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2 New Transmissions for my 2001 Acura TL - Help
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unfortunately, it has to fail out on the road, which could be as dangerous as a set of => KILLER TIRES! <= tm.
Honda should learn from the Ford Explorer/Firestone Tire controversy . They should also take lessons from Toyota in their handling of the engine sludge problem. It is up to Honda to maintain their reputation as builders of solid , high quality and safe vehicles. If Honda fails to act now , they have lost me as a faithful customer as well as potentially a million other owners with defective transmissions.
Honda , you cannot afford to wait and do nothing . The longer it takes for you to respond , the more damage you do to your good name. When you lose a customer , you don't just lose one individual. You lose that customer and probably his family , his friends and anyone who will listen to their horror stories.
Who wants to spend $30,000 on a new car, then get a rebuilt tranny put in it?
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20020914/1036070.asp
I confirmed through comparison of the part number used in the transmission replacement that, in fact, a “new” transmission was not used in the replacement operation, even though the vehicle had only xx miles at the initial failure. A “remanufactured” transmission was used and several points come to light on this issue:
- A remanufactured transmission uses a transmission housing from unknown origin, application of vehicle and mileage on the “donor” vehicle.
- A remanufactured transmission’s internal components are usually only replaced if they are “out of specs” with a certain requirements - obviously not the same wear and tolerance specifications as a new transmission.
- A vehicle with a remanufactured transmission, especially a newer vehicle such as this, bears the burden of “not being in original condition” and subsequently assumes a loss in value of at least 40% - considering there are no other contributing factors as is not the case on this vehicle.
An educated consumer or used car manager, upon having the ability to compare this vehicle to one that is similar but is equipped with the original transmission, would choose the original vehicle. Even if the mileage on the vehicle with the original transmission was more than on the remanufactured unit, a buyer can be certain the original transmission is built to tighter tolerances and constructed by the vehicle’s manufacturer – not an “aftermarket” transmission-rebuilding factory.
http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=3ed9e22475c1ce085c892d221d449c29&forumid=126
Thanks.
if you've got a potentially-affected Acura, I would suggest don't you be playing "fighter pilot" in traffic until this issue is resolved.
if they have one or two cars in long-term test and they fail, they very quickly get the info out on their web site to those extra-subscribers, and into the magazine and the TV/radio news department affiliates as quickly as they can.
if you're looking for a creeping stealth-type issue that gradually evolves as parts get to Magic Mile 53,427 or whatever and then explode in a shower of sparks... if it doesn't show up in a public forum or in the news, it will take a while until the subscriber base experiences it. some cars that don't sell well are are thus only one or two cars among the readers, like the Flamebait One-Lungee, are never going to get enough mentions to get rated with circles.
When I initially read about this problem on the net, it was already too late, we had the car. But I'm thinking..... it must only happen to those guys who drive their cars really hard, but no, it happened to me too.
This is a prob that Honda/Acura realizes, but after reading numerous posts, and talking to the service mgr at the dealer, it appears that Honda is trying very hard to downplay it. Although they've admitted the prob, they are not releasing any specific info as to why it's happening, or even if the replacement has had the issue addressed. For all I know, I may be back at the dealer for another tranny in the next 11 months, at 38K miles.
Since I do not know for sure that problems will reoccur, I am hoping that Honda holds their rep in such high regard, that the issue is resolved. Talk about blind faith.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
But after reading more posts about this problem, I asked my wife if she ever felt anything like that, and the answer was yes. And it's getting worse.
So here I go back to the dealer tomorrow after getting the car back only this Wednesday.
But I'm going to try to keep my blind faith alive. The service mgr seems sincere, and service is above average.
My fingers will still be crossed though.
Then there was an 88 RX7, once at 90K miles.
I cannot dispute your claims, but I also cannot believe that rotor warpage is "common". Too many consumers would be up in arms against the manufacturers.
And although I can believe that rotors now warp more easily due to higher heat from asbestos-free pads, this should not be an issue that occurs to Acuras with low mileage, in the teens, 20's or 30K's.
I guess I had high expectations from my Acura and I'm now disappointed that my Altima's initial quality was substantially higher.
Trust me - I see lemon law claims every day as part of my job - consumers ARE up in arms over brake rotor warpage and also low brake pad life.
