2003 Acura TL

Introduction

The 2003 Acura TL is a midsize luxury sedan praised for its responsive handling, stylish design, and comfortable interior. It was offered with a 3.2-liter V6 engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission or a manual transmission.

Engine

3.2L V6

• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn or broken timing belt can cause the valves to hit the pistons, resulting in extensive engine damage. Symptoms include rough idling, check engine light, and engine stalling.
  • Solution: Replace timing belt and associated components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking valve cover gasket can cause oil to leak onto the engine. Symptoms include visible oil stains, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slippage
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission may hesitate or slip when shifting gears, causing rough shifting and reduced power.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $3000+

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn or failed control arm bushings can cause clunking or rattling noises when driving over bumps. It can also impair handling and tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Rear Suspension Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear suspension may sag or bounce excessively, causing reduced stability and handling.
  • Solution: Replace rear springs or shocks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $800+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Alternator provides power to the electrical system and battery. A faulty alternator can cause dim lights, battery drain, and electrical component failures.
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery drains quickly even when the vehicle is not in use.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the cause of the drain, such as parasitic electrical draw or faulty components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+

Exterior

• Sunroof Drain Plugs Clogged
  • Description/Symptoms: Clogged sunroof drain plugs can cause water to accumulate in the sunroof channels, leading to leaks and interior water damage.
  • Solution: Clean or replace drain plugs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Interior

• Climate Control Knobs Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Climate control knobs may become loose or fail to respond, resulting in difficulty adjusting temperature and fan speed.
  • Solution: Replace climate control panel
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800

Summary

The 2003 Acura TL is generally a reliable vehicle with well-liked features. However, it is not without its issues. The most severe and costly issue is timing belt failure, which can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Other common problems include transmission slippage, suspension wear, and electrical issues. Overall, the cost of repairs can be moderate to high, depending on the severity of the issue.