Hi,

I would like to buy Acura 3.2 TL but I don't know which year. Please, give some suggestions. Which one is better 1998, 99 or 2000? I have now Honda Civic LX '94 standard.
Thank you in advance.

Stefan

 

all of them have trans problems exceot for 1998


Modified by YeuEmMaiMai at 11:09 PM 10/7/2007

 

The trans problem is not on the models 2000 and up?
Then is better to buy around 150 - 180000 km!!! Assuming the problem is fixed.

 

They have Trans problems from 1998 thru 2003, They share that trans with the V6 accord, they have a recall in which the dealer will replace the trans but people are still having probs. Dont buy anythin in that year range. 1996-1997 or 2004 and up.

 

Thank you for the information.
Then, I better stick with Honda Accord 2000-2002 with standard trany because Accura 3.5 TL does not have standard models.

 

MY 01 CL Type S is on its 2nd trnas, and haviung problemes.

Otherwise, i wouldnt buy a differetn car

 

I totaly hear you, my girl bought a 2000 TL at 75k miles AND at 80k it went out, but the dealer replaced it for free. now at 87k it still feels good but damn!!
Such a nice car but it has a tranny problem that is about 2 occur ( knock on wood), i hate knowing that in the back of my mind. I was going to take it from her and help her buy a 2007 TL. But i might get the infinite M35 instead FEEL ME!!!!!!!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by snowmaker10 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">They have Trans problems from 1998 thru 2003, They share that trans with the V6 accord, they have a recall in which the dealer will replace the trans but people are still having probs. Dont buy anythin in that year range. 1996-1997 or 2004 and up. </TD></TR></TABLE>

you are so wrong it isn't even funny

1. some tl and cl have a 5sp auto that is still crap
2. there is NO RECALL only a WARRANTY EXTENSION for a total of 7 years and 9 months from the "in service date" for 109Kon certain cars. go to http://www.hondatransmissionse...n.php and enter in your VIN to see if your car is covered or not
3. ANY accord prior to 1998 does not have any known issues with the transmission that will result in early failure V6 models included. the problem accords are 1998-2002 both I4 and V6. 2003 and newer models have unknown long term reliability. 2003+ models share the same basic 5spd as the TLs and 2001-2003 CLs

there may be a an additional 5% added to the 109K if you car is affected by the odometer settlement

 

FWIW, the '98 TL isn't even the same car/chassis as the '99-03. The '98 didn't really have a lot of trans issues.

But yeah, any 99-03 TL has the potential to give you major issues with the trans. If you buy one make sure it's covered under the warranty extension. Probably best to avoid a high mileage one that's exceeded the warranty coverage unless you're willing to shell out the $$ for a trans if it fails.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Kenso &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">FWIW, the '98 TL isn't even the same car/chassis as the '99-03. The '98 didn't really have a lot of trans issues.

But yeah, any 99-03 TL has the potential to give you major issues with the trans. If you buy one make sure it's covered under the warranty extension. Probably best to avoid a high mileage one that's exceeded the warranty coverage unless you're willing to shell out the $$ for a trans if it fails.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Your right bro, when my girl bought it, we didn't know **** bout tranny problems untill after i felt slippage, i went On HT and then to dealer from free tranny . but over 110k then your screwed.

P.S.
get rid of it at 105k miles

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by YeuEmMaiMai &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

you are so wrong it isn't even funny

1. some tl and cl have a 5sp auto that is still crap
2. there is NO RECALL only a WARRANTY EXTENSION for a total of 7 years and 9 months from the "in service date" for 109Kon certain cars. go to http://www.hondatransmissionse...n.php and enter in your VIN to see if your car is covered or not
3. ANY accord prior to 1998 does not have any known issues with the transmission that will result in early failure V6 models included. the problem accords are 1998-2002 both I4 and V6. 2003 and newer models have unknown long term reliability. 2003+ models share the same basic 5spd as the TLs and 2001-2003 CLs

there may be a an additional 5% added to the 109K if you car is affected by the odometer settlement</TD></TR></TABLE>

