2003 Acura TL Acura TL 2003

We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

2003 Acura TL repairs by problem area

Engine (23%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (21%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (24%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (3%)

Other (2%)

Chart based on 112 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Acura TL.

2003 Acura TL repair cost distribution

$2500+ (8%)

$1000 - $2499 (8%)

$500 - $999 (15%)

$100 - $499 (38%)

< $100 (31%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 96 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Acura TL

Engine not specified

Acura TL in Tennessee, United States
Jun 2008 - Jul 2008
Jul 2008

84000 mi
Sold car after transmission replacement. 
Acura TL in New York, United States
Dec 2009 - Oct 2011
Jan 2010

63000 mi

US $250
transform of front left light had to be replaced with regulation beam light. front left suspension leak. 

Return to top

2003 Acura TL 4dr Sedan

260-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Acura TL in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2011 - Nov 2012
Oct 2011

111600 mi

C $1000
Trnsmission failed completely. A known defect, Acura stood behind car despite out of time and mileage for extended warranty. Acura paid for parts (around 5k), i paid labout $1k. 
Nov 2012

117800 mi
Was told car had rotting fuel lines,  muffler system. Transmission was beginning to act up - again. Mechanic recommended to not fix, as would cost about $4,200. Decided to trade the car, which still looks great. Got $800. brake lines and 
Acura TL in Manitoba, Canada
Apr 2012 - Dec 2016
Jun 2012

65720 mi

C $450
bad wheel bearing on front right wheel noticed by a clunking sound when turning and going over a bump 
Mar 2013

74400 mi
lower ball joint on driver's side 
Dec 2013

79360 mi

C $300
Car suddenly started running roughly, took in to shop and was diagnosed as a faulty ignition coil...was changed and all fine....diagnosis was main part of entire cost of repair 
Dec 2016

103540 mi
A bit of surface rust starting on dog legs around wheel well, but nothing major. Sometimes upon starting the headlight bulb indicator would illuminate and one hid bulb would be out. Flick dimmer stalk a couple times and both hids would work fine. Occasional issue. 
Acura TL in Texas, United States
Feb 2011 - Aug 2013
May 2013

161000 mi

US $717
Replaced both wheel bearings. New headlight. 
Jun 2013

163000 mi

US $334
Both rear caliper bolts failed, flinging caliper to the winds. Replaced caliper, both rear rotors (one was damaged in said flinging) 
Aug 2013

163000 mi
Third transmission failure for the car was enough to kill it. Overall, a great car. It will be missed. 
Acura TL in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2009 - May 2016
Oct 2009

65000 mi
Replaced torque converter. It is a common problem to this year because of the changeover from 4speed to 5speed cramped gearbox. This was done under warranty, otherwise would have cost over 2K. 
May 2011

83300 mi
Airbag fitted with extra bolt according to Service Bulletin. Dealer fixed at no cost. 
Nov 2011

87000 mi
Low temp heating element on drivers side doesn't work, high setting does. Problem originated when car was purchased around 47,000 mi., fixed under extended warranty. Didn't attempt to DIY fix yet. No longer have extended warranty. 
Apr 2012

87000 mi
trunk sometimes does not always lock when closed 
Aug 2014

95700 mi

US $300
Front brake calipers squeaking. changing pads, discs, lubricant did not work. Determined the caliper was cracked and replaced 
Acura TL in New York, United States
May 2011 - Dec 2017
Oct 2013

216200 mi

US $235
Tie Rod end replaced 
Dec 2013

217000 mi

US $150
Bad Coil Pack 
Acura TL in Indiana, United States
Apr 2011 - Apr 2012
Feb 2012

165700 mi

US $800
Both front wheel bearings replaced. 
Apr 2012

169000 mi

US $100
Positive battery cable replaced 
Acura TL in Oregon, United States
Apr 2013 - Jul 2017
Sep 2013

100000 mi

US $150
HID headlight went out. Tracked the problem to a faulty ballast cable (not the expensive ballast itself). 
Apr 2015

109300 mi

US $50
HID Ballast Igniter (Xenon low beam headlight) 
Acura TL in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2015 - Dec 2017
Dec 2016

