2015 Acura TLX: complete transmission failure

Filed Sep 2, 2025 · Engine · 73,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2015 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called for tow truck service, but the tow truck driver was unable to shift the transmission into neutral(N). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the mechanic was unable to work on the engine and transmission failures. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and was informed that there would be a cost for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The contact requested a diagnostic test and was informed by the dealer that there was a hole in the oil pan, causing engine oil to leak out and causing the vehicle to stall. The contact had called the Insurance Company about the hole in the oil pan and was advised to have the oil pan and engine inspected. The dealer found that the hole in the oil pan had been caused by a fractured crankshaft that punctured the oil pan. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

Filed Aug 4, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 67,000 miles · VA · 1 injury

The contact's client owns a 2015 Acura TLX. The contact stated while the client was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut down in the middle of traffic. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift into drive or reverse. Additionally, there was an unknown failure with the brakes and transmission. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument cluster had failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the driver suffered a stroke after the failure, and medical attention was provided. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Filed Sep 1, 2023 · Transmission · NJ

Upon braking, when coming to a full stop, the transmission (ZF 9-speed automatic) makes a very hard downshift into 1st gear and causes the car to lurch forward. This issue appears to be worsening over time. The car is becoming more and more difficult and dangerous to drive due to this issue. The car was very recently brought into an Acura dealership (DCH Montclair Acura) to address this issue. They replaced the transmission fluid and conducted a general software update, but this issue continues to persist as before.

Filed Aug 14, 2023 · Transmission · 115,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2015 Acura TLX. The contact stated while driving at various highway speeds, the transmission randomly shifted into the neutral causing the vehicle to lose automotive power, decelerate, and failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. During the failure several messages were displayed including the "Transmission Failure" message. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission shifter was faulty, and a transmission computer software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, immediately after retrieving the vehicle, the failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Feb 11, 2021 · Transmission · 71,000 miles · AZ

The vehicle unexpectantly shifted out of drive to neutral while going up an inclined road at about 45 MPH. The background of the neutral gear "n" indicator was yellow. Engine power was lost for approximately 5 seconds and then recovered when the transmission shifted back to drive without any intervention. I don't recall seeing any kind of error message when this occurred, but it is possible it could have been missed while I was frantically trying to figure out what was happening. After researching this issue on the internet, I discovered that there was a safety recall (16v640000) for a similar consequence which only applies to select vins. My particular VIN is not part of the safety recall. The performance of the transmission has always been worrisome. I am the original owner. The transmission rarely shifts smoothly going from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd gears even after multiple attempts to get this corrected at my auto dealership. It is still not satisfactory, and this latest episode just adds to my consternation. Acura has provided an extended warranty for transmission failure if it is related to the atf warmer. I expressed the issue and my concerns with acura. The case number is not officially open until the issue is diagnosed by an acura dealership.

Filed Jan 19, 2021 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · VI

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 acura tlx. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked on a slight incline, the vehicle started rolling backwards. The contact jumped back in the vehicle and engaged the parking brakes. Afterwards, the contact attempted to shift the vehicle into drive however, the transmission failed to respond. The contact was unable to shift the vehicle into drive or park. An independent mechanic was called out to the residence to diagnose the vehicle. The mechanic retrieved a temporary fault code of the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

Filed Mar 17, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 92,000 miles · NY

While driving straight or turning left or right, occasionally the car will fail to accelerate when the gas pedal is pressed. The engine appears to go to an idle speed for 1-2 seconds and then the car accelerates. This has been brought to the attention of the local dealer multiple times but they (and acura) are unable or unwilling to fix this problem. I have sent them video of the tachometer dropping to ~900rpm when this happens. They state there are no error codes or information that indicates anything is wrong. This seems to match safety problems 11121786, 10775339, 10695446, and 10694812. Another problem the vehicle has is a shudder in the transmission at certain speeds. Shifting to a different gear makes the shudder go away. Dealer states this is just how the transmission works. Transmission was replaced around 51k miles. Old transmission did not have this problem. Dealer said a fluid change might help. It did not.

Filed Dec 4, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 5,000 miles · TX

The car automatically switches to neutral and shuts off while driving. I bought the car brand new from john eagle acura and have had this problem the entire time that I have owned the vehicle. The dealership replaced the transmission and starter on the car less than 3 months after pruchase. The car continues to switch gears on its own and shuts off! The dealership says that nothing is wrong with the car. Please beaware this car is not safe to drive!!!

Filed Dec 27, 2017 · Transmission · 36,000 miles · AZ

Went in for a recall notice I received for my 2015 acura tlx specifying a possible faulty transmission in car - went to go have it looked at. Determined by tech that car was not experiencing exact issue in recall but car should have a TCM software update since it was jerking at the 2-3 shift. When I received the car back it was 10 times worse! Still jerking but now was jumping on every downshift every single time the car decelerates on every shift! This is a safety concern that is very serious and needs to be addressed by acura - a new transmission should be called for since the car is under warranty. The car also just goes to 2-3 RPM's just while sitting idle in park now - my car's transmission is completely wrecked due to this TCM software update. Already called acura to request a formal complaint - they told me to notify you as well. - [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Mar 30, 2017 · Transmission · 13,000 miles · VA

Vehicle purchase made on 2/28/2016. I have been to the dealership numerous times for various issues since then, mostly for transmission issue. The issues include jerky shifting from 1st to 2nd, and 2nd to 3rd. Acura client relations decided to replace the transmission on my fourth visit/complaint. The rough shifting has somewhat improved, but it is still there. My last visit at the dealership and a test drive with district manager(dm) yielded: a) this is perfectly normal characteristic of the new 9-speed transmission. A feature that comes with wonderful fuel economy. B) vibration from vcm (variable cylinder management). I have never had this issue until the transmission replacement. Yet again, dealership states it is perfectly normal to show this 'characteristic'. Dm's response to my question, "how/why did I not experience this issue on my first full year?" was, "what gas do you put in? Costco? They got less additives. There's carbon buildup forming in the engine". That was the response on a 13-month old vehicle. C) chirping noise from engine room. From research, it may be related to 'high pressure fuel pump' or 'insufficient belt placement', which acura has tsb out for servicing. But, dealership claims they cannot duplicate the noise, even with a recording of the sound. (it has to be audible during the test drive, they say)

Filed Jan 18, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 22,500 miles · CA

The transmission is extremely jumpy, all of the warning lights come on and flash, along with the engine will power down temporarily. For example one time I was going approx 50mph and it powered down to about 30 MPH on the freeway. All of the warning lights start flashing, I pulled over turned the car off and then restarted it. The warning lights remained flashing but the engine functioned but the transmission still was jerky. This was happened at least 5 separate times and we have had it in service with acura several times and each time they try to fix the same complaints with a different fix. Most recently we had it in for repair for a week, we got it back, drove it 200 miles and the same error happened. Acura finally agreed to replace the transmission and I just picked it back up on 1/6/17 and the same error and transmission issue occurred today. We have notified the dealership, the nmvb, acura customer relations, and now we are reaching out to the federal safety agency. We do not feel safe in this vehicle and we are afraid that the transmission will idle down again on the freeway but maybe in a lane that we cannot immediately pull over safely.

Filed Nov 14, 2016 · Transmission · 18,000 miles · NJ

I have been to the dealer 2 times for transmission problems. The car has poor acceleration and hesitates shifting. When ur trying to speed up it has a delay which has gotten me very close to 2 accidents. Shifting is also very rough, it kicks in hard. The dealer did a transmission update and the problem persists. Took it back again they scanned for codes and said they can't find any issue. I feel this car is dangerous and the transmission needs to be replaced before an accident occurs.