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 2001 Acura TL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
TL* the contact owns a 2001 Acura TL. While driving 72 MPH without warning, the vehicle failed to shift gears. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 04V176000 (power train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Few ways ago buy this car has only 84,300 miles ....while driving today suddenly malfunction sign comes and car slow down and making weared sounds... Go to advance auto part to scan the malfunction sign and after scanning no codes come but showing issue with transmission. So don't know where and how much its going to cost to fix or replace transmission. If anyone help me will be greatly appreciated. I live in ma ( western ma)
While driving my 2001, the tranny was not shifting. Scared my wife silly. Had less than 50000 miles and had taken the car to Acura for this issue.they installed some kind of cooler device related to tranny issue. $3000 later for a tranny repair at a reputable independent garage and Acura refused to foot the bill. No more acuras for me and my family.hit them where it hurts- in the pocket book!
TL* the contact owns a 2001 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to shift from first to second gear as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V176000 (power train). The failure mileage was 120,000.
Transmission slips between 3 and 4. Doesn't do this all the time, however; many, many forums are full of 2001 Acura TL's having transmission solenoid issues. We bought car used (163,000), many cars out there with the exact same issue which should have been addressed in the 2000's.
The wife started having transmission problems on 11/3/2003 in the morning. I called the dealership and told them of the problem. They set the appointment for 4 days later. By noon time the transmission would only go into reverse and we called to have it towed to the dealership. The next day they said that someone May have gotten soda down in the shifter and that is what they were going to check out. I called them around 3:00 and they said that they were now going to replace the transmission and they said that the new transmission has the problem fixed. I am very mad at the service dept. Of the Acura dealership, 1. They know of the problem and would let my wife and our one year old ride around for 4 days like that when you read that some people have the transmission. Lock up on them on the highway. Are they just trying to save the money on a rental car? 2. …
My transmission went out on me the other night it was dark and pouring down rain. I was driving on a back road at 55 MPH when all of a sudden the car went from 55 MPH to 40 MPH. I had already scheduled the car to go in the next morning, but realized that the car would not make it until the next morning. I turned the car around and headed for the dealership. I called and told them I was bringing it in. I road with my hazard lights on the way back to dealership. The car would only go as fast as 40 MPH with the RPM running at 4500. This was scary for me because it was dark and raining and it was hard to see other cars. I got the car to the dealership and they gave me a loaner car. The next day I got a call from the dealer they said that they confirmed with their computer that the transmission needed to be replaced. I then said, I can't believe it. …
Honda claims to have a good reputation for building stable vehicles. I bought my Acura brand new in 2001 and my transmission has failed only 100,000 miles later. That is worse than a old Ford escort. Honda has been attempting to deceive consumers by claiming they will address a transmission defect they identified since in 2004. I have seen dozens of complaints indicating that they are not honoring their commitment to consumers. A class action lawsuit is needed to prevent this company from abusing their customers. Someone is going to loose their life if Honda does not fulfill their obligation. They are giving consumers the run around by claiming that the inspection was allegedly completed and no breakage in the gears were detected so that the cost of replacing transmissions will not be incurred by them. …
My complaint is toward Acura relations and devan Acura of norwalk, ct regarding a serious transmission problem. My transmission has been diagnosed with having a hard shift/slippage from 2nd to 3rd gear, which is part of recall, I.d. 48580. This type of problem can result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash. A case manager from Acura relations explained over the phone that if problem is recall related, the cost of repairs would be covered. Unfortunately, even though devan Acura of norwalk has determined that a hard shift/slippage from 2nd to 3rd gear exists, they never asked me what I felt comfortable doing, which my answer would be to replace the transmission, as it pertains to the recall, especially as promised by Acura relations. …
As I was driving through the mountains in monteagle tennessee my transmission went out. My car actually started rolling back down the mountain, because I could not accelerate, but I was able to back it into the emergency lane as I was rolling backwards. I was frightened to death because trucks were coming up on me and it was night time. I was stranded for six hours in the mountains because my cell phone did not work and I did not know where I was because I was on a trip to chicago from atlanta. Luckily a tennessee state trooper saw me and he got me a tow truck. I had to stay in a hotel for two days and I had it towed to pye Acura in chattanooga tennessee. My car had 90000 miles at the time. Pye Acura replaced the transmission under the 100000 mile warranty with no problem and had me back on the road. …
Related recalls
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.
Remedy: On vehicles with 15,000 miles or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to the second gear.
NHTSA investigations
Automatic transmission sudden downshift
See attached report.
Transmission complaints in other TL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Acura TL?
NHTSA has 103 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Acura TL, 69% of the model year's 149 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (87 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Acura TL transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-176 (automatic transmission, Apr 15, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Acura TL transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries 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.