2003 Acura EL

The 2003 Acura EL is a compact sedan based on the Honda Civic. It was only sold in Canada. This model year came with a single engine option, the 1.7L SOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine producing 127 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Owners generally appreciate the EL for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride, but some find the styling bland and the performance adequate but not exciting. The lack of features compared to similarly priced competitors is also a common complaint.

Engine

1.7L SOHC VTEC 4-cylinder

• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated with codes related to catalytic converter efficiency (P0420). Reduced fuel economy. Rattling noise from underneath the car.
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated with codes related to the oxygen sensors (e.g., P0135, P0141). Poor fuel economy. Rough idling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty oxygen sensor(s). Usually the upstream (air/fuel ratio) sensor and the downstream sensor (after the catalytic converter) are the common culprits.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak visible around the valve cover. Burning oil smell. Low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-speed Automatic

• Delayed or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable delay when shifting between gears. Harsh or jerky shifts. Slipping between gears.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. If the problem persists, a more extensive repair involving valve body replacement or transmission rebuild may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 (fluid/filter), $800 - $2500+ (rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found

5-speed Manual

• Grinding or Difficulty Shifting into Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting, especially into 2nd or 3rd gear. Difficulty engaging gears.
  • Solution: Clutch replacement. Could also indicate worn synchronizers inside the transmission, requiring a transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Vague steering. Uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ per control arm
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy or unstable ride. Excessive body roll during cornering. Leaking fluid from the struts/shocks.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per pair
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving up or down. Slow or erratic window movement.
  • Solution: Replacement of the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dead overnight or after a short period of inactivity. Difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Identify and repair the parasitic drain. Common causes include a faulty alternator, a malfunctioning relay, or an aftermarket accessory that is not properly installed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation on the body panels, especially around the wheel wells, rocker panels, and door edges.
  • Solution: Rust repair, including sanding, patching, and repainting. In severe cases, body panel replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ (depending on severity and location)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Driver’s side window switch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Switch for driver’s side window inoperable, but all other windows function fine.
  • Solution: Replacement of the window switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2003 Acura EL is generally considered a reliable vehicle, but like any car of its age, it’s prone to certain issues. The most common issues relate to engine maintenance (catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, gasket leaks), transmission performance (especially delayed shifting), suspension wear (bushings, struts), and electrical problems (window motors, battery drain). Rust is also a concern, particularly in areas with harsh winters. Repair costs can vary significantly depending on the specific issue and the severity of the problem, but overall, the EL is relatively affordable to maintain compared to some other vehicles in its class. A thorough inspection is recommended before purchasing a used 2003 Acura EL, paying close attention to the areas mentioned above.