2022 Acura TLX

25 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Sep 11, 2026Failure Aug 18, 2026Oklahoma City, OKPower train

   Purchased this vehicle used, as-is, from a Ford dealership on August 18, 2026. Approximately 90 minutes after taking delivery, the vehicle began displaying multiple dashboard warning lights and lost access to Sport+ drive mode. The vehicle was returned to the selling dealership the same day; their technicians were unable to reproduce the fault or retrieve a diagnostic trouble code at that time. The vehicle was subsequently towed to an authorized Acura dealership for independent diagnosis. That inspection identified three separate issues: (1) the warning lights, attributed to a lean-running condition possibly caused by fuel quality; (2) a leaking front brake caliper, quoted at approximately $900 to repair; and (3) a fluid leak at the gasket between the transmission and transfer case, which the dealership states requires full replacement of both the transmission and transfer case, at an estimated cost of approximately $13,000. This transmission/transfer case leak occurs at the same location addressed in NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Petition DP26001 (opened March 2026), covering 2021-2023 Acura TLX and 2022-2023 Acura MDX SH-AWD vehicles. NHTSA's review, resolved August 6, 2026, confirmed the underlying failure mechanism as real — splines connecting the transmission output shaft to the power take-off unit stripping or shearing, cutting power to the rear wheels — based on 62 owner complaints and manufacturer field reports, though NHTSA declined to mandate a recall. NHTSA's review also noted that the vehicle's dashboard provides no warning to the driver when this failure occurs. Given that this failure surfaced within 90 minutes of taking delivery of the vehicle, and that it matches a documented, federally-reviewed defect pattern on this exact model and drivetrain, I am filing this complaint to add to NHTSA's records on this known issue and to document a case where the failure manifested essentially immediately upon purchase.

   NHTSA complaint 11763607
2. Filed Jul 17, 2026Failure Apr 6, 2026Oak Forest, ILPower train

   Transfer case failure, leakage, discovered after warranty expired. Took vehicle in describing seeming loss of AWD and tech informed me it was “normal” I Later discovered, during an oil change, a leak From the transmission or transfer case that covered the lower skid plate, which looking up, was directly related to a known failure of the Type S’s transfer case/Transmission causing a loss of traction to the rear wheels.

   NHTSA complaint 11750976
3. Filed Jul 15, 2026Failure Jul 14, 2026Telford, PAPower train

   The transfer case splines sheared off in the transmission. The car is safe to drive but went from AWD to FWD as there is now no power being transmitted through the transfer case to the rear wheels. The dealership confirmed the issue was the transfer case by lifting the car and seeing if the rear wheels were getting power. They then tore down the transmission and found the splines were all gone from the transfer case. The component was not inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or anyone else. There were no warnings or symptoms to the problem before the failure.

   NHTSA complaint 11750498
4. Filed Jul 8, 2026Failure Jul 2, 2026Bloomfield hills, MIElectrical system, Suspension, Vehicle speed control

   We have a 2022 Acura TLX Type S and it has started to show an errors - Adaptive Damper System Problem. From what I can gather from reviewing articles on the Internet is that this problem is caused because of poor wiring design by Honda / Acura, which is causing speed sensors electronics to erode. There are also articles that Honda /Acura is aware of this problem and is currently gathering data. Our concern is that in Michigan, if you have these problems, specially during winter when the roads are icy - if your drive type is stuck in the wrong mode - That can be a safety hazard. Example -The adaptive damper system can cause the automobile to be stuck in sports mode on an icy road, making it dangerous to drive............ Further, consumers are aware that this is a fault of the manufacturer, in the way the wiring harness is routed within the automobiles chassis. This poor design exposes the electronics to unwanted elements from road, snow, salt, dirt etc. It is also reported that this wiring harness is an expensive item to fix, hence Acura is reluctant in taking the necessary effort in resolving this very known issue. Consumers pay a lot for these vehicles for their quality - If this is a known issue , Acura should take care of it and not force the consumers to drive acuras with potential safety issues.

   NHTSA complaint 11749059
5. Filed Jun 26, 2026Failure Jun 26, 2026Mount Laurel, NJPower train

   Went to the Acura dealer for an oil change. Was told I have a leak in the transmission and transfer case and that both will need to be replaced.

   NHTSA complaint 11746693
6. Filed Jun 9, 2026Failure May 20, 2026Watertown, NYPower train

   The transfer case spines have stripped and I no longer have all wheel drive only front wheel drive. This is a huge safety hazard for me .

   NHTSA complaint 11742990
7. Filed Apr 26, 2026Failure Mar 9, 2026Miami Gardens, FLPower train

   Accelerated and heard a loud noise and felt like I had driven through wood and one got stocked to the whelle. There was a lot of traffic so I was driving slow. The noice I heard was like something was stuck inside the wheel, like it was grinding. Dealer diagnosed a bad transfer case and transmission and they replaced both under warranty.

   NHTSA complaint 11733872
8. Filed Apr 25, 2026Failure Apr 20, 2026Worth, ILPower train

   Was changing the oil on my car and noticed grease running out from between the transfer case and transmission and also fluid build up on the transfer case higher up a little below the driveshaft. The car has 41k miles on it, there should be no leaks. My concern is the transfer case/transmission spline failure issue.

   NHTSA complaint 11733815
9. Filed Apr 6, 2026Failure Mar 19, 202672,845 milesStrongsville, OHControl arm

   The contact owns a 2022 Acura TLX. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the lower control arms needed to be replaced. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned that the control arms might fracture. The contact stated that the part to repair the vehicle was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 72,845.

