Vehicles / Acura / TL / 2002

2002 Acura TLUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

333 federal complaints (404 component records) · 7 recall campaigns on file · 5 federal investigations · 127 service bulletins · 11 Canadian recalls
See all 20 model years of the Acura TL →
Federal complaints
333
Recall campaigns
7
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.

Power train
228
Air bags
44
Brakes
22
Speed control
16
Engine & cooling
13
Electrical system
12
Glass & wipers
11
Tires
8
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

0 years old: 66 complaints01 years old: 44 complaints2 years old: 49 complaints3 years old: 26 complaints4 years old: 11 complaints5 years old: 10 complaints56 years old: 10 complaints7 years old: 9 complaints8 years old: 22 complaints9 years old: 15 complaints10 years old: 8 complaints1011 years old: 8 complaints12 years old: 9 complaints13 years old: 6 complaints14 years old: 7 complaints15 years old: 6 complaints1516 years old: 4 complaints17 years old: 3 complaints18 years old: 2 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 4 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 319 of 333 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 19 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 42 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 36 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 31 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 24 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 18 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 14 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 10 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 8 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 4 complaints200,000+ miles: 4 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 210 of 333 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.

Power train

228 complaint records1 fire report6 crash reports
"THE TRANSMISSION ON MY ACURA 02 TL-S MALFUNCTIONED WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. IT SOME HOW GOT STUCK IN THE 4TH GEAR. TS..."- 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 →

Air bags

44 complaint records12 crash reports
"CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT WARNING AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE VEERED INTO CONSUMER'S VEHICLE.*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 air bags parts in the directory →

Brakes

22 complaint records2 crash reports
"VEHICLE IS 2002 ACURA 3.2TL WITH 21000 MILES. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES FRONT ROTORS ARE WARPED YET WILL NOT FIX UNDER WARRANTY . *NLM..."- 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 brakes 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.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA21002
opened Sep 2021
OPENAir BagsDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L.
EA15001
opened Feb 2015
OPENAir BagsAir Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 22V945
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the...
PE14016
opened Jun 2014
closed Mar 2015Air BagsAir Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 15V226000
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the...
RQ09004
opened Nov 2009
closed May 2010Air BagsRUPTURING DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATORS
This RQ investigation was opened to collect and analyze additional information to better evaluate the scope and timeliness of Honda's two safety recalls addressing rupturing of the driver's side air bag inflators (08V-593 and 09V-259).In an earlier response...
PE02081
opened Oct 2002
closed Mar 2003Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SUDDEN DOWNSHIFT
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.

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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
19V499000Air BagsHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011...Normally free
19V182000Air BagsHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and...Normally free
15V320000Air BagsHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008...Normally free
04V176000Power TrainON 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...Normally free
01V166002Seat BeltsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES WERE REPAIRED WITH INCORRECT PARTS: 2002 ACURA 3.2TL SEDANS WITH REPLACEMENT BUCKLES INSTALLED PER RECALL 01V-166001; CERTAIN 2000 ACURA 3.2TL VEHICLES WITH REPLACEMENT...Normally free
01V166001Seat BeltsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." CERTAIN DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED.Normally free
01V161000VisibilityVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDANS EQUIPPED WITH AN "AUTO-UP" POWER WINDOW FEATURE ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT CAN FAIL, AND DEPENDING ON THE FAILURE MODE, THE WINDOW COULD BECOME...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.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2019323
2019-06-28
Airbag222,662Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the airbag.
2019117
2019-03-07
Airbag83,977Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a problem with the driver-front airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, pieces could be propelled toward the occupants.
2015225
2015-05-27
Airbag704,770On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2014567
2014-12-15
Airbag704,770Honda Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Honda will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles.
2011419
2011-12-05
Airbag26,964On certain vehicles, the driver's airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture and metal fragments could pass through the airbag...
Show 6 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2010042
2010-02-11
Airbag41,685On certain vehicles, the driver's airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture and metal fragments could pass through the airbag...
2008414
2008-11-18
Airbag91,447On certain vehicles, the driver's airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture and metal fragments could pass through the airbag...
2004143
2004-04-23
Powertrain85,184Certain 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, in very rare cases, gear breakage can occur.
2001215
2001-08-22
Seats And Restraints1,022On certain 2002 Acura 3.2TL vehicles with replacement buckles installed per recall 1X-3-01 certain 2000 Acura 3.2TL vehicles with replacement buckles installed as product update repairs; and certain 2000-2002 Acura 3.2TL vehicles with...
2001199
2001-07-25
Seats And Restraints1,437Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements o f C.M.V.S.S. No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." Certain driver and passenger seat belt buckles were improperly manufactured.
2001127
2001-05-02
Electrical1,081On certain vehicles, the power window automatic operation may be compromised due to moisture contamination. This may cause the auto reverse function to become disabled which could result in injury.

