Power Train Problems of Acura TLX - part 2

The transfer case in my Acura Tlx type s failed due to the internal splines stripping at approximately 57,600 miles. I heard a loud bang while attempting to maneuver out of a parking spot that was covered in snow. When this occurred, the transfer case was no longer able to transfer power to the rear wheels, causing the all-wheel-drive system to stop functioning. As a result, the vehicle effectively operated as front-wheel drive only. The most concerning part of this failure is that the vehicle provided no warning whatsoever to the driver. There were no dashboard alerts, drivetrain warnings, awd system warnings, or check engine lights indicating that the awd system had failed. The vehicle continued to operate and display information as if everything was functioning normally. This occurred during the winter in new york while driving in snowy conditions, where the awd system is critical for traction and safety. Because there was no warning that the awd system had failed, I continued driving the vehicle assuming it still had awd capability. On multiple occasions the vehicle became stuck in snow due to the loss of rear-wheel power. A critical drivetrain component such as a transfer case should not fail under normal driving conditions at this mileage. Additionally, a vehicle equipped with awd should provide a clear warning to the driver if the system is no longer functioning. The absence of any warning combined with a sudden loss of awd capability creates a serious safety concern, particularly in winter climates where drivers rely on awd for traction and control. Under the wrong circumstances this type of failure could potentially lead to an accident or serious injury.

See all problems of the 2021 Acura TLX 🔎.

This 2021 Acura Tlx type-s has experienced a complete failure of the transfer case after approximately 40,000 miles of use. This unfortunately is a known issue on the online forums for this vehicle in model years 2021-2023. I have a video inspection performed by the local dealership proving this. The only warning is a one-time loud boom when accelerating and a leaking from the transfer case of fluid thereafter. There is no safety issue best I can tell, however the car only performs in front drive mode once the transfer case quits working. The issue is due to weak splines within the transfer case that shear off and thus damage the 10-speed automatic transmission in the process. Acura has a 6 year 70,000 mile warranty, so a complete replacement is covered, however my concern is for whether the new transfer case part # 29000-5yk-060 which replaces the old 29000-5yk-050 part will do the same. This is a very expensive fix into the 5 figures (over $10,000) and really needs to have a recall as there are dozens and dozens of owners online who have experienced this failure.

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.

See all problems of the 2023 Acura TLX 🔎.

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.

Vehicle has been recalled for a speed sensor issue that still persists. Recall repair was not properly executed. Vehicle engine still randomly shuts off while in idle at stoplights and during travel. Engine won’t start at this point.

See all problems of the 2017 Acura TLX 🔎.

While accelerating from 0 to 40 miles per hour, I experienced a loud bang come from the car. Turns out the splines were stripped between my transmission and transfer case. This was due to the drive shaft spinning while in park mode, as well as an opening between the transmission and transfer case that was spooling. My powertrain system was severely compromised; who knows what could've happened if I had kept driving the car in this condition? something was waiting to inevitably fail beyond what had happened. Thankfully, this happened on an empty road close to home, but it could have happened anywhere. There were no warnings, lights, or anything, which was the strangest part. Thankfully, this $10k+ bill was covered under the manufacturer's powertrain warranty, but it seems to be a common issue with many newer Acuras. Acura is well aware of the issue (spline failure) and should issue a recall to correct this design flaw within the powertrain.

See all problems of the 2022 Acura TLX 🔎.

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.

Transfer case needs replacing.

Rapid loss of oil from the transfer case, oil was everywhere. Now I have vibration, wooing sound and hard down shifts from a failing transfer case. . The dealership refuse to replace it because they cleaned the area and it did not leak oil again. Probably, because there's no more oil left in it to leak. This is unacceptable.

The awd transfer case failed and require replacement along with the transmission.

While accelerating from a stop, I heard a loud bang from the drivetrain area and initially believed another vehicle had struck the rear of my car. After checking my surroundings, I realized there had been no collision. Immediately after the incident, the vehicle lost power delivery to the rear wheels. The vehicle is designed as an all-wheel-drive performance sedan, and the sudden loss of rear-wheel power significantly changed the way the vehicle handled. The vehicle became effectively front-wheel drive without warning, causing all engine power to be directed through the front wheels. This resulted in reduced traction, altered handling characteristics, and increased front tire wear. No warning lights, messages, or indicators appeared on the dashboard before or at the time of the failure. There were no symptoms that alerted me that a drivetrain failure was about to occur. The vehicle was inspected by an Acura dealership, and Acura confirmed failure of the transfer case and transmission components associated with the all-wheel-drive system. The transfer case and transmission are currently being replaced under the manufacturer's drivetrain warranty. I believe this failure created a safety risk because the vehicle unexpectedly lost its intended all-wheel-drive capability while in operation. Drivers rely on the handling, traction, and stability characteristics of the sh-awd system. The sudden and unannounced loss of rear-wheel power changed the vehicle's behavior and could increase the risk of loss of control, particularly during acceleration, cornering, emergency maneuvers, or operation in poor weather conditions. The failed components are available for inspection through Acura as part of the warranty repair process.

