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2001 Acura Tl

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Acura Tl do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 124.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

84 reports with mileage · 65 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 103 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports2 fire reports5 injury reports

Power Train complaints

103 reports
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37,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, THE CONSUMER WAS PROPELLED TOWARD THE WINDSHIELD AND MOMENTARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER AND AFTER A DIAGNOSIS WAS PERFORMED, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. *AK *JB *NM

NHTSA ODI #10050343

Mileage unknown · Jan 1, 2004
Power TrainCrash

MY ACURA 2001 3.2TL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSON WAS STARTED BY TURNING ON THE IGNITION. AS SOON AS IT WAS STARTED, WITH TRANSMISSION IN PARK, THE CAR TOOK OFF IN REVERSE. STEPPING ON THE BRAKE DIDN'T SLOW DOWN THE CAR, NEITHER DID SHIFTING THE GEARS. THE ONLY WAY THE CAR STOPPED WAS WHEN IT HIT THE FENCE AND HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET. T…

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MY ACURA 2001 3.2TL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSON WAS STARTED BY TURNING ON THE IGNITION. AS SOON AS IT WAS STARTED, WITH TRANSMISSION IN PARK, THE CAR TOOK OFF IN REVERSE. STEPPING ON THE BRAKE DIDN'T SLOW DOWN THE CAR, NEITHER DID SHIFTING THE GEARS. THE ONLY WAY THE CAR STOPPED WAS WHEN IT HIT THE FENCE AND HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE CAR, WELL OVER $7000. I CALLED ACURA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND STATED THAT ACURA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE INCIDENT. THEY DIDN'T HELP AT ALL. I WROTE A LETTER TO THE CEO OF AMERICAN HONDA AND THEY JUST REFERRED IT TO ACURA CUSTOMER SERVICE. THEY REFUSE TO HELP AT ALL WHEN IT IS CLEAR FROM ALL THE INCIDENTS REPORTED IN THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT THERE IS A CLEAR PROBLEM WITH ACURA TRANSMISSIONS. THE NHTSA SHOULD TAKE ACTION SINCE THERE ARE MANY INCIDENTS WITH HONDA AND ACURA'S. I AM DEFINITELY AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. I DON'T SEE ANY REASON TO BUY A HONDA OR ACURA AGAIN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10051489

25,000 miles · Dec 5, 2003
Power Train

MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON ME THE OTHER NIGHT IT WAS DARK AND POURING DOWN RAIN. I WAS DRIVING ON A BACK ROAD AT 55 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR WENT FROM 55 MPH TO 40 MPH. I HAD ALREADY SCHEDULED THE CAR TO GO IN THE NEXT MORNING, BUT REALIZED THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT MAKE IT UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING. I TURNED THE CAR AROU…

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MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON ME THE OTHER NIGHT IT WAS DARK AND POURING DOWN RAIN. I WAS DRIVING ON A BACK ROAD AT 55 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR WENT FROM 55 MPH TO 40 MPH. I HAD ALREADY SCHEDULED THE CAR TO GO IN THE NEXT MORNING, BUT REALIZED THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT MAKE IT UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING. I TURNED THE CAR AROUND AND HEADED FOR THE DEALERSHIP. I CALLED AND TOLD THEM I WAS BRINGING IT IN. I ROAD WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON THE WAY BACK TO DEALERSHIP. THE CAR WOULD ONLY GO AS FAST AS 40 MPH WITH THE RPM RUNNING AT 4500. THIS WAS SCARY FOR ME BECAUSE IT WAS DARK AND RAINING AND IT WAS HARD TO SEE OTHER CARS. I GOT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY GAVE ME A LOANER CAR. THE NEXT DAY I GOT A CALL FROM THE DEALER THEY SAID THAT THEY CONFIRMED WITH THEIR COMPUTER THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I THEN SAID, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT. THIS WILL BE THE 4TH TRANSMISSION PUT INTO THE CAR. THEY SAID, THEY HAVE TO SEND THIS TRANSMISSION TO ACURA AND THEY WOULD PUT A NEW TRANSMISSION IN THE CAR. WELL FROM THE WEB SITES THAT I HAVE READ TODAY SAYS THEY ARE PUTTING REBUILT TRANSMISSION IN BRAND NEW CARS. THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS TIME BOMB AND THAT IS WHY THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY. I THINK THAT THE REST OF AMERICA AND WORLD SHOULD KNOW WHAT ACURA IS DOING TO THEIR CUSTOMERS AND I THINK THEY NEED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM RIGHT AWAY, OR GIVE US OUR MONEY BACK SO WE CAN GO BUY ANOTHER CAR AND NOT ACURA. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10049270

