2003 Acura TL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2003 Acura TL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2003 Acura TL. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact honda at 1-800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.
Owner complaints
391 complaints24 involved a crash4 involved a fire20 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
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.
- Air bags
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…
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)
- Power train
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…
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.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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.
- Power train
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to shift from second gear to third gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the RMP’s revved up but the vehicle failed to…
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to shift from second gear to third gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the RMP’s revved up but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
- Seat belts
The driver’s side seat belt is frayed. The area of concern on the belt goes through the upper guide loop and into the B-pillar trim panel. When in use it resides along my upper left torso. The amount of fraying is about twelve inches in length and the width is decreased by about a quarter of an…
The driver’s side seat belt is frayed. The area of concern on the belt goes through the upper guide loop and into the B-pillar trim panel. When in use it resides along my upper left torso. The amount of fraying is about twelve inches in length and the width is decreased by about a quarter of an inch in one area. The issue came to my attention on January 18, 2023. when a co-worker, who has worked in designing and engineering vehicle safety components, brought it to my attention. He informed me that that all safety features such as seat belts and air bags, are warrantied for the life of a vehicle as they work together as a safety system as an industry standard, and that the belt is compromised and may not work as designed in the event of a crash. On January 18, 2023, I spoke on the telephone with the service manager, Martin, of Acura of Troy in Troy, Michigan. Martin informed me that the belt was not a warranty item. I also contacted Acura by online chat on January 19, 2023, and received the same information. On January 27, 2023, I visited the Acura of Troy dealership and had a service representative review the component and received a written estimate to replace the defective parts at my expense, and not under warranty. I believe this to be a defective part caused by the components comprised in the system. I would like this matter to be elevated with Acura as a matter of record. My expectation is to confirm this is either not a safety concern or repair the belt as required under warranty.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Unknown
- Structure › Body
This complaint is in regards to the 2003 Acura model TL, which is made by Honda and seems to have a notorious car frame rust/rot problem due to designing the AC compressor drain line to dump water directly onto the cars front subframe/engine cradle causing it/them to be compromised to a serious…
This complaint is in regards to the 2003 Acura model TL, which is made by Honda and seems to have a notorious car frame rust/rot problem due to designing the AC compressor drain line to dump water directly onto the cars front subframe/engine cradle causing it/them to be compromised to a serious extent that could lead to major injury and or death if not spotted and dealt with. All complaints clearly indicate the problem is on the right/passenger side of certain Hondas and Acuras in the early 2000's. There is no major issues in regards to driver side frame rott. How is that? Because it's a problem created by a variable located there and that is explained here in this complaint. By the grace of God, I had a sway bar link issue making a ticking noise and asked my mechanic to get It onto the lift a take a look. He told me that I should, "Drive it home, park it and start looking for another car. Put it this way, if you were to hit a bad pothole you could have been in a serious situation." Honda has had an innumerable amt of complaints regarding the same issue and it should have been recalled and redirected the drain line, and ppl suffering this issue should have been compensated for the repair (if even possible to do). I will attach photos if permitted to show the extent of the rust on the front frame of the vehicle. Sad nobody has done anything to remedy this. Disgusting.
- Power train
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and hesitated to accelerate. The check engine, third and fourth gear, ESP fault, and VSA system warning lights were illuminated. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle with a code…
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and hesitated to accelerate. The check engine, third and fourth gear, ESP fault, and VSA system warning lights were illuminated. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle with a code reader and the code P1750 appeared. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
- Power train
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle then lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not…
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle then lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
- Power train
Unknown but transmission is slipping in and out of gear even while going down the road
- Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the front driver's side air bag PODS control unit and sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the front driver's side air bag PODS control unit and sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he contacted the manufacturer who confirmed that there was a manufacturer recall for the front driver's side PODS control unit and sensor. The VIN was included in the recall however, the vehicle was not serviced under the recall because the recall had expired. The contact stated that the manufacturer representative stated that the PODS control unit and sensor recall should have been remedied under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V182000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000.
