Acura problems
Acura is the luxury and performance division of Japanese automaker Honda, based primarily in North America. The brand was launched on March 27, 1986, marketing luxury and performance automobiles. Acura sells cars in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, and Kuwait. The company has also previously sold cars in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Russia, and Ukraine. Plans to introduce Acura to the Japanese domestic market in the late 2000s did not eventuate due to the financial crisis of 2007–2008.
Acura was the first luxury division established by a Japanese automaker. The creation of Acura coincided with the introduction of a JDM Honda dealership sales channel, called Honda Clio, which sold luxury vehicles, joining previously established Honda Verno, followed by Honda Primo the following year. In its first few years of existence, Acura was among the best-selling luxury marques in the US, outselling established brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Though sales were down in the mid-to-late 1990s, the brand experienced a revival in the early 2000s, due to drastic redesigns and the introductions of new models.
In the late 1980s, the success of the company's first flagship vehicle, the Legend, inspired fellow Japanese automakers Toyota and Nissan to launch their own luxury brands, Lexus and Infiniti, respectively. The 1990 launch of the NSX, a mid-engine exotic sports car, offered a reliable and practical alternative to exotic European sports cars, and introduced Honda's VTEC variable valve timing system to the North American market. The 1993 Legend coupé featured Acura's first use of a six-speed manual transmission mated to a Type II engine. In the late 1990s, Acura produced a Type R version of its compact Integra, which featured a reduced curb weight, a stiffer and lower suspension, and a high-output VTEC engine.
In the early 2000s, Acura introduced new models, including the company's first all-original SUV, the MDX, and two models which replaced the Integra coupé and sedan, the RSX and TSX, respectively. Type-S versions of the RSX, CL, and TL were added to the brand's lineup during that decade. Acura's 2005 RL flagship introduced SH-AWD, a torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. The 2007 RDX, a crossover SUV, featured the first North American use of a turbocharged Honda engine. A second generation NSX was launched in 2016 and features a twin-turbocharged mid-engine, a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission, and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.
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Acura models
Common Acura problems
Acura is a luxury vehicle brand that has been highly regarded for its outstanding quality and value. However, as with any brand, there are common problems that have been reported by owners. Here are some of the most common issues based on complaints from Acura owners:
- Automatic Transmission Problems: This is the most common issue reported by Acura owners, affecting models such as the TLX, TL, and MDX. Problems range from jerks between gears, hesitations to shift while accelerating when cold, the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral or an inability to shift into Park, to outright transmission failure. These issues have led to multiple class action lawsuits by owners against the manufacturer and recalls to be issued by Acura.
- Off The Chart Oil Consumption & Other Engine Issues: Acura's engines have a track record of potentially serious issues, with excessive oil consumption being the most common issue reported across all years and models. The worst offender is Acura’s J-Series V6 engine found in the 2008-2014 MDX, 2011-2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL and 2010-2014 TSX. Acura has recommended that owners check their oil levels every time that they fill up their gas tank and change their oil more frequently than recommended.
- Electrical Issues: Some Acura models have problems with rapid stalled engines and hesitation while accelerating, often caused by miscommunications among the computers and software which control the engine, throttle and transmission. Owners of many Acura models have also reported problems with their batteries draining quickly, sometimes leaving them stranded and in need of a jump start.
- Interior Materials & Electronic Gremlins: Acura owners have reported problems with some interior materials and electronic features, such as cracked dashboards on TL models from 2004-2008, caused by exposure to the sun and defective materials or a mistake during the manufacturing process.
It's important to note that not all models and years from Acura are created equal, and some specific models and years have experienced an atypical amount of problems. If you own one of the models most afflicted with issues, such as the TLX, TL, MDX, TSX, or RDX, it's important to be aware of the problems that might rear their ugly heads at some point so that you can manage expectations, plan ahead, and take the appropriate preventative actions to avoid pain down the road.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Acura models
We have analysed all the complaints filed against Acura cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Acura models:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Acura brand.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Acura models
We have also compiled a table for you with the number of complaints about specific models of Acura cars:
Distribution of Acura car problems by type
Based on an anlyse of all Acura related complaints and concluded that the most common problems with Acura cars are the following:
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
- Structure problems
Below is a graph with statistics on all Acura vehicle components and the number of complaints about them.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Acura models
A total of 678 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Acura models
There were a total of 149 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Acura models
There were a total of 546 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Acura models
There were a total of 15 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
The NHTSA has received 11237 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Acura Acura. Below are 15 recent complaints about various Acura models. In order to research complaints about a particular brand you need to select it from the list of available models above.