Bullshit! I am not wrong, The Honda company will REPLACE THE FAULTY TRANSMISSION because of a class action lawsuit against them! I have done so much research on this because I have a TL. The TL 3.2 The CL 3.2 and the Accord 3.0 have the EXACT same transmission! Dont tell me I am wrong cause I am not! PS they ALL have 5spd autos! And its not a warranty extension, it was court ruling giving customers more time to get the problem fixed, or those who had just exceeded the 100,000 mile mark.

 

oh God, who let this person spout some BS

Links and facts to back up what I said


The letter that acura CL and TL owners got if their car was part of the WARRANTY EXTENSION

October 2002

Automatic Transmission Warranty Extension

Dear 3.2TL and 3.2CL Owners:

American Honda is announcing a warranty extension for the automatic transmission on all 2000-02 3.2TLs, all 2001-02 3.2CLs, and some 2003 3.2TLs and 3.2CLs. The automatic transmission and torque converter are now covered for a total of 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date of original sale. We are providing this warranty extension because a higher than normal number of automatic transmissions in certain vehicles may have problems due to defects in material or workmanship beyond the 4-year, 50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty.

How do I know if there is a problem with my vehicle's automatic transmission?

If you think your vehicle has a transmission problem, refer to the operating characteristics below. Understanding these characteristics can help you decide if you need to call your Acura dealer.

These characteristics are normal; they should not require you to call your Acura dealer.
Quick downshifts. The transmission has a computerized control system called grade logic. When going down a hill, even a light touch of the brake pedal can cause grade lobic to downshift to the next lower gear. Downshifting helps to slow the vehicle through engine braking.

Does not always shift through the full range of gears. This can also be caused by the grade logic system keeping the transmission in the optimum gear for different driving conditions.

Mechanical noise when selecting a forward or reverse gear. It's normal to hear a slight mechanical noise when moving the shift lever from one gear to another. This noise can sound abnormally loud if any of the windows are down and you are parked next to a wall or another vehicle.

Vehicle may not hold its position when stopped on an incline in gear (may roll backward when the brake pedal is released). This can occur on most Acura-made vehicles. It is one of the measures used to improve fuel economy.

Hard shifts before the engine warms up. By design, the transmission shifts a little harder when the engine is cold. It returns to smoother shifting when the engine warms up.
These characteristics are not normal; if you experience any of them, call your Acura dealer.

While driving, the D5 indicator on the instrument panel flashes.

D5 Indicator
An abnormally loud noise from the transmission.
Extremely slow or delayed gear engagement, upshifts, or downshifts.
Abnormal gear slippage during upshifts or downshifts.
Erratic or excessively harsh shifting.
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) leaks.
In the next few weeks, owners of potentially affected vehicles will be sent a copy of this letter along with reimbursement instructions in case they previously paid to have the transmission repaired or replaced.

It's important to maintain your vehicle's transmission according to the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. Not maintaining the transmission properly can void the warranty coverage.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