   NHTSA complaint 11729439
10. Filed Mar 12, 2026Failure Mar 1, 2026Crestwood, ILPower train

    My vehicle has less then 35000 miles, I was doing a oil change when I noticed that my transfer cases has a slight oil residue from the bottom, which I suppose it’s just gonna get worse overtime, at this mileage I don’t think this is right that’s why I’m submitting this complaint.

    NHTSA complaint 11723988
11. Filed Jan 31, 2026Failure Dec 23, 2025Melrose Park, ILPower train

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11714721
12. Filed Dec 21, 2025Failure Dec 21, 2025Urbana, OHService brakes

    Loss of brake power with “brake” light and “brake service” light on. I was backing out of my driveway and lost almost all braking power almost pushing the pedal to the floor. Once I came to a stop, I turned the car off and turned it back on, brake pedal felt fine and lights went away at that point.

    NHTSA complaint 11706420
13. Filed Dec 2, 2025Failure Nov 28, 2025Aliso Viejo, CASuspension

    Last week, the right lower ball joint began producing a noticeable squeaking noise. I brought the vehicle to Irvine Acura in Irvine, California, where two technicians confirmed that the right lower ball joint boot is intact with no grease leakage; however, the ball-and-socket joint displays excessive play. The dealership recommended replacing both lower control arms, despite the left side currently being in acceptable condition. If the right lower ball joint were to fail, it could result in a loss of vehicle control.

    NHTSA complaint 11702547
14. Filed Aug 29, 2025Failure May 5, 2025Jeffersonville, INSteering, Suspension

    I got new tires and an alignment performed and ever since the car has pulled to the right. The car has been to the dealer for 6 alignments due to the car veering to the right. They swapped the wheels from another car to ensure it wasn’t the new tires and the problem still occurred. As soon as I let go of the wheel it pulls to the right no matter if it’s a crowned road or not. Each time the alignment is completely off from the last time it had it performed. I took it to 3 different dealers and they all suggested throwing parts at it (replacing the rear subframe for $3000 or a front driver strut for $1400) telling me that they don’t know if it’d fix it or not.

    NHTSA complaint 11683810
15. Filed Jun 27, 2025Failure Apr 26, 2025Austin, TXElectrical system, Service brakes, Steering

    My husband and I have a 2022 Acura TLX (purchased new) that was issued a safety recall. We brought the car into the dealership in April to fix the problem. Two weeks later, the car completely malfunctioned- every warning light went off at the same time, and the car completely lost control. Steering, brakes, power/gas, everything went out. During this second visit, the dealership replaced the PCM. Last night, the exact same issue happened. My husband was thankfully near home, but if he was on a highway, he could've easily been killed. Again, everything in the car went out- steering, brakes, power- and he had zero control of the car. The car was towed a couple hours ago to the dealership (third time since initial visit in April), and the service manager said, "This has never happened before..." and had no answers. This is an extremely high risk situation, and we do not feel safe getting into this car when the dealership/manufacturer is clearly not able to fix their own safety recall.

    NHTSA complaint 11669763
16. Filed Jun 22, 2025Failure Jun 22, 2025Nutley, NJSteering

    When I was driving as low speed, all the dashboard lights began blinking on the dashboard while I was driving. The steering wheel began to get stiff and I had a hard time turning it. I pulled into a parking lot, with much difficulty trying to steer into it and the steering wheel locked completely. I turned the car off and back on and all the lights went off and the dashboard looked normal. I then drove home without any other incident. I wish I had taken a picture of the dashboard to show the dealer. Hopefully it won't happen again.

    NHTSA complaint 11668482
17. Filed Jan 13, 2025Failure Nov 25, 2024Kansas City, MOUnknown or other

    My vehicle was stolen from apartment parking structure. Car was locked and both keys were with me. Thieves were still able to get in my car and start the vehicle without the keys in less than 5 minutes. This problem has been happening all over the country try with Acura specifically. Just the other day at work another 2023 Acura TLX was stolen. I tried to speak with Acura and they said theft has increased and thieves can steal the car in seconds. This is a huge issue and Acura refuses to do anything about it such as updating their security hardware/firmware. The issue is all over the United States. Now for my new vehicle I need to install a 2000 dollar security system because acuras vehicle security is horrible.

    NHTSA complaint 11635675
18. Filed Sep 27, 2024Failure Sep 10, 2024Riverside, CASteering, Unknown or other

    All the dashboard lights began blinking on the dashboard while I was driving about 30mph. The steering wheel began to get stif. I pulled over immediately and the steering wheel locked completely. I turned the car off and back after about 10 min and I was able to drive home. Luckily I was only 5 minutes away. I took it to the Acura dealer and after it was inspected they said it had to do with the steering however nothing was replaced or fixed. They advised me to let them know if it happens again. This is the first time it occurs however I’m afraid to drive this car especially on the freeway if the same incident occurs it can cause a major accident.

    NHTSA complaint 11616796
19. Filed Aug 28, 2024Failure Aug 28, 2024Norridge, ILEngine, Power train

    Transmission jerks at low speeds, Car jerks when it is downshifting. The car only has 14,000 miles. Dealership refusing to do any work due to car not having any codes. The car feels like it is having a misfire.

    NHTSA complaint 11611317
20. Filed Dec 8, 2023Failure Dec 8, 2023Pflugerville, TXService brakes

    My vehicle is a 2022 Acura TLX A-Spec with 20,000 miles on it. I bought it certified from an Acura dealer October of 2022 at 7,600 miles. I started to have an issue with the driving experience recently. I took it in to my closet dealer and they stated that the problem was the rotors being warped from driving and braking then that I would have to pay for the replacement rotors and brakes, but it’s impossible and the mileage shows. This is an manufacturer issue that has affected many owners and hasn’t been resolved.

    NHTSA complaint 11559236