- Suspension
Rear subframe rusted
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2003 acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle jerked and hesitated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift above third gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact referenced…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle jerked and hesitated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift above third gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact referenced the failure to nhtsa campaign number: 04v176000 (power train). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective speed sensor. The dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
- Power train · Structure › Body
The paint on all 2003 acura TL the paint fails badly. The transmission also went out on me soon as my car hit 100,000 miles which sad for an acura. I owned a 96 TL and never had any of these issues. *tr
- Air bags
Srs light IS on
- Air bags · Power train
2003 acura T.L was in motion when the vehicle started slipping on 2ND gear. Then when vehicle was stationary it would not move in reverse gear. as I was on highway the car started jerking out of control, I could not accelerate, vehicle barely wanted to move so I put it in #2 gear so it work catch…
2003 acura T.L was in motion when the vehicle started slipping on 2ND gear. Then when vehicle was stationary it would not move in reverse gear. as I was on highway the car started jerking out of control, I could not accelerate, vehicle barely wanted to move so I put it in #2 gear so it work catch and I was able to drive to safety without anyone getting hurt. Very frightening and dangerous. Problem must be addressed immediately.
- Air bags · Service brakes
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 acura TL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v182000 (air bags). The contact stated that the brake light illuminated and the brakes squeaked. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but was…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 acura TL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v182000 (air bags). The contact stated that the brake light illuminated and the brakes squeaked. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2003 acura TL. The contact stated that the gear did not shift properly and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to acura of laurel (301-498-3322, located at 3506 laurel fort meade rd, laurel, md 20724) where it was diagnosed that the transmission…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 acura TL. The contact stated that the gear did not shift properly and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to acura of laurel (301-498-3322, located at 3506 laurel fort meade rd, laurel, md 20724) where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced at the contact's expense. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v176000 (power train). The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
I need to make a complaint against american honda motor co., inc. This entity has been sending me letters, calling me and knocking on my door for the last two years about an airbag inflator recall. Each type they contact me I tell them I no longer own this vehicle. It was traded in over two years…
I need to make a complaint against american honda motor co., inc. This entity has been sending me letters, calling me and knocking on my door for the last two years about an airbag inflator recall. Each type they contact me I tell them I no longer own this vehicle. It was traded in over two years ago. Even though I may still be registered as the owner, I have no idea who truly owns this vehicle as it was traded in at a dealership. I filled out a vehicle transfer notice over two years ago but honda acura keeps contacting me about this recall on a monthly basis, to the date! Someone please get them to stop or further advise me if I should just ignore their letters. Thank you!
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2003 acura TL. The contact stated that the driver's side headlights failed to illuminate while driving at night. Also, the passenger side headlight assembly retained steam. The vehicle was taken to joe rizza acura (located at 8150 w 159th st, orland park, il 60462, (708)…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 acura TL. The contact stated that the driver's side headlights failed to illuminate while driving at night. Also, the passenger side headlight assembly retained steam. The vehicle was taken to joe rizza acura (located at 8150 w 159th st, orland park, il 60462, (708) 403-7770) where it was diagnosed that the headlight units needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The contact stated that the failure intermittently occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.
