What is the 2015-2020 Acura TLX 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting?

The ZF 9HP 9-speed automatic transmission paired with the V6 in first-gen TLX models exhibits a pronounced shudder during low-speed acceleration and harsh shifts between 2nd and 3rd gear. The torque converter lockup strategy causes a noticeable vibration between 25-45 mph that wo… Repairs typically run $200-$2,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2024 Acura TLX UB5 SH-AWD Transmission-to-Transfer Case (PTU) Spline Shear and Total AWD Loss?

On the second-generation (UB5) TLX with SH-AWD, the splined interface between the 10-speed transmission output and the power transfer unit (transfer case) strips or shears. Owners describe a loud pop, bang or clunk from underneath, after which the car silently reverts to front-wh… Repairs typically run $5,000-$19,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2020 Acura TLX J35 3.5L V6 Connecting Rod Bearing Wear and Engine Seizure (Recall 23V751000)?

First-generation (UB1/UB2) TLX models built with the J35 3.5L V6 suffer a manufacturing defect in the connecting rod bearings. Improperly finished crankshaft journals / bearing clearances cause the rod bearing to wear, spin and eventually seize. Owners report a developing knock o… Repairs typically run $0-$13,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2023-2025 Acura TLX Fuel Filler Neck to Tank Weld Defect Causing Fuel Leak (Recall 24V950000)?

Late second-generation TLX vehicles were built with the fuel filler neck improperly welded to the fuel tank. The defective weld can allow fuel to leak from the tank assembly, and a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source is a fire risk. Honda recalled affected 2023-2025 A… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2020 Acura TLX Infotainment System Lag, Freezing, and Crashes?

The dual-screen infotainment system in first-generation TLX models suffers from severe lag, random freezes, and full system crashes requiring a restart. The upper navigation screen and lower touchscreen frequently lose sync, with Bluetooth audio dropping mid-stream and the backup… Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2025 Acura TLX UB5 Adaptive Damper System Failure from Stroke Sensor Harness Corrosion?

Second-generation TLX models equipped with the Adaptive Damper System (A-Spec and Type S) suffer damper control failures traced to corrosion in the suspension stroke sensor wiring harnesses and to rear shock solenoid failures. The car throws an Adaptive Damper System warning and… Repairs typically run $350-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2023 Acura TLX Front Passenger Occupant Classification Seat Weight Sensor Cracking and Short Circuit (Recalls 24V064000, 26V332000)?

The front passenger seat weight sensor that feeds the occupant classification system cracks and short circuits. Two separate campaigns cover TLX: 24V064000 (2020-2021 TLX, sensor cracks so the system fails to suppress the passenger airbag as intended) and the later, broader 26V33… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2025 Acura TLX 2.0L Turbo Intercooler Condensation Ingestion Causing Misfire and Limp Mode?

The base second-generation TLX uses a 2.0L turbocharged four with a front-mounted air-to-air intercooler. In humid, rainy or cold-and-damp conditions, water vapor condenses inside the intercooler and charge piping, pools, and is then slugged into the intake on a throttle transiti… Repairs typically run $0-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2022 Acura TLX AcuraWatch CMBS False Emergency Braking and Cascading ADAS Warning Cluster?

The AcuraWatch front camera and millimeter-wave radar produce false Collision Mitigation Braking System activations - the car brakes hard, sometimes to a full stop, with no vehicle or obstacle ahead. NHTSA filings on the 2018 TLX describe the 'frontal crash mitigation feature sud… Repairs typically run $0-$1,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2020 Acura TLX Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) Rear Steering Actuator Failure?

P-AWS is TLX-specific hardware: two independent electric actuators toe the rear wheels for low-speed agility and high-speed stability, fitted to first-generation front-drive TLX models (the SH-AWD cars use the rear drive unit instead). The actuators fail - electrically and mechan… Repairs typically run $2,500-$9,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type S Brembo Front Brake Squeal and Premature Pad Wear?

The 2021–2025 TLX Type S and Type S PMC use a fixed front Brembo brake system whose performance-oriented pad compound can squeal during light braking and wear unevenly if pad-retaining hardware or contact points corrode. This does not apply to the A-Spec brake system. Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: low.