In 2022, my 2019 Acura Tlx a-spec received a warranty engine replacement due to a spun bearing. At that time, recall 23v-751 (connecting rod bearing defect) did not yet exist. Recently, the replacement engine developed a pronounced knocking/ticking noise at idle and during light acceleration. Multiple independent mechanics and an Acura service department confirmed the noise is abnormal and consistent with connecting rod bearing wear as described in the recall. Acura advised that my VIN is not included in the recall because the original engine was replaced. However, the replacement engine was supplied by Acura prior to the recall and may contain the same defective components. The dealership and Acura corporate did not inspect the internal components or verify whether the replacement engine used the revised bearing parts — they only referenced the VIN and engine number to deny recall eligibility. I currently have an open case with Acura, and the vehicle is scheduled for diagnostic inspection. I was informed that if the issue is determined to be related to recall 23v-751, diagnostic costs may be reimbursed, but there is no guarantee. This situation raises concern because my symptoms, timeline, and component failure are consistent with the known defect, yet my vehicle remains excluded from coverage. Given the safety implications of possible engine seizure or loss of power while driving, I am requesting that NHTSA review whether vehicles with Acura-supplied replacement engines should also fall under recall 23v-751. All service records and warranty history with Acura are available for review upon request.

See all problems of the 2019 Acura TLX 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2015 Acura TLX 🔎.

Was driving the car under normal acceleration when the transfer case failed. No power to the rear wheels. Acura dealer confirmed the problem. Will be fixed under warranty. No warning lamps or messages on the dash.

Transmission and transfer case failed. Traction control light flashes when accelerating.

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.

Transfer case blew. Awd was not working.

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.

Date of incident : August 31,2025 around 9pm on August 31, I was fixing to accelerate at a green light. I pressed the gas pedal, my car went up to 40 mph and then the engine failed. This is due to a recall on the bearing rods for 2015-2020 Acura Tlx. The incident occurred a month after financing the car. I don't have a warranty, so I opened up a case with the manufacturer to get help with the repair cost (which is 25,500 for a new engine block and 2 new cylinder heads). Unfortunately, Acura denied assistance. The car only has 68880 miles on it. The rod snapped and put a hole through my engine block. Shame on the manufacturer for denying assistance. I'm now stuck making payments on a car I cannot drive. Yes I have insurance, but it was not involved in an accident so I'm helpless there.

See all problems of the 2018 Acura TLX 🔎.

- the transfer case failed causing the awd system to stop working -it is a safety concern because you may lose control since no power is going to rear wheels, especially in inclement weather that we receive in the northeast. -yes the problem has been confirmed by dealership by putting car on lift and seeing that no power is being sent to the rear wheels. -there are no warning lights or any signs, you just hear a loud bang while driving and lost of traction while accelerating.

Transfer case has gone out. No longer getting power to the rear wheels as it is a awd car. Problem has not been checked by the dealer yet. There were no warning lights on the dashboard when it went out.

While performing a right turn, under normal acceleration a loud "pop/clunk" occurred. I immediately pulled into a parking lot as the vehicle was still able to drive. The vehicle runs as normal, no leaks of any kind present. Nothing visibly broken. Afterwards, I was able to determine with the vehicle suspended off of the ground, I am getting power only to the front wheels. Utilizing google, it's easy to see that this has become a massive issue on this particular model Tlx type s. The vehicle will be taken to Acura on Monday Aug 18th 2025 for diagnostics, but it's quite obvious that the splines on the transfercase at the transmission mounting location have sheared completely, thus making the vehicle front wheel drive powered only. Given my current situation, my hope is that Acura will honor the power train warranty as it is my understanding that both the transmission and the transfercase are required to be replaced in this instance. Acura also needs to issue an updated transmission/ transfercase combination and a recall because this is happening way to often and it's quite an expensive repair.

