Filed under: Recalls/TSBs, Acura, Honda
Honda issues TSB for third-gear issue, fix is free

Honda has finally issued a TSB on the third gear issue that's been plaguing everything from the Civic Si to the Acura TL. According to affected owners, when the manual transmission was in third gear, it would occasionally pop into neutral and occasionally grind into place. Honda originally didn't recognize the problem and still isn't issuing a recall, but they have put out a TSB and are offering to correct the problem free of charge to owners who take their vehicle into a dealership. The documentation for Honda and Acura is now available (PDF warning) and you can hit the jump to see which vehicles are included in the TSB.
[Source: AutomotiveArticles via KickingTires]
- 2003-07 Honda Accord V-6 with M/T
- 2008 Accord V-6 coupe with M/T
- 2006-08 Civic Si coupe
- 2007-08 Civic Si sedan
- 2003 Acura 3.2CL with M/T
- 2002-06 Acura RSX with six-speed
- 2004-08 Acura TL with M/T
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Daniel Cowan 6:32PM (5/01/2008)
what is a TSB
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Triton46 6:39PM (5/01/2008)
Technical Service Bulletin
rouse42 6:39PM (5/01/2008)
what is a "technical service bulletin" alex
geo.stewart 6:52PM (5/01/2008)
a recall but its not a recall if you call it a TSB.
In other words, we screwed up but its not life threatening yet so we'll call it a TSB
Zane 6:53PM (5/01/2008)
Who's Alex??
rouse42 7:06PM (5/01/2008)
alex trebek. jeopardy
Zane 7:18PM (5/01/2008)
Oh, the host of the most boring game show on earth, eh?
rouse42 10:45PM (5/01/2008)
what is "you are correct"
give me GT-R's for $2000
Ligor 10:40PM (5/01/2008)
hahah
I knew they would not own up to the problem and call it an issue.
am I glad I steered 3 of my family members away from the Accord
rouse42 6:37PM (5/01/2008)
sweet! my RSX has had that problem.
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Xcountryflyer 6:50PM (5/01/2008)
TSBs are free for those still under warranty and not for those out of warranty. It seems that if you're out of warranty it might not be free if you read the actual documents. If it was a recall, it'd be free to all.
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judd 7:03PM (5/01/2008)
Not good for people out of warranty for sure, but that Fox News video about the protest sure made quick work for this to come out. Too bad it's warm out since the problem is more pronounced when the transmission is cold.
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rouse42 7:10PM (5/01/2008)
so do you think i should pull my B&M short shift out.
probably or there gonna say. opps.. must of been the short shifter. sorry we cant do the job for free. and our tech didnt notice till after the repair so thats gonna be $3485, how did you wanna pay for that.
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vdk 7:12PM (5/01/2008)
didn't I tell you Hondas are not reliable...
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Judd 7:15PM (5/01/2008)
Compared to what, a mack truck?
iomatic 3:34PM (7/14/2008)
This is such a minor problem.
Honda addressed the issue; all cars are still under warranty.
It's a free fix; the only issue is time. STFU, haters. Better yet, come to the track (not that puss*-*ss drag racing crap either. REAL driving).
Kotse 8:13PM (5/01/2008)
I remember my old traded in 5sp Civic DX was doing this....a 1990 model(!)
Friggin' Honda...they owe me an 8yr old TSB (!)
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zmf001 8:22PM (5/01/2008)
That's funny I had the exact same problem with my 2003 VW Jetta 6 speed manual. VW had the same solution, issue a TSB, it is not life threatening.
They fixed it for the 2004's and later I think.
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Chocolate 8:24PM (5/01/2008)
PDF Warning ... what is that, the Spoiler Alert for the one guy who hasn't watch this week-end's Grand Prix and still hasn't installed Acrobat?
Reply
Dad 8:36PM (5/01/2008)
Quality reputation takes a hit.
Reply