83000 mi

US $125
replaced leaky radiator 
May 2017

85000 mi

US $1000
SRS passenger sensing system 
Nov 2017

88000 mi

US $200
right control arm 
Dec 2017

88000 mi

US $100
replace defective denso radiator 
Acura TL in Colorado, United States
Apr 2017 - Jul 2018
Apr 2018

304000 mi

US $211
Replaced front shocks and driver's side upper control arm (due to failed ball joint). 
Acura TL in Virginia, United States
Dec 2014 - Mar 2015
Mar 2015

149000 mi
Wheel bearing replaced under warranty. Had this one replaced less than a year before. 
Acura TL in Nevada, United States
Jun 2014 - Jun 2015
Jul 2014

133200 mi

US $3000
There was a recall on transmission, overheating. The shop did a repair kit first time didn't work. Transmission rebuilt, overheated and rebuild again by same shop, under warranty. It's been ok since then, car seem to have extra power mPG. 
Acura TL in Ohio, United States
Jul 2013 - May 2014
Nov 2013

155000 mi

US $800
Cruise control arm on the throttle body broke and needed to be replaced. Rear suspension bushings replaced 
May 2014

160000 mi
New catalytic converter needed. 
Acura TL in California, United States
May 2013 - Sep 2015
Nov 2013

361300 mi

US $400
Leaking radiator 
Jul 2014

377300 mi
Possible head gasket leak. Over heating issues, broken radiator hose. Replaced radiator and still losing coolant. Radiator empty, but reservior full. 
Sep 2014

379000 mi

US $500
Tried to determine presence of head gasket leak. Removed all 6 coil packs and plugs. Compression between 395 and 415 for all cylinders. When reassembled, car was hitting on 4 cylinders. Took to mechanic where he replaced 3 coil packs. Intermittent cooling. Added one small can of freon, which put system at low end of full. No further problems. 
Acura TL in Connecticut, United States
Jun 2011 - Feb 2014
Feb 2014

225000 mi
The engine would race and the car stop abruptly. Dealer cannot diagnose, nor fix the problem after 3 attempts. Ridiculous. Shame on Acura. 
Acura TL in Texas, United States
Feb 2007 - Apr 2011
Jul 2007

91000 mi

US $150
New Transmission - free under warranty Broken motor mount 
Dec 2007

110000 mi

US $250
Replace Lt Headlight 
Feb 2011

182000 mi

US $285
Replaced starter. 
Acura TL in Wisconsin, United States
Jan 2009 - Jul 2017
Jan 2014

137700 mi

US $400
I had a sticking rear caliper causing unusually fast brake pad wear. I opted to replace both rear calipers at one time to prevent future problems. The same caliper required an inexpensive adjustment several years ago. 
Jan 2015

151000 mi

US $200
Tie rod ends Two new rear struts. One was entirely shot. 
Feb 2015

151700 mi

US $400
Wheel bearing was loose, so I got it replaced. 
Jun 2015

155000 mi
Evap control system leak caused a CEL. Since it doesn't affect reliability or performance, I'll wait a bit to get it fixed. Power steering pump is leaking. It's slow, so I'll wait to fix it. 
Jan 2016

152200 mi

US $1005
Brake lines were starting to rust out Fuel lines rusted Left rack boot torn 
Acura TL in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2006 - Sep 2009
Feb 2006

44100 mi
Warranty, VSA and ! lights activate when turning right, right front wheel sensor replaced. 
Mar 2006

44600 mi
Warranty, CD's sticking in changer, replaced in-dash CD unit. 
Dec 2007

73900 mi

US $2600
Rebuild transmission due to internal failure "loss of pressure" that caused slipping between gears (mostly 2nd to 3rd). Torque converter completely failed. An independent shop did the work and included a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty. 
Jun 2008

85000 mi

US $40
Transmission fluid dirty. Shavings on magnetic drain plug. Drain and replace 3 quarts Acura transmission fluid, clean drain plug. 
Jul 2009

100000 mi

US $65
Transmission fluid dirty. Shavings on magnetic drain plug. Drain and replace 3 quarts Acura transmission fluid, clean drain plug. 