While driving my 2021 Acura Tlx type s, I began losing traction frequently during normal daily driving, especially when turning corners or accelerating from a stop sign or stop light. At first, I believed the issue was related to my tires, so I replaced them, but the same problem continued. After researching online, I discovered that transfer case failures are a known issue on these vehicles, affecting both new and used models. Currently, my vehicle is at the dealership, but they were unaware of this recurring transfer case problem and have no information about it. This is concerning because the failure of the transfer case directly affects traction and stability, creating a potential safety risk to myself and others on the road. It appears to be a systemic issue that Honda/Acura has not yet acknowledged.

The all wheel drive failed do to transfer case splines being sheered off between the transmission and transfer case. No warning lights are on to warn of the rear wheel tires not receiving power to them. I was not aware of this problem and this could have contributed to and accident, as I though the awd was working, but it wasn't.

Car shuts down randomly when accelerating from a stop or red light . All the mechanical lights come up on the dash.

See all problems of the 2020 Acura TLX 🔎.

I took this vehicle to get serviced in the summer of 2025. I recently joined an Acura type s (2021+) group on facebook and learned that the issue is quite prevalent. I had to have the transmission and transfer case replaced due to transmission issues and traction issues.

Blown transfer case.

The all wheel drive (awd) system of the vehicle became partially inoperable after hearing a loud bang under normal vehicle acceleration some time in early 2025. The vehicle did not trigger or display any warnings stored in the onboard computer or on the dash display that the awd system had any faults or issues. Had this system failed during an emergency situation involving hazardous or dangerous driving conditions like snow, ice, heavy rain, it could have caused me to not have improved capable vehicle handling. The vehicle's ability to distribute power evenly to all 4 wheels was hindered and operating as front wheel drive only after the loud noise was observed. Additionally, transmission gear oil began leaking underneath the vehicle around the transmission casing. The issue has been reproduced, confirmed, and validated by technicians of a local Acura dealership. The dealership was approved to completely replace the following two components of the awd system under the manufacturer's 6 year / 60k mileage powertrain warranty: 1. Transmission 2. Transfer case - also known as power transfer unit or ptu.

The component that failed or malfunctioned was the transmission and transfer case on my 2022 Acura Tlx type s at 45k miles. I was driving the car on the street and the car was shaking and stuttering violently and at certain points it would not move requiring a tow. The problem was confirmed by the dealership to be the transmission. And inspected by the manufacturer (Acura) there were no warning, lights, messages or other symptoms prior to failure. They started appearing around 45,000 miles.

The contact owns a 2020 Acura Tlx. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light, the emission system failure, and electronic parking assist messages were displayed. Additionally, the awd feature had become inoperable, making the vehicle difficult to steer. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. After disconnecting and reconnecting the negative battery terminal, the system was reset and the failure was corrected, but eventually reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.

Hi, I have had a couple instances where the engine revved up between gears. Both times, I remember it happening rather soon after starting off from a stop sign. I didn't pay it much mind, but noted it. Just today, I asked my wife ([xxx]) whether she had noticed anything with the car. I purposely didn't ask any leading questions. She said a few times it would jump instead of smoothly going to the next gear. In seaside, or, I started to pull out onto [xxx], planning to take a right and head south bound. There was a southbound car approaching from the north, but I had plenty of time to pull out and get up to speed. Immediately after starting out, the car popped into neutral and the rpms raced. I already had some momentum and was on the highway, so I couldn't brake, and because it went into neutral, I hadn't finalized my turn so I was still pointing se. As the car quickly approached, all I could do was use what little momentum I had and continue into the northbound lane so the oncoming car could pass. Because of the slight slope to the northbound shoulder, I was able to slowly come to a stop. I put the car in park, turned it off, then back on, and everything came back to normal. I cannot begin to express how scared I was. I have lost brakes before in a car, but I know to use the emergency brake. I was completely dumbfounded as to how to react. Had there been oncoming traffic, it would have been an awful accident. Why is there no recall on this? I researched on google and found a recall on 2015 Acura Tlx 6-cylinder transmission due to a bad wiring harness on their 9-speed transmission. I know mine is an 8-speed, but would it not use the same wiring harness with slight modifications? information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My car has suffered a well known issue in the 21-25 Acura Tlx community. At 71,000 miles my transfer case splines stripped also with the transmission splines. Resulting in me having to pay out of pocket to replace both the transmission and transfer case. I’m really hoping Acura does a recall for this issue. I really like this car and don’t want to have to replace them again. Like I mentioned before. I’m in a facebook Tlx group and people are constantly posting about theirs blowing.

Transfer case broken; no longer sending power to the rear wheels. Car loses traction when accelerating from a stop.

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.

Awd system is no longer working. Every time I accelerate the front wheels are slipping and there are no warning lights or system failure messages. I believe this is a transfer case issue as there are now videos on youtube about Tlx type s's having this issue.