Sincerely,

AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Acura Automobile Division

If you were an accord, oddesy or prelude owner

Service Bulletin 2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights ReservedATB 24587-27669 (0410)1 of 2CUSTOMER INFORMATION:The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assumethis bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact anauthorized Honda automobile dealer.October 1, 200402-062Applies To:1999–01 Odyssey – ALL2000–01 Accord – ALL2000–01 Prelude – ALLWarranty Extension: Accord, Odyssey, and Prelude Automatic Transmission(Supersedes 02-062, dated May 28, 2004)BACKGROUNDIn certain vehicles, a higher than normal number ofautomatic transmissions may have defects in material or workmanship that could cause premature wear orfailure. To ensure that customers have adequatewarranty coverage, American Honda is increasing the warranty on the transmission and the torque converterto 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.CUSTOMER NOTIFICATIONAll owners of 1999 Odysseys were mailed a notificationof the warranty extension. Owners of other affected vehicles were mailed the notification in October 2002. A copy of the notification is at the end of this servicebulletin.This warranty extension does not apply to any vehiclethat has ever been declared a total loss, or any that has been issued a salvage, branded, or similar titleunder any state’s law. To check for vehicle eligibility, you must do a VIN status inquiry on the iN.CORRECTIVE ACTIONIf standard diagnostics confirm an internal problem with the torque converter or the automatic transmission, replace the affected unit.WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATIONFailed Part:Use the “RM” part number (fromthe repair order) without the “RM”Example: 06200-PAX-A00Defect Code:5AT00Symptom Code:L7200Part used for repair: Use the “RM” part number (fromthe repair order)Example: 06200-PAX-A00RMSkill Level:Repair TechnicianOP #DescriptionFRT218181 Replace torque converter(includes draining ATF through paint strainer, as per service bulletin 98-061)Accord: 5.8Odyssey: 6.8Prelude: 5.2A Add for Accord V60.5G Add for Odyssey wheel alignment check0.6218180 Replace transmission and torque converter(includes draining ATF through paint strainer, as per service bulletin 98-061)Accord: 5.8Odyssey: 6.8Prelude: 5.2A Add for Accord V60.5G Add for Odyssey wheel alignment check0.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 2
2 of 202-062DIAGNOSISFor diagnostic information, refer to service bulletin 98-061, Automatic Transmission In-Warranty Exchange Program.• If your diagnosis confirms something other than a torque converter or an internal transmission problem, make the needed repairs, and use the warranty information in service bulletin 98-061.• If your diagnosis confirms a problem with the torqueconverter or an internal transmission failure, replace the affected part, and file a warranty claim using the warranty information in this service bulletin (02-062).August 2003Automatic Transmission Warranty ExtensionDear Accord, Odyssey, and Prelude Owners:American Honda is announcing a warranty extension for the automatic transmission on all 1999–01 Odysseys, 2000–01 Accords, and 2000–01 Preludes. The automatic transmission and torque converter are now covered for a total of 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date of original sale. We are providing the warranty extension because a higher than normal number of automatic transmissions in certain vehicles may have problems due to defects in material or workmanship beyond the 3-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limitedwarranty. How do I know if there is a problem with my vehicle’s automatic transmission?If you think your vehicle has a transmission problem, refer to the operating characteristics below. Understanding these characteristics can help you decide if you need to call your Honda dealer.These characteristics are normal; they should not require you to call your Honda dealer.• Quick downshifts. The transmission has a computerized control system called grade logic. When going down a hill, even a light touch of the brake pedal can cause grade logic to downshift to the next lower gear. Downshifting helps to slow the vehicle through engine braking.• Does not always shift through the full range of gears.This can also be caused by the grade logic system keeping the transmission in the optimum gear for different driving conditions.• Mechanical noise when selecting a forward or reverse gear. It’s normal to hear a slight mechanical noise when moving the shift lever from one gear to another. This noise can sound abnormally loud if any of the windows are down and you are parked next to a wall or another vehicle.• Vehicle may not hold its position when stopped on an incline in gear (may roll backward when the brake pedal is released). This can occur on most Honda-made vehicles. It is one of the measures used to improve fuel economy.• Hard shifts before the engine warms up. By design, the transmission shifts a little harder when the engine is cold. It returns to smoother shifting when the engine warms up.These characteristics are not normal; if you experience any of them, call your Honda dealer.• While driving, the D4 indicator on the instrument panel flashes.• An abnormally loud noise from the transmission.• Extremely slow or delayed gear engagement, upshifts, or downshifts.• Abnormal gear slippage during upshifts or downshifts.• Erratic or excessively harsh shifting.• Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) leaks.If you already paid to have the transmission repaired or replaced, refer to the reimbursement form included with this letter.It’s important to maintain your vehicle’s transmission according to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. Not maintaining the transmission properly canvoid the warranty coverage.Please keep a copy of this letter in your glove box, along with your warranty information booklet.If you have any questions about this warranty extension, please call Automobile Customer Service at (800) 999-1009.Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.Sincerely,American Honda Motor Co., Inc.Honda Automobile DivisionExample of Customer LetterD4D4 INDICATOR