Sounds like you work in the industry, so let me ask you, in your opinion, are the manufacturers replacing the warped rotors under warranty? I'm planning to ask Acura to change mine on my 02 TL with 20K miles. I'd like to know my chances.
I also worked as a finance manager and used car appraiser and have been in the car business for 9 years, after 10 years as a military cop. I now investigate dealer fraud, lemon law and breach of warranty cases, so I'm not "in the business" any longer.
henri - you accuse me of talking BS, but then ask my opinion. Why? To prove I'm not "elitist" or a jerk, I'll answer your question to the best of my ability. At 20K miles, you're out of the 12/12 "adjustment period", so it probably will not be covered unless you ask nicely. By the way you've talked to me, I'd say you should count to 10 before talking to your service advisor.
Didn't mean to piss you off, or put you down.
"Nice comeback Zeus. What's your background? It's refreshing to "talk" to someone who backs up their statements with sound facts (either that or the B.S. is really convincing)."
This meant that I was impressed with your knowledge, and the substance of your response. The thing is, that there's so many BS'ers on the net that you could have easily been throwing some around and fooling me, I was trying to be a little funny,.... guess I failed. Like I said your responses WERE convincing. I wasn't accusing you of BS, I really wasn't.
I wasn't try to be facetious or anything like that. A little guarded with my praise? Most certainly. And the "talk" was in reference to online talk, since we're not actually talking.
My last paragraph truly was requesting your opinion, sincerely.
Hey, I'm really sorry you took offense, that was not my intention, not even in the slightest.
And I only asked your background because I WANTED to believe what you were posting, and if you had responded that you were a 20 year old, who's favorite movie was "Fast and Furious", I would take your advice, if offered, with a grain of salt.
Again, and I can't stress this enough, I'm sorry for the miscommunication. I feel like a piece of crap for insulting you; it was NOT my intent.
Thanks for the info though, and I was nice to the Acura service manager, and he resurfaced the rotors yesterday under warranty.
Glad to hear the dealer took good care of you.
Anything I can help you with, let me know.
Did Honda fix the problem in the reman'ed that caused my first tranny to go?
The guy at the dealer wasn't much help, and I'm mulling over the decision whether to call Acura. I've browsed the Acura-tl.com and Acura-cl.com, but there hasn't been any specific data. And most responses I've seen, seem to indicate that the manufacturer is not being very helpful.
Does anyone know anything? I'd like to be able to keep my TL without having to worry everyday about whther the tranny will go south again.
Good luck, I got mine back in 6 days, hope they don't keep yours 3 weeks like I've read on other postings.
My 2 vehicles are Infiniti and an Lexus, and I have never had any sort major problem.
Also, any purchased price around DFW area?
Thanks.
I might check out the new Accord, or if I can I may try to hold out for the 04 TL.
Here's a link I found interesting.
http://www.acura-tl.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=48452
I am currently thinking of purchasing a Maxima SE/GLE, lots of power and they're selling about $300 below invoivce in Florida. On the negative side is the high fuel consumption and the lack of prestige the Nissan brand has.
In addition to your options, I'd like to have the Lexus IS300 (solid buy, all around performer), then 325 (so visually pleasing!), G35 (value and power galore) in that order; these are on the small side. If more room is in order, ES300 then I35, flip this choice if power is preferred over luxury.
My humble opinion.
I fear that if one would look at CL/TL's only, the failure rate would be higher.
Also, 1.6% failures only reflect as of Aug/Sept 2002.... yet transmissions are continuing to fail everyday. In some markets there's a back order of 2-4 weeks for the TL/CL transmissions, that failure rate will actually end up MUCH MUCH higher.
To enjoy this car, all one requires is a substantial amount of faith. The nay-sayers are still a little in the dark, and Honda is not being totally open; their past reutation has been excellent though.
Also, if you change your cars before the warranty runs out, this is THE buy for you. If you're like me, and is looking for 100K plus miles, look elsewhere other than the TL (unless you have that faith of course).
(I was a little bored tonight....sorry about the multiple postings)
I also read some posts on the ES300 board in regards to ES300 transmission issues.
Good luck in your search for your next vehicle.
So, is the transmission problem fixed in the new TL's? I don't want to pay 30K+ for a car and have to keep thinking about the tranny crapping out on me. Please let me know... anyone?