Acura · Known Issues

2015-2025 Acura TLX Problems: 15 Known Issues

2015-2025 model years · 4,830+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 4,830+ owner reports, the 2015-2025 Acura TLX has 15 documented known issues, with 8 rated critical. The most serious are 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting ($200-$2,800 repair), 9-Speed Automatic Park Pawl Contamination / Park Rod Breakage Causing Rollaway (Recall 14V779000) ($0-$0 repair), UB5 SH-AWD Transmission-to-Transfer Case (PTU) Spline Shear and Total AWD Loss ($5,000-$19,000 repair), J35 3.5L V6 Connecting Rod Bearing Wear and Engine Seizure (Recall 23V751000) ($0-$13,000 repair), Fuel Filler Neck to Tank Weld Defect Causing Fuel Leak (Recall 24V950000) ($0-$0 repair), Brake Pedal Pivot Pin Improperly Secured, Pedal Shifts Out of Position (Recall 25V391000) ($0-$0 repair), Transmission Wire Harness Insufficient Crimp Causing Unexpected Shift to Neutral (Recall 16V640000) ($0-$900 repair) and In-Tank Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stall Without Warning (Recalls 19V060000, 21V215000, 23V858000).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura TLX problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,830+ owner reports, the 2015-2025 Acura TLX has 15 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting, 9-Speed Automatic Park Pawl Contamination / Park Rod Breakage Causing Rollaway (Recall 14V779000), UB5 SH-AWD Transmission-to-Transfer Case (PTU) Spline Shear and Total AWD Loss. Of these, 8 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura TLX reliable?

The 2015-2025 Acura TLX has 15 known issues documented across 4,830+ owner reports. 8 issues are rated critical: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting and 9-Speed Automatic Park Pawl Contamination / Park Rod Breakage Causing Rollaway (Recall 14V779000) and UB5 SH-AWD Transmission-to-Transfer Case (PTU) Spline Shear and Total AWD Loss and J35 3.5L V6 Connecting Rod Bearing Wear and Engine Seizure (Recall 23V751000) and Fuel Filler Neck to Tank Weld Defect Causing Fuel Leak (Recall 24V950000) and Brake Pedal Pivot Pin Improperly Secured, Pedal Shifts Out of Position (Recall 25V391000) and Transmission Wire Harness Insufficient Crimp Causing Unexpected Shift to Neutral (Recall 16V640000) and In-Tank Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stall Without Warning (Recalls 19V060000, 21V215000, 23V858000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Acura TLX problems?

Repair costs for known Acura TLX issues range from $0 to $19,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting, typically costs $200-$2,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Acura TLX is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Acura TLX. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2015-2025 Acura TLX with 15 documented issues documented across 4,830+ owner reports.

All 15 Known Issues

Other Acura Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura TLX problems?

Is the Acura TLX reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Acura TLX problems?

What year Acura TLX is the most reliable?

9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting#

9-Speed Automatic Park Pawl Contamination / Park Rod Breakage Causing Rollaway (Recall 14V779000)#

Transmission Wire Harness Insufficient Crimp Causing Unexpected Shift to Neutral (Recall 16V640000)#

Fuel Filler Neck to Tank Weld Defect Causing Fuel Leak (Recall 24V950000)#

In-Tank Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stall Without Warning (Recalls 19V060000, 21V215000, 23V858000)#

J35 3.5L V6 Connecting Rod Bearing Wear and Engine Seizure (Recall 23V751000)#

2.0L Turbo Intercooler Condensation Ingestion Causing Misfire and Limp Mode#

Brake Pedal Pivot Pin Improperly Secured, Pedal Shifts Out of Position (Recall 25V391000)#

Type S Brembo Front Brake Squeal and Premature Pad Wear#

UB5 SH-AWD Transmission-to-Transfer Case (PTU) Spline Shear and Total AWD Loss#

Front Passenger Occupant Classification Seat Weight Sensor Cracking and Short Circuit (Recalls 24V064000, 26V332000)#

AcuraWatch CMBS False Emergency Braking and Cascading ADAS Warning Cluster#

Infotainment System Lag, Freezing, and Crashes#

UB5 Adaptive Damper System Failure from Stroke Sensor Harness Corrosion#

Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) Rear Steering Actuator Failure#