Does the 2013 Acura TL have transmission problems?
Yes — there have been reports of transmission problems from a subset of 2013 Acura TL owners, including shifting hesitation, jerking, slipping, and torque-converter concerns. Most TLs from that year operate without major faults, and many issues are addressed through software updates or targeted service campaigns. This article reviews what has been reported, what regulators and the manufacturer say, and how owners can respond.
Reported transmission issues in the 2013 TL
Owners have described a range of symptoms that may indicate transmission trouble in the 2013 TL. These are the issues most frequently cited in consumer guides and owner forums.
- Shifting feel: slipping between gears or unexpected gear changes
- Harsh or delayed shifts when moving at city speeds
- Shuddering or surging during acceleration, especially at low to moderate speeds
- Torque converter concerns that feel like a stall or hesitation
- Transmission warning light or entering a limp-home mode
Note: These symptoms can be caused by factors other than transmission failure, including fluid condition, sensor faults, or software settings. A professional diagnosis is recommended if you notice any of these signs.
What Acura/Regulators say and recall/TSB information
ACURA and Honda publish service bulletins and may issue recalls for shifting-related behavior. For the 2013 TL, there have been TSBS addressing shifting smoothness and related control software; there is no broad, model-wide recall solely for the transmission reported for this exact year, but VIN-specific recalls or safety campaigns can apply to individual vehicles.
- Software updates and TSBs aimed at improving transmission shifting and responsiveness
- VIN-specific recalls or safety campaigns may apply to some vehicles; always check NHTSA’s recall database for your VIN
- Repair options often include software reflash, transmission fluid inspection/replacement, or component-level fixes if a defect is found
Conclusion: If your TL is experiencing symptoms, check whether any recalls or TSBs apply to your VIN and discuss the appropriate remedy with your dealer. Software updates or minor hardware work can resolve many issues.
Practical steps for owners
If you’re currently driving a 2013 TL or plan to buy one, these steps can help you diagnose and address transmission concerns before they worsen.
- Document symptoms: when they occur, under what load, and at what speed
- Check the transmission fluid level and condition, following the owner’s manual instructions
- Have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with a capable OBD-II scanner
- Search for any TSBs or recalls that apply to your vehicle’s VIN and model year
- Consult a qualified technician or Acura dealer for a diagnostic test and discuss software updates or hardware repairs if indicated
- Verify any remaining warranty coverage; some programs may extend coverage for certain transmission-related issues
Conclusion: A proactive diagnostic approach helps ensure that genuine transmission faults are properly identified and repaired under the right warranty or service campaign.
Tips for buyers considering a used 2013 TL
If you’re shopping for a used TL, consider the following to minimize the risk of undetected transmission problems.
- Request a pre-purchase inspection that includes a transmission evaluation during a test drive
- Test drive under varying conditions to assess shifting behavior and response
- Review maintenance history, focusing on transmission fluid changes and any dealer-repaired issues
- Check for open recalls using the VIN on NHTSA or Acura's recall lookup tool
- Ask for records of any software updates or TSB-related repairs performed
Conclusion: With thorough checks and verified service history, you can significantly reduce the chances of inheriting a latent transmission problem in a used 2013 TL.
Summary
The 2013 Acura TL can experience transmission issues, but these are not universal and are often manageable with proper diagnostics, software updates, and maintenance. Prospective buyers should prioritize a complete inspection, recall/TSB verification, and a careful test drive. If issues are found, work with a dealer to determine whether repairs are covered under warranty or service campaigns.
