Consumer Complaint Detail

ACURA / TL / 2003

Recalls
0 Injured
Investigations
0 Death
Complaints
No Fire
Components - Details
NHTSA Complaint Number: 003214022 Incident Date: May, 14 2003
Consumer's City: LYNNWOOD Consumer's State: WA
Vehicle Transmission Type: AUTO Manufacturers Name: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Model Name: TL Model Year: 2003
Vehicle Involved in a Crash: No Component's Description: Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor
Vehicle Involved in a Fire: No Persons Injured: 0
Vehicle's VIN#: 19UUA568X3A Date added to File: May, 25 2021
Date Complaint Received: May, 16 2003 Complaint Type: IVOQ
Incident Reported To Police: No Purchase Date: May, 09 2003
Was Original Owner: Yes Anti-lock Brakes: Yes
Number of Cylinders: 6 Date of Manufacturer: -
Was Vehicle Towed: - Description of the Complaints: Took delivery of new acura 2003 3.2tl type s on may 10, 2002. with about 7,000 miles on vehicle started to notice slight "shimmy" / "shutter" when applying brakes...greater impact at speeds 40 - 70mph. this indicates warped brake rotors. finally insisted that dealer address issue. dealer first offered to "turn" rotors; i declined and asked that they contact honda for replacement of rotors. honda agreed on, "good-will one time basis." furture warranty coverage will be by "turning" rotors. rotors and brake pads replaced at 9,675 miles. i have been told that the cause is "owner distinctive driving habits." when asked for a definition, i was told that i must live on and or drive on long - steep hills which necessitates extened use of brakes. this is totally incorrect and they were advised of that. if normal use of the brakes will cause warping, then the brakes are not fit for their implied usage as defined under the uniform commerical code-implied warranty mechantability. in discussion with a member of the acura staff, it was disclosed that about 50% of the vehicles experience this problem. honda/acura technical service bulletins have been made unavailable to consumers; however, i have been advised that the tsb addressing this issue calls for rotor replacement or "turning" rotors. it is clear that honda/acura is in it's normal mode of denial of a problem. a problem which is most likely caused by engineering design defect and/or improper heat treatment/hardening of the rotor material in conjuncition with the composition of the brake pad material. this is a serious defect and safety hazard.