2023 Acura TLX

Transmission and transfer case failure. Causing the loss of power to the rear wheels. Reducing the traction and stability of the vehicle.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

While making a right turn from a stop the car made a bang sound followed by grinding upon acceleration. I took my 23 TLX type S to a local Dunn Tire and asked them to put it on the lift. They raised all tires off the ground, started the car, and accelerated. Only the front wheels spun. This is the exact scenario lots of consumers have reported with this model when the transfer case splines break off the shaft. The car is driving without error lights but feels different while corning. It's very concerning that the car has 41k miles on it and is well taken care of. I drive it in winter so AWD is a huge reason I choose it. I have an appointment with my local Acura dealership but its over a week away. I asked to have a tech contact me back to ensure driving it more won't case future issues but they never followed up.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jul 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The AWD components fail and turns the car into front wheel drive only. Yes it’s available. This puts mine and others after at risk due to expecting the car to accelerate at a full stop instead, it causes me to slowly accelerate <5 mph until the system recognizes it’s in FWD only. I fear that someone will rear end me expecting the car to go faster than it can in that moment. Yes, this has been reported to a reputable dealer and was told they could not create the issue once clears after turning car off and back on again. This car has not been inspected by anyone other than the local Acura dealership. There were no prior warnings other than when it was cuts out. This pops up on the dash and is effective immediately putting the car into a limp state. This is happening one a week and has been occurring for once the car hit ~40k miles.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Lost power to rear wheels. AWD system failure. I was denied repair at my local dealership as they insisted the car was fine. I told them I had no awd they didn’t believe me. I was then forced to trade my car into them for a massive loss becuase i feared for my safety driving a fwd car in the winter. I don’t know who owns the car now. I actually have a video of it happening. I can send you it if you work with me. Thanks.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Short Description Transmission-to-PTU splines, causing AWD loss and requiring full transfer case and transmission replacement. Summary This drivetrain failure poses an unreasonable safety risk due to the sudden loss of AWD capability, lack of alerts, and resulting instability. My experience is consistent with dozens of documented cases and matches the mechanical fault pattern already under federal review. Given the potential for severe loss of vehicle control, a full investigation and corrective action (including a recall) is necessary. Symptoms Sudden AWD loss Loud bang or grinding Only front wheels receiving power No warning lights Safety risks Loss of directional stability Wheel spin under acceleration Hazard in inclement weather Cost & extent of repairs Many cases require complete drivetrain replacement costing 13k–19k. Prevalence 137k vehicles, NHTSA DP26‑001 currently open.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

1. Transfer Case-SH-AWD failure- No, it was recently replaced at the dealership at no cost. 2. Failure with the AWD system would cause me to be in FWD, only causing failure in steering input, especially in turns. 3. The car was put onto the lift and attempted to spin all 4 wheels, only the front 2 spun. Also, they noticed a seal failure/leak from the Transfercase/Transmission. 4. Acura Technicians recommended the replacement after spotting my concern and pointing out the exact issue 5. No lights or warning since the failure happened I had no idea of how bad the issue was until an Acura Technician brought it up. 5(c). I did notice a difference in driving feel i.e jerking in low gear and a leak on the floor, but thought it was just excess oil from oil changes. Confirmed by the tech, it was not when I asked them.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Purchased a 2023 TLX Aspec with Telecommunication package from Carvana. When I as unable to connect my device to the vehicle, I took it to my local Acura dealer per the limited warranty instructions. It was there after they removed the dash, we discovered the control device was missing and the bracket was missing and the coaxial connector that attaches it to the dashboard is broken. The cellular device was removed as well to avoid tracking. With the harness damage, the correct repair to the car with the low miles it has is to replace the harness and then replace the missing part and the bracket. None of this was disclosed at the time of purchase. I have tried reaching out to Carvana and the only answer I receive is to email their fraud department, which I have twice.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Car’s advertised anti-theft features are faulty. They have two tracking features with also both failed. When I contacted Acura they said this was a known issue and highly prevalent in NY, DC, FL, MD. Cars computer is cloneable and it takes less than 3 minutes to enter and steal without keys or breaking windows or enabling alarms.

