2018 Acura TLX: won't start

Filed May 27, 2026 · Engine · CA

I bought my 2018 Acura TLX a-spec V6 in Nov. 2021, certified pre-owned from an Acura dealer. It had warranty through 100k miles. At just under 70k miles, around mid-2023 I believe, the engine seized and would not start. Warranty covered engine replacement. This was just around the time of the 3.6L V6 engine recall. I waited on the recall because the engine was brand new at that point. A year or so later, deal did inspect the engine for recall, but determined it was not part of the recall. Come current to late April 2026, just before engine #2 hit 70k miles (total miles on car ~139,000), engine has seized again. Driving on freeway and car went into limp mode, thankfully close to home and made it safely. Had car towed next day to mechanic who sent a video of the knocking noise (can send video if requested; unable to upload here) and refused to work on it. He later drove the car down the block and that is when engine completely failed; no longer would turn on. Towed home, towed to dealer a week ½ later when they had opening. Dealer performed diagnostic and confirmed crankshaft seized. However, now, well past warranty coverage. I called Acura customer relations and opened a case; they will only cover "half" of the engine replacement, at a cost of $13,817 to me. My car is less than 10 years old, less than 150k miles overall and should NOT need engine #3. Will same issue happen after another 70k miles? Acura refuses to acknowledge and take care of it 100%.

Filed Apr 4, 2025 · Electrical · NV

I have had several incidents where I have been unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle does not recognize the keyless remote even though it is present and has a good battery. We have been stranded several times because the car would not start. I have taken it to the dealer and submitted a complaint with Acura which they have done nothing to solve the problem since they cannot replicate it. I have pictures and videos but your system is not letting me upload the file type. These have also been provided to the dealer

Filed Dec 21, 2022 · Engine · PA

The car failed to turn back on after the auto stop fuction turned the engine off. This left me stranded at a green light. After a few seconds the car put itself in neutral and I slowly coasted to the side of the road as I was on a hill. It would not start for around 30 seconds, remained in accessory mode with the engine off. Finally it started and I cautiously drove home. The oil and coolant levels are still perfect and I got the battery tested. Not sure why it would not start back up.

Filed Jul 27, 2021 · Electrical · MO

When I press the start button with my key fob in range and with a new battery, the car won't start, but makes a rapid "ticking" noise while all of the dashboard lights flicker and other interior and exterior lights turn on. Despite repeated attempts over several hours, the car will not start.

Filed Jul 10, 2021 · NY

I am concerned because the 2018 TLX Acura I purchased is having stalling and starting issues . When I first purchased the car and it had fewer than 17,000 miles problems appeared with the lights coming on, parking break and emission issues. It had to be repaired 3 times. The recalled Fuel system/fuel pump (recall # 19v060000) was replaced in Feb. 2020, which I hoped fixed any mysterious stalling. The first time it stalled I was in a COVID parade at work to support the community. It started up and I did not think about it again. That was in the spring of 2020. Again on Thurs., July 8,2021 the battery light came on and the car stalled while I went to push the gas peddle to go at a light that turned green (It occurred twice in one day). Instead the car stalled. I went to restart, first it said stuck in gear, then it was fine. The dealer claims it is because the gear selector switch had crumbs and too much dirt in it. I find it strange that Acura left such a vulnerable part exposed to elements with cup holders next to it and in a society that has a drive-thru for almost any food. Approximately one week before I got the same messages when pulling into a parking spot just before stopping. I restarted the car and it was fine. Also on May 24, 2021 my car, which had 71,657 miles had another issue with the Green key light flashing and the car did not start. The dealer replaced the control unit for keyless entry. It first appeared when my brother couldn't start my car. He told me and I went to start the car and it was fine. He was not familiar with my car and I thought maybe he didn't hold the brake to start it. Not long after I went to leave for work in the morning and the car did not start at all. I saw the blinking key. my car was towed to the dealer and repaired it. I have never had a car with this type of repeated problem of stalling and not starting. It may be different parts, but are they band aids for something bigger?