2002 Acura TL problems
Owners have filed 403 complaints about the 2002 Acura TL with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 56.6% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of air bags at 10.7%.
Complaints403
Crashes38
Fires2
Injuries30
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Power train 56.6% · 228
Air bags 10.7% · 43
Vehicle speed control 4.0% · 16
Service brakes, hydraulic 3.5% · 14
Electrical system 3.0% · 12
Visibility 2.2% · 9
Structure 2.0% · 8
Tires 2.0% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 38 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire, 30 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Acura TL in this data, 2002 sits 4th by complaint volume. 2004 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 24 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 73,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Consumer took vehicle to dealer for automatic transmission recall. Dealer stated there was no discoloration, and placed inject into the vehicle. Consumer experienced second gear slippage. Dealer urged consumer to bring the vehicle to another dealer, who test drove the vehicle, and stated there was definitely a problem, and the manufacturer needed to authorize any further repairs. No recall found. * Power train · reported at 56,500 miles
2002 Acura 3.2 TL had problems with it's transmission. *Cc while driving the vehicle began to hesitate and slow down. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair facility who diagnosed the problem as a failed transmission. At the time of repair the consumer was not aware that there had been a recall on the transmission. The consumer received the recall notice after the repairs had already been done. Power train
Acura 2002, TL, type s, 26,000 miles, transmission acting up, drop from 5th gear to 2nd, engine reving, slipping, not engaging into right gear, took to dealership twice, where car was bought, in dealer for new "remanufactured" trans. Let's see if this one will work. Lots of people having trans problems with 2001-02 cl and TL. Acura/honda obviously trying to avoid a recall, until somebody gets hurt. Power train · reported at 26,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…