Federal complaints
157
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 135 of 157 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 83 of 157 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
60 complaint records4 fire reports5 crash reports
"MY 1999 ACURA 3.2TL AUTO TRANSMISSION SLIPS ON GEARS AND GRINDS ON TORQUE CONVERTER, MANUFACTURER DESIGNED PIECE OF '!@#$%. DT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Power train
38 complaint records3 crash reports
"MY 1999 ACURA 3.2TL AUTO TRANSMISSION SLIPS ON GEARS AND GRINDS ON TORQUE CONVERTER, MANUFACTURER DESIGNED PIECE OF '!@#$%. DT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
17 complaint records
"WHILE DRIVING ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THAT CATALYTIC CONVERTER MALFUNCTIONED. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE05002 opened Jan 2005 | closed Feb 2005 | Electrical System | IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK - led to recall 05V025000 THE ABOVE FAILURE REPORT COUNTS ARE FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 - 2001 HONDA ACCORD MODELS THAT WERE NOT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF A RELATED HONDA RECALL ACTION (NHTSA 03V423); THESE VEHICLES WERE INVESTIGATED BY ODI UNDER DEFECT PETITION (DP) 04-006.COMPLAINT... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20V026000 | Air Bags | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and... | Normally free |
| 05V025000 | Electrical System | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTERLOCK OPERATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE... | Normally free |
| 03V423000 | Electrical System | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT... | Normally free |
| 02V120000 | Electrical System | ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020014 2020-01-17 | Airbag | 178,835 | Issue: On certain vehicles, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash. |
| 2003276 2003-11-10 | Other | 43,032 | On certain vehicles, the ignition switch may wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the off position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to Park. |
| 2002096 2002-05-24 | Electrical | 188,463 | On certain vehicles electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B18034 Aug 2018 | Equipment | Service bulletin - Emission certification labels that were replaced on a small number of vehicles may have been replaced with a label listing incorrect information. | |
| BBOM08092018901 Aug 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer message - Today, Acura is notifying dealers of a voluntary noncompliance recall for a small number of Acura vehicles due to an error on the replacement (service part) underhood emissions labels. American Honda previously notified CARB and the EPA for this action. | |
| B90-009 Aug 2017 | Power Train | Service bulletin - You are required to install a remanufactured A/T (automatic transmission) and torque converter on any vehicle with an internal failure that calls for A/T disassembly that is covered under any of the programs listed. | |
| BJA46167 Jan 2017 | Equipment | Sending vehicle data to tech line. | |
| B98015 Mar 2016 | Equipment | Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B99-040 Dec 2015 | Fuel System | "SERVICE BULLETIN - THIS BULLETIN UPDATES THE TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES FOR DTC P1456 (EVAP CONTROL SYSTEM LEAKAGE [FUEL TANK SYSTEM]) AND DTC P1457 (EVAP CONTROL SYSTEM LEAKAGE[EVAP CANISTER SYSTEM]). | |
| SB-0708 Nov 2010 | Tires | ACURA: THERE ARE GUIDELINES FOR VARIOUS SITUATIONS AND PROCEDURES INCLUDING: TIRE PRESSURE VALVE STEM INSTALLATION, TRAILER STABILITY MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ON, ENGINE OIL APPLICATION GUIDE, NEW SOFTWARE, NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID, NOTCHY STEERING FEELING. *RM | |
| 02-027 Feb 2008 | Power Train | WARRANTY EXTENSION: 3.2 TL AND 3.2 CL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *NJ | |
| 307 Mar 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ROUGH IDLE, STALLS AT STOPS, AND DTC'S P0172 OR P0175 APPEAR WHEN INSPECTED. *KB | |
| 03015 Jan 2006 | Equipment | REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. *TT | |
| 090105 Sep 2005 | Equipment | HOMELINK WON'T PROGRAM WITH AFTERMARKET REMOTES. *JB | |
| 07012005 Jul 2005 | Electrical System | SPEEDOMETER SHOPS CAN TRANSFER ODOMETER MILEAGE. ACURA. SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 05015 Jun 2005 | Suspension | REAR STABILIZER LINK IS BROKEN. *TT | |
| 505 May 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CRANKS WON'T START, IMMOBILIZER LIGHT FLASHES. *TT | |
| 04006 Apr 2005 | Seats | SEAT-BACK PANEL IS LOOSE OR DETACHED. *TT | |
| 01162005 Jan 2005 | Power Train | P1706 A/T SWITCH SHORT OR OPEN. *EH | |
| 04033 Nov 2004 | Structure | DOOR SASH TRIM IS FADING. *TT | |
| 10262004 Oct 2004 | Equipment | BLOWER MOTOR NOISE. REQUEST FOR VISIT. *TT | |
| 10012004 Oct 2004 | Power Train | A/T SOLENOID REPLACEMENT CRITERIA. *NM | |
| 904 Sep 2004 | Fuel System | POOR FUEL ECONOMY. ACURA TECH LINE SUMMARY FOR DEALER DISTRIBUTION. *TT | |
| 09012004 Sep 2004 | Equipment | THE BEVERAGE HOLDER LID DOESN'T CLOSE EVENLY. *NM | |
| 00025 Aug 2004 | Visibility | DEFORMED WINDSHIELD MOLDING. *EH | |
| 704 Jul 2004 | Equipment | NAVIGATION SYSTEM WON'T MAP MATCH OR GETS LOST. ACURA TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT | |
| 05012004 May 2004 | Equipment | AUDIO UNIT AND NAVI ANTI-THEFT CODES AVAILABLE ON IN. ACURA SERVICENEWS. MAY 2004. *TT | |
