2003 Acura TL Reliability ReportKeepScore 85/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2003 Acura TL
- Outscores the 2001 Acura TL by 17 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
- The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (critical severity).
- Has 5 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module.
2003 Acura TL: Buy or Avoid?
The 2003 Acura TL offers a compelling blend of luxury, comfort, and performance, making it one of the most comfortable used luxury sedans you can buy. While the J-series V6 engine is remarkably robust, the critical Achilles' heel is its notorious 5-speed automatic transmission, which demands careful inspection and potential future investment. Despite this singular flaw, diligent pre-purchase diligence can secure you a truly rewarding and upscale daily driver.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust and powerful J-series V6 engine
- High-quality interior materials that withstand age
- Comfortable ride and refined cabin acoustics
2003 Acura TL — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 2003 Acura TL. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 2003 Acura TL
5 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
What breaks on the 2003 Acura TL?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Acura TL — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Acura TL. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2003s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2003 Acura TL
Parts and accessories matched to your 2003 Acura TL
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Frequently Asked Questions
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