Honda's TSB network and owner's link was the source for this information.

links

http://www.driveaccord.net/for...=2186.

https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/...acura &lt;- will need to have a vin handy to login and check your car for warranty extension

 

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
FOR THE COUNTY OF ALAMEDA
CHRIS COLLINS, ERNEST GALANG, and
MARK RUTLEDGE
Plaintiffs, vs.
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. and
DOES 1 through 100,
Defendants.
CASE NO. RG 03099677
NOTICE OF PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OF CLASS
ACTION AND SETTLEMENT FAIRNESS HEARING
CLASS ACTION
If You Own Or Lease a Car Listed Below With An Automatic Transmission
Please Read This Legal Notice Carefully, Your Legal Rights Could Be Affected
The Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Alameda (the "Court") has preliminarily approved a Proposed Settlement of a
class action lawsuit that may affect your rights. The case is entitled Chris Collins v. American Honda Motor Company, Case No. RG
03099677 pending in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of Alameda. The Court has scheduled a Final Fairness Hearing
for final approval of the Proposed Settlement. Benefits for Class Members will only be made available if the Court grants final approval.
• This Proposed Class Action Settlement involves certain Honda and Acura motor vehicles, specifically those models listed
below that were originally equipped with an automatic transmission ("Class Vehicles"):
Car Model Year
Honda Accord 2000-2001
Honda Odyssey 1999-2001
Honda Prelude 2000-2001
Acura 3.2 CL 2001-2002
Acura 3.2 TL 1999-2002
Certain Acura 3.2
CL & TL *
2003
*To determine eligibility for Class Membership for 2003 models go to http://www.hondatransmissionsettlement.com.
• To be a Class Member eligible to obtain benefits under this Proposed Settlement, you must own or lease one of the
Class Vehicles listed above equipped with an automatic transmission and both (1) the original purchase or lease date of
the vehicle is after November 21, 1998 and (2) the vehicle has less than 109,000 miles in service on August 21, 2006.
Your rights and options, as well as the deadlines for each, are explained in this Notice.
Why Has This Notice Been Issued?
The Court ordered this Notice to be issued. You are receiving this Notice because Honda's records indicate that you may own or
lease one of the Class Vehicles. This Notice explains the lawsuit, the Proposed Settlement; your legal rights; what benefits are
available; and who is eligible.
What Is This Class Action About?
The Plaintiffs in this class action lawsuit allege that the automatic transmissions in the Class Vehicles contain defects that may result
in the partial or complete failure of the automatic transmission at any speed.
Honda denies these allegations and denies any wrongdoing.
Why Is There A Proposed Settlement?
The Parties have litigated this class action for nearly three years. Class Counsel have conducted a substantial investigation of the
law and facts relating to the allegations in the Action. In connection with this litigation, Class Counsel have traveled throughout the
country to conduct extensive fact finding interviews with more than sixty (60) Class Members who have experienced the same or
similar problems with their transmissions, many of which were videotaped for use at the mediation and for other aspects of the
litigation. Additionally, Class Counsel analyzed over 26,000 documents produced by Honda and had expert consultants conduct
extensive analysis of the issues in this case, including but not limited to simulations of unexpected transmission downshifting at the
Honda test facility.
Thereafter, based on this evaluation of facts and law, Class Counsel engaged in extended negotiations during multiple days of
mediation under the supervision of a Court-approved mediator, Justice Howard Wiener (Ret.), resulting in the Parties entering into a
Proposed Settlement Agreement. The terms of the Proposed Settlement are briefly summarized below. The following description
does not supersede the terms of the Proposed Settlement Agreement and related documents and exhibits, which are available for
public inspection in the office of the Clerk of the Court. The Clerk's Office is located at 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, California
94612.
Plaintiffs, Honda and their respective counsel believe that the Proposed Settlement is a fair and reasonable resolution of this class
action and in the best interests of Class Members. In deciding this, they considered the substantial benefits from the Proposed
Settlement for the Class Members. These benefits were balanced against the following risks, among others: (1) The Court may
deny Plaintiffs' motion to certify the Class, which Honda indicated it would vigorously oppose, which would result in no benefits for
Class Members; (2) If the Class was certified, Plaintiffs and the Class may not win at trial, or any favorable award could be reversed
in post-trial motions; and (3) any favorable judgment could be reversed on appeal, or at least delayed during an appeals period
expected to last several years.