25,000 miles · Nov 21, 2003
Power Train

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I OWN A 2001 ACURA 3.2 TL FOR 3 YEARS. I AM GOING ON MY 4TH TRANSMISSION. ACURA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM THEY JUST KEEP PUTTING REBUILT TRANSMISSIONS IN A BRAND NEW CAR. THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE CAR TO 100,000 MILES. I CURRENTLY HAVE 82,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I HAVE TWO YEARS OF CAR PAYMENT…

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

NHTSA ODI #10047323

44,500 miles · Nov 5, 2003
Power Train

THE WIFE STARTED HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON 11/3/2003 IN THE MORNING. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM OF THE PROBLEM. THEY SET THE APPOINTMENT FOR 4 DAYS LATER. BY NOON TIME THE TRANSMISSION WOULD ONLY GO INTO REVERSE AND WE CALLED TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE NEXT DAY THEY SAID THAT SOMEONE MAY HAVE GO…

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THE WIFE STARTED HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON 11/3/2003 IN THE MORNING. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM OF THE PROBLEM. THEY SET THE APPOINTMENT FOR 4 DAYS LATER. BY NOON TIME THE TRANSMISSION WOULD ONLY GO INTO REVERSE AND WE CALLED TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE NEXT DAY THEY SAID THAT SOMEONE MAY HAVE GOTTEN SODA DOWN IN THE SHIFTER AND THAT IS WHAT THEY WERE GOING TO CHECK OUT. I CALLED THEM AROUND 3:00 AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WERE NOW GOING TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY SAID THAT THE NEW TRANSMISSION HAS THE PROBLEM FIXED. I AM VERY MAD AT THE SERVICE DEPT. OF THE ACURA DEALERSHIP, 1. THEY KNOW OF THE PROBLEM AND WOULD LET MY WIFE AND OUR ONE YEAR OLD RIDE AROUND FOR 4 DAYS LIKE THAT WHEN YOU READ THAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE THE TRANSMISSION. LOCK UP ON THEM ON THE HIGHWAY. ARE THEY JUST TRYING TO SAVE THE MONEY ON A RENTAL CAR? 2. THEY KNOW OF THE PROBLEM AND TRIED TO SAY THAT SODA GOT INTO THE SHIFTER. 3. IS THE PROBLEM FIXED LIKED I WAS TOLD OR ARE THEY JUST PUTTING IN ANOTHER REBUILT JUNK TRANSMISSION FOR US TO HAVE PROBLEMS LATER DOWN THE ROAD. THEY ARE TRYING TO COVER UP THE PROBLEM AND THEY SHOULD RECALL THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT. WE TRIED TO CALL MY WIFE'S GIRL FRIEND WHO HAS A CL AND LET HER KNOW ABOUT IT BEFORE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS TO HER. ACURA AND NHTSA SHOULD ALL DO THE PROPER THING AND RECALL THE CARS TODAY. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10045496

57,000 miles · Oct 29, 2003
Power Train

NUMEROUS TRANSMISSION FAILURES, 4 EACH AND 1 IN A 2001 3.2 TL "LOANER". THIS VEHICLE JUST "LOCKS" UP WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED, DOWNSHIFTING WITHOUT WARNING FROM 45 TO 10-15 MPH. THE ENGINE REDLINES, AND THE GOVERNOR TAKES OVER PREVENTING DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE IS REAR END…

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NUMEROUS TRANSMISSION FAILURES, 4 EACH AND 1 IN A 2001 3.2 TL "LOANER". THIS VEHICLE JUST "LOCKS" UP WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED, DOWNSHIFTING WITHOUT WARNING FROM 45 TO 10-15 MPH. THE ENGINE REDLINES, AND THE GOVERNOR TAKES OVER PREVENTING DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE IS REAR ENDED AND DIES IN THIS VEHICLE. ACURA KEEPS INSTALLING "NEW" REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSIONS WITH THE "HOPE" IT IS FIXED. MY LAST OCCURANCE ACTUALLY BROKE A HYDRAULIC FILLED MOTOR MOUNT - THAT'S HOW MUCH FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE PUTS ON THE VEHICLE*AK

NHTSA ODI #10043904

35,000 miles · Oct 20, 2003
Power Train

MY 2001 ACURA 3.2TL TRANSMISSION DIED AFTER 35K MILES. THE CAR SHIFTED GEARS ON ITS OWN FOR A FEW MONTHS, THEN FINALLY DECIDED TO STOP WORKING ON 10/18/03 ON THE WAY HOME. THE CAR RIGHT NOW IS IN THE SHOP WAITING FOR THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION. I AM VERY CONCERNED AS I DID MY RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET. TOO MANY COMPLAINTS FILED…

