Acura TLX Type-S Perf 2021 — Problemas reportados

While driving over a bump in the roadway, there was a squeaky metallic sound coming from the front passenger’s side suspension. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure and advised the to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed and the dealer was unsure what the issue was, and advised to wait until it worsens. The failure mileage was 91,000.

I am submitting this complaint regarding a transmission failure involving my 2021 Acura TLX, which I believe presents a significant motor vehicle safety defect. The transmission experienced a premature and unexpected failure that resulted in a substantial reduction in vehicle performance, including a loss of power delivered to the rear wheels and a corresponding reduction in vehicle directional control. At the time of the failure, the vehicle's handling characteristics changed unexpectedly, creating a potentially hazardous operating condition. The loss of rear-wheel power adversely affected the vehicle's stability and responsiveness, particularly during acceleration, lane changes, and other driving maneuvers where predictable vehicle control is necessary for safe operation. This condition significantly increased the risk of a crash and exposed both the vehicle occupants and the motoring public to an unreasonable safety hazard. Upon researching this issue, I discovered that transmission failures and related drivetrain defects have been reported by other owners of 2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The existence of multiple similar complaints suggests that this may not be an isolated incident but rather a recurring defect affecting this vehicle model and year. The failure occurred despite the vehicle being maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and without any misuse or modification that would reasonably contribute to such a catastrophic drivetrain failure. A transmission component that affects vehicle propulsion and directional control should not fail under normal operating conditions. Given the nature of the defect and its direct impact on vehicle safety, I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this issue to determine whether a broader safety-related defect exists within the 2021 Acura TLX population. If such a defect is confirmed, Acura/Honda should be required to provide an appropriate remedy.

My car shakes and rocks like a boat over every bump and when i make turns the car dips really bad and bounces around. It’s been doing this since i got the car and purchase a warranty i could not use from sports Mazda. Its unsafe at high speeds and jerks when switching lanes. I continuously do the alignment every 2-4 weeks. And the toe gets adjusted and it goes right back to the issue. Acura told me this is how their cars drive and it feels unsafe to drive

On October 4, 2026, at approximately 6:55 PM, the 2021 Acura TLX suffered a catastrophic and sequential collapse of its primary safety and electronic control systems while in motion. Without warning, the vehicle's dashboard suddenly illuminated with a cascade of severe system malfunctions, beginning with a critical "Brake System Problem" warning, immediately followed by a "Power Steering System Problem," which caused the steering wheel to become dangerously heavy and difficult to maneuver. Simultaneously, a string of secondary critical alerts flashed across the information display, including a "Lane Assist System Problem," effectively disabling the vehicle's automated driver-assist, traction, and stability networks. This total electronic network blackout culminated moments later in a severe collision that caused significant structural damage, including a snapped front axle. Despite the force of the impact meeting the necessary physical criteria for severe crash deceleration, the vehicle’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) completely failed, and none of the airbags deployed

VEHICLE LOSING TRACTION WHILE DRIVING. CONFIRMED BY [XXX]'S ACURA IN [XXX]. CONFIRMED: TRANSFER CASE WITH BAD TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE NOW INOPERABLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am submitting this complaint regarding a major drivetrain failure in my 2021 Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD with approximately 86,643 miles. My vehicle experienced a complete loss of AWD. The front two wheels are receiving power, but the rear wheels are no longer receiving power. An independent mechanic initially diagnosed a transfer-case/drivetrain failure and advised that the transmission may also be involved. I then took the vehicle to OH Acura of Temecula, where the Acura dealership independently diagnosed the vehicle with transmission and transfer-case failure. The service manager confirmed that my independent mechanic’s diagnosis was accurate. The dealership provided a repair estimate of approximately $16,000. I am concerned because NHTSA previously opened investigation DP26-001 regarding reported failures involving the transmission and transfer case in 2021–2023 Acura TLX SH-AWD vehicles. My vehicle is now experiencing a complete loss of AWD consistent with the issue described in that investigation. I also experienced an unusual grinding noise on September 21, 2026, which lasted approximately five minutes before stopping. I was subsequently told the noise was caused by worn spindles. The noise has not returned, and I am not claiming that issue was related to the drivetrain failure. Acura declined goodwill assistance, citing lack of documentation for transmission maintenance. The vehicle is outside its original warranty. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA has a record of my vehicle’s actual failure and complete loss of AWD and can consider it alongside other reports involving this vehicle and drivetrain configuration. I can provide the VIN, dealership diagnosis, repair estimate, and supporting documentation if requested.

