2001 Acura TL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2001 Acura TL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2001 Acura TL. Newest first.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair.…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 inspect the transmission to identify gears that have already experienced discoloration due to overheating. if discoloration exists, the transmission will be replaced if discoloration IS not present, the dealer will perform the revision to the oil cooler return line. the recall began on april 21, 2004, for pilot, odyssey, and MDX owners. owners of the accord vehicles will start receiving letters on june 28, 2004, and on june 29, 2004, for owners of the TL and cl vehicles. owners should contact honda at 1-800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.
Vehicle 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 buckles installed as product update repairs; and certain 2000-2002 acura 3.2TL vehicles with replacement buckles installed as warranty or…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the front seat belt buckles. owner notification began august 20, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact acura at 1-800-999-1009.
Owner complaints
149 complaints8 involved a crash2 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
I have reached out to Acura on three separate occasions to try and get them to inspect and possibly replace my recalled airbags. They have failed to contact us back every time and this is our only mode of transportation. I've expressed my concerns to them each time and let them know I'm forced to drive this vehicle until it's fixed.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact stated that he received a nhtsa recall letter number 20v027000 (air bags). The contact took the vehicle into the dealer flow acura 4952 new centre dr, wilmington, nc 28403 (910) 218-7070. During the recall repair they told the contact they did not…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact stated that he received a nhtsa recall letter number 20v027000 (air bags). The contact took the vehicle into the dealer flow acura 4952 new centre dr, wilmington, nc 28403 (910) 218-7070. During the recall repair they told the contact they did not have the right parts and said they would call him back. The dealer called back and said that the manufacturer rep said they did not make that airbag part since the vehicle was old. The vehicle was not able to pass inspection since the repair shorted out several functions. The vehicle was unrepaired with a defective air bag while the dealer looks for another part. The failure mileage was 190,000.
- Air bags
For my acura TL 2001 we have been waiting over 6 months for the air bag to be replaced. the dealership and honda (called honda this week) will not even provide a date when the replacement air bags will be available. very poor as this IS a known safety hazard and we don't feel safe driving this vehicle!
- Power train
Transmission slips between 3 and 4. Doesn't do this all the time, however; many, many forums are full of 2001 acura tl's having transmission solenoid issues. We bought car used (163,000), many cars out there with the exact same issue which should have been addressed in the 2000's.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called acura of tempe (7800 s autoplex loop, tempe, az 85284; (480) 344-5800) and it was…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called acura of tempe (7800 s autoplex loop, tempe, az 85284; (480) 344-5800) and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. *bf
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer rallye acura located at 1750 northern blvd, roslyn, ny 11576, and the manufacturer were…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer rallye acura located at 1750 northern blvd, roslyn, ny 11576, and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact was informed that parts would be available the first quarter of 2021. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. A dealer…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. A dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the part was not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Both the dealer and…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Both the dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. *Bf*jb
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2001 acura TL. The contact stated that while driving approximately at 25 mph, a second vehicle crashed into the drivers side of the vehicle. During the crash the driver side front and curtain air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained severe injuries to the head, neck…
TL* the contact owned a 2001 acura TL. The contact stated that while driving approximately at 25 mph, a second vehicle crashed into the drivers side of the vehicle. During the crash the driver side front and curtain air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained severe injuries to the head, neck, upper body, left eye and neck vertebrae that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. A police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer was not notified. The contact indicated that the air bag was previously replaced. No further information was available. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Air bags
I have owned this car for 6 years and really like it. My problem IS the passenger air bag light frequently lights up? It happens if the seat IS empty, a purse IS there or someone IS sitting theret by the vin it IS not suppose to be affected by the recall.
- Vehicle speed control
I drove my car out the garage into the common alley in reverse, once out the garage. When I was out of garage attempted to close the garage door with the genie , and the garage door wouldn't close . I drove the car further away from the garage/building in reverse to determine , whether the genie…
I drove my car out the garage into the common alley in reverse, once out the garage. When I was out of garage attempted to close the garage door with the genie , and the garage door wouldn't close . I drove the car further away from the garage/building in reverse to determine , whether the genie would operate from another position , next thing I knew the car was accelerating uncontrollably, between 20 - 25 miles per hour in reverse next to our building's garages . My car only stopped because I slammed into my neighbor's garage , which was 4 doors down from my own garage . my accelerator was essentially, frozen...a runaway accelerator. similiar instances while I was in the drive mode , but just for quite , short, times.
