Table 1 shows one common suspension related problems of the 2021 Acura TLX.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Suspension problems |
I am submitting this complaint regarding a major drivetrain failure in my 2021 Acura Tlx type s sh-awd with approximately 86,643 miles. My vehicle experienced a complete loss of awd. The front two wheels are receiving power, but the rear wheels are no longer receiving power. An independent mechanic initially diagnosed a transfer-case/drivetrain failure and advised that the transmission may also be involved. I then took the vehicle to OH Acura of temecula, where the Acura dealership independently diagnosed the vehicle with transmission and transfer-case failure. The service manager confirmed that my independent mechanic’s diagnosis was accurate. The dealership provided a repair estimate of approximately $16,000. I am concerned because NHTSA previously opened investigation dp26-001 regarding reported failures involving the transmission and transfer case in 2021–2023 Acura Tlx sh-awd vehicles. My vehicle is now experiencing a complete loss of awd consistent with the issue described in that investigation. I also experienced an unusual grinding noise on September 21, 2026, which lasted approximately five minutes before stopping. I was subsequently told the noise was caused by worn spindles. The noise has not returned, and I am not claiming that issue was related to the drivetrain failure. Acura declined goodwill assistance, citing lack of documentation for transmission maintenance. The vehicle is outside its original warranty. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA has a record of my vehicle’s actual failure and complete loss of awd and can consider it alongside other reports involving this vehicle and drivetrain configuration. I can provide the VIN, dealership diagnosis, repair estimate, and supporting documentation if requested.
Dealers are investigating and need replacing rear shocks/solenoids, stroke sensors, and wiring harnesses. The issue is commonly identified as corrosion in the rear stroke sensor wiring harness or faulty damper make "adaptive damper system" (ads) error light on and can't not make change for the setting as Acura design issue !.
Adaptive damper system error on dashboard. Took the car to the dealer and they confirmed two issues. Codes c1646-14 and c1647-14 indicating the stroke sensor has lower limit abnormality. Dealer recommended replacing both rear shocks due to over extension. Once shocks were replaced, codes returned. During further investigation, corrosion was found in the stroke sensor wiring harness. Harness is the root cause of the issue. Car is available at the dealer for inspection if necessary. From a safety perspective, if I continued to drive the car I could have experienced a malfunction in the braking system which could have led to brake failure, failure of safety features, or a car stall.
The contact owns a 2021 Acura Tlx. The contact stated that while driving over a bump in the roadway, there was a squeaky metallic sound coming from the front passenger’s side suspension. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed. The failure mileage was 91,000.
I would like to report a serious safety issue with the 2021 Acura Tlx type s. Recently in April 2024, while driving, I heard a loud pop from the vehicle, and it turned out that the transfer case had burst into the transmission. This failure has rendered the rear-wheel drive non-functional, resulting in severe oversteer. This oversteer is especially dangerous because the vehicle is now operating as front-wheel drive, which creates an unpredictable and hazardous driving experience. This issue could lead to a catastrophic transmission failure, particularly at highway speeds, posing a severe safety risk to me and other drivers. I have contacted the dealer about the problem, but they have refused to take any corrective action. I’ve also found that multiple other owners have reported similar issues with this model, highlighting a potential widespread problem with the transfer case and transmission interface. Given the safety risks associated with this failure, I urge NHTSA to investigate this defect and take appropriate action to ensure public safety.
The transfer case blows up and which causes the all-wheel-drive system of the car to go away and the car becomes from wheel drive which changes the way the car drives and makes it very dangerous. The car has a lot of oversteer and this is very dangerous to highway roads.
While using the air conditioner in comfort mode suspension settings on my advanced shawd model, the front suspension intermittently squeaks and creaks. It is very audible in the colder months or after it rains.