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
B20-008
Mar 2020
Air BagsService Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
B18-041
Oct 2018
Air BagsService bulletin - This bulletin has been cancelled because the collection is now complete. If you did the collection in this Service Bulletin on or before October 26, 2018 (RO date), use the Warranty Claim Information provided below.
B18034
Aug 2018
EquipmentService 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 CoolingDealer 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.
B18-017
May 2018
EquipmentService bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects to the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
B18010I
Jan 2018
Electrical SystemServicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
BTS170801
Sep 2017
EquipmentTech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
BTS170801
Aug 2017
Electrical SystemTech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and are looking for a solution.
B90-009
Aug 2017
Power TrainService 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
EquipmentSending vehicle data to tech line.
B05-018
Nov 2016
EquipmentSERVICE BULLETIN - NAVIGATION SYSTEM INFORMATION.
B98015
Mar 2016
EquipmentSpecial Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
B15-033
Dec 2015
Air Bags"SERVICE BULLETIN - AMERICAN HONDA CONSOLIDATED THE PREVIOUS AIRBAG INFLATOR CAMPAIGNS INTO THIS CURRENT BULLETIN BASED ON DECISIONS MADE BY NHTSA.
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]).
ACURA - AIRBAG R
Dec 2015
Air BagsPOSTER OF LISTED ACURA VEHICLES AFFECTED BY AN AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL - ENGLISH.
B15-033
Sep 2015
Air Bags"SERVICE BULLETIN - AMERICAN HONDA CONSOLIDATED THE PREVIOUS AIRBAG INFLATOR CAMPAIGNS INTO THIS CURRENT BULLETIN BASED ON DECISIONS MADE BY NHTSA.
B10-026 - 7-25-1
Jul 2015
Air BagsSERVICE BULLETIN - IF YOU DID SERVICE BULLETIN 10-026 ON OR BEFORE JUNE 8, 2015. MAKE SURE TO USE WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION PROVIDED BELOW.
B14-029
Jun 2015
Air Bags"SERVICE BULLETIN - THIS BULLETIN IS REPLACED BY S/B 15-033, RECALL: DRIVER’S AIRBAG INFLATOR CAN BE OVER-PRESSURIZED IF YOU DID SERVICE BULLETIN 14-029 ON OR BEFORE JUNE 8, 2015. MAKE SURE TO USE WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION PROVIDED"
B15-033
Jun 2015
Air Bags"SERVICE BULLETIN - AMERICAN HONDA CONSOLIDATED THE PREVIOUS AIRBAG INFLATOR CAMPAIGNS INTO THIS CURRENT BULLETIN BASED ON DECISIONS MADE BY NHTSA. DO AN IN VIN STATUS INQUIRY AND, IF INDICATED, REPAIR THE VEHICLE EVEN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN.
HONDA - AIRBAG S
May 2015
Air BagsCUSTOMER LETTER - PLEASE BE AWARE, WE HAVE A NATIONAL SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND RECALL UNDER WAY TO REPAIR AIRBAG INFLATORS, AT NO COST TO YOU, IN CERTAIN HONDA AND ACURA VEHICLES (LISTED BELOW).
Service Bulletin
Apr 2015
Air BagsService bulletin - A manufacturing error can produce over-pressurization of the driver's (front) airbag inflator during airbag deployment. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator casing to rupture.
DLR MSG - Acura
Feb 2015
Air BagsDealer message - The original intent of service bulletin 10-026 safety recall was to identify a specific lot of suspect airbag inflators, and replace them with an improved part.
Service Bulletin
Feb 2015
Air BagsService bulletin - A manufacturing error can produce over-pressurization of some replacement driver's (front) airbag inflators during airbag deployment. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator casing to rupture.
Service Bulletin
Dec 2014
Air BagsService bulletin - Certain Acura vehicles operated in areas known for high absolute humidity and high heat may contain a driver's airbag that, over time, may be affected by exposure to the humidity, which could produce excessive internal pressure.
Service Bulletin
Sep 2014
Air BagsService bulletin - A manufacturing error can produce over-pressurization of some replacement driver?s (front) airbag inflators during airbag deployment. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator casing to rupture.
DLR MSG - Acura
Aug 2014
Air BagsDealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of August 4, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and VIN status inquiry has been updated.
DLR MSG - Stop S
Jul 2014
Air BagsDealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of July 23, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and service bulletins 14-023, Safety Recall: Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflator Can Be Over-Pressurized, 14-029,...
