accelerated, causing it to jump the curb in front of my car as seen in figure 1. I tried my best to control the car and not to hit other parked cars. Luckily, I managed to avoid all of the parked cars except one.
Dt: transmission surge, increase in speed when stepping on accelerator. Slammed into gear, mostly when the engine was cold, and at a stand still, and then surged into gear. Took vehicle to dealership and it was under recall. The dealer refused to fix it. Consumer will contact the manufacturer. The differential gear wobbled. Which caused the axle seal to break. The transmission fluid leak out from the axle casing. The dealer simply revealed a broken gasket seal, a defective axle and not the real cause of the problem (differential wobbling).
TL* the contact owns a 1999 Acura 3.2 TL. While driving the transmission slips gears. The transmission had internal failure. There was an extended warranty for the transmission. However, since the warranty had expired he was ineligible for a free replacement of the transmission. The current mileage is 103,000. The failure mileage was 101,000. Updated 01/05/10 the consumer also stated the EGR valve was defective. The consumer stated Acura extended the warranty coverage for the EGR valve. The EGR valve was stuck and had to be replaced. Updated 01/07/10.
I purchased the 99 Acura 3.2tl with 105K miles. I drove to charlotte, nc when the check engine light came on. Found out it was for the transmission and later had it confirmed that the solenoid has the error. Acura says the warranty extension was their answer to the problem, which never corrected the actual defect. In my case, the car took almost thirteen years to finally get to the mileage where the transmission fails, though now Acura says its not responsible.
TL contact owns a 1999 Acura TL. When the contact drove into a parking lot the front axle broke and fell on the ground. The front passenger side wheel hit the hub cap and damaged the tires. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The dealer was contacted and informed her that there were no related recalls and that she would be responsible for the repairs to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 148,000.
TL contact owns a 1999 Acura 3.2tl. Upon shifting the vehicle into reverse, a loud clunking noise could be heard. The vehicle was then shifted into drive and a whining noise could be heard before the gear set into drive. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was told the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 73,000. The VIN was unavailable.
My ignition switch has been recalled and the Acura website says it has been repaired. It has failed again. My transmission was suppose to have been repair a year ago. I left the car at the dealer and they told me it was fixed. I went out to the car and the transmission lockout still was not fixed. Then they told me they would have to something different. The car had not left the dealers lot and was not fixed at that time.
TL* the contact owns a 1999 Acura TL. The contact stated the vehicle would jerk and the gears would slip intermittently while in drive, reverse or park. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the tcc solenoid and the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 198,000.
Transmission complaints in other TL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Acura TL?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Acura TL, 24% of the model year's 157 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Acura TL transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1999 Acura TL, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Acura TL transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 101,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.