Acura TLX Complaints

946 consumer complaints on file.

#11773699October 26, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine rod bearings had failed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The failure mileage was 147,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772571October 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, AIR BAGS
On October 4, 2026, at approximately 6:55 PM, the 2021 Acura TLX suffered a catastrophic and sequential collapse of its primary safety and electronic control systems while in motion. Without warning, the vehicle's dashboard suddenly illuminated with a cascade of severe system malfunctions, beginning with a critical "Brake System Problem" warning, immediately followed by a "Power Steering System Problem," which caused the steering wheel to become dangerously heavy and difficult to maneuver. Simultaneously, a string of secondary critical alerts flashed across the information display, including a "Lane Assist System Problem," effectively disabling the vehicle's automated driver-assist, traction, and stability networks. This total electronic network blackout culminated moments later in a severe collision that caused significant structural damage, including a snapped front axle. Despite the force of the impact meeting the necessary physical criteria for severe crash deceleration, the vehicle’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) completely failed, and none of the airbags deployed
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771884October 18, 2026
POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
VEHICLE LOSING TRACTION WHILE DRIVING. CONFIRMED BY [XXX]'S ACURA IN [XXX]. CONFIRMED: TRANSFER CASE WITH BAD TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE NOW INOPERABLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770890October 13, 2026
ENGINE
I am reporting a catastrophic safety defect and a failure of a federal recall remedy on my 2015 Acura TLX. My vehicle was previously identified as part of the connecting rod bearing recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000). The dealership performed the official recall inspection/remedy in February 2026. However, in September 2026, the engine suddenly developed a loud, metallic knocking sound coming directly from the motor. A metallic knock is the primary warning sign of imminent rod bearing failure, which poses a severe safety risk of sudden engine seizure and stalling while driving at highway speeds. I contacted Acura Customer Service to report that the recall remedy failed and that the vehicle is unsafe to operate. Acura corporate has completely denied my claim and refused to take corrective action, despite this being a direct, unmitigated failure of the recalled component. Injuries: No Crash: No Fire: No Speed at time of incident: Idle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770633October 12, 2026
ENGINE
- The engine ceased while the car was moving, causing (a) A sudden stop (b) Engine stopping and the car becoming inoperable in the middle of a street. - There were no injuries because the failure happened at low speed. The same failure on an expressway would be a major safety concern since the car came to sudden stop. - The failed engine was inspected by an authorized Acura dealer. Cause identified as cylinder 2 rod bearing failure. - There was a slight knocking sound right before the incident occured - The car was driving fine before the incident. There were no warning indicators. - The engine (short block) was replaced previously on the same car due to a knocking sound.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769702October 7, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine started knocking. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the closest dealer was a two-hour drive from the residence. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769122October 5, 2026
POWER TRAIN
While driving my 2015 Acura TLX, warning lights illuminate and the vehicle unexpectedly shifts into neutral while the vehicle is moving. When this occurs, the vehicle loses the ability to accelerate normally, creating a serious safety concern in traffic. These symptoms appear consistent with the condition addressed by Acura recall KC2 (NHTSA Recall 16V-640), involving the transmission wire harness/connection and transmission control system. The recall describes a condition in which the transmission can unexpectedly shift into neutral while driving. My VIN is not coming up under recall yet my vehicle has done this same thing multiple times over the past few months. I need my VIN added to recall list so this serious issue can be repaired under recall by Acura.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768430October 2, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
transfer case spline failutre- a loud clunk, front wheel spin, and fluid leaks
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768412October 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN, SUSPENSION
I am submitting this complaint regarding a major drivetrain failure in my 2021 Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD with approximately 86,643 miles. My vehicle experienced a complete loss of AWD. The front two wheels are receiving power, but the rear wheels are no longer receiving power. An independent mechanic initially diagnosed a transfer-case/drivetrain failure and advised that the transmission may also be involved. I then took the vehicle to OH Acura of Temecula, where the Acura dealership independently diagnosed the vehicle with transmission and transfer-case failure. The service manager confirmed that my independent mechanic’s diagnosis was accurate. The dealership provided a repair estimate of approximately $16,000. I am concerned because NHTSA previously opened investigation DP26-001 regarding reported failures involving the transmission and transfer case in 2021–2023 Acura TLX SH-AWD vehicles. My vehicle is now experiencing a complete loss of AWD consistent with the issue described in that investigation. I also experienced an unusual grinding noise on September 21, 2026, which lasted approximately five minutes before stopping. I was subsequently told the noise was caused by worn spindles. The noise has not returned, and I am not claiming that issue was related to the drivetrain failure. Acura declined goodwill assistance, citing lack of documentation for transmission maintenance. The vehicle is outside its original warranty. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA has a record of my vehicle’s actual failure and complete loss of AWD and can consider it alongside other reports involving this vehicle and drivetrain configuration. I can provide the VIN, dealership diagnosis, repair estimate, and supporting documentation if requested.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768032September 30, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My Acura TLX was stolen on from my driveway in Chicago, IL. The vehicle was locked, and the only key fob was about 200 feet away inside home at the time. The thief was able to unlock, start, and drive away the vehicle without the authorized key fob. Component that failed: The vehicle's anti-theft and keyless entry/ignition security system smart key/immobilizer failed to prevent unauthorized entry and engine start. The vehicle and component are not available for inspection yet but the vehicle was recovered and located. Safety risk: The security flaw allowed an unauthorized person to take control of and operate a vehicle on public roads. This puts the public at risk from reckless driving by the thief and from the car's possible use in other crimes. It also shows that any owner's vehicle can be taken with no key present, which puts owners at risk of confrontation and financial harm.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767792September 29, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My transfer case is blown they want to charge me $14,894.90 to replace the transmission and PTU. My vehicle is only front wheel drive right now. I brought up that this is happening to multiple vehicles like mine and should be under a safety recall. Because I’m outside of the 70,000 mileage warranty from the manufacturer and have no extended warranty they gave no options except full price. My car has 89,822 miles on it currently when found. Nut happpened when the vehicle had 74,654 miles on it. They found rusty liquid coming from the transfer case during a routine oil change and inspection. And found that drive shaft spins freely when it shouldn’t what they said.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766764September 24, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2021 Acura TLX has a fuel leak. This is a known issue and manufacture design flaw. The Acura dealership has quoted my $4200 - $4500 to replace the fuel tank. I've contacted Honda and they've only offer $300 "goodwill" credit towards the repair. This is a know issue, a fire hazard, and other 2021 TLX has been recalled for this fuel tank/fuel leak issue via recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766197September 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I own a 2018 Acura TLX with approximately 41,384 miles. While driving, multiple safety-system warnings suddenly appeared simultaneously, including: Lane Keeping Assist Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem Auto High-Beam Problem Collision Mitigation System Problem Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Brake System warning I safely stopped the vehicle, shut it off, and restarted it. The warnings initially disappeared but later returned, including when I started the vehicle to take it to the Acura dealership. An authorized Acura dealership inspected the vehicle and retrieved multiple diagnostic trouble codes, including U3000-49, indicating an internal electronic failure associated with the multipurpose camera/driver-assistance system. The dealership cleared the codes, retested the vehicle, and confirmed that the fault returned. The technician also tested the battery, alternator, starter, and camera ground. The brake system was inspected, and no separate braking problem was identified. The dealership diagnosed a failed monocular camera requiring replacement. Safety concern: Multiple driver-assistance systems became unavailable unexpectedly while I was driving, including collision mitigation, lane-keeping assistance, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. The simultaneous failure of these systems creates a safety concern because the vehicle's collision-prevention and driver-assistance features may be unavailable without advance warning. The dealership quoted approximately $2,400 for the camera replacement. The vehicle has only 41,384 miles. I have photographs and video documenting the dashboard warnings, as well as the dealership's diagnostic trouble code report and repair estimate. These records are available upon request. I am submitting this complaint to document the unexpected failure of multiple driver-assistance safety systems and request that NHTSA evaluate whether this represents a potential safety-related defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765296September 18, 2026
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