Return to top

2003 Acura TL 4dr Sedan

225-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Acura TL in Connecticut, United States
Oct 2014 - Dec 2014
Dec 2014

199000 mi
I don't know exactly what the problem was - mechanic told me that there was a transmission problem and I didn't want to pay for diagnostics on such an old car with a problem that could be expensive - I traded it in. 
Acura TL in Pennsylvania, United States
Oct 2014 - Mar 2015
Nov 2014

111700 mi

US $3500
Known poorly engineered Honda transmission problems associated with 2nd and 3rd gear shifts and no reverse. Replaced with re-manufactured transmission. 
Acura TL in Ohio, United States
Feb 2014 - Jan 2016
Mar 2014

159000 mi

US $2400
Transmission rebuild. Transmission had a minor shifting issue only when floored for passing situations. Started around 130k miles. 
Aug 2014

163700 mi
Replaced front left wheel bearing.  Also returned twice to have transmission checked because of noise and shaking. Trans shop replaced solenoid and torque converter. Problems finally resolved after 6 months and five returns. 
May 2015

182000 mi

US $300
One of two engine cooling fans went out. Caused A/C to shut off so engine did not overheat. 
Acura TL in Quebec, Canada
Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Nov 2009

76260 mi

C $2100
Transmission rebuilt. 
Acura TL in New Mexico, United States
Mar 2015 - Jun 2015
Jun 2015

188000 mi
Front struts and brakes needed to be replaced. 
Acura TL in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2008 - Mar 2020
Mar 2009

72540 mi

C $2886
Replaced damaged engine mounts. 
Apr 2012

96820 mi

C $340
HID lowbeam bulb failed, required replacement, expensive part and non-trivial labour. 
Jun 2018

122760 mi

C $2000
sway bar linkage broke and was replaced with a new part 
Acura TL in British Columbia, Canada
May 2018 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018

150040 mi

C $100
CD player replace 
Acura TL in Utah, United States
- Apr 2009
Apr 2009

112000 mi
Replaced transmission 
Acura TL in Maryland, United States
Nov 2007 - Jun 2018
Sep 2007

25000 mi
sunroof rattle; replace door trim piece 
Acura TL in Illinois, United States
Aug 2015 - Sep 2015
Aug 2015

47000 mi

US $650
Stuttering with braking. Only rear brakes affected; uneven wear due to rusted caliper. Rear pads, calipers, and the rotors were resurfaced. 
Acura TL in Virginia, United States
Feb 2008 - Oct 2012
May 2010

111100 mi

US $4000
transmission went at 110k. replaced for 4k. 
Jul 2011

145000 mi

US $330
Air conditioning blower broke and replaced. 
Acura TL in Michigan, United States
Nov 2009 - Jul 2016
Jul 2016

130000 mi

US $3500
Trans failure required replacement 
Acura TL in Florida, United States
Apr 2013 - Aug 2014
Mar 2014

184000 mi

US $400
Got O2 sensor code (P0132). Had sensor replaced problem remained. Replaced the sensor with OEM (Denso) sensor and the problem was corrected. Vehicle is sensitive to OEM parts. 
Acura TL in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2009 - Mar 2010
Oct 2009

47000 mi

US $400
Replaced heated seats 
Acura TL in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2011 - Jun 2013
Aug 2011

55260 mi

C $90
First took car to Canadian tire to replace a bulb. They damaged hid housing and claimed it was already bad 60$. Then Took it to Acura markham who fixed it for $30. 
Acura TL in Texas, United States
Mar 2011 - Jul 2011
Apr 2011

213000 mi

US $2650
Transmission failed. Rebuild of the transmission was done. 
Acura TL in Ohio, United States
Nov 2009 - Mar 2011
Dec 2009

121000 mi

US $850
Transmission had been "stuttering" a bit at shift points recently instead of shifting crisply. Acura offered replacement w remanufactured transmission at 20% of normal cost, so I had them replace the transmission. Front engine mount needed to be replaced - discovered while replacing the transmission. 
Acura TL in Georgia, United States
Oct 2009 - Mar 2010
Nov 2009

79000 mi

US $230
Positive battery cable badly corroded. Replaced. 
Acura TL in New Hampshire, United States
Nov 2010 - Aug 2012
Dec 2010

209000 mi

US $654
Replaced Front Wheel Bearings. Upper Control Arm on Driver's Side had excessive corrosion and also required replacement. 
Apr 2011