My 2021 Acura TLX has a fuel leak. This is a known issue and manufacture design flaw. The Acura dealership has quoted my $4200 - $4500 to replace the fuel tank. I've contacted Honda and they've only offer $300 "goodwill" credit towards the repair. This is a know issue, a fire hazard, and other 2021 TLX has been recalled for this fuel tank/fuel leak issue via recall.

I drive a 2021 Acura TLX TYPE S around 85K miles. I heard a loud clank when I was driving one day, and I loss traction. When I was accelerating I was losing traction and it seem like I lost power while I was moving as well. It seems like I'm driving front wheel drive. I let me foot of the gas and it seems like it's back to normal SH-AWD. I hope this gets looked into and fixed soon.

The transfer case and transmission splines have been stripped causing the car to be FWD only. The issue was confirmed by the dealer, and both the transfer case and transmission were replaced under warranty. The car shuddered, followed by a drivetrain noise for a few seconds. No warning lights or messages appeared when the incident occurred. The issue occurred at approximately 26,574 miles on the odometer.

transfer case leaking fluids at 73,000 miles

Transmission and transfer case failure. Noticed a very small amount of fluid leaking and took to dealership. Dealer informed me that I was "lucky" to have noticed and that the transfer case spline failure had occurred. Notified that the problem could lead to sudden loss of all wheel drive and loss of vehicle control, vehicle slipping, and oversteer. DP26001 had indicated that these issues are a safety concern and could lead to an accident. I had noticed instability in certain issues where the rear of the car did not feel firmly planted when cornering (oversteer). Dealer indicated that both the transmission and transfer case need to be replaced. I was ~8000 miles within powertrain warranty. Parts are on a national backorder which indicates a widespread issue. No warning lamps or indication of seal failure that leads to stripped splines off the shaft due to the fluid leak. NHTSA does not understand how the Acura SH-AWD system interacts with vehicle dynamics and handling, and loss of the rear wheel drive and its impact on oversteer would be absolutely NO DIFFERENT than a rear sway bar breaking under load while cornering. I experienced this exact symptom on [XXX] where the road goes from 3 lanes to 2 lanes on a sweeping right hand curve. This is where I had felt like I may lose control of the vehicle, the rear of the car started to come around and I had to steer into the slide to regain control of the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I'm losing power than normal all of a sudden. When I step on the gas after light hits green in sport and sport plus mode my car losses traction even when traction control is on, and I hear a loud clunck sound. After the the loud clunck sound the car losses RPM while driving I step off the gas and step back on it and the RPM goes back to normal again.

I took this vehicle to get serviced in the summer of 2025. I recently joined an Acura Type S (2021+) group on Facebook and learned that the issue is quite prevalent. I had to have the transmission and transfer case replaced due to transmission issues and traction issues

On July 7th 2026 I was driving home, came to a stop light at normal speed, when the light turned green I took off at normal speed and I heard a huge cluck / bang from underneath the car and it bogged and didn’t want to move. I then stepped on the gas because of the Car behind me getting to close and my traction control light started to flash and the car started to shake and feel very uncomfortable to drive . After that I realize only the two front wheels of the car were working and even at low cruising speeds the car feels very unsafe and shakes and hear noises I never heard before the part that is causing this is the transfer case and transmission thus there are many other people who have had this same issues ranging from 21 to 23 tlx type s with 15k miles to 100k miles

Transmission splines went out and transfer case has also failed which is only sending power to front wheels

On 07/01/2026, at approximately 8:00 AM, during steady acceleration, flashing of MIL with loss of power presented northbound after merging from 235 west bound to I-135 north bound near Park City, KS. Particularly dangerous resulting in near rear end collision. Upon taking nearest exit ramp, attached BlueDriver .OBD II reader, and fault code P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire and U0401-68 PGM-Fi/ECM/PCM system event code was logged, with multiple warning indicators that safety system, AWD, brake, and other systems were disabled. Note, vehicle has had TSB 20-053 update w/ flash of PGM-Fi which did not resolve the fault, fault associated with hot and humid climates or period of rain fall, apparent water vapor, condensate build up in intercooler. For Honda Accord and Acura RDX w/ 4 cylinder 2.0 TDGI engine TSB includes redesigned intercooler replacement, that is not available for TLX 21-25 which is currently out of production. This has occurred previously during humid and hot weather, but no intermittent flashing MIL does not store code. Thankful in this instance P0303 and U0401-68 code is stored, and scheduling service at dealership to diagnose misfire.