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MY 2001 ACURA 3.2TL TRANSMISSION DIED AFTER 35K MILES. THE CAR SHIFTED GEARS ON ITS OWN FOR A FEW MONTHS, THEN FINALLY DECIDED TO STOP WORKING ON 10/18/03 ON THE WAY HOME. THE CAR RIGHT NOW IS IN THE SHOP WAITING FOR THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION. I AM VERY CONCERNED AS I DID MY RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET. TOO MANY COMPLAINTS FILED AT(WWW.PETITIONONLINE.COM/MOD_PERL/PETITION-SIGN.CGI?ACURA). I DON'T WANT TO GET CAUGHT IN AN ACCIDENT LIKE OTHERS BECAUSE OF THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. I SPENT A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS CAR. I USE IT FOR MY BUSINESS EVERYDAY, AND I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE IT ON THE STREET. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT AND SHOULD BE CLASSIFIED AS A RECALL. I WOULD LIKE AMERICAN HONDA TO TAKE MY CAR BACK AND RETURN MY MONEY. P.S. I HAD PREVIOUSLY OWN A 2001 ACURA RL AND HAD SIMILAR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. MY ACURA DEALER TRIED TO FIX IT 3 TIMES. PROBLEMS STILL EXISTS. FINALLY, I RETURNED THE CAR. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10043209

33,650 miles · Jun 2, 2003
Power Train

ON MAY 7, 2003, AT 32,905 MILES MY 2001 3.2TL EXPERIENCED A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER WHO REPLACED PART NUMBER 37820-PE8-305RM. THIS MORNING WHILE DRIVING INTO WORK, THE CAR WAS ONCE AGAIN SLOW TO ENGAGE 3RD GEAR AND DID NOT SEEM TO CYCLE TO 4TH OR ABOVE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10020893

38,500 miles · Mar 21, 2003
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD EITHER HESITATE UPON ACCELERATION OR SLIP. THERE WAS ALSO A NOISE IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *NLM......*AK

NHTSA ODI #10012235

66,421 miles · Mar 3, 2003
Power Train

TRANSMISSION FAILED IN CAR WHICH ALMOST CAUSED IT TO STALL IN ACCELERATION BECAUSE IT WAS UNABLE TO FIND THIRD GEAR WHILE ACCELERATING WITH OTHER CARS BEHIND ME. I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE CAR UNDER CONTROL AND MOVE IT OFF ROAD TO A SAFE SPOT. I HAD RESEARCHED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR SO I REALIZED THE SYMPTOMS IMMEDIATEL…

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TRANSMISSION FAILED IN CAR WHICH ALMOST CAUSED IT TO STALL IN ACCELERATION BECAUSE IT WAS UNABLE TO FIND THIRD GEAR WHILE ACCELERATING WITH OTHER CARS BEHIND ME. I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE CAR UNDER CONTROL AND MOVE IT OFF ROAD TO A SAFE SPOT. I HAD RESEARCHED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR SO I REALIZED THE SYMPTOMS IMMEDIATELY BUT HAD LESS THAN A DAY'S NOTICE BEFORE IT HAPPENED. OTHERS HAVE REPORTED EVEN LESS NOTICE WITH THEIR CARS ON THE HIGHWAY AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED DROPPING FROM 5TH TO 2ND GEAR JERKING THEM FORWARD AND CAUSING THE CAR TO SWERVE.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10008349

Official recalls

3

20V027000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jan 17, 2020

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. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

04V176000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Apr 15, 2004

ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL 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.

01V166002 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Aug 14, 2001

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 COLLISION REPAIRS. REPAIRS WERE MADE FROM MARCH 9 THROUGH JULY 27, 2001. SOME OF THE NONCOMPLIANT BUCKLES WERE MISLABELED AND REDISTRIBUTED TO ACURA DEALERS TO BE USED AS RECALL REPAIR PARTS. HONDA ALSO DETERMINED THAT INCORRECT FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE USED FOR SOME PRODUCT UPDATE REPAIRS OF 2000 ACURA 3.2TL VEHICLES, AND WARRANTY OR COLLISION REPAIRS OF 2000-2002 3.2TL VEHICLES. THESE SEAT BELT BUCKLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE02081 · Automatic Transmission Sudden Downshift

Opened Oct 28, 2002 · Closed Mar 5, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission

SEE ATTACHED REPORT.