Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Acura TL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
TL* the contact owns a 2000 Acura TL. The contact stated that the rearview mirror leaked a toxic substance (over six months ago) over the seat and onto the plastic surrounding the gear shifter. There was an odor in the vehicle and the substance left a burn mark on the contact. The substance also burned a hole through the plastic next to the gear shift and on the leather seat. Acura stated that they would not be responsible because the vehicle was older. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the mirror needed to be replaced, but would not do the repair for free. The failure mileage was 197,000.
Yesterday, 8/18/13, our auto darkening rear view mirror leaked a black liquid that melted the plastic console under it. The liquid could not have been on the console for more than 45 minutes as the rear view mirror went from being clear when we arrived to a shopping center, to a distorted view when we were leaving. Searching google, ??2000 Acura TL rear view mirror leak,?? I found many instances of this happening to others. I also found that the substance is toxic (perhaps as many as 6 compounds including Mercury). In some cases these mirrors have exploded throwing black toxic goo on passengers and the interior. Some have reported getting ill from exposure. Needless to say, I removed the mirror. What I can??t understand is that these mirrors have not been recalled, not just because the liquid ruins the interior of the car, but it??s dangerous as a health hazard well. …
I have the defective interior rear view mirror as reported by many others. A large clear bubble appeared at the top of the mirror glass and the rest of the mirror was tinted for a day, and the vision distorted. After reading many complaints of other owners experiencing this problem I contacted Acura. They informed me that this problem was the fault of the OEM equipment manufacturer, magna donnelly. I contacted them and they informed me by email that they are no longer replacing these defective mirrors as of jan 1, 2008. I May have injested the fluid that leaked from the mirror, as my coffee cup was in the holder, near wear the fluid destroyed dripped onto and destroyed my console. I am worried that the fluid is toxic, some reports on Acura's engine state that it contains Mercury. Nobody will tell me what the fluid consists of. …
I took my 2000 Acura TL into the dealership to have the transmission replaced under the extended warranty. When I picked it up from the dealership 3 days later there was a dividing line in the top of the mirror. Above the line and the mirror is clear, below the line the mirror is tinted. There appears to be fluid that has leaked out from in between two pieces of glass (one being the actually mirror glass and the other being a second layer a glass that traps this fluid. I have to keep something in the car to keep the liquid from dripping on the interior of the car, because it is my understanding that this fluid will destroy plastic and leather. I have contacted the mirror's manufacturer magna-donnelly, inc. I hope they will send me a free replacement mirror and that my interior is not ruined before the replacement arrives.
My car was parked in the sun at which time the automatic rear view mirror proceeded to leak caustic fluid from the photo cell unto the middle of my car's interior console especially all over the gear shifter area. This fluid was corrosive to the point that it melted a hole in the bottom of my rearview mirror and damaged the plastic pieces in the center of the console including the gear indicator and its trim ring. The rearview mirror is now cloudy and somewhat damaged. Some of the fluid got on the back of my hand when I put my car in gear and caused a slight burning sensation until I washed it off. I'm not sure if there's more fluid yet to leak from the damaged mirror the next time the interior of the car gets hot.
I have the defective interior rear view mirror as reported by many others. A large clear bubble appeared at the top of the mirror glass and the rest of the mirror is tinted and the vision distorted. After reading many complaints of other owners experiencing this problem I contacted Acura. They informed me that this problem was the fault of the OEM equipment manufacturer, magna donnelly. I contacted them and they informed me that they are no longer replacing these defective mirrors. I also learned from research that the fluid that leaks from these mirrors can cause serious health problems. I believe a recall should be in effect to replace these dangerous mirrors.
The rearview mirror in my 2000 Acura TL exploded and a black liquid sprayed throughout the interior of my car. It corroded a large hole through my center console (which was replaced by Acura/Honda at no charge), damaged my leather seats and carpet (which Acura/Honda refused to replace, but did perform a thorough cleaning of both...the dealer invoice stated Mercury leak), and also prompted the replacement of my rearview mirror (which was also replaced by Acura/Honda at no charge). Just imagine...if chemicals are toxic enough to corrode a hole through your center console, what effect do those chemicals have on you when inhaled?
My 2000 Acura 3.2 TL has a failing rear view mirror, leaking fluid into the interior of the car. From searching I understand that this is a common problem with the auto dimming mirrors manufactured by magna donnelly corp installed on various makes and models of cars. It also appears that the chemicals leaking May be toxic, though the manufacturer has not released the ingredient contents publicly. If you search google for "leaking rear view mirror" you can see this is a fairly common problem. I believe the health consequences need to be examined and if detrimental to health a forced recall should be issued.
2000 Acura 3.2 TL rear view mirror defect. The 2000 Acura 3.2 TL comes equipped with a auto-dimming rearview mirror manufactured by the magna donnelly corporation. This mirror began leaking a dark fluid recently which has been known to be toxic. From my research this appears to be a widespread problem in which mirrors eventually explode and can spray this toxic fluid into the eyes and mouth.
The rear view mirror in 2000 Acura TL failed. When it failed, it leaked some corrosive liquid onto the gear shift of my car. As far as I can tell, this failure was caused by heat as it occurred on a hot day. Acura has done nothing to correct the problem and it seems to be happening to quite a few cars (http://TL.acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78061&highlight=rear+view+mirror).
Window & Wiper complaints in other TL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2000 Acura TL?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2000 Acura TL, 12% of the model year's 249 complaints. The component named most often is rearview mirrors/devices (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Acura TL window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2000 Acura TL, though it has 6 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 2000 Acura TL window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.