2021 Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD. Total mechanical failure of PTU/transfer case spline interface at 29,800 miles within factory powertrain warranty. Vehicle operated silently in FWD-only with no warning lights, no fault codes, and no dashboard alerts — consistent with all complaints cited in NHTSA Defect Petition DP26001 (opened March 6, 2026, NHTSA #11712885). Failure confirmed by dealer via lift test: propeller shaft and rear wheels stationary while fronts spun. During actuator test, Check AWD System light illuminated for the first time — because the lift removed road-induced wheel rotation that had masked the failure from the ECU throughout normal driving. This is the only condition under which this failure mode is electronically detectable. Dealer replaced transmission (remanufactured ATR kit) and PTU under warranty. Repair took 38 days. CRITICAL-THIRD PTU REVISION: Replacement PTU installed was part #29000-5YK-070. Known revision history: -050 (original, confirmed failure part) → 060 (revised ~2022) → 070 (installed June 2026). The 070 does not appear in any public OEM parts database. Acura has now revised this component three times with zero TSBs, zero public disclosure of engineering changes, and no recall. The 070 revision appearing after DP26001 opened in March 2026 suggests a silent root cause fix while avoiding formal recall obligations. CRITICAL-DPSM GOODWILL CLAUSE: Acura required acceptance of "One Time Goodwill Authorized by DPSM" as condition of repair. This was a warranty obligation, not a goodwill gesture. This clause was imposed while DP26001 is under active federal review, before factory warranty expires, with no confirmed root cause fix. If the 070 part fails again, this clause may be used to deny future warranty coverage. Requesting: (1) complaint added to DP26001 record; (2) Acura compelled to disclose engineering changes between part numbers 050, 060, 070; (3) investigation of DPSM Goodwill clause as systematic pre-recall liability limiation

I am submitting this complaint in reference to NHTSA Defect Petition DP26001, opened March 6, 2026, investigating loss of all-wheel drive capability in 2021-2023 Acura TLX vehicles due to interfacing spline failure between the transmission and the power takeoff unit (transfer case). I am the owner of a 2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD with 55,300 miles. I purchased this vehicle on June 2nd, 2026. I have not yet experienced a failure, but I am registering as an affected vehicle owner given the known defect pattern documented in DP26001 and consistent with the 137,329-vehicle population identified in the NHTSA investigation. The failure mode as described in DP26001 involves stripping of splines at the transmission-to-PTU junction, resulting in sudden and complete loss of rear-wheel drive without warning lights or dashboard indication. Documented repair costs for this failure range from $5,000 to $19,000 depending on extent of damage. I am registering this complaint to be included in the documented owner population should the petition escalate to a formal defect investigation or recall. I request notification of any recall action, extended warranty coverage determination, or technical service bulletin issued for this failure pattern.

El problema es exactamente en el tanque de la gasolina, se está saliendo la gasolina en la unión de la manguera de llenado con el tanque de gasolina. Esto representa un riesgo no solo para mi seguridad sino también para cualquier persona.

While accelerating from a stop, I heard a loud bang from the drivetrain area and initially believed another vehicle had struck the rear of my car. After checking my surroundings, I realized there had been no collision. Immediately after the incident, the vehicle lost power delivery to the rear wheels. The vehicle is designed as an all-wheel-drive performance sedan, and the sudden loss of rear-wheel power significantly changed the way the vehicle handled. The vehicle became effectively front-wheel drive without warning, causing all engine power to be directed through the front wheels. This resulted in reduced traction, altered handling characteristics, and increased front tire wear. No warning lights, messages, or indicators appeared on the dashboard before or at the time of the failure. There were no symptoms that alerted me that a drivetrain failure was about to occur. The vehicle was inspected by an Acura dealership, and Acura confirmed failure of the transfer case and transmission components associated with the all-wheel-drive system. The transfer case and transmission are currently being replaced under the manufacturer's drivetrain warranty. I believe this failure created a safety risk because the vehicle unexpectedly lost its intended all-wheel-drive capability while in operation. Drivers rely on the handling, traction, and stability characteristics of the SH-AWD system. The sudden and unannounced loss of rear-wheel power changed the vehicle's behavior and could increase the risk of loss of control, particularly during acceleration, cornering, emergency maneuvers, or operation in poor weather conditions. The failed components are available for inspection through Acura as part of the warranty repair process.