- Power train
Few ways ago buy this car has only 84,300 miles ....while driving today suddenly malfunction sign comes and car slow down and making weared sounds... Go to advance auto part to scan the malfunction sign and after scanning no codes come but showing issue with transmission. So don't know where and…
Few ways ago buy this car has only 84,300 miles ....while driving today suddenly malfunction sign comes and car slow down and making weared sounds... Go to advance auto part to scan the malfunction sign and after scanning no codes come but showing issue with transmission. So don't know where and how much its going to cost to fix or replace transmission. If anyone help me will be greatly appreciated. I live in ma ( western ma)
- Visibility/wiper
Interior rearview mirror (auto dimming) became impossible to see out of due to a defect that caused a liquid to leak and cloud the mirror. Had to replace it in order to see out the back. It occurred gradually over about a year. At first it was just the corner and eventually it covered the whole mirror. I believe this IS a safety hazard.
- Air bags
Takata recall.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2001 acura TL. While driving 50 mph, the air bag light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 90,000.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2001 acura TL. While driving 72 mph without warning, the vehicle failed to shift gears. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 acura TL. While driving 72 mph without warning, the vehicle failed to shift gears. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 04v176000 (power train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Engine · Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to shift from first to second gear as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v176000 (power train). The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Power train
While driving my 2001, the tranny was not shifting. Scared my wife silly. had less than 50000 miles and had taken the car to acura for this issue.they installed some kind of cooler device related to tranny issue. $3000 later for a tranny repair at a reputable independent garage and acura refused to foot the bill. No more acuras for me and my family.hit them where it hurts- in the pocket book! *js
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph the transmission jerked violently and failed to shift into second gear. The rpms began to increase with the illumination of the tcs and engine warning indicators. The failure recurred numerous times. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph the transmission jerked violently and failed to shift into second gear. The rpms began to increase with the illumination of the tcs and engine warning indicators. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. There was a recall under nhtsa campaign ID number 04v176000 (power train) however, the secondary gear did not exhibit discoloration and the dealer refused to repair the vehicle . The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was o 200,000.
- Power train
I live in toledo ohio bought this car in michigan was on my way home when my cars wheels locked up scared me too death jerked back and forth in gear check engine lite came on tcs lite came on and D5 lite was blinking this car only had 82,000 miles I can not believe the government closes its eyes…
I live in toledo ohio bought this car in michigan was on my way home when my cars wheels locked up scared me too death jerked back and forth in gear check engine lite came on tcs lite came on and D5 lite was blinking this car only had 82,000 miles I can not believe the government closes its eyes too all these complaints someone IS going to get seriously hurt we need to sue acura for crap transmissions I mean come on and then for them to take advantage of hard working americans who trust honda IS not rite at all someone IS getting paid off IS the only reason this issue hasnt been resolved and for the dealer not to do anything but want to give you another junk garbage transmission and charge you 3500 for the same problem to happen again IS ridiculous we all need to file a lawsuit for this and they need to upgrade the transmissions to make them better and for the safety administration to turn a blind eye for a car that could lock up and kill someone and not fine or make acura eat the cost for there screw up shame on you. *Tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact stated that the vehicle would sporadically lose engine power. The contact stated that the vehicle would start normally but as the transmission became hotter, the failure would occur. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 acura TL. The contact stated that the vehicle would sporadically lose engine power. The contact stated that the vehicle would start normally but as the transmission became hotter, the failure would occur. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was not provided with the reason that the transmission needed to be replaced. The failure and the current mileage was 155,000. *tr
- Seat belts
After seeing my seat belt light on for a long time, I discovered that nhtsa campaign number: 01v166002. I called the acura number listed, as well as the dealership that sold and has serviced my car, and both are stating that there has been no recall for these seat belts. I verified they knew my car was a 2001 acura TL, and specifically asked about the seat belts. *tr
- Power train
