2021 Acura TLX Powertrain & Transmission Problems

} I am submitting an update to my previous complaint. In my original complaint, I stated that the vehicle had not received transmission service. After reviewing my records, I confirmed that a transmission fluid service (drain and refill with inspection) was performed at an Acura dealership in July 2024. Despite this maintenance, the transmission still failed at approximately 84,000 miles. I am providing this update to ensure the complaint is accurate

I am reporting a transmission failure in my 2021 Acura TLX with approximately 84,300miles. While driving under normal conditions, after about 30 minutes on the road, I came to a stop at a red light. When I attempted to accelerate again, the vehicle would not shift out of first gear. The engine would rev, but the transmission failed to upshift. I also experienced a hard and abrupt engagement when shifting the vehicle into reverse. This issue occurred suddenly without warning and made the vehicle unsafe to operate in traffic, as I was unable to accelerate properly or maintain normal driving speed. The vehicle has been regularly serviced at an Acura dealership. At the time of the incident, the transmission fluid had not yet been replaced but had recently been recommended during a scheduled service visit. The vehicle is currently at an Acura dealership where I normally get the car serviced. The dealership has diagnosed the issue as an internal transmission failure and is recommending a transmission replacement.

2021 Acura TLX A-Spec SH-AWD and my transmission is leaking from the seal between the transmission and the differential. Acura is not sure if they can cover it under warranty because I am slightly past the powertrain warranty even though they had my car about a week ago when it was just barely past that point and no one said anything about the leak on the transmission until I checked with a certified Acura mechanic somewhere else.This is not just some small problem because with fluid leaking and leaving it will eventually damage the transmission and the differential or even just make them completely give out. This can be gears grinding and overheating. It is not just a problem it is also a SAFETY HAZARD if this starts dripping onto the exhaust pipe or even on the road behind making traction a problem for someone behind. This needs to be under a recall not just warranty with how much I see this happening to these cars this is ridiculous we have to go through this.

My vehicle was performing as expected, but there was a smell of burning oil or rubber. When I took the car into the dealership the found that the transmission was slipping and the transfer box was failing. In the video they sent of the initial inspection there is obvious brown sludge leaking from the transmission. I was told that a complete transmission and transfer case was required.

Driving towards the gas station, still at lows speeds while I was in the neighborhood so speed limit was 15mph. I can hear and feel the car struggle to move forward, about 2 minutes into the drive a hear a big TOON and check engine light is on for about a minute before going away. I filled gas and headed back home and I heard a larger TOON but this time all the warning light came up. These are all errors reported by the car at the same time - Vehicle Stability System - Hill Start Assist Problem - Addictive Cruise Control System Problem - Collision Mitigation Braking System Problem - Road Departure Mitigation System Problem - Emission System Problem - All Wheel Drive System Problem - Brake System Problem These are all errors that appeared on the Acura app - Emission System Problem - Vehicle Stability System - Electric Parking Brake Problem - Electric Power Steering Problem - Adaptive Cruise Control Problem

I am submitting this complaint regarding a sudden and premature transfer case failure on my 2021 Acura TLX Type S equipped with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The failure occurred during normal driving conditions and without prior warning indicators. Based on my experience and numerous similar reports from other owners of this vehicle, this appears to be an ongoing and systemic issue that warrants formal investigation and recall consideration. While accelerating under normal road conditions, I heard a loud and distinct “pop” noise from underneath the vehicle. The sound was abrupt and mechanical in nature, as if an internal drivetrain component had failed. Immediately following the noise, the vehicle’s driving characteristics changed noticeably. Although the car continued to move forward and there were no immediate warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, the drivetrain behavior was clearly altered. After the incident, the vehicle began operating as though the majority of drivetrain load was being directed to the front wheels. The vehicle now feels significantly front-heavy during acceleration and general driving. There is a distinct change in weight transfer and torque delivery that was not present prior to the failure. The balance that is characteristic of a rear-biased SH-AWD performance system is no longer present. There were no grinding sounds, fluid leaks, or vibration at the time of failure. There were also no warning messages, check engine lights, AWD system warnings, or drivetrain alerts displayed to notify me of any malfunction. The failure occurred suddenly and without notice.I respectfully request that NHTSA open a formal investigation into premature transfer case failures on 2021–2023 Acura TLX Type S vehicles equipped with SH-AWD. This issue should be evaluated for recall eligibility or mandated corrective action to ensure driver safety. Thank you for reviewing this complaint.

Transfer case needs replacing

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Noticed my 2021 Acura TLX A-SPEC SH-AWD has fluid leaking from the rear differential where the driveshaft connects. The vehicle has 16,531 miles on the odometer. Honda is releasing a recall for leaking rear differential on the Honda CRV as well Accords. Honda may want to include the Acura TLX's as well in the recall as they are reporting the drivesshaft may cause serious damage at high speeds if the differential is leaking.

The vehicle VIN - [XXX] The vehicle, 2021 Acura TLX, was purchased on June 8, 2021, from the showroom floor of Metro Acura Dealership. The vehicle was sold as being compatible with iPhone, Bluetooth HandsFree Link, and Apple CarPlay. Not to mention the innovative technology, Automatic Lighting Control, and Auto-Idle Stop System. The vehicle was purchased with a full 4 year/50,000-mile warranty. I have dealt with Metro Acura in Montclair, CA, Spreen Acura in Riverside, CA, and Wittmeier Honda in Chico, CA. I have attached the service reports from the said dealerships for your review. This does not include the three times I have called for roadside assistance due to being stranded by the 2021 Acura TLX. September 6- The vehicle would not unlock, even with the key. Stranded in a parking lot. Called Roadside assistance by the time some came, the car unlocked. September 8- the warning light Auto Idle Stop came on while driving September 10 – I took the vehicle to Spreen Honda and spoke with [XXX]. The vehicle had 3,275 miles. I was told that if lights are not on now, there is nothing they can do. I also explained that the Bluetooth is sporadic, and the vehicle will ring even after the phone call has been answered. I insisted they keep the vehicle and try. Later the same day, after I picked up the vehicle, warning lights came on again about 40 minutes later -Auto Idle Stop, Automatic Lighting Control- light while driving During this time, the warning lights would continue to come on intermittently while driving. September 15- I took the vehicle to Metro Acura and dealt with [XXX]. The vehicle had 3910 miles. I explained to them about the vehicle not unlocking and warning lights. They stated something occurred when they put the wrap on the car, which caused the vehicle to not open; they said it was fixed. Unable to find a reason for warning lights. September 20 -Auto Idle Stop, Automatic Lighting Control- l INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).