Transfer case failure. I was driving my 2021 Acura TLX Type S when I suddenly heard a loud pop from underneath the car. Right after that, the SH AWD system stopped working and the car was only driving in front wheel drive. There were no warning lights or signs before it happened, due to it being a mechanical failure and not an electrical one because the car does not have sensors for the transfer case. After getting it checked out, I was told the splines between the transfer case and transmission were stripped. I’ve also seen that a lot of other 2021 to 2023 TLX Type S owners have had the same problem. It’s concerning because the AWD system failed out of nowhere, especially since the car depends on it for traction and stability. The car now needs a new transfer case and possibly more drivetrain repairs. (Proof shown in pdf down below, only front wheels spinning)

I drive a 2021 Acura TLX 2.0 L turbo 4 cylinder. I was driving to work on [XXX] on a busy street in Boyle Heights, Ca. When all of sudden I get a warning indicator “engine temp is high do not drive”. Pulled over immediately. Good thing I was in the far right lane and was able to pull over and not stall or get rear ended by another vehicle behind me. There were no warning, symptoms and indicators of the engine's overheating. My vehicle has been in great condition prior with no major or minor issues with my vehicle. We took it to two dealerships for diagnostics. The head gasket blown, empty coolant reservoir, cracked engine block, and other parts of the engine were affected. What if I was on a highway and the car stalled. I could’ve been seriously injured or seriously injured someone else on the road. Acura corporate is aware of our situation and refuse to own their engine safety defects. They want us to pay out of pocket to repair our vehicle. My car is 5 years old there is no way out of nowhere my vehicle should have this type of engine issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Dealers are investigating and need replacing rear shocks/solenoids, stroke sensors, and wiring harnesses. The issue is commonly identified as corrosion in the rear stroke sensor wiring harness or faulty damper make "Adaptive Damper System" (ADS) error light on and can't not make change for the setting as acura design issue !

Took my car for an oil change and found that the transfer case is leaking its fluid. Known to lead to tranfer case failure.

} 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.

Sunroof exploded during drive on highway. No contact was made by any small or large objects

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

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.

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 (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

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.

Transfer case needs replacing

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

The transfer case in my Acura TLX Type S failed due to the internal splines stripping at approximately 57,600 miles. I heard a loud bang while attempting to maneuver out of a parking spot that was covered in snow. When this occurred, the transfer case was no longer able to transfer power to the rear wheels, causing the all-wheel-drive system to stop functioning. As a result, the vehicle effectively operated as front-wheel drive only. The most concerning part of this failure is that the vehicle provided no warning whatsoever to the driver. There were no dashboard alerts, drivetrain warnings, AWD system warnings, or check engine lights indicating that the AWD system had failed. The vehicle continued to operate and display information as if everything was functioning normally. This occurred during the winter in New York while driving in snowy conditions, where the AWD system is critical for traction and safety. Because there was no warning that the AWD system had failed, I continued driving the vehicle assuming it still had AWD capability. On multiple occasions the vehicle became stuck in snow due to the loss of rear-wheel power. A critical drivetrain component such as a transfer case should not fail under normal driving conditions at this mileage. Additionally, a vehicle equipped with AWD should provide a clear warning to the driver if the system is no longer functioning. The absence of any warning combined with a sudden loss of AWD capability creates a serious safety concern, particularly in winter climates where drivers rely on AWD for traction and control. Under the wrong circumstances this type of failure could potentially lead to an accident or serious injury.

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.

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.

Adaptive Damper System error on dashboard. Took the car to the dealer and they confirmed two issues. Codes C1646-14 and C1647-14 indicating the stroke sensor has lower limit abnormality. Dealer recommended replacing both rear shocks due to over extension. Once shocks were replaced, codes returned. During further investigation, corrosion was found in the stroke sensor wiring harness. Harness is the root cause of the issue. Car is available at the dealer for inspection if necessary. From a safety perspective, if I continued to drive the car I could have experienced a malfunction in the braking system which could have led to brake failure, failure of safety features, or a car stall.

My gas tank is failing from the fuel seal, my safety is in danger since it throws a lot of gasoline, take the car to the dealer but they say it's not a factory problem

See Attached Letter for potential Defect Petition DP26001

This 2021 Acura TLX Type-S has experienced a complete failure of the transfer case after approximately 40,000 miles of use. This unfortunately is a known issue on the online forums for this vehicle in model years 2021-2023. I have a video inspection performed by the local dealership proving this. The only warning is a one-time loud boom when accelerating and a leaking from the transfer case of fluid thereafter. There is no safety issue best I can tell, however the car only performs in front drive mode once the transfer case quits working. The issue is due to weak splines within the transfer case that shear off and thus damage the 10-speed automatic transmission in the process. Acura has a 6 year 70,000 mile warranty, so a complete replacement is covered, however my concern is for whether the new transfer case part # 29000-5YK-060 which replaces the old 29000-5YK-050 part will do the same. This is a very expensive fix into the 5 figures (over $10,000) and really needs to have a recall as there are dozens and dozens of owners online who have experienced this failure.