the 2015 1st generation Acura TLX is affected by a defective torque sensor inside the steering gearbox that malfunctions sending error codes displaying as LKAS, ESP, EPB, ACC, Driver mitigation control, etc. these driver assisted technologies are dangerous when faulty. a fault code triggered in the driver assist system tech causes the vehicle to lose power steering under power and at speed causing an unsafe operation of the vehicle that can result in death. Honda motor corp is aware of this because they extend the warrantee for this part to be replaced. Honda issued a superseding memo to cover the cost of repairs between 80-100 percent of the repair. the original TB (tech Bulletin) 15-056 was for 2013-14 Honda Accord, however the 2015 Acura TLX shares the design of that vehicle and supplied the parts for the first generation Acura TLX. the revision classifies the gearbox as no longer a controlled part, a replacement must be ordered when hard codes are repeating 53-02, 53-02. I have spoken to Honda and they are denying this issue is a recallable issue. it has to be recalled and if research is conducted I am sure that it will be seen to have caused collisions on the roadway, I have had several near miss incidents and my vehicle has very low miles to be affected by an issue like this and the car has never been hit.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763607September 11, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Purchased this vehicle used, as-is, from a Ford dealership on August 18, 2026. Approximately 90 minutes after taking delivery, the vehicle began displaying multiple dashboard warning lights and lost access to Sport+ drive mode. The vehicle was returned to the selling dealership the same day; their technicians were unable to reproduce the fault or retrieve a diagnostic trouble code at that time. The vehicle was subsequently towed to an authorized Acura dealership for independent diagnosis. That inspection identified three separate issues: (1) the warning lights, attributed to a lean-running condition possibly caused by fuel quality; (2) a leaking front brake caliper, quoted at approximately $900 to repair; and (3) a fluid leak at the gasket between the transmission and transfer case, which the dealership states requires full replacement of both the transmission and transfer case, at an estimated cost of approximately $13,000. This transmission/transfer case leak occurs at the same location addressed in NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Petition DP26001 (opened March 2026), covering 2021-2023 Acura TLX and 2022-2023 Acura MDX SH-AWD vehicles. NHTSA's review, resolved August 6, 2026, confirmed the underlying failure mechanism as real — splines connecting the transmission output shaft to the power take-off unit stripping or shearing, cutting power to the rear wheels — based on 62 owner complaints and manufacturer field reports, though NHTSA declined to mandate a recall. NHTSA's review also noted that the vehicle's dashboard provides no warning to the driver when this failure occurs. Given that this failure surfaced within 90 minutes of taking delivery of the vehicle, and that it matches a documented, federally-reviewed defect pattern on this exact model and drivetrain, I am filing this complaint to add to NHTSA's records on this known issue and to document a case where the failure manifested essentially immediately upon purchase.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763748September 11, 2026
ENGINE
I drive a 2021 Acura TLX TYPE S around 85K miles. I heard a loud clank when I was driving one day, and I loss traction. When I was accelerating I was losing traction and it seem like I lost power while I was moving as well. It seems like I'm driving front wheel drive. I let me foot of the gas and it seems like it's back to normal SH-AWD. I hope this gets looked into and fixed soon.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762505September 7, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Acura TLX 2017, with only 112,000 miles. On [XXX], while the consumer was driving, the vehicle caught on fire. The consumer saw what appeared to be smoke coming from under the hood. The consumer stopped the vehicle immediately at a 4-way intersection, put it in park, and turned it off. The hood latch was open. When the consumer opened the hood, the engine compartment was on fire, and the car was engulfed in fire within seconds. Fire department and Police depratment arrived at the scene. The car was deemed a total loss, and the fire was determined to have started in the engine compartment. In May 2024, Acura stated that the connecting rod bearing needed replacement and that it was covered under the recall. However, 6 months after replacement, in October 2024, the knocking noise returned. The vehicle was brought to the Acura dealership, which noted at that time that the engine needed to be replaced, but the repair was denied under the recall this time. As required and recommended by the Acura Dealership, as well as by the recall, which noted safety risks, the consumer moved forward with having the engine replaced by the Acura Dealership, and the cosnsumer paid out of pocket. The vehicle was at the Acura dealership in Westwood for service from October 2024 until February 2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762142September 4, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The internal spring inside my driver's side sun visor completely failed and now the visor hangs down and totally blocks my view of the road while driving. It is a major safety hazard because I literally have to duck to see traffic in front of me and I keep hitting my head on it. If I get into an accident and the airbags deploy, this loose plastic visor is going to smash right into my face. Acura knows this is a massive defect across thousands of these cars, but they haven't issued a recall and the replacement part is completely backordered nationwide, leaving me stuck driving a car where I can't safely see the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760565August 29, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The transfer case and transmission splines have been stripped causing the car to be FWD only. The issue was confirmed by the dealer, and both the transfer case and transmission were replaced under warranty. The car shuddered, followed by a drivetrain noise for a few seconds. No warning lights or messages appeared when the incident occurred. The issue occurred at approximately 26,574 miles on the odometer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759768August 26, 2026
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
transfer case leaking fluids at 73,000 miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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