- Air bags
"Takata recall" last few digits of vin 002098, im contacting you because we had out recall fixed over a week and the vin still comes up as incomplete this IS hindering me from starting my job with uber ive contacted homda on several occasions just teo days ago I spoke with a lady (can't…
"Takata recall" last few digits of vin 002098, im contacting you because we had out recall fixed over a week and the vin still comes up as incomplete this IS hindering me from starting my job with uber ive contacted homda on several occasions just teo days ago I spoke with a lady (can't remember her name) whom was extremely rude by overtalking me and became very argumentative as o tried to explain my situation and let her know that I needed honda to update this repair with nhtsa in order to start my jon with uber, and that the paperwork would do me no justice, uber needed the update specifically in the system as repaired and not incomplete she basicly told me, it wasnt their ("hondas") problem, even tho they fixed it she said it was acura's problem leaving me even more confused and frustrated as I've been inconveniently, and unwilling unwilling placed inn this situation, this has cist me tome and lots of money from not being able to work and not even my fault to began with. All I want IS this issue to be resolved so I can start work, to top evreything off, they didn't give us any paperwork my husband was told to sign a document that the repair was fixed and he was smart enough to take a picture which I will try to attach to this complaint and I pray you are able to resolve this as quickly as possible. I also showed this document to uber and they specifically said, they could not except it because it needs to show in the system online that the recall attached to my vin has been completed/repaired, and again unfortunately after blood sweat tears and mounts of frustration , inconvenience, and loss wages it still has not been resolved. Please help us!!
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 acura TL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v320000 (air bags). The vehicle was taken to esserman international acura (305-477-6666, located at 10455 nw 12TH st suite a, doral, fl 33172) where the recall repair was performed…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 acura TL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v320000 (air bags). The vehicle was taken to esserman international acura (305-477-6666, located at 10455 nw 12TH st suite a, doral, fl 33172) where the recall repair was performed; however, the air bag indicator flashed on and off. a couple of years later, the contact received another notification for nhtsa campaign number: 19v182000 (air bags). The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer and the technician stated that a diagnostic test needed to be performed at the contact's expense. The contact stated that the air bag indicator illuminated after the initial repairs were performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was not provided.
- Power train
While driving on the highway and doing about 60 mph my car suddenly down shifted into 2ND gear. I nearly lost control of the car and caused an accident. There was no prior indication that something was wrong with the car. I'm a mechanic, and have been one for over 20 years and I have never seen…
While driving on the highway and doing about 60 mph my car suddenly down shifted into 2ND gear. I nearly lost control of the car and caused an accident. There was no prior indication that something was wrong with the car. I'm a mechanic, and have been one for over 20 years and I have never seen or had a transmission give out on me in such a way. called the dealer and was told that the car was not covered anymore by the recall. Recalls for this model and year acura. Now, I think, no I know that this IS a real safety concern that someone might possibly lose their life over. upon doing some research on my own I learned that the transmission problems that this 2000 to 2003 honda's and acura has IS due to shoddy workmanship. Now I'm if the manufacturer knows this and they should cover any and all vehicles still on the road with recalls that they should honor.
- Suspension · Unknown or other
Motor frames or engine cradle on the passenger side IS badly rusted, and it about to fall apart. I have been looking for replacement part, and everyone of them that that I have found has the same problem. I found out the problem when I was trying to replace the front rotors back in june of this…
Motor frames or engine cradle on the passenger side IS badly rusted, and it about to fall apart. I have been looking for replacement part, and everyone of them that that I have found has the same problem. I found out the problem when I was trying to replace the front rotors back in june of this year 2018 and I have not been driving it because I also need to replace the drive axle and I couldn't find the engine cradle for replacement, I couldn't do anything with it.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…
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. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
- Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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 rupture and for the majority of their service life, and…
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 rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492
- Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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 rupture and for the majority of their service life, and…
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 rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with consistently high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly, ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016, four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016, four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The PE is now closed/upgraded to an Engineering Evaluation (EA15-001) to include all manufacturersand vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's EA investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The recalls related to this PE are: 14V343, 14V344, 14V348, 14V351, 14V353, 14V655, 14V700, 14V701, 14V752, 14V763, 14V770, 14V773, 14V787, 14V802 and 14V817.The number of vehicles affected are an estimate since some vehicles may have both the driver and passenger side inflators recalled. The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492
- 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.
- 10195036Service Bulletin - Case v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. BC 424169 (Third Clutch Transmission Settlement - $25 Credit Vouchers).
- 10193392Sending vehicle data to tech line.
- 10172575Service 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.
