2000 Acura TL: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 249 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (40% of complaints); the 1998 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 249 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“As you are driving down the road interstate or highway the car cuts off/shuts down but everything electrical stays on inside the vehicle then you have to wait 45 minutes/ an hour and a half to get it to start back up but it will turn over and continue to turn over if you try to start it before then happens a lot here lately took it to several mechanics to see what the problem was and plug it up to the computer/code reader and it will not get past 30% while hooked up trying to read/download the codes so you can't even find out what the issue/problem is”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2024
“The contact owns a 2000 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted to second gear with the traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle would not exceed 50 MPH while driving to the residence. The contact then called a local dealer who informed him that NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train) recall repair was already performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2021
“The acura dealership inspected my airbag inflator and denied replacement since the airbag number ended with "00" rather than "96", "97", "98", "99". There is no explanation as to why "00" is safe. No one knows at the dealership or corporate office. Am I and others driving with a safe airbag or is it still defective? Delayed response from acura and honda. No option provided to purchase a new inflator to guarantee safety. Now they are saying tekata seatbelts may also have an issue, and the dealership refused to inspect seatbelt upon request.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Oct 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“Car has 50k miles. Starting smoking and has burning oil smell. It has been diagnosed as the differential, ultimately the transmission. Cannot find recall as it is more then 15 years. But there was one in 2004. How do I get that recall covered? Please help. I love this car.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2020
“I have 4 gt radial champiro touring as 205/60r-16. They have all formed large cracks along the lower sidewall. The tires were installed 1.5 years ago. I feel that these tires are unsafe and at risk for a blowout. I cannot drive the vehicle due to these tires. The dot # is y9j5crvx4115 on all 4 tires. These are structural cracks not cosmetic.”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2020
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2000 acura tl. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. An unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 acura tl. The contact stated that the air bag warning light flashed intermittently while driving at various speeds. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer had not been notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2020
“Recall campaign service bulletin #20-005 alhambra acura dealer is not providing any remedies at this time. They anticipate the part to be available until march or april 2021. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2020
“Tl* takata recall. The contact's husband owns a 2000 acura tl. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to acura of glendale (505 s brand blvd, glendale, ca 91204 (818)502-1100) where it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2020
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2000 acura tl. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that acura carland located at 3403 satellite blvd, duluth, ga 30096, exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 18 of these complaints and injuries in 13 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A COMPONENT IN THE INFLATOR OF SOME PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULES WAS NOT WELDED PROPERLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 5, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTERLOCK OPERATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO PARK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT CONFIRMS INTERLOCK FUNCTION. VEHICLES WILL BE UPDATED WITH A REDESIGNED INTERLOCK LEVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES WERE REPAIRED WITH INCORRECT PARTS: 2002 ACURA 3.2TL SEDANS WITH REPLACEMENT BUCKLES INSTALLED PER RECALL 01V-166001; CERTAIN 2000 ACURA 3.2TL VEHICLES WITH REPLACEMENT BUCKLES INSTALLED AS PRODUCT UPDATE REPAIRS; AND CERTAIN 2000-2002 ACURA 3.2TL VEHICLES WITH REPLACEMENT BUCKLES INSTALLED AS WARRANTY OR COLLISION REPAIRS. REPAIRS WERE MADE FROM MARCH 9 THROUGH JULY 27, 2001. SOME OF THE NONCOMPLIANT BUCKLES WERE MISLABELED AND REDISTRIBUTED TO ACURA DEALERS TO BE USED AS RECALL REPAIR PARTS. HONDA ALSO DETERMINED THAT INCORRECT FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE USED FOR SOME PRODUCT UPDATE REPAIRS OF 2000 ACURA 3.2TL VEHICLES, AND WARRANTY OR COLLISION REPAIRS OF 2000-2002 3.2TL VEHICLES. THESE SEAT BELT BUCKLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ACURA AT 1-800-999-1009.
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
Remedy: ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2000 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact TL by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Acura TL reliable?
NHTSA has 249 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2000 Acura TL. The most complained-about area is power train (40% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2000 Acura TL problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 110,400 miles or less.
Does the 2000 Acura TL have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.