CarRecallWatchThe 2003 Acura TL has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 391 complaints with NHTSA, including 24 crashes, 4 fires, 20 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Power Train (250 reports).
2003 Acura TL recalls
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Shrapnel
The driver-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture because its propellant can degrade over time after long-term exposure to high humidity, heat and temperature swings.
Driver airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
The driver's frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during deployment because of a manufacturing error.
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments
The driver's frontal airbag inflator can be affected by moisture intrusion and manufacturing variability.
Most common 2003 Acura TL problems
Problem areas named in the 391 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 250 |
| Air Bags | 51 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 22 |
| Unknown Or Other | 18 |
| Structure | 15 |
| Electrical System | 15 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 14 |
| Suspension | 14 |
| Tires | 11 |
| Exterior Lighting | 10 |
What owners report
It's like when my transmission gets warmed up the RPM's will rev up and then it will come out of gear. Then I have to pull over put it in park and turn the car off. Let it sit for a minute or two then it will drive fine for 10 to 15 minutes before doing it again.
This complaint relates to safety recall campaigns work regarding my 2003 Acura TL car's SRS (air bags). I took my car to the Acura Service Center in Guaynabo, PR, for recall related repairs at various times during 2022 and 2023. The last time was [XXX]. The PROBLEM is that the Acura center's initial recall-related repair may have been faulty, thus causing the SRS warning light to turn on and stay on while I drive the car. The SRS warning came on a few days after the initial Acura service was performed. I was told during the second visit that they just had to reset something in the car's computer to turn off the SRS warning. But the SRS warning light would turn on again a few days after each
Driving on Highway going 65mph vehicle suddenly jerked and dropped to 20 mph. Causing my entire body to collide with the steering wheel. Luckily there no cars behind me. Was on my way to work when this happened too far from home. So when I got at work which is thirty minutes from where I live I had to get a tow truck to get my car home. Thatâs how bad it was. My mom had this car for about ten years. Iâve had it now for three years. Never had this problem before. Weâve had the car in the family for almost fifteen years. Only thing thatâs had to change was a power steering line and front shocks. Almost sold it last week and Iâm glad I didnât. Has over 230,000 so Iâm not upset. Ju
This car is not safe. First, the Takata airbags are in it. I drove my daughter, my mother and my little dog in this car! I canât believe the used car dealership did not let me know that. Then the car starts shifting funny. Also dangerous. There should be a recall for transmission. There are over 500 people affected by this. Iâm trying to enter a highway and I need to pick up speed, because there is a tractor trailer in the right lane and heavy traffic. I try to accelerate and it goes nowhere. 30mph. And that was after I merged in and have traffic going 70 behind me. Scariest thing ever. They should not be allowed to sell these cars. It is not safe for the driver and their family and it i
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to shift from second gear to third gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the RMPâs revved up but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage
2003 Acura TL questions
Does the 2003 Acura TL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2003 Acura TL: Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Shrapnel; Driver airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Driver Airbag Inflator Can Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments; Power Train:Automatic Transmission; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Acura TL?
Based on 391 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (250), Air Bags (51), Vehicle Speed Control (22).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Acura TL has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.