2023 Acura Tlx problems
The Acura TLX is a four-door entry-level luxury sedan sold by Acura, a luxury division of Honda, since 2014. It is the successor to both the TL and TSX models. As of 2021, the discontinuation of the RLX leaves the TLX as the flagship sedan in Acura's lineup.
Design history
The Acura TLX was first shown as the "TLX Prototype", a sedan designed in Acura's Los Angeles Design Studio, as a replacement of the TL and TSX sedans. The production version was unveiled in April at the 2014 New York International Auto Show. Sales began in August, the TLX entered production during July at Marysville, Ohio, United States.
First generation (UB1/UB2/UB3/UB4; 2015)
Two powertrain options are available. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine with direct injection was offered with front-wheel drive only, mated to a dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel steering (P-AWS). This model's chassis code is UB1. The Honda designed dual clutch transmission is the first to use a torque converter, which absorbs transmission gear shift shock, thus reducing NVH. The engine is rated at 206 hp (154 kW; 209 PS) with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg‑US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg‑imp)/35 mpg‑US (6.7 L/100 km; 42 mpg‑imp)/28 mpg‑US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg‑imp) (city/highway/combined) compared to 22 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg‑imp)/31 mpg‑US (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg‑imp)/26 mpg‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg‑imp) (city/highway/combined) from the previous TSX. Honda estimates that the six-cylinder model is 1.5 seconds faster from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h).
A 3.5-liter direct injected SOHC VTEC V-6 with cylinder deactivation (VCM) is mated to Honda's first time use of a 9-speed automatic transmission (sourced from ZF), available with either P-AWS or all-wheel drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system uses hydraulic clutches instead of the electromagnetic clutch packs found on the previous TL which significantly cuts weight, size and cost. The engine is rated at 290 hp (216 kW; 294 PS) and front-wheel drive models deliver 21 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg‑imp)/34 mpg‑US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg‑imp)/25 mpg‑US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg‑imp) (city/highway/combined) while all-wheel drive models are rated at 21 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg‑imp)/31 mpg‑US (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg‑imp)/25 mpg‑US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg‑imp). Model codes are UB2 for the front-wheel drive and UB3 for the SH-AWD, which comes standard with a "Technology Package". TLX models configured with the V6 engine lose nearly 150 lb (68 kg) compared to the FWD TL, and over 225 lb (102 kg) compared to the SH-AWD TL.
Overall length compared to the previous TL was reduced by 3.8 inches (97 mm) while the wheelbase maintains the same length. As with the ninth-generation Accord, the TLX loses the front double wishbone suspension of the TSX and TL in favor of a MacPherson strut arrangement, and loses the TL's all-aluminum front subframe in favor of a lower cost friction stir welded aluminum and steel piece.
To significantly cut down on interior noise, triple door seals are used as well as additional sound insulation.
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Common 2023 Acura Tlx problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2023 Acura TLX, common problems with this car include:
- Engine Performance: The 2.0 Tech engine performance is described as decent but loud, unrefined, and thirsty, with lower than expected fuel efficiency compared to other models like the BMW 540X.
- Highway Noise: The TLX is reported to be excessively loud on the highway at speeds over 60 mph, with complaints about wind noise, road noise, and engine noise affecting the driving experience.
- Cabin Material Quality: Owners have expressed disappointment in the quality of cabin materials, describing the car as feeling cheap compared to competitors like Lexus, Infiniti, and German brands. The back seat is also noted to be tight for the larger sedan segment.
- Infotainment System: The infotainment system in the 2023 Acura TLX has been criticized for being outdated and unrefined. The touch mouse pad is highlighted as a particularly problematic feature that does not work well while driving. Bluetooth connectivity has been reported as unstable and annoying for users.
These issues highlight some key concerns raised by owners of the 2023 Acura TLX, impacting various aspects of the driving experience from performance to comfort and technology.
What is the common problem with Acura TLX?
Transmission super bad on downshifts, when going uphill low throttle you can feel grinding like the engine is going to stall out.
What are the negatives of the Acura TLX?
While the TLX's ride is comfortable and handling is nimble, there's too much road and engine noise, undermining the premium pretense. The front seats are supportive, but the rear seat is tight, and the car's low stance hurts cabin access. The touchpad-based infotainment system is very distracting to use.