List of the last 15 complaints about Acura models
Acura Tlx 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 19UUB2F60JA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Hi, I’m having issues with my fuel pump / engine and I seen online there was a previous recall for this issues regarding my year make and model but when I search my vin it’s not included? Not sure why when I’m having issues related to that exact recall. I believe it can be related. I took it to Acura and they want to charge me 5,000 dollars for repair. I have a 2018 Acura tlx 3.5 v6 which is stated in this photo attached. Can I get some more clarification please? I’m having all issues notated on the photo. Regarding car idle, fuel issues, stalling and more. My car slid into Neutral while I was driving twice! Super scary. When I took it to Acura they diagnosed everything that was in the recall? Not sure why my vehicle isn’t included when it’s very obviously related
Acura Tlx 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 19UUB2F58JA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Nothing has happened. I just can’t get the Acura dealership in my area which is Jackson Mississippi Jackson Acura. They do not return calls at all and I would like to get my recall on my 2018 TLX repaired. I contacting them about 3 to 4 months ago. Just recently contacted them again for two weeks straight and no one is responding at all. I’m not sure what is going on with this dealership or the management but again I’ve left several messages for Chelsea,her supervisor and the manager of that store. The address: Acura of Jackson 800 Adcock St., Ridgeland, MS 39157 service phone number (844)362-6839
Acura Mdx 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5J8YD3H55HL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Acura Tlx 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 19UUB2F38GA
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Acura TLX. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The Check Engine Warning Light Illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where is was diagnosed the catalytic converter has failed . The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate mileage was unknown.
Acura Rdx 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5J8TB3H55HL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Dashboard warning lights all light up at once. Flickering on and off. Lights turn on and off inside car, it unlocks and locks car on it’s own. Says key is not close to car when trying to turn on car. Alarm goes off randomly once parked and locked.
Acura Rdx 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5J8TB4H37FL
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The headlights have gone very dim do to the reflective coating degrading in the headlight housing. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive at night.
Acura Mdx 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5J8YD4H55JL
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Acura Rdx 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5J8TC1H52KL
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: Called Southbay Acura in Torrance Ca on 10/23/24.Told them my 2019 Acura RDX has the EXACT same problem that 2019/2020 RDX's has a recall on...Front passenger seat belt Buckle will not Buckle..THe buckle won't allow the seatbelt to lock..Dealer said you VIN number is not part of the recall???? Yet my Acura RDX suffers from the exact problem the recall covers..So i'm asking for your guidance of what to do next. Obviously this is not a safe situation!!! Please advise. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Acura Rl 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: JH4KA96672C
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: About 2013 the 2000 acura rl vsa and abs lights came on then the tilt on the steering wheel up and down stop working then the srs lights and seat belts light came on and want go off. So from then till now I have spent about 15k to correct the vsa and abs issues. Replace rotors bearing wheel sensor tires rack and pinion ball joints and power steering pressure hose. But I found out that the problem is the driver side motor mount. Cost is 100 for the part. The part to fix the issue is discontinued. I talk to daisy at acura corporation relations and disagreed with the answer because the motor mount is a common problem for acura 3.5rl because the angle sensor can not be connected with out replacing the driver door side motor mount I gave her the part number from acura warehouse parts and she couldn't the part and told me it was discontinued part number 50815-sz3-033. There is no refund for the trouble that this part has cost me. The high pressure power steering switch is also discontinued. The navigation and security door locks are also not working no communication with onstar.
Acura Ilx 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 19VDE1F33DE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Acura ILX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Acura Mdx 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5FRYD4H94HB
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Air Conditioning system in 2017 Acura MDX is releasing chemical fumes when Air Conditioning is turned on. This problem was reported to authorized Acura Service Center (Chapman Acura in Tucson, Arizona) during vehicle warranty period. This problem has been reported to this Acura Service Center more than 5 times but the Acura Service Center is not fixing the problem. Release of chemical fumes from Air Conditioning system is causing respiratory problems and is a passenger safety issue. Chapman Acura has charged consumer several times for the same problem but has not fixed the issue.
