2000 Acura EL

# 2000 Acura EL Reliability & Common Issues

### Overview
The 2000 Acura EL, a compact luxury sedan, was a popular model in its segment, primarily sold in Canada. It shared its platform with the Honda Civic. For 2000, it was offered with a single powertrain: a 1.7-liter inline-four engine. This naturally aspirated engine produced approximately 127 horsepower and 116 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally praised the EL for its fuel efficiency, reliable powertrain, and premium interior features for its class. Common criticisms often centered around its less powerful engine compared to some competitors and a ride that could be perceived as firm by some.

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## 🛠 Component Categories

### Engine
#### 1.7L Inline-4 (DOHC VTEC)
**Oil Leaks from VTEC Solenoid/Gasket**
- **Description/Symptoms:** Minor to moderate oil seepage around the VTEC solenoid or its gasket. Can sometimes lead to low oil levels if left unaddressed.
- **Solution:** Replacement of the VTEC solenoid gasket, or the solenoid itself if faulty.
- **Estimated Cost to Fix:** $100 - $250
- **Recalls:** No widespread recalls documented for this specific issue.

**Timing Belt Replacement Interval Missed**
- **Description/Symptoms:** If the timing belt is not replaced at the recommended interval (typically every 7 years or 105,000 miles), it can break, leading to significant engine damage, including bent valves. Symptoms of a broken belt include the engine suddenly stopping and not restarting.
- **Solution:** Replacement of the timing belt, tensioner, water pump, and potentially other associated components if engine damage has occurred.
- **Estimated Cost to Fix:** $400 - $800 (for preventative replacement); $1500+ (if engine damage requires repairs).
- **Recalls:** No widespread recalls documented for this specific issue.

### Transmission
#### 5-Speed Manual Transmission
**Clutch Wear**
- **Description/Symptoms:** Gradual difficulty shifting gears, a stiff clutch pedal, or a clutch that slips under acceleration, indicating wear of the clutch disc, pressure plate, or release bearing.
- **Solution:** Replacement of the clutch assembly (disc, pressure plate, and release bearing).
- **Estimated Cost to Fix:** $500 - $900
- **Recalls:** No widespread recalls documented for this specific issue.

#### 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
**Delayed or Harsh Shifting**
- **Description/Symptoms:** Intermittent or consistent delays in gear engagement, or harsh shifts between gears, particularly when cold or under moderate acceleration.
- **Solution:** Fluid and filter change. If the problem persists, internal transmission repairs or replacement may be necessary.
- **Estimated Cost to Fix:** $150 - $300 (for fluid and filter); $1800+ (for internal repairs or replacement).
- **Recalls:** No widespread recalls documented for this specific issue.

### Suspension & Chassis
**Worn Sway Bar Links**
- **Description/Symptoms:** Clunking or rattling noises from the front or rear suspension, especially over uneven surfaces or during turns.
- **Solution:** Replacement of worn sway bar links and bushings.
- **Estimated Cost to Fix:** $150 - $300
- **Recalls:** No widespread recalls documented for this specific issue.

**Rear Wheel Bearing Noise**
- **Description/Symptoms:** A humming or grinding noise that increases with vehicle speed, particularly noticeable when turning.
- **Solution:** Replacement of the affected rear wheel bearing.
- **Estimated Cost to Fix:** $250 - $400
- **Recalls:** No widespread recalls documented for this specific issue.

### Electrical
**Power Window Motor Failure**
- **Description/Symptoms:** A specific window failing to operate (go up or down) when the switch is activated. Often accompanied by a clicking sound or no sound at all.
- **Solution:** Replacement of the power window motor and regulator assembly.
- **Estimated Cost to Fix:** $200 - $350 per window
- **Recalls:** No widespread recalls documented for this specific issue.

**Headlight Condensation**
- **Description/Symptoms:** Moisture or fogging visible inside the headlight assemblies, which can impair visibility and potentially affect bulb life.
- **Solution:** Ensuring seals are intact and properly seated. Sometimes replacement of the headlight assembly is required if seals are compromised beyond repair.
- **Estimated Cost to Fix:** $50 - $150 (for sealing/cleaning); $200 - $400 (for assembly replacement)
- **Recalls:** No widespread recalls documented for this specific issue.

### Exterior
**Clear Coat Peeling**
- **Description/Symptoms:** The top layer of paint (clear coat) beginning to flake or peel, particularly on the roof, hood, and trunk lid, due to sun exposure and age.
- **Solution:** Professional repainting or touch-up of affected areas.
- **Estimated Cost to Fix:** $500 - $3000+ (depending on extent of damage and repair method)
- **Recalls:** No widespread recalls documented for this specific issue.

**Door Lock Actuator Malfunction**
- **Description/Symptoms:** Power door locks failing to lock or unlock consistently, or operating intermittently.
- **Solution:** Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
- **Estimated Cost to Fix:** $150 - $300 per door
- **Recalls:** No widespread recalls documented for this specific issue.

### Interior
**HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure**
- **Description/Symptoms:** The HVAC blower motor only working on certain fan speeds, or not at all, indicating a failed resistor.
- **Solution:** Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
- **Estimated Cost to Fix:** $75 - $150
- **Recalls:** No widespread recalls documented for this specific issue.

**Driver's Seat Recline Mechanism Issues**
- **Description/Symptoms:** Difficulty in adjusting or locking the driver's seat in a desired position due to wear or malfunction in the recline mechanism.
- **Solution:** Repair or replacement of the seat recline mechanism.
- **Estimated Cost to Fix:** $200 - $400
- **Recalls:** No widespread recalls documented for this specific issue.

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### Summary
The 2000 Acura EL exhibits a good overall reliability record, consistent with Acura's reputation. The majority of documented issues are minor and relate to wear and tear on common components such as suspension parts, electrical actuators, and exterior paint. Preventative maintenance, especially on the timing belt, is crucial to avoid potentially costly engine repairs. For owners, the long-term cost of ownership is generally moderate, with most repairs being manageable and not indicative of systemic design flaws.