Is the Acura TLX a reliable car?
The Acura TLX Reliability Rating is 4.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 1st out of 31 for luxury midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $440 which means it has excellent ownership costs.
Is the TLX being discontinued?
Ram will send the range-topping 702-horsepower Ram 1500 TRX off into the sunset with a Final Edition model for the 2024 model year. Technically called the 2024 Ram 1500 TRX 6.2L Supercharged V8 – Final Edition (phew), only 4,000 examples of this limited-production model will be produced worldwide.
2023 Acura Tlx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Acura Tlx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2023 Acura Tlx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2023 Acura Tlx complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Acura Tlx.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-09
- VIN: 19UUB5F41PA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: My TLX Tech 2023 lost complete power while I pulled up to a busy intersection on a dark and rainy day. As a puled to stop and my idle stop enabled the car was fine. Once I tried to accelerate the car immediately went into Park from Drive. All of the controls started to blink and the car powered down like a computer system who was on 0%. I completely lost power, so that I could not even put my hazard lights on to indicate to the busy oncoming traffic that I was in danger. When the police arrived, he even tried to shift to neutral to help me roll out of the street, but the car was inoperable. I had to remain in the car due to the freezing rain and sleet. The emergency services called an emergency tow to get me out of the street and I was then towed to the nearest Acura dealership to get it reviewed. The service department indicated that they had known about the idle start/stop issue, but not on my specific model. I had my car inspected just the day before at the same dealership and there were no issues that had come up. I am concerned that this is very dangerous and leaves me in a vulnerable state.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-28
- VIN: 19UUB5F42PA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Well, since i purchased the 2023 Acura Tlx TECH PCKG, "It's a nightmare" everytime i drive it , i'm not enjoying it at all! I can't keep the car to go between the 2 lines! It just keeps going zigzag, i keep telling myself that maybe because "it's a brand new car" give it more time for adjustment...! But it's getting worse and worse to the point that when it's raining, i have to pray to get home safely!
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-06
- VIN: 19UUB5F40PA
- Components: SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Please see attached document, as my whole description would not fit in the box.
Negative 2023 Acura Tlx car reviews
Positive 2023 Acura Tlx car reviews
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The 2021 TLX advance package is an amazing car to drive, with a sport mode that is an absolute blast. However, one issue I found was that when the Acura logo on the grill and its controls get dirty or snowy, none of the convenience or safety features function properly. Overall, I highly recommend this car and I'm excited to see how the Type-S handles in comparison.
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I am currently on my fourth three-year Acura lease in a row. My journey with Acura began with a 2013 TSX Special Edition, followed by a 2016 TLX 2.4 Tech, and then a 2019 TLX 2.4 A-Spec. Recently, I took delivery of a 2021 TLX A-Spec and while I am enjoying it, I find myself somewhat conflicted. Each of my cars was generally an improvement over the one previous to it, offering enough changes to keep me interested enough to remain a loyal Acura customer. However, the all-new 2021 TLX is one of the biggest leaps that Acura has made in a number of years. This leap, though, may leave some longtime customers slightly frustrated. Where evolution and constant improvement is key to continued loyalty, the new TLX has an Achilles heel. Where the past few cars have always been better than the last, this new car, while still better in most ways, also falls short in a few areas. But let's start with what is good. Performance is definitely at the head of that list. Acura has finally given the TLX the base engine that it deserves. It’s basically a detuned version of that which powers the mighty Civic Type R and it is a strong performer. While lacking the rev happiness and true aural pleasure that was a mainstay of the previous two engines offered, it makes up for it by offering a strong punch and it moves this car with absolute authority. Gas mileage, thankfully, has thus far been better than the EPA estimate getting 24-25 in and around town and 32 on the highway. Unfortunately, while the engine is eager, Honda's new 10-speed transmission is simply not quite the dance partner that my previous car's 8-speed DCT was to the 2.4L. That DCT was simply seamless and with the exception of the occasional lag when down-shifting was always what made those cars a blast to drive in spite of the 2.4's somewhat limited power. The new tranny just feels like there may be a bit of work left to do on the software to get rid of some clumsiness and sharpen up its smoothness of operation.And this is where everything that follows really starts to be a list of tradeoffs from the old car to the new. The Chassis is all new and is said to be presently exclusive to Acura. The steering feel and overall composure are finally deserving of this car. One slight