Acura Mdx 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5J8YD4H88LL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: I came to a stop at a stop sign. The start/stop feature activated and the engine shut off. When I lifted my foot off the brake, the engine did not restart (as it's supposed to), and then vehicle automatically shifted itself into neutral (without any of my doing). I put the emergency flashers on to alert other motorists, hoping to avoid a rear-end collision as I was stopped in the middle of an intersection in rush hour traffic. At this time, the battery light illuminated. The engine light illluminated as well. I had to forcefully and unusually push the brakew pedal towards the floor as the vehicle was drifting backwards. At this time, the vehicle would not shift into park. Then "PARK" illuminated, so I attempted to reapply the brake hoping that when I let up from the brake the car would start again (like the usual procedure). The vehicle then shifted into park, but the engine had not restarted. I pressed the on/off red button to follow normal procedures for turning the vehicle off. With my foot remaining on the brake, I pressed the off/on red button to start the engine as usual and the engine finally restarted. Afraid for the safety for myself and other motorists, I put the vehicle into drive and I pushed the button to stop the stop/start system from engaging. No codes generated during this. This is a safety issue for several reasons. First, I was stuck in the middle of a busy intersection where a large volume of cars travel through each day. It was rush hour, so the roads couldn't be more filled. Someone coming around the corner who might not have been prepared to stop could have hit me. Likewise, I could have been hit while in the intersection. Secondly, once the vehicle failed to turn back on, the Washington Grove (Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services - MCFRS) was responding to a vehicular file nearby on I-270 and had I not have been able to move in time, some of their vehicles likely wouldn't have made it through because my vehicle was blocking the lane.
Acura Mdx 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5J8YD4H34JL
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Acura Mdx 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5J8YD7H56KL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Middle row passenger seatbelt malfunctioning. Waiting on part on back order. Available for inspection until it gets replaced. Numerous occasions noticed the belt would lock when getting children out of car and didn’t think anything of it. Had to move middle row seat to get it to retract out of the lock position. Today my child got tangled in the seatbelt and he was trying to get out of car and it retracted and locked and kept getting tighter around his chest. I tried slacking the belt back to loosen it and it wouldn’t retract out and only got tighter. I eventually cut the belt as he couldn’t breathe and I was unable to loosen the belt. It has not been inspected yet by anyone as I’m waiting for the part to come in. No messages on car dashboard.
Acura Integra 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-31
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 19UDE4H3XRA
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The steering on this vehicle began feeling sticky intermittently, not every trip starting 7/31/2024. Since then it has become more and more of an issue. The sticky steering is most noticeable on the interstate when trying to recenter the steering wheel after going around a curve. More so when straightening from a left turn. I had researched, just after leasing the vehicle, and saw this was an issue on 2023 models. Nothing has happened until about 10,000 miles on my odometer. It has become prevalent during every trip taken now, including on secondary roads at lower rates of speed. A service appointment was scheduled with my dealer, a couple of days prior to the recall. I was advised to bring it in, as the recall had not been announced at that time. When I took it in on 10/15/2024, the dealer shared there was nothing they could do at this point, didn’t even inspect it or look at it, as it is too early in the recall and they had not been told how to fix it. They also shared it could be months before something could be done. I am writing to document this issue, should there be an incident, and share that it is a little unnerving to drive a vehicle that could potentially cause an accident and have a dealership say there is nothing they can do and that I should continue driving the vehicle… No lights, warnings, etc have come on in association with this issue.
Latest 5 Acura recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 618 recalls involving various Acura models.You can learn more about the model you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Acura Integra 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-03
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
- Consequence: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.
- Model: Acura Integra 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-03
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
- Consequence: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.
- Model: Acura Rdx 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-15
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Odyssey and 2024 Acura RDX vehicles. The steering gear box assembly may not have been tightened properly, allowing water to enter the assembly and cause corrosion and binding gears.
- Consequence: Corroded and binding steering gears can result in a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are LHU and FHT.
- Model: Acura Tlx 2020
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-01
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, and October 18, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
- Model: Acura Tlx 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-01
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, and October 18, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
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