What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (1999–2003) TL?

TL owners have made 101 complaints about the 1999–2003 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 26th out of 30 Acura generations in overall reliability, with real transmission and body concerns.

Compare With Other TL Generations

Common 1999-2003 Acura TL Problems

Some of the worst issues 2nd generation TL owners have to deal with.

  1. Takata Airbag Inflator Recall

    A large number of Acura vehicles have been recalled because they contain dangerous airbag inflators made by Takata. The shrapnel-hurling inflators have been recalled in over 37 million vehicles (and counting).

    Continue reading article "Takata Airbag Inflator Recall" Crash ttest dummy about to slam into an airbag with a super-imposed Takata logo

  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

    Continue Crash ttest dummy about to slam into an airbag with a super-imposed Takata logo

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (1999–2003) TL Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 101 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 26th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 30 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 2nd Generation TL Owners

Recent 2nd Generation (1999–2003) TL News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Acura's parent company, Honda, wants to settle up a decade-old lawsuit about downshifting transmissions

    with an offer so low it's borderline insulting. A 2009 lawsuit says 5-speed automatic transmissions in some 2002-2004 Honda and Acura vehicles have a defect in the 3rd clutch. That defect can cause the transmission to suddenly downshift from 5th to 2nd gear. That's one way to reach your heart rate goal on your FitBit.…

    keep reading article "5-Speed Transmission Settlement for Some California Acura Owners"

  2. A Puerto Rico man has sued Honda after being severely injured by an exploding Takata airbag.

    According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff's Acura "lightly bumped" another car in front but the Takata frontal airbag allegedly exploded and sent shrapnel into his face, chest and neck, allegedly causing severe lacerations.

    The 2002 TL is on the “high risk” list which has Honda representatives going door-to-door in some areas urging owners to get the necessary repairs. but it’s possible they weren’t doing this in Puerto Rico.

    In this case, the plaintiff said he received five recall notices one month after the accident.

    keep reading article "Puerto Rico Man Sues Honda For Severe Injuries from a Takata Airbag Explosion"

What TL Owners Say About This Generation

While on Highway 26 in Oregon my wife was changing lanes to pass and the transmission suddenly slammed into a lower gear causing minor whiplash and creating a dangerous situation. Shortly after, the entire transmission failed and went into limp-home mode.

2003 TL Owner in OR