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 2004 Acura TL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My "D" indicator light is blinking no matter changing the transmission fluid, cleaning the solenoids, etc. the car is not overheating, there are no apparent electrical problems and I do not even have any check engine lights or other codes. The light comes on blinking when I drive for a little while then goes off when I turn the car off and is fine. Then when I start it up it doesn't blink anymore. But then when I drive again for a while it blinks again. I've had transmission shuddering, jerky shifting, delayed shifting, etc.
TL* the contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. While driving 55 MPH, an abnormal noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fourth and fifth clutch plates failed and needed to be replaced. Another independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
After having my car in the shop for 2 weeks trying to figure out why the power steering won't stop freaking exploding when there is nothing wrong with any of the parts except the hoses going bad. I once again was left in the middle of a busy street with no power steering trying to muscle my way back to the shop. This is ridiculousssssss. Why are they not telling us their cars have issues!!!!!
I bought a used 2004 Acura TL that has run fine for 6 months so far. Just last night, when stationary and trying to move forward my transmission started slipping, stalling out and ramping up to 5000 RPM. After a green light with cars behind me and I can't move an inch. I take my car to a transmissions specialist to learn that there is coolant mixing with my transmission fluid. There was a NHTSA recall on the automatic transmissions for Acura TL's in 2004. Recall number 04V176000 . The transmissions specialist said that in 23 years working he couldn't remember the last time he saw this problem in a Honda, he thought they called back those coolers. Anyway, calling my local Acura dealer, they just looked up my VIN and told me there is no recall assigned to my car, and therefore they can't do the recall work. Yet I have the exact problem described in the recall! …
My 2004 Acura TL is my first car owned. When I put the car in drive I can only accelerate to 20-30mph on the highway. Because, the car would not accelerate on a straight way or up hills. This is a dangerous manufacture malfunction with Acura transmissions for the consumers financially and physcially. I would appreciate a recall being done on my 2004 Acura TL because I love this car and would love to keep it. I am a college student and do not have the money to install another transmission and the same thing happens again. I have read many reviews about transmissins failures on Honda/Acura transmissions. I thought Acura was a great brand, but Acura ceo and headquaraters have to know that consumers are frustrated and angry regarding transmissions and other related issues due to the transmissions.
Last weekend I was driving in the highway all sudden my car lose power and the transmission became not engaged with engine and almost got into a major accident. The car was performed perfectly before that. I kept the car in top condition never had any issues. So the car was towed home and I tried to diagnose the issue and found out that the tramission filter was bad and the loose filter components got stuck in the after filter hose bolt. According to the owners manual transmission filter does not have any maintenance scheduled to change the filter. My car has about 170,000 miles. When the filter gets old and become brittle and breaks apart and block the fluid passage causes my tramission to fail. Please see attached for the pictures with filter material stuck in the filter bolt.
While on a hill to make a left turn a supermarket the transmission started to make a loud noise and the car started rolling backward with the shifter in drive in drive mode. At that movement the engine stalled and it was difficult for the car brakes to be applied and in reverse the car crashed into a hydraulic lift gate causing major damage and the insurance company declared a total loss. The police officer arrived to investigate and try to put the shifter into park and it was very difficult. The police officer declared that the car had a mechanical failure and it caused the accident. Note, this transmission was installed by Acura last year with about 15,000 miles driven and failed.
TL* the contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift into another gear even with the engine revving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the gears failed because the second or third gear was not getting enough lubrication to shift properly. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 04V176000 (power train). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was 130,000.
One of the front axles sheared (broke in half). This happened when the car started moving forward when the light turned green. An accident didn't result but if this had happened while the car was moving it would have been very bad. The mechanic suggested the axle was made with weak metal. The car had 122,000 miles on it and has since been sold to carmax. The other front axle has not been replaced but likely is made of the same weak metal. I have the broken axle and will save it for another month.
Bought used on 1/1 /2018,drove fine for about 10 minutes and then it felt like car went into neutral and car wouldn't move. We were about an hour from my house from where we bought car. We then had to pull over ,shut the car off , wait 5 minutes and start car for it not even go a mile and we would have to repeat. We were traveling on busy parkway and this became a traffic hazard due to the amount of traffic.the car will shift into any gear and has 130,000 miles on it.
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.
Transmission complaints in other TL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2004 Acura TL?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2004 Acura TL, 10% of the model year's 551 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 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 2004 Acura TL transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 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.