 

lol read my very first post...........

and once again it is NOT A RECALL IT IS A WARRANTY EXTENION. I guess if you actually read the settlement agreement link on the website I originally posted, you would have came accross this:

6. "Extended Warranty" shall referr to the extension of the existing warranty on transmissions in the Class Vehicles to 93 months from the date of orginal sale or lease of each class vehicle or 109,000 miles in service, whichever shall first occur"

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by snowmaker10 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

The TL 3.2 The CL 3.2 and the Accord 3.0 have the EXACT same transmission! PS they ALL have 5spd autos!</TD></TR></TABLE>

No.

Regardless of whether you want to call it a recall or a warranty extension, the net effect is the same.

 

Bottom line is the tranny's on the 99-03 tl's and cl's suck so do the 98-02 v6 accords.

 

the TL had the 5spd first and the 03-07 accords (except hybrid) V6 got it. The Hybrids got a newer 5spd auto that is about 1" narrower to accomodate the motor assembly.

the accord 3.0L V6 drive train was lifted straight from the Acura CL 3.0 cars, and just like the 3.0L CLs they have the suck *** transmission.

TL had the 3.2L V6 since the start in 1996 with the older 4 spd auto that was replaced with the 5 spd auto in the 2000 model years.

Since the 1996 to 1998 model years have no known reliability problems but the 1999 4 spds do, I would guess that a variant of the 98-02 accord 4spd auto was used for that model year.

if I was the OP I would get an 04+ TL

 

Probably I will go for 98-02 Accord coupe with manual transmission. I hope they won't have the same trans problem as the automatics.

 

im a tech for acura in northern va.. to this day u would be amazed on how many trannnys we do to those 3 years.. when acura first noticed the ongoing problem they came out with a jet kit to spit more trans fluid onto a specific gear in the trans.. now we dont even bother.. new trans time boys pays 6.5 hours
there are a couple of add ons as well where techs get around 7.8 hours total

 

bmp

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PHILEE &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">bmp</TD></TR></TABLE>

WTF are you bumping this for? So everyone can see the Scion for sale in your sig? GTFO.

 

so is this still and ongoign problem , like after the trznny has been fixed ? does it continue .....

and what is the fix for the problems they have ..

thanks guys

 

In my experience, the failure rate on the more recent reman. transmissions from Honda isn't as bad as the original ones, but it's still possible. I see less 2nd and 3rd time replacements than I used to though, so I think they've improved to some degree. Still not bulletproof by any means. If you own one of these cars you will always have the risk of trans failure to contend with.

 

the fix is the 4 shaft design that replaced it in the newer cars.

ECU reporgramming was part of the fix
changes to the specs and tighting of the QC procedure for USDM made transmissions
more frequent fluid changes

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by YeuEmMaiMai &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the fix is the 4 shaft design that replaced it in the newer cars.

ECU reporgramming was part of the fix
changes to the specs and tighting of the QC procedure for USDM made transmissions
more frequent fluid changes </TD></TR></TABLE>

troof.