I am submitting this complaint regarding a transmission failure involving my 2021 Acura TLX, which I believe presents a significant motor vehicle safety defect. The transmission experienced a premature and unexpected failure that resulted in a substantial reduction in vehicle performance, including a loss of power delivered to the rear wheels and a corresponding reduction in vehicle directional control. At the time of the failure, the vehicle's handling characteristics changed unexpectedly, creating a potentially hazardous operating condition. The loss of rear-wheel power adversely affected the vehicle's stability and responsiveness, particularly during acceleration, lane changes, and other driving maneuvers where predictable vehicle control is necessary for safe operation. This condition significantly increased the risk of a crash and exposed both the vehicle occupants and the motoring public to an unreasonable safety hazard. Upon researching this issue, I discovered that transmission failures and related drivetrain defects have been reported by other owners of 2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The existence of multiple similar complaints suggests that this may not be an isolated incident but rather a recurring defect affecting this vehicle model and year. The failure occurred despite the vehicle being maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and without any misuse or modification that would reasonably contribute to such a catastrophic drivetrain failure. A transmission component that affects vehicle propulsion and directional control should not fail under normal operating conditions. Given the nature of the defect and its direct impact on vehicle safety, I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue to determine whether a broader safety-related defect exists within the 2021 Acura TLX population. If such a defect is confirmed, Acura/Honda should be required to provide an appropriate remedy.
Acura TLX loss of power problems
41 of the 903 owner complaints about the Acura TLX describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2015 model year.
- owner complaints
- 41
- worst model year
- 2015
- typical mileage
- 72,400
By model year
Often reported together
Knocking 10Engine failure 7Warning lights 6Stalling 6Check engine light 6Won't shift 2
Trouble codes mentioned
U0401 1P0303 1P0087 1
What owners say
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.
I drive a 2021 Acura TLX TYPE S around 85K miles. I heard a loud clank when I was driving one day, and I loss traction. When I was accelerating I was losing traction and it seem like I lost power while I was moving as well. It seems like I'm driving front wheel drive. I let me foot of the gas and it seems like it's back to normal SH-AWD. I hope this gets looked into and fixed soon.
- The engine system failed and it is available for inspection -While driving on the highway at normal traffic speed, my vehicle suddenly developed a loud knocking noise and the check engine light lit up. Within moments, the engine lost power and became inoperable, leaving me unable to continue driving while being 300 miles away from home. This incident occurred at about 5-6AM, having to maneuver through traffic before the sunrise. This created a serious safety risk because surrounding vehicles were traveling at full speed increasing the risk of collision. There were no warning signs of this failure and I was unfortunately stranded on the highway in an unfamiliar town for hours with minors in the vehicle. -Yes, the vehicle was towed to a local dealeriship, Hahira Automotive Services, where the engine failure occurred and they confirmed that they were unable to start the car and the knocking sound was indicative of engine failure. I towed the car to an Acura dealership local to my home and they confirmed the same vehicle condition and that a takedown is required to fully inspect the engine. -The engine has not been inspected by anyone only the vehicle condition -There were no warning signs of engine failure prior to the incident
I'm losing power than normal all of a sudden. When I step on the gas after light hits green in sport and sport plus mode my car losses traction even when traction control is on, and I hear a loud clunck sound. After the the loud clunck sound the car losses RPM while driving I step off the gas and step back on it and the RPM goes back to normal again.
The contact owns a 2019 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the steering wheel failed to responded as needed. The vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. The vehicle was restarted but stalled immediately. The contact inspected the vehicle but found no fault. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing had failed and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing had failed and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
On 07/01/2026, at approximately 8:00 AM, during steady acceleration, flashing of MIL with loss of power presented northbound after merging from 235 west bound to I-135 north bound near Park City, KS. Particularly dangerous resulting in near rear end collision. Upon taking nearest exit ramp, attached BlueDriver .OBD II reader, and fault code P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire and U0401-68 PGM-Fi/ECM/PCM system event code was logged, with multiple warning indicators that safety system, AWD, brake, and other systems were disabled. Note, vehicle has had TSB 20-053 update w/ flash of PGM-Fi which did not resolve the fault, fault associated with hot and humid climates or period of rain fall, apparent water vapor, condensate build up in intercooler. For Honda Accord and Acura RDX w/ 4 cylinder 2.0 TDGI engine TSB includes redesigned intercooler replacement, that is not available for TLX 21-25 which is currently out of production. This has occurred previously during humid and hot weather, but no intermittent flashing MIL does not store code. Thankful in this instance P0303 and U0401-68 code is stored, and scheduling service at dealership to diagnose misfire.
