Acura TLX Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 264 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Acura TLX across 10 model years. The 2015 model year has the most (161). The words owners use most often: “transfer case” (11% of reports).
- 264power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 29%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Transfer case: mentioned in 28 of 264 complaints (11%)
- 2ND 3RD: mentioned in 15 of 264 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 156 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 264 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 2 an injury.
Acura TLX power train complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Model years: 2015
Problem: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura TLX 2WD and 4WD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the transmission wire harness connections may have insufficient crimps, and, as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral.
Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Acura has notified owners, and dealers will, based on the automatic transmission serial number, update the transmission software to prevent the transmission from shifting into neutral due to a faulty crimp, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Acura Client Relations at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KC2.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2015
Problem: American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura TLX V6 2WD vehicles manufactured July 14, 2014, to November 12, 2014, and certain 2015 TLX V6 SH-AWD vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to November 10, 2014. The automatic transmission parking pawl may become contaminated or the park rod may become dislodged or broken. This may prevent the transmission from shifting into the Park position.
Risk: If the shift indicator displays "Park" but the park lock does not engage, the vehicle may roll away increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmission if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 30, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JM8.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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…
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 Iâm outside of the 70,000 mileage…
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…
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Acura TLXs have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 264 owner complaints about power train for the Acura TLX. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Acura TLX power train?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Acura TLX?
The most frequent phrase is “transfer case”, in 28 of 264 complaints, followed by “2nd 3rd” (15).
Other Acura TLX problems
- Engine problems (225)
- Electrical System problems (158)
See all Acura TLX problems.