Acura TLX transmission failure problems

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Transmission · SC

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.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Transmission · WA

My transfer case is blown they want to charge me $14,894.90 to replace the transmission and PTU. My vehicle is only front wheel drive right now. I brought up that this is happening to multiple vehicles like mine and should be under a safety recall. Because I’m outside of the 70,000 mileage warranty from the manufacturer and have no extended warranty they gave no options except full price. My car has 89,822 miles on it currently when found. Nut happpened when the vehicle had 74,654 miles on it. They found rusty liquid coming from the transfer case during a routine oil change and inspection. And found that drive shaft spins freely when it shouldn’t what they said.

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Transmission · CT

2021 Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD. Total mechanical failure of PTU/transfer case spline interface at 29,800 miles within factory powertrain warranty. Vehicle operated silently in FWD-only with no warning lights, no fault codes, and no dashboard alerts — consistent with all complaints cited in the federal safety agency Defect Petition DP26001 (opened March 6, 2026, the federal safety agency #11712885). Failure confirmed by dealer via lift test: propeller shaft and rear wheels stationary while fronts spun. During actuator test, Check AWD System light illuminated for the first time — because the lift removed road-induced wheel rotation that had masked the failure from the ECU throughout normal driving. This is the only condition under which this failure mode is electronically detectable. Dealer replaced transmission (remanufactured ATR kit) and PTU under warranty. Repair took 38 days. CRITICAL-THIRD PTU REVISION: Replacement PTU installed was part #29000-5YK-070. Known revision history: -050 (original, confirmed failure part) → 060 (revised ~2022) → 070 (installed June 2026). The 070 does not appear in any public OEM parts database. Acura has now revised this component three times with zero TSBs, zero public disclosure of engineering changes, and no recall. The 070 revision appearing after DP26001 opened in March 2026 suggests a silent root cause fix while avoiding formal recall obligations. CRITICAL-DPSM GOODWILL CLAUSE: Acura required acceptance of "One Time Goodwill Authorized by DPSM" as condition of repair. This was a warranty obligation, not a goodwill gesture. This clause was imposed while DP26001 is under active federal review, before factory warranty expires, with no confirmed root cause fix. If the 070 part fails again, this clause may be used to deny future warranty coverage. Requesting: (1) complaint added to DP26001 record; (2) Acura compelled to disclose engineering changes between part numbers 050, 060, 070; (3) investigation of DPSM Goodwill clause as systematic pre-recall liability limiation

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Transmission · NC

I am reporting a transmission failure in my 2021 Acura TLX with approximately 84,300miles. While driving under normal conditions, after about 30 minutes on the road, I came to a stop at a red light. When I attempted to accelerate again, the vehicle would not shift out of first gear. The engine would rev, but the transmission failed to upshift. I also experienced a hard and abrupt engagement when shifting the vehicle into reverse. This issue occurred suddenly without warning and made the vehicle unsafe to operate in traffic, as I was unable to accelerate properly or maintain normal driving speed. The vehicle has been regularly serviced at an Acura dealership. At the time of the incident, the transmission fluid had not yet been replaced but had recently been recommended during a scheduled service visit. The vehicle is currently at an Acura dealership where I normally get the car serviced. The dealership has diagnosed the issue as an internal transmission failure and is recommending a transmission replacement.

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 Mar 14, 2024 · Transmission · OK

Internal transmission error at 60,000 miles. All warning lights illuminated, no sign of transmission failure, but having to replace the entire transmission due to factory defect out of my own pocket.

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.