| 04012004 Apr 2004 | Air Bags | SRS INDICATOR ON AFTER BODY SHOP REPAIR. CHECK FOR SRS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. ACURA SERVICENEWS. APRIL 2004. *TT | |
| 01041 Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | V6 ENGINE OIL LEAKS. *JB THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES 01-041, DATED 10/29/2001. *TT | |
| 020204 Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BROKEN HEAD BOLT(S). REQUEST FOR PARTS. *TT | |
| 03034 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | SAFETY RECALL: IGNITION SWITCH KEY INTERLOCK. *TT THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES 03/034, DATED 01/15/2004. *TT | |
| 012012003 Dec 2003 | Power Train | ATF (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID) LEAKS FROM COOLER LINE BANJO BOLT. *SC | |
| 03027 Nov 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP IS ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0420 (CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD) IS STORED. *TT *MJ | |
| 102703 Oct 2003 | Power Train | RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR CERTAIN CLS AND TLS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO ALL SALES, SERVICE AND PARTS MANAGERS. THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND REMOVE THE... | |
| 03029 Oct 2003 | Service Brakes | BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR COMES ON AND GOES OFF. *TT | |
| 1003 Oct 2003 | Power Train | HUMMING, GROWLING SOUND FROM TRANSMISSION. *TT | |
| 903 Sep 2003 | Power Train | WARRANTY EXTENSION TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS. TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT | |
| 091203 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | LETTER TO SERVICE MANAGER REGARDING IGNITION SWITCH RECALL CAMPAIGN. *TT | |
| 090103 Sep 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | UNDERSTANDING OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE INDICATOR LOGIC. ACURA SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 02027 Aug 2003 | Power Train | WARRANTY EXTENSION - 3.2TL AND 3.2CL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *TT | |
| 080103 Aug 2003 | Power Train | CHECKING FOR A HOLE BEFORE INSTALLING A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION. ACURA SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 072803 Jul 2003 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARRANTY EXTENSION ANNOUNCEMENT. LETTER TO SALES, SERVICE AND PARTS MANAGERS. *TT | |
| 603 Jun 2003 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON REMEMBERING NAVIGATION SYSTEM PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PIN). *TT | |
| 060103 Jun 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON FINDING A VEHICLE'S EMISSION TYPE OR GROUP. *TT | |
| 01017 May 2003 | Service Brakes | BRAKE PEDAL, STEERING WHEEL, OR VEHICLE VIBRATES WHILE BRAKING. *TT | |
| 01017 Apr 2003 | Service Brakes | BRAKE PEDAL, STEERING WHEEL, OR VEHICLE VIBRATES WHILE BRAKING. *TT | |
| 040103 Apr 2003 | Service Brakes | BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SWITCH TEST - SERVICE MANUAL FIX. *TT | |
| 03001 Jan 2003 | Fuel System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP COMES ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1457 EVAP BYPASS SOLENOID VALVE FAILURE. *TT | |
| 010103 Jan 2003 | Air Bags | SRS INDICATOR COMES ON AFTER BODY SHOP REPAIR. ACURA SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 1202 Dec 2002 | Power Train | STRAINING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID TO DIAGNOSE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. *TT | |
| 1102 Nov 2002 | Service Brakes | TROUBLESHOOTING ABS OR TCS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 51 AND/OR 53. *NM | |
| 110102 Nov 2002 | Equipment | AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COMPRESSOR CONTROL LOGIC. ACURA SERVICE NEWS. *TT | |
| 1002 Oct 2002 | Service Brakes | THE COMPACT ABS/TCS (MODULATOR, PUMP, AND ACCUMULATOR ALL IN ONE) SYSTEM DOES A SELF-CHECK (A BRIEF GRUNT OR GROAN) WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE OR DRIVE FORWARD AFTER THE VEHICLE'S BEEN SITTING. THE NOISE IS NORMAL. OCTOBER TECH LINE INFORMATION. *TT | |
| 100102 Oct 2002 | Equipment | POOR AIR CONDITIONER COOLING ON HARD ACCELERATION. ACURA SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 09012002 Sep 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR LOGIC. ACURA. SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 010802 Aug 2002 | Power Train | SERVICE MANUAL FIX REGARDING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR RATIOS. *TT | |
| 107 Jul 2002 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING SYNCHRONIZING CUP HOLDER COVERS. *TT | |
| 010702 Jul 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS MISSING FOR TIMING BELT TENSIONER. *TT | |
| 602 Jun 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING TIMING BELT TENSIONER BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATION. *TT | |
| 502 May 2002 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK AT AXLE SEALS, ROARING NOISE, ERRATIC SHIFTING. *TT | |
| 00032 Apr 2002 | Visibility | INFORMATION REGARDING SQUEAKS HEARD FROM THE MOONROOF SEAL WHILE DRIVING WITH THE GLASS CLOSED AND THE SUNSHADE OPEN. *TT | |
| 402 Apr 2002 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON SERVICING THE ODOMETER, SPORT SHIFT INDICATOR ILLUMINATION INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| B020008 Mar 2002 | Seats | INFORMATION REGARDING SEAT BACK PANEL REPAIR KIT. *SLC |
Showing 60 of 111 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Acura TL →