Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Acura
Acuras Models:
Acura Problems
Automatic Transmission Issues
The automatic transmission tends to malfunction more often than in similar models. The Check Engine Light may or may not illuminate.
Automatic Transmission May Fail
The automatic transmission tends to fail more often than in similar models.
"No start" Due to Failed Fuel Pump (Main) Relay
The main relay, which supplies power to the fuel pump, can fail. The engine will crank but fail to start (or start intermittently).
Shudder or Vibration While Driving at Speeds Between 35 and 40 MPH
A shudder or vibration may develop while driving at speeds between 35 and 40 MPH. Our technicians tell us this condition is commonly caused by a failed automatic transmission torque converter. It is recommend to replace the torque converter and install an updated powertrain control module (PCM) to correct this concern.
To review some comments from the RepairPal community regarding this issue, please click here>>
Green "Drive" Light on Dashboard May Burn Out
The green "Drive" light on the dashboard tends to burn out, requiring replacement of the burned out bulb.
Acura Recalls (Recent)
Honda and Acura Recall Multiple Vehicles Due to Excessive Air Bag Inflator Pressure
Honda has recalled 2001-2003 Civic, 2002-2003 Civic SI, 2001-2002 Accord, 2002 CR-V, 2002 Odyssey, 2003 Pilot, 2002-2003 Acura TL, and 2003 Acura CL vehicles because the driver's side air bag inflator may produce excessive internal pressure. This could cause the inflator to rupture if the air bag deploys. Metal fragments may pass through the air bag material and cause injury to vehicle occupants. Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflator.
Acura CL, Acura TLReplacement Airbag Inflator Could Be Defective
Honda is recalling 2,430 vehicles because a driver's airbag inflator, installed as a replacement part, may be defective. In the event of deployment, these inflators could produce excess internal pressure and rupture, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's airbag inflator as necessary. The recall is expected to begin by June 27, 2011.
Acura CL, Acura TLPossible Brake Fluid Leak
Use of incorrect brake fluid may cause a rubber seal in the rear of the master cylinder to become dry and leak. The leaking fluid will enter the brake booster and may not be visible externally. A loss of brake fluid can reduce braking efficiency, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the affected seal on all master cylinders, leaking or not. This recall is scheduled to begin during December of 2010. The Acura recall number is R52; the Honda Recall Number is R51.
Acura RLPotential Fuel Leak
The vent shut float (VSF) valve case in the fuel tank assembly does not meet design specifications. As a result, fuel may leak from the fuel tank, increasing the risk of a fire. Dealers will inspect the VSF assembly date, and if necessary, replace the fuel tank assembly to correct this concern. The Honda recall numbers are S25 and S26.
Acura MDXLeaking Power Steering Fluid May Catch Fire
A leak may develop from one of the power steering hoses. Fluid could leak onto the hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire. Dealers will perform the repairs necessary to correct this concern. This recall is expected to begin on May 28, 2010. The Acura recall number is R35.
Acura TSXAcura Questions and Answers
The car does not start unless I spray fuel into the air intake. Then it starts and runs. The main relay checks out. But when I check the power to the fuel pump it is there. The manual says to repla...
thanks for replying to my last question however, i had it checked for my brakes and they are in good condition. Its a sorta a roughness coming from when i take off and continues when i drive. My ca...
the heater blower/fan doesn't work and the radio works with ignition in accessory position but not when the engine is running. any ideas?
Okay, So I got my Integra from my brother and it sat idle for about a year then when I took it over the oil light came on right away so I changed the oil and filter and the oil pressure switch the ...
ONLY START WHEN PUSH START I PURCHASE NEW ALTENATOR HAD STARTER CHECK HELP TELL ME WHICH RELAY TO CHANGE. OR WHAT PROBLEM I HAVE
Acura Owners' Stories
does anyone know where the fuse for the a/c control panel?
At 140k my 201 MDX started making a weird transmission noise. It didn't slip, it just sounded like something wasn't right. I tookit to an Acura deal;ership to check out the problem. They said, "We don't repair, we replace for $6500. I took it to AAMCO and they said, "$2500 to rebuild." I called up a long-time mechanic friend who in college won the national champianship in transmission repair. He told me to get a product called "Torque Converter Shudder Control" made by www.drtranny.com and I wouldn't have to call him back. I found it at O'Reilly Auto Parts for less than 7 bucks. My MDX now has 255k. I keep my transmission serviced by pumping in new transmission fluid as old is pumped out of the entire transmission. Also keep that 2 ounce product in my transmission. That priduct ought togoin every transmission over 100k. Just cut off end of tube and squeeze in Transmission dip stick.
An affordable luxury car with nice features, but not a driver's car. The steering is so numb sometimes it seems like a chore to keep straight on the freeway. The brakes are horrendous and super sensitive which leads me to believe this combined with the bad rear break pads creates an issue! Only at 25k and dealerships are lying to me about replacement so they don't have to pay. Pretty sure they are worn out. For the price it's a great car - I can't deny that. Find a BMW/Audi loaded up with xenon lights, bluetooth, heated seats, programmable seats, home link, etc. at 30k. Gas mileage is pretty good for the most part 21 city/30 highway - EPA estimates are right on target. Worst MPG I have ever gotten was after a NYC blizzard last year subzero temps 16 MPG city / 24 MPG highway but that's VERY rare. Even if your a lead foot. Annoying battery has already died on me 3 times - Honda/Acura always have issues with their batteries for some reason. Always at the wrong time.
Will be going German for my next car. I think Japanese car reliability is overrated. If i'm going to deal with annoying problems like this in a 36 month lease I might as well do it with a car i'll enjoy while driving. BTW all these problems have occurred in under 2 years and I don't put on a lot of miles
This is my first AND last Acura! So tired of the transmission problems that I will not buy another. Heck, at least Hyundai stands behind their transmission to 100K miles and it would be a heck of a lot cheaper!
Very happy with my TSX. But a warning if you do turn it on let it run for at least 2mins. If you turn it on then right off, it will be very difficult to get it back on. For what ever reason it kinda floods the engine with gas. I had to learn this the hard way. I commute to NYC for work & I use a parking garage, like most garages in NYC they move your car frequently to make room for more cars. So I had to tell the parking attendants this little fact because they were having trouble getting my car started.