I was exactly halfway through a 350 mile road trip, driving uphill along a busy interstate in the left lane when, without warning, my 2001 acura 3.2 TL began losing speed despite continued throttle acceleration. The engine rpm's were climbing as if the transmission were in neutral. Luckily, I was…
I was exactly halfway through a 350 mile road trip, driving uphill along a busy interstate in the left lane when, without warning, my 2001 acura 3.2 TL began losing speed despite continued throttle acceleration. The engine rpm's were climbing as if the transmission were in neutral. Luckily, I was able to roll to right shoulder and come to a safe stop. My transmission shut down completely. The reverse and all drive gears behaved as neutral. I was left with only park and neutral. I opened the hood and smelled something burning. When I checked the transmission fluid it was black and smoking. Just 3 hours earlier when I checked all my fluids before leaving, I noticed the transmission fluid was the normal shiny red. I was given no warning signs, no symptoms of shifting problems, and no console indication that my transmission was running hotter than normal. I understand that there was a recall on my year make and model, and that my transmission was included in that recall. Why didn't acura fix this problem? my vehicle has only 103,000 mi; this shouldn't have happened. *tr
- Power train
I spoke to a gentleman from the nhtsa on 2/6/13 who informed me that the recall pertaining to the 2001 acura TL transmission, 2ND to 3RD gear slippage that can result in transmission lockup and crash, IS still valid through april of 2014, with no mileage restrictions and IS to be replaced at the…
I spoke to a gentleman from the nhtsa on 2/6/13 who informed me that the recall pertaining to the 2001 acura TL transmission, 2ND to 3RD gear slippage that can result in transmission lockup and crash, IS still valid through april of 2014, with no mileage restrictions and IS to be replaced at the full cost of the manufacturer (nhtsa recall I.D. 04V176, acura recall I.D. P39). In an attempt to have a productive conversation with an acura client relations representative on 2/19/13, in hopes of having the transmission replaced as the vehicles transmission IS deteriorating rapidly, I was told that the gentleman who I spoke with from the nhtsa was incorrect in the information he provided and that the recall has already expired. I would like the nhtsa to please contact myself and acura client relations, in writing, explaining that the recall pertaining to the 2001 acura TL transmission IS still valid so that I may take the necessary steps in having the transmission replaced asap and avoid having a major incident as I fear for mine and my family's safety. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Automatic transmission sudden downshift
See attached report.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10211608Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
- 10193392Sending vehicle data to tech line.
- 10130044Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10127358Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10118544Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10117869Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and are looking for a solution.
- 10117865Service 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.
- 10100462Service bulletin - navigation system information.
- 10099960"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]). Depending on the model, there are two individual procedures in this bulletin."
- 10037486Acura: 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.
- 10025524Load carrying capacity reduced label for all acura vehicles.
- 10024664Warranty extension: 3.2 TL and 3.2 cl automatic transmission.
- 10024561Acura 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.
- 10021343Rough idle, stalls at stops, and dtc's p0172 or p0175 appear when inspected.
- 10018109Homelink won't program with aftermarket remotes.
- 10018044Don't invite problems doing 2ND gear inspection. Acura servicenews.
- 10018038Speedometer shops can transfer odometer mileage. Acura. Servicenews.
- 10017507Seat-back panel IS loose or detached.
- 10017506Rear stabilizer link IS broken.
- 10016261Canon A75 digital camera replacement.
- 10016260Cranks won't start, immobilizer light flashes.
- 10014779Hvac blower motor noise.
- 10014774Replacement or updated navigation dvd disks.
- 10014766P1706 a/t switch short or open.
- 10014344Atf (automatic transmission fluid) leaks from cooler line banjo bolt.
- 10014334Don't reuse old atf fluid) warmer on reman a/t (automatic transmission)
- 10014133Canon digital camera loan program.
- 10014093Navigation error message-dvd disk read error.
- 10014075Srs warning light on after body shop repair.
- 10014071Odometer accuracy.
- 10014067The homelink system may have test information stored in memory that must be erased before it can be programmed.
- 10014065Power steering belt tension adjustment.
- 10014061Troubleshooting ABS or tcs diagnostic trouble code 51 and/or 53.
- 10014049If navigation system intermittently displays the message, database old see your dealer, apply the navigational system operating system software patch.
- 10013930Camera fixture retainer knobs now available.
- 10013911A/t solenoid replacement criteria.
- 10013909How to remove a stubborn atf filler bolt.
- 10013905How to replenish atf on vehicles with a/t oil jet kits.
- 10013871The beverage holder lid doesn't close evenly.
- 10013845Replacing navigation system dvd's can cause dvd disk error.
Every Acura TL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.