218000 mi

US $504
Replaced both rear struts as well as performed Oil and oil filter Change and Cabin Air Filter change 
Jun 2011

223000 mi

US $254
2nd gear Pressure Sensor on transmission was defective. Transmission overheated on trip and vented. Car was towed back to repair shop, over 200+ miles. Repair shop gave me 2 year warranty on the transmission service summer 2010 and covered. Xenon HID headlight replaced; Low Beam 
Aug 2011

228000 mi

US $50
Blower for Heat&Fan not operating. Found out about TSB-06-006 from this website. Replaced blower connector($9.00) and Transistor Control Circuit($41) to repair problem. Involved removal of Center & rear consoles, glove box and lower dash. 
Jun 2012

253000 mi

US $477
BOTH(Right and Left) Upper Control Arms replaced 
Acura TL in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2008 - Jul 2012
Mar 2010

69000 mi

US $650
Engine mount repair 
Acura TL in Illinois, United States
Jul 2011 - Mar 2015
Sep 2011

92000 mi

US $1000
Changed out driver side HID headlight assembly after gasket leak. Moisture got into headlight assembly. 
Dec 2014

111000 mi

US $800
Sway bar replaced 
Acura TL in Georgia, United States
Jan 2013 - Mar 2014
Jan 2014

116000 mi

US $600
EGR valve blocked 
Acura TL in New York, United States
Mar 2012 - Mar 2013
Jul 2012

111200 mi

US $900
both front upper control arms required replacement 
Acura TL in Georgia, United States
Nov 2011 - Jun 2013
Apr 2012

113000 mi

US $145
O2 sensor 
Sep 2012

122000 mi

US $125
Ha burned transmission fluid. they replaced it, and the transmission works fine now. 
Mar 2013

133000 mi

US $80
oxygen sensor was out. 
Acura TL in Alberta, Canada
May 2009 - Jul 2019
Nov 2009

64207 mi

C $665
Had the timing belt replaced 
Apr 2010

68500 mi

C $225
The left front HID light had to be replaced. 
Feb 2015

114700 mi
The back of the car seemed to be loose when cornering on rough roads. Rear dampers were replaced. Clunk in the front end. The front dampers and lower ball joints were replaced. The defroster doesn't keep the windshield clear when air conditioning not on. low airflow. The car was in for repair earlier in the month and a front damper failed. It was replaced on warranty. 
Nov 2015

119660 mi

C $1600
Need a new timing belt. When they opened the engine they found water pump and oil pump seal leaks. They replaced timing belt, water pump and oil pump seals. 
Acura TL in Illinois, United States
Aug 2011 - May 2016
Nov 2011

106000 mi

US $70
Air conditioning auto fan speed sensor failure - R&R Fan speed sensor and replaced cabin air filters 
Dec 2013

146000 mi

US $400
Squeaking suspension when cold outside. Replaced under previous replacement warranty one front passenger side front strut. Replaced passenger side rear strut as was failed. 

Return to top

2003 Acura TL 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 2WD

Acura TL in Kentucky, United States
Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Apr 2008

95000 mi
Transmission was acting up, service dept says transmission was already replaced after recall took effect. Nothing was done about it during this trip. 

Return to top

2003 Acura TL 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Acura TL in Connecticut, United States
Feb 2008 - Dec 2013
Dec 2013

176000 mi

US $835
replaced ignition coil and spark plugs 

Return to top

2003 Acura TL 2-door

6-cylinder automatic 2WD

Acura TL in Colorado, United States
Sep 2014 - Jun 2022
Jun 2018

57000 mi

US $30
Replaced external trans filter and cleaned Solenoids A/B &C internal screens. Shifting from 4 to 5 at higher than usual speeds, this seemed to solve thst. 
Apr 2022

57900 mi

US $125
timing belt and all related idler pulley components replaced due to age not mileage... Required special socket to remove crank shaft dampener and and best impact wrench I could find ( 5 hours wasted wasted until I bought the special socket ) ...but easy after that !!! also replaced transmission mounts on driver side; required motor trans assembly to be lowered to access crank area (another 3 hrs)... belt install a breeze. 

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans
See TrueDelta's information for all Acura models.

2003 Acura TL Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Acura TL problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.