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2015 Acura TLX problems

The most common problem on the 2015 Acura TLX is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 7,500 miles. It has 4.6 times the complaints of a typical TLX model year.

Year to avoid4.6x the typical complaints
Year score
16/100
Owner complaints
344
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
431
Worst area
Transmission
Crash rating
5/5
Fuel economy
25-28mpg

The worst 2015 Acura TLX problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2015 Acura TLX

Jerking 73Hesitation 36Stalling 36Harsh shifting 22Loss of power 19Transmission failure 16Warning lights 15Knocking 12Fuel pump 12Won't shift 12Lane assist 11Won't start 11Check engine light 9Engine failure 9Sunroof shattered 8Sudden acceleration 7Collision warning 6Battery drain 5Slipping 5Start-stop 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2015 Acura TLX mention

P0087 2P0657 2

Recalls 6

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported December 18, 2023 · 2,490,460 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of the federal safety agency recall numbers 21V‑215 and 20V‑314.

Recall number 23V858000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported November 13, 2023 · 248,999 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.

Recall number 23V751000 · Recall details

Fuel system, other: delivery: fuel pumpReported January 29, 2019 · 437,032 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Acura's recall number for this recall is P3W. Honda's recall number for this recall is N3X.

Recall number 19V060000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported September 6, 2016 · 8,354 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 16V640000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported December 8, 2014 · 9,392 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 14V779000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported October 1, 2014 · 189 vehicles affected
What is wrong
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura TLX AWD vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to September 20, 2014. The affected vehicles may have incorrect values for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front and rear printed on the safety certification label. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Part 567, "Certification."
Risk
If the vehicle is loaded to the specifications listed on the label, tire failure may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected certification label, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 21, 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑800‑382‑2238. Honda's number for this recall is JK6.

Recall number 14V613000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2015 Acura TLX

Defect investigations

No Restart After Auto Start/Stop EngagesOpened March 26, 2025, still open

On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to restart issue in the 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles, as well as the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2019-2022 Honda Passport, and 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The repair outlined in the service bulletins is a two-stage countermeasure to remedy the issue. The first stage is a Programmed Fuel Injection (“PGM-FI”) software update. The second stage is only deployed if the software update fails to remedy the issue. The second stage, depending on the model and model year, consists of replacement of the starter assembly, starter relays, and a valve adjustment. Additionally, Honda extended the warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage for vehicles requiring the second stage component replacement. ODI continues to receive complaints of the AIS failure to restart, with many complainants alleging the campaign countermeasures had been completed.the federal safety agency has reviewed Honda's Information Request Letter responses involving warranty claims, lawsuits, and consumer complaints in addition to ODI's own data. This Engineering Analysis is being opened to further consider the potential safety defect, including gathering additional data regarding Honda’s service campaign efficacy. ODI is additionally expanding the scope to encompass all vehicles addressed in Honda’s service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 as well as newer model year vehicles, which are substantially similar to the vehicles covered by the service campaign. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

EA25004

Electrical overstressOpened April 19, 2019, closed September 19, 2024

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V‑668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment. FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW. These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes. An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.  In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU. This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW. The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation. The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage. There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation. The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU. If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC. Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC. All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled. In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V‑668, 18E-043, 18V‑137, 18V‑363, and 20V‑024. With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

EA19001

Technical service bulletins for the 2015 Acura TLX 431

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 431 bulletins for the 2015 Acura TLX

2015 Acura TLX crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Acura TLX 4 DR AWD5555
Acura TLX 4 DR FWD5555

2015 Acura TLX fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylFWD243528
3.5L 6‑cylFWD213425
3.5L 6‑cylAWD213125

What 2015 Acura TLX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Engine · MS

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 (the federal safety agency 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

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Transmission · CO

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 (the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · NJ

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.

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · FL

As I’m driving my car will shift in neutral which I know this isn’t normal on highway, bridges even low grounds. Don’t see a recall on my car, but after researching I seen In September 2019 tlx was having some of the same problems different year. And this situation happen 3x so far til I afraid to drive it. Just driving smoothly then goes into different gear which can put me, my kids and anyone else in danger.

Filed Jul 10, 2026 · Body · CA

The vehicle is experiencing extensive factory paint failure and clear-coat delamination on the roof, around the rear windshield, C-pillars, and upper door frames. The condition began approximately 12 months ago around the rear windshield and has progressively spread to multiple upper body panels despite normal ownership and maintenance. The paint is peeling in large sections, exposing the underlying paint layers. Research indicates Acura previously acknowledged a similar paint adhesion defect affecting certain 2015 Acura TLX vehicles around the rear windshield and issued a warranty extension for some vehicles. Although my vehicle may not have been included in that program, the failure pattern appears substantially similar. The vehicle has not been involved in any collision affecting these areas, and the paint appears to be the original factory finish. The condition continues to worsen over time. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Acura Client Relations has been contacted, and a case has been opened requesting inspection and review.

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Transmission · GA

Car randomly goes into neutral and stays in neutral not allowing gear change

Filed May 14, 2026 · Fuel system · 89,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2015 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle had suddenly began to shake and rattle and eventually stalled. The contact able to restart the vehicle and continued to drive. Over time the failure continued to occur more frequently. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later repair by a local mechanic. The manufacturer was contact regarding the failure and informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 89,000.

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · NC

The emergency brake system continues to come on and read all the type of stuff on the screen, as well as the LKAS keeps coming on the screen showing problems and when it does, the transmission or engines stalls a little and slows up and speed down on its on

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Driver assistance, Visibility · 50,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2015 Acura TLX. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The contact stated that the image was being blocked. Additionally, the rear-view mirror had dark sunspots that obstructed the driver's visibility. Most recently, the contact became aware that the driver’s seat was fractured where the seat adjust buttons were located. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Mar 17, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Vehicle displays two warnings under normal usage. First warning is Emissions system issue and second is Brake System Failure. The Vehicle runs completely normal and operational, however these two warnings flash on the vehicle. The parking brake indicator also flashes. Vehicle has been to dealership/shop for multiple repairs; around 3-4 repairs within two months with no resolve for the same warning/issue.

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2015 Acura TLX

Is the 2015 Acura TLX reliable?

Owners have filed 344 complaints about the 2015 Acura TLX, 4.6 times a typical TLX model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2015 Acura TLX year score?

The 2015 Acura TLX scores 16 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Acura TLX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2015 Acura TLX?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 161 complaints, typically around 7,500 miles. Next is engine (97).

How many recalls does the 2015 Acura TLX have?

6 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, engine and engine cooling and fuel system, other.

Is the 2015 Acura TLX safe in a crash?

In government crash tests the 2015 Acura TLX scored 5 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (2 versions tested).

Was there a recall on the 2015 Acura TLX transmission?

Yes, 2 recalls: 16V640000, 14V779000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Acura TLX have bad transmission?

The Acura TLX model years with the most transmission complaints are 2015 (161 complaints), 2021 (30 complaints) and 2017 (18 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2015 Acura TLX get?

Official estimates for the 2015 Acura TLX range from 25 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 24 city and 35 highway.

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