To Whom It May Concern: The purpose of my complaint is to bring to your attention reprehensible policies and misconduct displayed by the automaker, Acura, the premium subsidiary brand of the American Honda Motor Company. On 11/18/2025, I brought in my 2021 Acura TLX Tech w/SH-AWD in for a problem related to the brakes. The front brakes were and continue to make a jarring, very loud, high-pitched squeaking noise at low speeds. After 4 hours at Radley Acura of Falls Church, VA, the technician stated "could not duplicate" the concern. The problem persisted and I again returned on 12/18/2025 for the same issue. My vehicle has been at the dealership awaiting a response from Acura Client Relations on a claim that I submitted on 12/19/2025. Radley Acura diagnosed the issue as a well-known defect of 2021 TLX models, as evidenced by Acura's own service bulletin describing the very issue I continue to experience (and yet were unable to diagnose on 11/18). Radley Acura is stating that although my vehicle is 28,000+ miles UNDER the manufacturer's warranty, that by time, since purchase, it is outside the manufacturer's warranty by approximately 6 months. However, on 1/27/2025 (when my car was within manufacturer warranty and only had 17,215 miles on the odometer), I completed a lease buyout of my car. In addition, I paid to have it Acura Precision Certified. As part of this paid certification, Radley had my car for over a day to allegedly perform a 182-point inspection, and address a recall open for over a year (with a remedy from Acura - but allegedly no available repair parts to fix my car, until I requested to CPO my at the time of lease buyout). During their CPO inspection, the dealership failed to address the open service bulletin on the front brakes--a documented issue Acura has been aware of since before 2/15/2022, as established by their service bulletin. Now the dealership is stating the manufacturer's defect that they failed to address is $500 out of pocket expense.

Problem with all safety feature sensors like Adas, lane assistance. Small car icon which always green turned orange, and none of those features working.

My 2021 TLX Type S front wheels started to spin upon acceleration at 44K miles. I immediately scheduled an appt for the dealership. Was informed I needed a new Transfer Case Unit, as the splines were shredded. With this, I also had to replace the transmission. All replaced and picked up today 12/2/2025

Was driving the car under normal acceleration when the transfer case failed. No power to the rear wheels. Acura dealer confirmed the problem. Will be fixed under warranty. No warning lamps or messages on the dash.

Transfer case blew. AWD was not working.

While driving my 2021 Acura TLX Type S, I began losing traction frequently during normal daily driving, especially when turning corners or accelerating from a stop sign or stop light. At first, I believed the issue was related to my tires, so I replaced them, but the same problem continued. After researching online, I discovered that transfer case failures are a known issue on these vehicles, affecting both new and used models. Currently, my vehicle is at the dealership, but they were unaware of this recurring transfer case problem and have no information about it. This is concerning because the failure of the transfer case directly affects traction and stability, creating a potential safety risk to myself and others on the road. It appears to be a systemic issue that Honda/Acura has not yet acknowledged.

- The transfer case failed causing the AWD system to stop working -It is a safety concern because you may lose control since no power is going to rear wheels, especially in inclement weather that we receive in the northeast. -Yes the problem has been confirmed by dealership by putting car on lift and seeing that no power is being sent to the rear wheels. -There are no warning lights or any signs, you just hear a loud bang while driving and lost of traction while accelerating

While using the Air Conditioner in Comfort Mode Suspension settings on my Advanced SHAWD model, the front suspension intermittently squeaks and creaks. It is very audible in the colder months or after it rains.

While performing a right turn, under normal acceleration a loud "pop/clunk" occurred. I immediately pulled into a parking lot as the vehicle was still able to drive. The vehicle runs as normal, no leaks of any kind present. Nothing visibly broken. Afterwards, I was able to determine with the vehicle suspended off of the ground, I am getting power only to the front wheels. Utilizing google, it's easy to see that this has become a MASSIVE issue on this particular model TLX Type S. The vehicle will be taken to Acura on Monday Aug 18th 2025 for diagnostics, but it's quite obvious that the splines on the transfercase at the transmission mounting location have sheared completely, thus making the vehicle front wheel drive powered only. Given my current situation, my hope is that Acura will honor the power train warranty as it is my understanding that both the transmission and the transfercase are required to be replaced in this instance. Acura also needs to issue an updated transmission/ transfercase combination and a recall because this is happening way to often and it's quite an expensive repair.