Description of Safety Defect: While starting car up, the digital instrument cluster (speedometer and all primary driver instrumentation) goes completely black with no warning. The infotainment system continues to operate normally. After driving a short distance (sometimes only a few miles), the vehicle then experiences a complete loss of power steering, making the car extremely difficult or impossible to control. This creates an immediate risk of a crash, especially at speed or during turning. In multiple instances, after this failure occurs, the vehicle also becomes difficult to shut off, remaining in accessory or powered states despite attempts to turn the vehicle off. This defect involves simultaneous failure of: •Driver instrumentation display •Electric power steering assistance •Normal ignition shutdown behavior The loss of steering assist results in a sudden and unexpected loss of vehicle control. This appears to be an electronic or control-module failure affecting multiple safety-critical systems. Safety Impact: This defect poses a serious risk of crash, injury, or death due to sudden loss of steering assistance and lack of speed/vehicle status information while driving. Frequency: Has occurred twice - each time requiring roadside assistance to get the car to the dealer Warning Lights or Messages: None - just complete loss of instrumentation cluster Dealer Response (if applicable): Dealer initially claimed it had fixed, but it occurred again within 24 hours of retrieving from dealer. Dealer has now had car go over a week claiming that it needs to generate the fault state more than once before it will make any warranty repairs
The fuel delivery system, specifically the fuel pump, has malfunctioned. This vehicle is subject to a fuel pump safety recall, which was reportedly repaired in 2022; however, the vehicle continues to experience the same failure symptoms and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has stalled multiple times at highway speeds, resulting in sudden loss of power while driving and creating an immediate risk of collision with surrounding traffic. My family was in the vehicle during these incidents, significantly increasing the risk of serious injury or death. The problem has been reproduced multiple times, including after the vehicle was taken to an authorized Acura dealership. During the most recent visit, diagnostic trouble codes were cleared, but the recalled fuel pump was not repaired or replaced. After being released by the dealership, the vehicle stalled again under similar driving conditions. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership, but no corrective repair was performed beyond clearing codes. The manufacturer has not yet properly remedied the recurring safety defect. Prior to stalling, the vehicle exhibited intermittent hesitation, loss of power, and engine shutdown. Warning indicators and fault codes were present at times and were cleared by the dealership without resolving the underlying issue. These symptoms have continued intermittently since the recall repair. This appears to be a failure to properly diagnose and correct a known safety defect, resulting in repeated dangerous highway stalls and placing occupants at serious risk.
Subject: Complaint - Safety Recall Failure (#23V75100) - Engine Failure Summary: This is a complaint regarding a failure of the safety recall repair performed under Recall #23V75100, which addressed a rod bearing issue that can cause engine failure. Details: 1. On or about April 4, 2024, Southern Acura of Newport News, VA replaced the long block under Recall #23V75100 after the original engine failed at approximately 130,810 miles. 2. On or about September 5, 2024, at approximately 173,722 miles, the replacement engine failed again. 3.The vehicle is currently located at Hall Acura of Virginia Beach, VA. , where the dealership has verified that the engine is seized and available for inspection. 4. The failure occurred while driving at approximately 70 mph in a construction zone, where there was no immediate shoulder or safe area to pull off. The sudden loss of power nearly caused a rear- end collision. 5.An independent service center, American Pride - Fort Eustis in Newport News, VA., also verified the problem and found metal shavings and bearing metal coming from the oil pan. 6. There were no warning lamps or alerts prior to the engine failure; all warning lights illuminated only after the loss of power
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- 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
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
- Risk
- Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4M. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Acura's number for this recall is Z4L.
Recall number 19V298000 · Recall details
Questions about the Acura TLX loss of power
Which Acura TLX years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2015 (19 complaints), 2016 (5 complaints) and 2021 (5 complaints).
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