Reported

Nov 2025

Incident date

May 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

If you don't turn the car off and you drop a passenger off from the front seat the seatbelt not fastened alarm will go off until you fasten it or turn the car off then restart the car to clear the alarm taking it to the dealership.

Reported

Nov 2025

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Car was stolen unreasonably easily. Car alarm did not sound, Acuralink tracking was immediately disabled. Car started and drove away despite keys being secured in a faraday box. Acura has a fatal design flaw in their hardware/software that makes theft of the TLX extremely easy. Evidenced by numerous online complaints from owners like myself, as well as by IIHS study on most stolen cars. TLX appears as both the second and fifth most stolen car relative to average:[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

ALL FOUR BRAKE ROTORS ARE BENT ON 30K MILES

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I had an awful noise that accompanied a sticky/ inconsistent brake pedal feel and braking concerns. Upon contacting multiple dealerships and honda corporate is was told everything is working as designed. I filed a claim with NCDS and was awarded a repair. When contacting the dealership and manufacturer they did another inspection and said it's working as designed and there was nothing to repair. Now in the news they are recalling approximately 250,000 Hondas/Acura vehicles for a safety issue with the brake pedal. There is no information on what the recall is supposed to entail. My vin is still not associated with the recall. This is a safety issue that the manufacturer has been ignoring for a long time now.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Sep 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Transfer case

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Jun 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Transfer case documented as leaking on 3-22-2025/ 35,846 Miles while doing regular oil change in my driveway. Brought to the dealership and they confirmed the transfer case needed to be replaced. If the transfer case went during operation, it could have lead to a dangerous situation with loss of power and control to the rear wheels. Problem was confirmed after dealership performed visual inspection. Component was not inspected by police, insurance, or others. No warning lamps, just accumulating liquid on the under-body panels and seeping from the gasket. The transfer case was replaced on 11APR2025 with the same part number: 29000-5YK-060. I asked if this would happen again since there was no revision to the part number, the dealership was unable to reply.

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My TLX Tech 2023 lost complete power while I pulled up to a busy intersection on a dark and rainy day. As a puled to stop and my idle stop enabled the car was fine. Once I tried to accelerate the car immediately went into Park from Drive. All of the controls started to blink and the car powered down like a computer system who was on 0%. I completely lost power, so that I could not even put my hazard lights on to indicate to the busy oncoming traffic that I was in danger. When the police arrived, he even tried to shift to neutral to help me roll out of the street, but the car was inoperable. I had to remain in the car due to the freezing rain and sleet. The emergency services called an emergency tow to get me out of the street and I was then towed to the nearest Acura dealership to get it reviewed. The service department indicated that they had known about the idle start/stop issue, but not on my specific model. I had my car inspected just the day before at the same dealership and there were no issues that had come up. I am concerned that this is very dangerous and leaves me in a vulnerable state.

Reported

Nov 2023

Incident date

Nov 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Well, since i purchased the 2023 Acura Tlx TECH PCKG, "It's a nightmare" everytime i drive it , i'm not enjoying it at all! I can't keep the car to go between the 2 lines! It just keeps going zigzag, i keep telling myself that maybe because "it's a brand new car" give it more time for adjustment...! But it's getting worse and worse to the point that when it's raining, i have to pray to get home safely!

Reported

Sep 2023

Incident date

Sep 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Please see attached document, as my whole description would not fit in the box.

Reported

Sep 2023

Incident date

Jun 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

New car three months old. Did not include spare tire. Tried ordering one and told it was backordered. Told Acura considers spares accessories. I don’t. Now have new car with no spare , no tools to change flat tire, no Jack. No help from Acura other than they’ll let me know when the spare kit is available. I consider this a potentially serious safety problem.

Reported

Aug 2023

Incident date

Aug 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.

Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2023 TLX vehicles. The fuel filler neck and fuel tank may have been improperly welded, which can result in a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is JKX.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.