- 10147186Service 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.
- 10144045Dealer 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.
- 10144042Service bulletin - Emission certification labels that were replaced on a small number of vehicles may have been replaced with a label listing incorrect information. The affected emission labels are replacement service parts, and were not installed at the factory; they were installed during postmanufacturing repairs that required replacement of the underlying part. This will cause the vehicle to be non-compliant with emissions regulations.
- 10139573Service 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.
- 10130044Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10128876Dealer message - Certain vehicles within the above model/model years are subject to one or more of three recalls that were announced today. Do not sell any of these vehicles until Acura has provided you with an appropriate disclosure and acknowledgment form, which we anticipate will be provided by close of business on Wednesday, June 25, 2014
- 10128875Dealer message - Certain vehicles within the above model/model years are subject to one or more of three recalls that were announced today. Do not sell any of these vehicles until Acura has provided you with an appropriate disclosure and acknowledgment form, which we anticipate will be provided by close of business on Wednesday, June 25, 2014
- 10128874Dealer message - Certain vehicles within the above model/model years are subject to one or more of three recalls that were announced today. Do not sell any of these vehicles until Acura has provided you with an appropriate disclosure and acknowledgment form, which we anticipate will be provided by close of business on Wednesday, June 25, 2014
- 10128576Dealer 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.
- 10128575Dealer 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.
- 10128567Service 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. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator casing to rupture upon deployment. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material possibly causing injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.
- 10128558Dealer 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, Recall: Front Driver?s Airbag Inflator May Produce Excessive Pressure After Long-Term Exposure to High Absolute Humidity Recall, and 14-030, Recall: Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflator May Produce Excessive Pressure After Long-Term Exposure to High Absolute Humidity have been posted to ISIS. However, due to the large number of affected units, Acura is still in the process of populating the VIN status inquiry function on iN, which is expected to take several days. When this process is complete, Acura will notify all dealers again via iN message. Until that time, the existing acknowledgement procedure must be used for all potentially affected vehicles.
- 10128529Dealer 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.
- 10127358Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10124987Service 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. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator casing to rupture upon deployment. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.
- 10124986Service bulletin - A small number of airbag modules with defective inflators were sold as replacement parts to replace deployed or damaged airbags.
- 10124985Service 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. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing an injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.
- 10124262Service bulletin - A small number of airbag modules with defective inflators were sold as replacement parts to replace deployed or damaged airbags. 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. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing an injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.
- 10124261Service 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. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator casing to rupture upon deployment. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.
- 10124260Service 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. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing an injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.
- 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.
- 10115226Service 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. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator casing to rupture upon deployment. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.
- 10108864Service 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. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing an injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.
- 10108846Dealer 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. The new direction for this recall population is to replace the airbag inflator in all affected units with a part that has been further improved and available since September 12, 2014.
- 10108845Dealer 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. The new direction for this recall population is to replace the airbag inflator in all affected units with a part that has been further improved and available since September 12, 2014.
- 10108584Service 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. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator casing to rupture upon deployment. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.
- 10108583Service bulletin - The inspection procedure for Takata driver?s airbags was removed because all Takata driver?s airbag inflators installed in the recall vehicle population are being replaced. 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. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing an injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.
- 10108582Service 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. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing an injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.
- 10108539Service 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. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator casing to rupture upon deployment. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.
- 10108537Service bulletin - The inspection procedure for Takata driver's airbags was removed because all Takata driver's airbag inflators installed in the recall vehicle population are being replaced. 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. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing an injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.
- 10108536Service 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. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing an injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.
- 10108461Customer 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). To see if your vehicle needs immediate attention, please check its recall status.
- 10108445Customer 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). To see if your vehicle needs immediate attention, please check its recall status.
- 10108236"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. In certain vehicles, the drivers (front) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator casing to rupture. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing injury or fatality to vehicle occupants."
Every Acura TL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.