Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Acura tl. While attempting to accelerate from a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the rpms increased, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the filter system in the transmission needed to…
2005 Acura TL powertrain problems
severe 34 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
3crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 34 powertrain complaints filed for the 2005 Acura TL, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 8 model years of Acura TL we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 34.
Owners have filed 34 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 Acura TL powertrain shows a pattern of severe transmission failures across both manual and automatic variants. Automatic transmission owners report sudden, complete loss of drive power on highways and city streets—the transmission acts like it's in neutral despite being in drive, with RPMs climbing but no acceleration. Some vehicles enter limp mode or briefly recover after restart before failing again when the transmission heats up. One owner's transmission caught fire after leaking fluid and surging RPMs to over 5,000. Torque converter failure is documented at 62,000–75,000 miles, with transmission fluid flushing at 62,000 miles preceding at least one catastrophic failure.
Six-speed manual transmission owners report chronic synchronizer issues, primarily in 3rd and 4th gears: shifts are rough or incomplete, gears pop out under normal acceleration, and transmission won't fully engage. One owner experiences this multiple times weekly. Dealers acknowledge the problem exists (Service Bulletin 08-018) but refuse repairs.
Additional failures include transmission filter fracture causing debris blockage at 188,000 miles, automatic-to-manual mode shifts triggered by switch failure, and involuntary gear lever movement without brake engagement. One unintended acceleration incident resulted in a parking garage collision and airbag deployment; another vehicle rolled downhill while parked. Across all failure types, owners report dealers consistently deny problems, refuse warranty coverage, and offer no assistance even when manufacturer bulletins exist.
Same Acura TL powertrain reports on nearby years: 2006
Failure modes owners describe
Torque converter failure / complete transmission loss of drive
Transmission loses all drive capability, acts as if in neutral, or stops engaging entirely. Owners report sudden loss of acceleration power on highway and surface streets, sometimes accompanied by extreme heat or burning fluid smell. Some vehicles enter limp mode or require engine restart to partially restore function.
When: Mileage range 25,000–120,000; most reports between 62,000–91,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of all acceleration/drive power despite engine revving; Transmission acts as if in neutral while in drive; RPM fluctuation without vehicle movement; Extreme heat and burning transmission fluid; Vehicle enters limp mode; Temporary recovery after shutdown/restart, then failure resumes when transmission heats up
Codes mentioned: Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid code (later cleared), Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report transmission fluid flush (62,000 mi), replacement of motor mounts, transmission speed sensor, transmission position sensor, torque converter replacement, complete transmission rebuild or replacement ($3,000–$4,000+ out of warranty); one owner noted changing transmission fluid can trigger failure in higher-mileage vehicles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall mentioned in one complaint (2003–2004 model years) for similar issue; Service Bulletin 08-018 exists for manual transmission shift quality; manufacturers and dealers typically refused warranty assistance or diagnosis
Manual transmission synchronizer failure (3rd and 4th gear)
Six-speed manual transmission exhibits poor synchronizer engagement, making smooth shifts into 3rd and 4th gear difficult or impossible. Transmission pops out of gear under normal driving, causing sudden loss of power and potential safety hazard in traffic.
When: Mileage range 3,000–162,000 miles; most reports early to mid-range; one report at 42,000 miles occurring multiple times weekly since purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Difficult or rough shifting into 3rd gear; Difficult or rough shifting into 4th gear; Transmission pops out of gear during acceleration; Partial engagement followed by pop-out, loss of power; Noise during upshift
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealers performed no repairs; one mechanic suggested lodged debris causing fluid blockage; advice given not to change transmission fluid due to failure risk at higher mileage; Service Bulletin 08-018 calls for 'known-good vehicle' comparison and transmission parts replacement if shift quality differs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 08-018 exists; dealers refused to acknowledge defect or perform repairs despite bulletin; one dealer stated Acura has complaints but will not repair existing vehicles; manufacturers refused assistance
Transmission filter fracture and debris blockage
Transmission filter fractured and detached internally, causing debris to clog the transmission and restrict fluid flow. Results in overheating, slipping, and abnormal operation.
When: 188,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle overheated; Transmission slipped out of gear; Abnormal transmission operation
Repairs/costs cited: Filter not listed as recommended replacement part in owner's manual; manufacturer told owner it was consumer's responsibility to replace despite not being documented as maintenance item; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated consumer was responsible for replacement despite lack of documentation in manual
Involuntary transmission mode shift (automatic to manual)
Automatic transmission inadvertently shifts into manual mode, usually triggered by liquid spill on mode switch. Creates sudden gear engagement and loss of smooth operation.
When: 20,545 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light illumination; Involuntary shift from automatic to manual mode without warning
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Mode switch replacement performed by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin exists (NHTSA Item # 10014766) for automatic transmission mode switch issues
Gear shift lever inadequate detent / insufficient shift lock
Center console automatic gear shift selector moves freely from Drive into Neutral, Reverse, or Park without requiring brake pedal depression. Allows unintended transmission engagement during low-speed driving.
When: Occurred at 5–10 mph speeds, multiple occurrences reported
Symptoms owners cite: Shift lever moves freely without brake engagement; Involuntary gear changes between Drive, Neutral, Reverse, and Park
Unintended high-RPM acceleration and loss of control
Engine and transmission RPMs spike uncontrollably, causing vehicle to accelerate without driver input. One incident resulted in collision with parking garage barrier and airbag deployment; another involved vehicle rolling downhill in park. Creates serious accident risk.
When: One report after ~2 years of occasional jerking; one report at low mileage (undocumented)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without driver depressing throttle; High RPM surge at low speeds and during normal acceleration; Jerking forward after depressing gas pedal; Unintended acceleration in park (vehicle rolled downhill); No check engine light or warning before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle involved in parking garage collision with airbag deployment; damage estimated $3,000–$4,000; repairs pending at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer told owner problem did not exist on two service visits before accident
Transmission stall and loss of drive at highway speeds
Transmission suddenly loses engagement and stalls vehicle while driving at 35–65 mph without warning. No prior symptoms or warning lights in some cases.
When: Mileage range 62,000–120,000
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of drive power while accelerating or cruising; Vehicle stalls at highway speeds; No warning lights or symptoms prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners report transmission replacement or rebuild required; some vehicles not repaired due to out-of-warranty status
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturers typically made aware but offered no assistance; warranty coverage refused
Transmission fluid leakage and overheating
Transmission discharges large quantities of fluid, leading to severe overheating, high RPM surging, and near-fire condition. Vehicle became inoperable.
When: 75,000 miles after recent transmission flush at 62,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke fuming from vehicle; Severe power fluctuations; RPM surging over 5,000; Tremendous fluid discharge from transmission; Burnt transmission smell
Repairs/costs cited: Both independent and Acura dealership assessment confirmed transmission completely burnt and inoperable; vehicle out of warranty
Synthesized from 34 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
6 speed manual transmission is synchronized poorly making it difficult to shift into 3rd & 4th gear smoothly and sometimes will pop out of gear when you think you have shifted sufficiently. *tr
I was backing out of a spot, as I usually do, the car took longer than usual to shift from park into drive (about 3-4 sec). Drove normally for about a half-mile, stopped at a red light, went to accelerate, and then the transmission wouldn't come out of 1st gear and revved super high. Pulled over, then drove to my mechanic about a half-mile back at about 8-10 MPH with my caution lights on. He took…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2005 Acura TL?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2005 Acura TL?
It's a meaningful issue. 34 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 62,000 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 81,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 62,000; a quarter make it past 120,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Acura/TL.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.