downside, at least in the A-Spec trim, is ride. While generally well composed over smooth to moderate surfaces, it quickly loses that composure when the going gets rough. Despite that shortcoming, the handling is quite impressive. Especially considering that Acura has now ditched its impressive PAWS all-wheel steering system. Another tradeoff, this one sacrificing turning radius which is fairly poor for a mid-sized sedan. Lastly, the exterior of the car is sharp and nicely improved, with a more aggressive yet balanced execution. The interior is a drastic change and mostly a better place to live, but some weaknesses quickly become apparent, primarily in the driver's seat. Its position and available adjustments are lacking, which can make it feel awkward. The next issue is Acura's new infotainment system. Both the interface and the sound system itself, while quite different, are simply not really an actual improvement over their previous tech. There is simply very little that is intuitive in using their new touchpad. However, overall, the car is a great improvement and a pleasure to drive.The new ELS 3D sound system is impressive overall, but it lacks the flawless and incredibly deep bass response of the previous ELS system, which is largely due to the deletion of the rear deck mounted subwoofer. Unfortunately, the front doors, which are now the new home for the subs, vibrate annoyingly under-arm when music with heavy bass is played. Additionally, there is a missing feature that was standard on my last A-Spec: auto-wipers. It's a simple deletion on Acura's part, but an odd omission for a previous owner buying the same trim of a new model. Despite these minor issues, the new TLX is a really nice, impressive handling and quick car to drive. If you're a spirited driver, make sure to get it with SH-AWD, as the power in this car is useless in FWD form. You can't put the power down even in the dry, and it's pretty nearly horrible in the wet. Update as of 4/1/2022: the car has been growing on me overall, but I highly recommend getting it with SH-AWD!
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As a long-time Acura fan, I recently traded my 2020 RDX for a TLX A-Spec, and I couldn't be happier. The styling, both inside and out, is fantastic, and the long list of standard features is impressive. What's more, these features are often costly add-ons for other so-called luxury brands. The TLX A-Spec handles various road surfaces with ease, providing a comfortable ride while still being capable of impressive handling. The fit and finish are top-notch, with high-quality materials used throughout the interior. The seats are also truly excellent, providing both comfort and support. And let's not forget the incredible ELS stereo system! While I do have two minor complaints - the lack of rear seat legroom and the motor - they don't detract from my overall satisfaction with the car. The 4-cylinder turbo provides adequate power for daily driving, but it lacks the character and real performance that I get from my Genesis G70 3.3 Sport. However, with the A-Spec package, the TLX looks fast standing still. Although it doesn't provide the same thrill as my G70, the new TLX is still a big step forward. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase.
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I researched the Audi S4, BMW M340, and Acura TLX Type S and ultimately chose the TLX for a few reasons: (1) I loved the design and color options; (2) Acura has a reputation for reliability; (3) The TLX offered great value with included features; and (4) The performance met my needs for daily driving. While the TLX may not be as fast as the S4 or M340, the package of features and quality build of the car were the determining factors for me. The SH-AWD is fantastic in both dry and wet conditions, making it a great choice for any weather. Although I've had to replace my puddle lights twice due to moisture getting in the side view mirrors, and I wish the car came with a HUD, I still highly recommend this car. It's fun to drive, the interior materials are high quality, and the design is amazing.
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This is my third Acura and it is the best one yet. Although there are a few features that could be improved, they do not detract from the overall quality of the car. The touch pad for controlling vehicle navigation and functions may take some getting used to, but it is a highly effective tool once you become familiar with it. Additionally, the fixed daytime map color scheme and small white text outlined in black on a light background may not be ideal, but they are still readable and functional. While the street route numbers may be difficult to read, the car's excellent handling and sound system more than make up for this minor inconvenience. Although the car's mileage could be better, it still has plenty of pep for a heavy car with its four cylinder turbo. Furthermore, the car's excellent design and comfortable interior make it a great value compared to more expensive brands like BMW and Lexus. Overall, this is a fantastic car that is sure to impress anyone who drives it.I cannot justify spending an additional $5,000 as it is not within my budget. Acura, please provide updates to the navigation color choice schemes as they are currently inadequate.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2023 Acura Tlx problems:
23 Type S suspension issue/noise | Acura TLX Forum
Jun 25, 2023 ... Picked up a 23 type s on June 30th for my wife and she is having this same problem. It has been in the shop since this past Monday. The tech ...
