Federal complaints
391
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 384 of 391 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 300 of 391 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
250 complaint records1 fire report6 crash reports
"THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2003 ACURA 3.2TL TYPE S HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND IS GOING BACK IN ON MONDAY FOR ANOTHER CHECK.*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 power train parts in the directory →
Air bags
51 complaint records11 crash reports
"CPSC#1280657A. 2003 ACURA TL. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS LEAKING A STICKY SUBSTANCE AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE HOUSING. *LN..."- 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 →
Speed control
22 complaint records4 crash reports
"VEHICLE HAD AN ACCELERATION PROBLEM. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN.*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 speed control 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA21002 opened Sep 2021 | OPEN | Air Bags | Desiccated 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 | OPEN | Air Bags | Air 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 2015 | Air Bags | Air 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... |
| PE02081 opened Oct 2002 | closed Mar 2003 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC 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.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19V499000 | Air Bags | Honda (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 |
| 19V182000 | Air Bags | Honda (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 |
| 15V320000 | Air Bags | Honda (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 |
| 04V176000 | Power Train | 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... | Normally free |
| 02V226000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER... | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019323 2019-06-28 | Airbag | 222,662 | Issue: 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 | Airbag | 83,977 | Issue: 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 | Airbag | 704,770 | On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
| 2014567 2014-12-15 | Airbag | 704,770 | Honda 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 | Airbag | 26,964 | On 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 2 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010042 2010-02-11 | Airbag | 41,685 | On 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 | Powertrain | 85,184 | 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, in very rare cases, gear breakage can occur. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B21-022 May 2021 | Power Train | Service Bulletin - Case v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. BC 424169 (Third Clutch Transmission Settlement - $25 Credit Vouchers). | |
| B20-008 Mar 2020 | Air Bags | Service 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 Bags | Service 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 | 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. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B18-017 May 2018 | Air Bags | Service 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. | |
| B18010I Jan 2018 | Equipment | Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation. | |
| BTS170801 Sep 2017 | Equipment | Tech 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 System | Tech 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 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. | |
| B05-018 Nov 2016 | Equipment | SERVICE BULLETIN - NAVIGATION SYSTEM INFORMATION. | |
| TAKATA_HAWAII FL Sep 2016 | Equipment | FLYER CIRCULATED TO THE RESIDENTS OF HAWAII TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. | |
| TAKATA_HAWAII PO Sep 2016 | Equipment | POSTERS SENT TO HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITIES, AUTOMOTIVE PART STORES, CAR WASHES, AND GAS STATIONS TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. | |
| TAKATA_FLORIDA D Aug 2016 | Air Bags | LETTER SENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FLORIDA HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES DEPARTMENT TO REMIND FLORIDA OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. | |
| TAKATA_TEXT MESS Aug 2016 | Equipment | US VIRGIN ISLANDS NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. | |
| B98015 Mar 2016 | Equipment | Special 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 Bags | POSTER 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 Bags | SERVICE 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: DRIVERS 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 Bags | CUSTOMER 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 Bags | Service 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 Bags | Dealer 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 Bags | Service 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 Bags | Service 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 Bags | Service 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 Bags | Dealer 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 Bags | Dealer 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 Bags | Service 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 Bags | Dealer 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 | Equipment | Dealer 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 | 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 | |
| 08-026 May 2008 | Equipment | LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY REDUCED LABEL FOR ALL ACURA VEHICLES. *PE | |
| 06050 May 2008 | Unknown Or Other | WARRANTY EXTENSION: VEHICLE WARRANTY MILEAGE. *KB AFFECTS 2002 THROUGH 2006 ACURA MODELS. UPDATED 8/15/08. *PE | |
| SB-06-050 May 2008 | Equipment | ACURA: 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 System | ACURA 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 Train | WARRANTY EXTENSION: 3.2 TL AND 3.2 CL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *NJ | |
| 04035 Jan 2008 | Vehicle Speed Control | ACCELERATOR PEDAL HARD TO PRESS. *TT UPDATED 4/2/08. *NJ | |
| 307 Mar 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ROUGH IDLE, STALLS AT STOPS, AND DTC'S P0172 OR P0175 APPEAR WHEN INSPECTED. *KB | |
| 03030 Nov 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | PRODUCT UPDATE - TIMING BELT AUTO-TENSIONER OIL LEAK. *TT | |
| 03015 Jan 2006 | Equipment | REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. *TT | |
| 090105 Sep 2005 | Equipment | HOMELINK WON'T PROGRAM WITH AFTERMARKET REMOTES. *JB | |
| 09012005 Sep 2005 | Power Train | DON'T INVITE PROBLEMS DOING 2ND GEAR INSPECTION. ACURA SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 01162005 Jan 2005 | Equipment | REPLACEMENT OR UPDATED NAVIGATION DVD DISKS. *EH | |
| 11162004 Nov 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ALTERNATOR CONDITION NO OR LOW OUTPUT. *EH | |
| 04020 Nov 2004 | Power Train | SAFETY RECALL: CL AND TL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION. *TT | |
| 04033 Nov 2004 | Structure | DOOR SASH TRIM IS FADING. *TT | |
| 11012004 Nov 2004 | Electrical System | ALTERNATOR IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF ADVERSE ENGINE CONDITION. THIS MAY INCLUDE BATTERY LIGHT ON OR FLASHING THE ENGINE NOT RUNNING OR DIM LIGHTS. REQUEST FOR VISIT. ALOS INCLUDES 2005 ACURA TL. *EH | |
| 10262004 Oct 2004 | Equipment | BLOWER MOTOR NOISE. REQUEST FOR VISIT. *TT | |
| 10012004 Oct 2004 | Power Train | HOW TO REPLENISH ATF ON VEHICLES WITH A/T OIL JET KITS. *NM | |
| 06282004 Sep 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COOLANT LEAKS. *MJ DEALER VISIT REQUEST SUMMARY. *TT | |
| 904 Sep 2004 | Unknown Or Other | SENDING HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (HDS) SNAPSHOTS. ACURA TECH LINE SUMMARY FOR DEALER DISTRIBUTION. *TT | |
| 09012004 Sep 2004 | Equipment | REPLACING NAVIGATION SYSTEM DVD'S CAN CAUSE DVD DISK ERROR. *NM |
Showing 60 of 120 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 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 →