Acura TLX problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 6, 2026

The Acura TLX problems documented in recalls center on the 2015–2020 first generation: two 2015 transmission recalls, V6 fuel pump recall 19V060 and connecting rod recall 23V751. The 2021–2025 second generation has a Type S stalling fix, a brake pedal pin recall and a filler-neck weld recall. Acura ended TLX production in July 2025.

CarWhere lists 9 documented TLX issues, including 9 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

TLX generations at a glance

Acura TLX generations and the known issues listed for each
Generation	Model years	Issues on this page
2nd gen	2021–2025	TLX Type S engine can stall from fuel-injection software (recall 25V031) · Brake pedal pivot pin not secured (recall 25V391) · Fuel filler neck weld can leak (recall 24V950)
1st gen	2015–2020	Connecting rod bearing wear can damage the engine (recall 23V751) · V6 fuel pump can lose performance and stall the engine (recall 19V060) · Automatic transmission may not shift into Park (recall 14V779) · Transmission can shift into neutral from a poor harness crimp (recall 16V640) · Timing belt teeth can separate (recall 19V298) · Passenger seat weight sensor can crack and misfire air bags (recall 26V332)

2nd gen TLX problems (2021–2025)

TLX Type S engine can stall from fuel-injection software (recall 25V031) (2021–2025 (Type S))

Safety recall

Generation:: 2nd gen (2021–2025)
Years:: 2021–2025 (Type S)
Powertrain:: TLX Type S only

A software error in the fuel-injection control unit (FI-ECU) can stall the engine or cut power on 2021–2025 TLX Type S models, 2022–2025 MDX Type S models and 2023–2025 Honda Pilots. Dealers reprogram the FI-ECU free of charge; letters went out March 17, 2025. The 294,612 count spans all three models.

Symptoms

Engine stalls or loses power while driving

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 25V031 (2025-01) · 294,612 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Brake pedal pivot pin not secured (recall 25V391) (2021–2025)

Safety recall

Generation:: 2nd gen (2021–2025)
Years:: 2021–2025
Powertrain:: All

The brake pedal pivot pin on 2021–2025 TLX models, along with 2023–2025 MDX and Honda Pilot models, may not have been secured, so the pedal can shift out of position. Dealers inspect the pedal assembly and replace it if needed. The recall total of 259,033 includes all three models.

Symptoms

Brake pedal feels loose or out of place
Brake lights stay on or fail to come on

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 25V391 (2025-06) · 259,033 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2]

Fuel filler neck weld can leak (recall 24V950) (2021–2023)

Safety recall

Generation:: 2nd gen (2021–2025)
Years:: 2021–2023
Powertrain:: All

The fuel filler neck and fuel tank on 167 2021–2023 TLX models may have been improperly welded, which can cause a fuel leak. Dealers replace the fuel tank assembly for free (Acura campaign JKX).

Symptoms

Fuel smell near the rear of the car
Fuel drips under the filler area

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 24V950 (2024-12) · 167 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3]

1st gen TLX problems (2015–2020)

Connecting rod bearing wear can damage the engine (recall 23V751) (2015–2020)

Safety recall

Generation:: 1st gen (2015–2020)
Years:: 2015–2020
Powertrain:: Engine not specified in the recall summary; check by VIN

Recall 23V751 covers certain 2015–2020 TLX models, plus 2016–2020 MDX and some Honda Pilot, Ridgeline and Odyssey years. A manufacturing error can make an engine connecting rod bearing wear and seize. Dealers inspect and repair or replace the engine free of charge. The 248,999-vehicle figure covers all models in the campaign.

Symptoms

Knocking noise from the engine
Loss of power or stalling

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
Ask for the repair order showing the 23V751 inspection or engine work

NHTSA recall: 23V751 (2023-11) · 248,999 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4]

V6 fuel pump can lose performance and stall the engine (recall 19V060) (2015–2019)

Safety recall

Generation:: 1st gen (2015–2020)
Years:: 2015–2019
Powertrain:: 3.5L V6

On 2015–2019 TLX models with the 3.5L V6 (and 2016–2018 MDX and 2015–2017 Accord V6 models), particulates in the fuel can stick to the pump internals and reduce output. Dealers update the engine control software and replace the pump if needed. The 437,032 total includes all three models.

