Acura TL Type-S 35 Horsepower Upgrade Ended in Transmission Warranties

acura launched the TL Type-S in the early 2000s as a midsize sports sedan, and the model added performance parts over the standard 3.2 TL. Honda later had to extend the transmission warranty and replace gearboxes at no charge after early failures appeared in service.

The first Type-S arrived when the second-generation 3.2 TL went through its mid-cycle facelift. It used Honda's J32A 3.2-liter V6 with a more aggressive cam, a two-stage variable intake system, a 10.5:1 compression ratio and a high-flow exhaust setup that raised output by 35 horsepower.

TL Type-S Changes

The Type-S also wore 17-inch, five-spoke machined alloy wheels, fog lights and unique perforated leather seats. Inside, Acura fitted a gauge cluster with metallic beauty ring surrounds, while the suspension gained stiffer springs and shock absorbers, plus a large rear stabilizer bar to reduce body roll.

Honda paired the engine with a tuned five-speed automatic transmission designed to shift faster and harder than standard. The car came standard with Vehicle Stability Assist, and the engine carried the J32A2 model code.

Honda Warranty Response

Early in their service lives, transmission failures forced Honda to extend the warranties on the Type-S and offer replacements at no charge. That left owners with a practical fix from the company, not just a used-car problem to sort out on their own.

The model is now more than 20 years old, and market guides put an average first-generation 3.2 TL Type-S at 2,500 to 3,000 dollars. A decent example with average miles trades for around $5,000, while a lower-mileage car can bring up to double that amount.

For anyone shopping one now, the transmission history is the point to check first. A car that was sold as a performance-flavored sedan became one that owners and buyers still evaluate through the lens of that warranty response.