2003 Acura TL

The 2003 Acura TL is a front-wheel drive mid-size luxury sedan known for its reliability, sporty handling, and comfortable interior. It was available with a single engine option, a 3.2-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 5-speed automatic transmission or, in the Type-S model, a 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift. People generally like the car’s styling, performance, and build quality, while common dislikes often revolve around the automatic transmission’s reliability and some electrical issues.

Engine

3.2L V6 (J32A3)

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring them to add oil more frequently than normal. Symptoms include low oil level warnings and potentially blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacing piston rings is the most common fix.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets. Look for oil around the valve covers or a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacing the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (BAXA)

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The most common complaint is rough or delayed shifting between gears, especially 2nd to 3rd. Some owners also report slipping, where the engine revs but the car doesn’t accelerate properly.
  • Solution: Often starts with replacing the transmission fluid, but can require transmission rebuild or replacement if the problem persists. Replacing the shift solenoids can also help.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid change $100-$200, Solenoids replacement $200 - $500, Rebuild $2,000 - $4,000, Replacement $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature failure of strut mounts, leading to clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacing the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Navigation Screen Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation screen can fade, dim, or completely fail.
  • Solution: Replacing the navigation screen or sending it out for repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$300 (repair), $500-$1000+ (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Display Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The digital display for the climate control system may become dim or unreadable.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the climate control unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$200 (repair), $300-$600 (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door lock actuators fail, preventing doors from locking or unlocking properly with the remote or interior switch.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 per door
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof can become stuck, noisy, or fail to open or close properly.
  • Solution: Lubricating the tracks, repairing the motor, or replacing the sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2003 Acura TL is generally a reliable vehicle, but potential buyers should be aware of common issues like automatic transmission problems (harsh shifting/slipping), excessive oil consumption, and electrical issues with the navigation and climate control displays. The transmission issues are potentially the most severe and costly to address. While other problems like suspension and door lock issues are less severe, they contribute to the overall ownership experience.