Symptoms

Hesitation or stalling
Hard starting

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 19V060 (2019-01) · 437,032 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5]

Automatic transmission may not shift into Park (recall 14V779) (2015 (V6))

Safety recall

Generation:: 1st gen (2015–2020)
Years:: 2015 (V6)
Powertrain:: 3.5L V6 with 9-speed automatic

On 9,392 early 2015 TLX V6 models (front-drive and SH-AWD), the transmission parking pawl can become contaminated, or the park rod can dislodge or break, so the transmission may not shift into Park. Dealers inspect the transmission and replace it if necessary (campaign JM8).

Symptoms

Shifter will not select Park
Vehicle rolls after selecting Park

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
Apply the parking brake on a slope and confirm Park holds the car

NHTSA recall: 14V779 (2014-12) · 9,392 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [6]

Transmission can shift into neutral from a poor harness crimp (recall 16V640) (2015)

Safety recall

Generation:: 1st gen (2015–2020)
Years:: 2015
Powertrain:: All

The transmission wire harness connections on 8,354 2015 TLX models may have insufficient crimps, which can make the transmission shift into neutral unexpectedly. Based on the transmission serial number, dealers update the transmission software so a faulty crimp cannot trigger neutral. The recall began January 13, 2017.

Symptoms

Sudden loss of drive while moving
Transmission warning light

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 16V640 (2016-09) · 8,354 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7]

Timing belt teeth can separate (recall 19V298) (2019)

Safety recall

Generation:: 1st gen (2015–2020)
Years:: 2019
Powertrain:: V6

The timing belt teeth can separate on certain 2019 TLX models and other Honda and Acura V6 models. Dealers inspect the belt, replace it if affected, and repair any resulting engine damage for free. The 93,946 count is for the whole campaign.

Symptoms

Engine runs poorly or stops
Engine will not restart

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 19V298 (2019-04) · 93,946 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [8]

Passenger seat weight sensor can crack and misfire air bags (recall 26V332) (2018–2021, 2023)

Safety recall

Generation:: 1st gen (2015–2020) and 2nd gen
Years:: 2018–2021, 2023
Powertrain:: All

Recall 26V332 (May 2026) replaces the front-passenger seat weight sensor on 2018–2021 and 2023 TLX models, among many Honda and Acura vehicles. A cracked sensor can short-circuit and make the air bags deploy unintentionally in a crash. The 98,892 figure is for the entire campaign.

Symptoms

Passenger air bag status light behaving oddly

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 26V332 (2026-05) · 98,892 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [9][10]

Related TLX research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a TLX was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Acura build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Acura build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What transmission problems does the Acura TLX have?

Two recalls cover the early 2015 TLX: 14V779, where the V6 automatic may not engage Park because of a contaminated pawl or broken park rod, and 16V640, where a poor harness crimp can shift the transmission into neutral. Both remedies are free at Acura dealers.

Which TLX years are in the engine connecting rod recall?

Recall 23V751 lists certain 2015–2020 TLX models. Dealers inspect for connecting rod bearing wear and repair or replace the engine at no cost.

Is the Acura TLX discontinued?

Yes. Acura said in July 2025 that TLX production would end that month, after a combined TL and TLX run of nearly 1.2 million U.S. sales. The 2025 model is the last TLX in Acura’s spec releases.

Does the TLX Type S have a recall?

Yes. Recall 25V031 reprograms the fuel-injection software on 2021–2025 TLX Type S models because the engine can stall or lose power. The same recall covers the MDX Type S and Honda Pilot.

How can I check a TLX for open recalls?

Enter the VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup and at recalls.acura.com, then ask the selling dealer for the repair orders on any completed campaigns.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

More Acura tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. or Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. Acura and the model names are trademarks of their owners.