Are there any reliability problems with the newer tlx? : r/Acura
Nov 19, 2023 ... Doors won't unlock after auto start. · Apple CarPlay doesn't always connect. · The touchpad will go off on its own selecting things. · Wireless ...
2021 TLX Type-S Problems After 8 Months | Acura TLX Forum
Apr 13, 2022 ... I don't blame my dealer; after all, the TLX 2021 is kind of a new thing. However, I find the frequent puddle light damage to be inexcusable and ...
Recurring problem with '23 TLX Type S : r/Acura
Oct 7, 2023 ... That was created on 3/16/2023, which was before I brought in my car for service. So they were aware of the issue, and they told me their fix ...
Other years of Acura Tlx
Are you having problems with your 2023 Acura Tlx?
Reyes Nienow 2025-08-02
I quickly learned what to expect from this car, even without owning or leasing it. The steering is sharp and responsive, especially with the SH-AWD. The powertrain delivers quick and strong acceleration, and the driving position is quite comfortable. The craftsmanship is far superior to the last generation TLX. However, the ride is unbearable, which is a big disappointment for a flagship sports sedan. On New England city roads, the new TLX is so stiff that I thought I was in my colleague's Ford Mustang. The ride is much rougher than the first-generation TLX, which was more refined. I recently drove an Audi A5 Sportback, and that is the kind of ride I expected: tight but with some dampening, certainly never jarring. Considering the new TLX is actually more along the size of the Audi A7, I'm amazed how much worse it drove from the A5 and the old TLX. Another side note: the road noise from the tires was also worse on this second-generation than the first-generation. If you're considering this car, please make sure your test drive is not only on freshly-paved highways. Request a back-road route as well! I was highly disappointed, even though I had a great lease deal on the table. I couldn't pull the trigger.
Herminio Kuphal 2025-07-20
The 2021 Acura TLX experienced an engine failure just three hours after delivery, with all error codes appearing on the display. The vehicle was promptly towed back to the dealership, where it has been undergoing thorough examination for over a month. Rest assured, we are working diligently to identify the root cause of the issue and resolve it as soon as possible.
Brandon Lind 2025-05-12
As many others have pointed out, the TLX's styling is much sportier than its predecessor. However, the transmission doesn't quite live up to those lofty standards. While the off-the-line pep seemed adequate, I recently drove a neighbor's Accord Sport and it definitely had more get-up-and-go than the TLX. The TLX shifts quickly to redline in lower gears and gets underway, but the gears are spaced too far apart (or there are just too many) for highway passing. On the bright side, the interior is nicely laid out and the ELs system is good for a $50k car. However, for those who think this is a premium sound system, I would suggest hopping in a Lexus with the Mark Levinson system or a BMW with a Harman Kardon - there's no comparison. While this car may not be a straight-line burner, the new suspension and SH-AWD do wonders keeping the car flat in corners. My review is based on Acura marketing this car as a sports sedan, which I think is a mistake and why I only give it 3 stars. It's not a sports sedan. A BMW 340i or even an Alfa Giulia are sports sedans in this class. The new TLX is an entry-level sedan and is very good at being that, but if you market a car to me as something else, I am going to grade you based on how it was described to me. On a side note, after driving my TLX for 10k miles, I have to mention that the seats are not comfortable for long trips. The side bolstering is too prominent for an average-sized individual. Additionally, as another reviewer has mentioned, the wireless charging pad is useless as it doesn't stay connected. I've tried it on both my iPhone and Android devices.
Osbaldo Flatley 2024-11-06
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that I've come across an issue with the iPhone 12 (all models) not working on a wireless charger. I noticed that Acura is aware of this issue, but unfortunately, they haven't taken any steps to fix it. Additionally, I wasn't made aware of this when I made my purchase. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Curt Williamson 2024-07-14
I recently purchased an Acura chillax all-wheel-drive advanced model and unfortunately, it has already died twice, requiring a jump. The first time, the dealer replaced the battery, but the issue persisted and it is currently being investigated. I am quite concerned about this problem, especially since the car has only been driven for two weeks and has less than 300 miles on it.