Service Bulletin
Jul 2014
Air BagsService bulletin - Certain Acura vehicles operated in areas known for high absolute humidity and high heat may contain a driver?s airbag that over time may be affected by exposure to the humidity, which could produce excessive internal pressure.
DLR MSG - Acura
Jul 2014
Air BagsDealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. At this time, affected VINs have not been determined.
DLR MSG - Acura
Jun 2014
EquipmentDealer message - Certain vehicles within the above model/model years are subject to one or more of three recalls that were announced today.
SB-0708
Nov 2010
TiresACURA: 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
08-026
May 2008
EquipmentLOAD CARRYING CAPACITY REDUCED LABEL FOR ALL ACURA VEHICLES. *PE
06050
May 2008
Unknown Or OtherWARRANTY EXTENSION: VEHICLE WARRANTY MILEAGE. *KB AFFECTS 2002 THROUGH 2006 ACURA MODELS. UPDATED 8/15/08. *PE
SB-06-050
May 2008
EquipmentACURA: WARRANTY EXTENSION: VEHICLE WARRANTY MILEAGE. A FEDERAL COURT PROVIDED FINAL APPROVAL OF THE SETTLEMENT OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ALLEGING THAT THE ODOMETERS ON CERTAIN MODELS WERE OVERSTATING MILEAGE. VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS SETTLEMENT INCLUDE CERTAIN 2002-2006.
06-008
Feb 2008
Electrical SystemACURA SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. WARRANTY EXTENSION: OPDS UNIT OR OPDS SENSOR TRIGGERS SRS DTC'S 15-1, 15-2, 15-3. CSC WAS RECEIVED. *NJ
02-027
Feb 2008
Power TrainWARRANTY EXTENSION: 3.2 TL AND 3.2 CL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *NJ
04035
Jan 2008
Vehicle Speed ControlACCELERATOR PEDAL HARD TO PRESS. *TT UPDATED 4/2/08. *NJ
307
Mar 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingROUGH IDLE, STALLS AT STOPS, AND DTC'S P0172 OR P0175 APPEAR WHEN INSPECTED. *KB
03030
Nov 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingPRODUCT UPDATE - TIMING BELT AUTO-TENSIONER OIL LEAK. *TT
03015
Jan 2006
EquipmentREMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. *TT
090105
Sep 2005
EquipmentHOMELINK WON'T PROGRAM WITH AFTERMARKET REMOTES. *JB
09012005
Sep 2005
Power TrainDON'T INVITE PROBLEMS DOING 2ND GEAR INSPECTION. ACURA SERVICENEWS. *TT
07012005
Jul 2005
Electrical SystemSPEEDOMETER SHOPS CAN TRANSFER ODOMETER MILEAGE. ACURA. SERVICENEWS. *TT
05015
Jun 2005
SuspensionREAR STABILIZER LINK IS BROKEN. *TT
505
May 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingCRANKS WON'T START, IMMOBILIZER LIGHT FLASHES. *TT
04006
Apr 2005
SeatsSEAT-BACK PANEL IS LOOSE OR DETACHED. *TT
01162005
Jan 2005
EquipmentREPLACEMENT OR UPDATED NAVIGATION DVD DISKS. *EH
04020
Nov 2004
Power TrainSAFETY RECALL: CL AND TL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION. *TT
04033
Nov 2004
StructureDOOR SASH TRIM IS FADING. *TT
10262004
Oct 2004
EquipmentBLOWER MOTOR NOISE. REQUEST FOR VISIT. *TT
10012004
Oct 2004
Power TrainHOW TO REPLENISH ATF ON VEHICLES WITH A/T OIL JET KITS. *NM
06282004
Sep 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE COOLANT LEAKS. *MJ DEALER VISIT REQUEST SUMMARY. *TT
904
Sep 2004
Fuel SystemPOOR FUEL ECONOMY. ACURA TECH LINE SUMMARY FOR DEALER DISTRIBUTION. *TT
09012004
Sep 2004
EquipmentREPLACING NAVIGATION SYSTEM DVD'S CAN CAUSE DVD DISK ERROR. *NM
804
Aug 2004
Electrical SystemNAVIGATION ERROR MESSAGE-DVD DISK READ ERROR. *SC
00025
Aug 2004
VisibilityDEFORMED WINDSHIELD MOLDING. *EH
08012004
Aug 2004
Unknown Or OtherSTORE DIGITAL INSPECTION PHOTOS FOR WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR SERVICE BULLETIN (S/B) 04-013, SAFETY RECALL, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION AND S/B 04-020, SAFETY RECALL, CL AND TL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION. ACURA SERVICENEWS. *TT
704
Jul 2004
EquipmentNAVIGATION SYSTEM WON'T MAP MATCH OR GETS LOST. ACURA TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT
07012004
Jul 2004
Power TrainCAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT AND STOP SALE ORDER UPDATE. VOLUNTARY RECALL OF LIGHT TRUCK MODELS FOR A POTENTIAL TRANSMISSION DEFECT. *TT
604
Jun 2004
Electrical SystemIF NAVIGATION SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY DISPLAYS THE MESSAGE, DATABASE OLD SEE YOUR DEALER, APPLY THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE PATCH. *NM

Showing 60 of 127 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  3. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 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.
  5. 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 →