Acura TLX won't start problems

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 Oct 3, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · IL

Im not sure what fails but the car wont start after coming to a stop with the auto off function and almost caused an accident because when the light turned green i couldnt take off because the car didnt start up and the car behind me almost hit me. It has happened other times at stop signs and any other stop ive made. I have to press the button my self to start up again. I havent had it inspected because i havent had any time. There are no warning lights on

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 Sep 26, 2022 · Brakes · TX

While traveling on highway, parking brake intermittently activated several times and parking brake malfunction alarm flashed on dashboard. This caused the vehicle to brake unexpectedly while driving through a construction zone on highway 45. Fortunately, we were very close to the Acura dealership where the vehicle was purchased and managed to drive the vehicle to the service department. The Parking brake alarm continued to display on dashboard even after turning off the vehicle and starting it again. The emissions alarm also flashed intermittently on the dashboard. After researching on several TLX Forums, we found similar incidents dating back to 2015 TLX vehicles. There is also an issue when trying to start the vehicle. Sometimes the engine does not turn over and the dashboard displays error messages or goes completely black. Dealer is unable to fix this issue. Vehicle has been in for repairs a number of times with no resolution. We are not sure if the starting issue is related to the parking brake issue. There seems to be major issues with the electrical/software/firmware.

Filed Aug 25, 2021 · Brakes, Electrical · 270 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle on one occasion, the vehicle would not start-up. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be inspected. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was started and driven back to the residence. A few days after taking the vehicle to the dealer, the contact noticed that while driving at undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and there was a loud cranking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer to perform a diagnostic test on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270.

Filed Aug 2, 2021 · Engine · NJ

Idle stop system works properly 99.9% of the time. However, three times in the last 12 months, I was stopped at a light and when I took my foot off the brake the car did not start. I tried to re-start, but it did not start immediately, took about 10 to 20 seconds to start. In each of the cases, I was able to restart just not right away. These three instances were about four months or so apart. The system was checked by Acura service twice, and no issues found.

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?

Filed Apr 12, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Constant battery draining from unknown issue within the electrical system. I am currently on my third car battery after purchasing my car in january 2016 with 108 miles on the car. I have been using a portable battery jumper for the last month because of this on going issue. The car would not start after parking overnight and have caused a disturbance in my life before commuting to and from work, along with to covid19 vaccination appointments. Another issue is the auto start/stop function when pressing on the brake pedal at a red light where the engine is suppose to turn off and back on in order to be gas efficient. I have been forced to turn of the feature due to the car dying completely in at a red light and causing a traffic jam. It has happened multiple times and have caused additional inconvenience in my daily commute. I believe both issues are related and it is an issue with acura due to multiple individuals across the country when I have done research within acura tlx forums.