1999 Acura TL
The 1999 Acura TL is a mid-size luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride and reliability, although it is getting up there in age, and there are bound to be some issues. It came standard with a 3.2-liter V6 engine producing 225 horsepower and 216 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the TL for its smooth engine, comfortable interior, and sleek styling. Common dislikes include the relatively soft suspension and occasional electrical gremlins.
Engine
3.2L V6
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from various locations, most commonly the valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, and oil pan gasket. This can result in a burning oil smell, visible oil drips, and low oil levels.
- Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ depending on the leak location and labor.
- Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic idle, stalling, and difficulty starting the engine.
- Solution: Replace the IAC valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
- EGR Valve Clogging
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, poor acceleration, and a check engine light with EGR-related codes.
- Solution: Clean or replace the EGR valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Can also lead to transmission slipping or complete failure.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter and flush the transmission fluid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Transmission Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, delayed engagement, or sudden jumps in RPMs without corresponding acceleration.
- Solution: Could be due to worn clutches, valve body issues, or low fluid. Repair options range from fluid flush and filter replacement to complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) to $3000+ (rebuild/replace)
- Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Abrupt and jerky gear changes, particularly between 2nd and 3rd gear.
- Solution: Could be due to worn solenoids, valve body issues, or low fluid. Sometimes a fluid flush and solenoid replacement can resolve the issue, but other times a more extensive repair is needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
- Complete Transmission Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission no longer engages, vehicle cannot move.
- Solution: Transmission Rebuild or Replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
- Recalls: Recall Number: 99V342000 (NHTSA Recall ID Number: 99V342) - Certain vehicles manufactured between approximately March 1998 and August 1999 were recalled due to a potential problem with the transmission case that could crack, leading to fluid loss and possible transmission failure.
Suspension
- Worn Struts and Shocks
- Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during cornering, and decreased handling performance.
- Solution: Replace the struts and shocks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
- Worn Ball Joints and Control Arm Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front end, especially when going over bumps. Loose steering and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replace worn ball joints and control arm bushings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Power Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of one or more door locks.
- Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 per door
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof motor failure, causing the sunroof to become stuck or operate erratically. Broken or damaged sunroof tracks.
- Solution: Replace the sunroof motor or repair/replace the sunroof tracks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Gauge Cluster Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Gauges not functioning properly, flickering, or complete failure.
- Solution: Repair or replace the gauge cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust
- Description/Symptoms: Rust formation on body panels, especially around the wheel wells, rocker panels, and door edges.
- Solution: Rust repair, body work, and repainting.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ depending on the extent of the rust.
- Recalls: None Found
- Headlight lens clouding/yellowing
- Description/Symptoms: Headlight lens is foggy or yellow, reducing the headlight’s brightness.
- Solution: Headlight Restoration kit or lens replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $100 (DIY kit) to $200 - $500 (replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Climate Control Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning not blowing cold air, heater not blowing hot air, or inconsistent temperature control.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the AC system (refrigerant recharge, compressor replacement, etc.) or the heater system (heater core replacement, etc.).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (recharge) to $1000+ (compressor or heater core replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Audio System Failures
- Description/Symptoms: Head unit failure, speaker issues, or amplifier problems.
- Solution: Repair or replace the head unit, speakers, or amplifier.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 1999 Acura TL, while generally reliable, is showing its age. The most concerning issues relate to the transmission, which can experience slipping, harsh shifting, and even complete failure, potentially costing several thousand dollars to repair. Engine issues, like oil leaks and sensor failures, are also common. Electrical problems and suspension wear are typical for a vehicle of this age and can add to the overall maintenance costs. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others can be quite costly, making it essential to carefully inspect a potential purchase and factor in potential maintenance expenses. The transmission recall further highlights potential issues that should be addressed with careful pre-purchase inspection.