2003 ACURA TL — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
466
Owner Complaints
5
Recalls
16
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2003 ACURA TL
The 2003 ACURA TL has received a total of 466 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 16 technical service bulletins have been issued by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Trainautomatic Transmission (175 complaints), Power Train (69 complaints), and Air Bags (41 complaints).
Recalls for the 2003 ACURA TL
NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 2003 ACURA TL, potentially affecting up to 8,503,871 vehicles.
Recall 19V499000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 3,947 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that...
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
View full details →Recall 19V182000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 1,101,534 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The...
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is...
View full details →Recall 15V320000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 6,281,043 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to...
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238,...
View full details →Recall 04V176000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| 1,099,796 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
Consequence: GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL...
View full details →Recall 02V226000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
| 17,551 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.
Consequence: IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WATER PUMP AND IF IT IS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2003 ACURA TL
466 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 ACURA TL. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
It's like when my transmission gets warmed up the RPM's will rev up and then it will come out of gear. Then I have to pull over put it in park and turn the car off. Let it sit for a minute or two then it will drive fine for 10 to 15 minutes before doing it again.
This complaint relates to safety recall campaigns work regarding my 2003 Acura TL car's SRS (air bags). I took my car to the Acura Service Center in Guaynabo, PR, for recall related repairs at various times during 2022 and 2023. The last time was [XXX]. The PROBLEM is that the Acura center's initial recall-related repair may have been faulty, thus causing the SRS warning light to turn on and stay on while I drive the car. The SRS warning came on a few days after the initial Acura service was performed. I was told during the second visit that they just had to reset something in the car's computer to turn off the SRS warning. But the SRS warning light would turn on again a few days after each service visit. The last time I took the car to Acura regarding this problem was on [XXX]. At that time, I requested a thorough diagnosis of the SRS problem. After that visit , the Acura service center sent me a video of the inspection work performed. However, that video and the $144.95 invoice paid, do not show that any SRS diagnosis work was done. They just did a "multi point" car mechanical condition inspection. Regarding the SRS problem, they again turned off the SRS warning light but did not indicate that in the video or the invoice. A few days later, the SRS warning came back on again. I called the national Honda HQ offices in the California, a few months ago. I expressed my frustration with the Acura dealer's failure to resolve this safety problem. They told me that they could not do anything, that I have to go back to the Acura dealer in PR (something that I already did, various times.) This is why I am now submitting this complaint to NHTSA. I present this complaint as a failure of the Acura corporation to satisfactorily perform the SRS safety recall work. They must re-do the work adequately on my Acura TL 2003 automobile. Please help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driving on Highway going 65mph vehicle suddenly jerked and dropped to 20 mph. Causing my entire body to collide with the steering wheel. Luckily there no cars behind me. Was on my way to work when this happened too far from home. So when I got at work which is thirty minutes from where I live I had to get a tow truck to get my car home. That’s how bad it was. My mom had this car for about ten years. I’ve had it now for three years. Never had this problem before. We’ve had the car in the family for almost fifteen years. Only thing that’s had to change was a power steering line and front shocks. Almost sold it last week and I’m glad I didn’t. Has over 230,000 so I’m not upset. Just a bit sad that this happened to my TL. Needs A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valves A B.
This car is not safe. First, the Takata airbags are in it. I drove my daughter, my mother and my little dog in this car! I can’t believe the used car dealership did not let me know that. Then the car starts shifting funny. Also dangerous. There should be a recall for transmission. There are over 500 people affected by this. I’m trying to enter a highway and I need to pick up speed, because there is a tractor trailer in the right lane and heavy traffic. I try to accelerate and it goes nowhere. 30mph. And that was after I merged in and have traffic going 70 behind me. Scariest thing ever. They should not be allowed to sell these cars. It is not safe for the driver and their family and it is not safe for others on the road. I can’t believe the negligence. I will not be driving this death trap ever again.
This car is not safe. First, the Takata airbags are in it. I drove my daughter, my mother and my little dog in this car! I can’t believe the used car dealership did not let me know that. Then the car starts shifting funny. Also dangerous. There should be a recall for transmission. There are over 500 people affected by this. I’m trying to enter a highway and I need to pick up speed, because there is a tractor trailer in the right lane and heavy traffic. I try to accelerate and it goes nowhere. 30mph. And that was after I merged in and have traffic going 70 behind me. Scariest thing ever. They should not be allowed to sell these cars. It is not safe for the driver and their family and it is not safe for others on the road. I can’t believe the negligence. I will not be driving this death trap ever again.
Safety Rating for the 2003 ACURA TL
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 ACURA TL in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 ACURA TL
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) has issued 16 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 ACURA TL. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
B20-008 — 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 — 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.
BBOM08092018901 — 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.
B18010I — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
B15-033 — 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 THOUGH THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE BEEN REPAIRED UNDER A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN. IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE DRIVERS...
ACURA - AIRBAG R — AIR BAGS
POSTER OF LISTED ACURA VEHICLES AFFECTED BY AN AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL - ENGLISH.
307 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ROUGH IDLE, STALLS AT STOPS, AND DTC'S P0172 OR P0175 APPEAR WHEN INSPECTED. *KB
11012004 — 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 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
BLOWER MOTOR NOISE. REQUEST FOR VISIT. *TT
704 — STRUCTURE:BODY
BUMPER PAINT PEELING. DEALER VISIT REQUEST. ACURA TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT
Showing 10 of 16 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 ACURA TL
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the ACURA TL
- 1998 ACURA TL — 22 complaints
- 1999 ACURA TL — 197 complaints
- 2000 ACURA TL — 323 complaints
- 2001 ACURA TL — 163 complaints
- 2002 ACURA TL — 403 complaints
- 2003 ACURA TL (current)
- 2004 ACURA TL — 766 complaints
- 2005 ACURA TL — 549 complaints
- 2006 ACURA TL — 342 complaints
- 2007 ACURA TL — 167 complaints
- 2008 ACURA TL — 179 complaints
Other ACURA Models
- ACURA MDX — 4,187 total complaints
- ACURA RDX — 2,499 total complaints
- ACURA TLX — 1,274 total complaints
- ACURA TSX — 849 total complaints
- ACURA INTEGRA — 755 total complaints
- ACURA CL — 730 total complaints
- ACURA RL — 523 total complaints
- ACURA LEGEND — 505 total complaints