What are the most common Acura TLX problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,050+ owner reports, the 2017-2017 Acura TLX has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting, Infotainment System Lag, Freezing, and Crashes. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura TLX reliable?

The 2017-2017 Acura TLX has 2 known issues documented across 4,050+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting. 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 $200 to $2,800, 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.

2017 Acura TLX Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2017 Acura TLX Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 2 Known Issues

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Community Reported

2,200 owners

On the 2015-2020 Acura TLX 3.5L J35Y6 V6, 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 worsens in warm weather.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Mitsubishi Outlander, Acura ILX

Common Symptoms

Shudder between 25-45 mph during light acceleration
Harsh 2-3 upshift
Hesitation on downshift
Vibration felt through steering wheel and seat
Transmission hunting between gears on hills

How to Fix

Perform a transmission fluid drain and refill with Honda DW-1 ATF. Update the transmission control module (TCM) to the latest calibration from Acura, which improves shift logic and torque converter lockup mapping. Severe cases may require torque converter replacement.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 2,200+ owners who fixed this issue

TipDrain and refill the 9-speed with Honda DW-1 every 30,000 miles. The shudder is often caused by degraded fluid. Two back-to-back drain-and-fills replace about 60% of total fluid volume.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $2,800

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2,200+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence2,200 reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

1,850 owners

On the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 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 camera failing to display.

This issue also affects: Acura ILX

Common Symptoms

Touchscreen unresponsive or extremely laggy
System reboots while driving
Bluetooth audio cuts out
Backup camera black screen
Navigation screen freezes mid-route

How to Fix

Update infotainment firmware to the latest version via USB or dealer update. If freezing persists after the update, the head unit may need replacement with the revised hardware. Performing a factory reset can temporarily resolve lag but the issue typically returns.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,850+ owners who fixed this issue

TipHold the power/volume knob for 10 seconds to force a hard reboot. This clears the cache and resolves most temporary freezes without needing a dealer visit.

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1,850+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence1,850 reportsLast reported by owners Nov 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls6 recalls

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Campaign #21V21500025/03/2021

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.

Campaign #23V75100013/11/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Campaign #23V85800018/12/2023

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

Campaign #24V06400001/02/2024

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.

Campaign #19V06000029/01/2019

+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

2017 Acura TLX Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2015-2020 Acura TLX: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2015-2020 Acura TLX: Infotainment System Lag, Freezing, and Crashes#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

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

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