Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 6% | 36,000 miles |
| 2013 | 4 | 6% | 40,000 miles |
| 2012 | 27 | 21% | 40,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 5% | 73,000 miles |
| 2010 | 10 | 16% | 80,000 miles |
| 2009 | 5 | 12% | 149,000 miles |
| 2008 | 8 | 6% | 127,000 miles |
| 2007 | 7 | 6% | 20,000 miles |
| 2006 | 19 | 8% | 108,000 miles |
| 2005 | 36 | 9% | 78,000 miles |
| 2004 | 56 | 10% | 98,000 miles |
| 2003 | 246 | 63% | 76,000 miles |
| 2002 | 224 | 67% | 54,000 miles |
| 2001 | 103 | 69% | 84,000 miles |
| 2000 | 111 | 45% | 113,000 miles |
| 1999 | 37 | 24% | 101,000 miles |
| 1998 | 2 | 10% | 115,000 miles |
| 1997 | 3 | 13% | 82,000 miles |
| 1996 | 4 | 15% | 57,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The 2013 Acura TL has a problem with the pistons in the engine causing excessive oil consumption. This was the subject matter of a class action described in the website Acura Oil Consumption Settlement. This part should be recalled and American Honda should be required to repair or replace the pistons in the engine.
Appears to be transmission related problem. I currently have approximately 47,[redacted] miles on my vehicle which I had purchased brand new. I've taken my vehicle into the dealer multiple times for the same concern but they have not been able to fix the problem. The first couple of times I took the vehicle in, I was advised there's nothing wrong with the vehicle. I took it in again and Acura stated the computer needs to be updated. Once they updated the computer it still did not fix the problem. Then Acura stated it was a torque converter and they replaced it with a new one. Instead of fixing the problem, my vehicle have gotten worst due to the whole car vibrating when the A/C is on. The problem still exist, vehicle hesitates and clunking noise and vibration comes from the engine are when driving approximately between 20-45 MPH. …
This is a *well documented* problem with Acura torque converters affecting the 4th generation TL with the 5-speed auto--so much so that a TSB letter was sent out. When leisurely accelerating (light throttle application), the vehicle exhibits a characteristic "low growl" and sort of rhythmically surges forward as power is alternately applied and reduced by the torque converter; this symptom is also visible on the tachometer, as the revs oscillate up and down a couple hundred RPM. On my 2012 TL, this mostly occurs between 1st/2nd gear (this is the 6-speed auto), but also between 2nd/3rd. Based on only cursory searching of owner forums, this is also becoming commonplace on the 2012 models. Failing torque converters in these cases have also LED to failures in the transmission itself, a much costlier repair. …
There has to be a recall on 4th generation Acura TL's with the 6 speed auto transmission (mine is a 2012 sh-AWD tech package). My car produces the tachometer jumping approximately 300-500 RPM when cruising in 5th gear around 35-45 MPH. The tach jump is so large I actually have looked at it while driving, it's distracting and needs to be fixed, I am willing to bet it's the torque converter. Car is going to Acura dealer on 12/3/2015 for "diagnostic testing:". Below is a link to a youtube video which is almost identical to the video on my cell phone that the service manager will see this coming Thursday (around 19 seconds in, the car is in fifth gear and does exactly what mine does). Read the acurazine.com forums, this is a huge problem and Acura is hoping their customers ignore it or just plain don't notice it. Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-dwnej3g74.
Takata recall. Car was t-boned by a vehicle pulling out of a driveway in passenger side hard enough to damage both doors needed replacement and caused enough frame damage that caused the frame to be pulled and right rear quarter panel to be replaced from the rocker panel under the right rear door to halfway down the roof however the Takata passenger side curtain airbags did not deploy. The vehicle was going 14mph and hit by a car going approx 15-20mph and accelerating.
While shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, the 3rd gear does not fully engage, it pops back into neutral. I then had to shift back to 2nd and back into 3rd gear (which was successful). This happens multiple times a week. This is very dangerous as you are put into neutral in the middle of traffic. Acura has issues a TSB for the previous generation TL, but not this generation even though many customers have had the same issue. Acura refuses to do anything about it until they can replicate it themselves. This is nearly impossible as it is an intermittent issue that does not happen every single time. There are no issues with any other gears.
I've had my vehicle stop in the middle of the road due to a mechanical recall that went undiagnosed.( over oil consumption recall, in which I was completely unaware until finally receiving the letter prodivided) I was driving off of pleasant street in hanson ma, crossing onto the main road when my vehicle engine just shut down and froze the steering wheel. Also a police officer was on the scene to help me safely off the road. I have been calling Acura of Honda and they have been running me in circles with numerous people on the phone and denied that they are willing to cover this problem, and this is a major safety issue. Which the claim safety is first and for the client, but they have failed to deliver on their own words in the safety recall. The car is currently down in hopes that they supply a repair since they have been much aware of this issue, any help would be much appreciated. …
Growling and vibration from the transmission when going 35-40 MPH. Was told it's the torque converter again. Have had it replaced twice now, got it back from the dealer last night and it's doing it again. This is the 4th time I have had this car to the dealer for the same issue since I purchased the vehicle new (replaced torque converter twice and updated software twice.) it's happening like clock work - every 2 years the issue resurfaces.
Related recalls (2)
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A transmission case bolt can loosen and fall out allowing the transmission to disengage from the differential.
Remedy: Dealers will install a redesigned bolt.
NHTSA investigations
Automatic transmission sudden downshift
See attached report.
Frequently asked questions
Which Acura TL years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (246), 2002 (224), 2000 (111), 2001 (103) and 2004 (56) model years. Transmission complaints make up 63% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Acura TL transmission problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 04V-176 (automatic transmission, Apr 15, 2004); 99V-227 (automatic transmission, Aug 19, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Acura TL transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (586 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (27).
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.