The wipers come on by themselves and do not turn off. The engine may or may not start with the key fob nearby. All the dash warning lights come on with warnings about the brake system, the transmission, the steering, the adaptive cruise control all reporting a problem. The vehicle goes to limp mode and throttle response is severely reduced. There is some sort of water leak which is shorting out or causing the BCM or body control module to act erratically due to water from rain getting into the area because of improper weather sealant placed during manufacturing. There is a service bulletin that was put out in roughly April of 2024 that describes this issue affecting the 2021 TLX models.

Transfer case failure. Spline is stripped after 40k. AWD is disabled. Requires new transfer case and transmission

The contact owned a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, she was struck by another vehicle driving at 55 MPH on the front passenger side. The vehicle spun around due to the impact and came to a stop facing oncoming traffic. The contact lost consciousness. No air bags were deployed. The contact sought medical care for a brain trauma, whiplash, loss of hearing in the left ear, headaches, blurry vision, loss of hand motor skills in her left arm, and injuries to their neck and spine. A police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance provider. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot for further investigation. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

While driving normal, I heard a pop sound coming from the bottom of the car which resulted in my AWD not working. On acceleration the car would spin the front wheels and the traction light would light up. Took to dealer and they confirmed the transfer case and transmission failed and had to be replaced. The splines between both components had stripped.

-Transmission and transfer case failed, specifically the splines on the input shaft connecting the two, rendering the vehicle FWD instead of AWD. Parts are not available to inspect as they were returned to dealer. -While the vehicle could still function in front wheel drive, the lack of AWD could be a safety risk in poor weather or road conditions, especially given that the vehicle does not send an error code for this issue. -Problem was reproduced by the dealer, who replaced both parts after a 2-month wait for parts. -There is zero indication that these components failed, no error codes or anything. The car also displays how much power is going to each wheel on the gauge cluster, and displays just as it did when everything worked. The problem can only be noticed when using AWD, so many drivers may not know they have this issue. I experienced the traction control light blinking on hard acceleration due to front tire slip and understeer during turns, but beyond that there was no indication anything was wrong. -The dealer informed me this would be a $12,000 repair out of warranty, which I find unacceptable given that the car doesn't give any error codes. Many many people may not know their car is effected.

• Transfer Case failure, leading to transmission damage. • Vehicle gives no indication of Transfer Case failure, in turn, giving the Driver the impression that the vehicle is AWD. Potential risk to safety as the failure happened under normal driving conditions, vehicle suddenly jolts, with loss of power. • Problem addressed by Dealership Service Dept. but not able to recreate, as this is a drivetrain fault. • Vehicle and components inspected by Dealership Service Dept. only. • No indications or warning lights for TC failure. AWD system on dashboard indicates power is going to all four wheels when this is not the case.

At 36,823 miles and October 11,2024 I was taking off from a stop. About 10 seconds into my take off I heard a loud bang and hard jerk. Dash cam caught it happening. As soon as it happened I was still moving forward but just coasting. As soon as I accelerated a tiny bit it sounded like metal being beaten around inside something. No warning light or CEL came on. Nothing. After I parked it the sound disappeared and it seemed to drive fine but a little different. I noticed then that I would lose traction easily and my front wheels would spin out like a fwd Civic. I called the dealership immediately and told them what happened. They put a note in my file. They said they couldn’t do anything unless it happened again. I had to go to the dealership 3 separate times to try to get them to look at it. At the third trip and me being a little pissy that they took me seriously and found out that in fact my rear wheels wouldn’t spin and my driveshaft wasn’t spinning either. In December of 2024 my transfer case and transmission were replaced under warranty. The splines in the transmission were totally stripped.

Transfer case failed, awd system inoperable. Only front wheel drive when it is suppose to be awd. Vehicle is at the acura dealership getting repaired

2021 Acura TLX Type S. Car has 53k miles on it. No modifications, bone stock. When accelerating from a stop at ~50% throttle, there was a sudden loud pop from the front of the car, followed by immediate loss of power to the back wheels (AWD car) . The vehicle was about to shift from first to second gear, so thankfully I was still only going about 10-15 mph at the time. Had i been traveling faster, turning, or if the roads were wet/slick, it could have caused an accident due to my loss of control of the car. There were no warning lights or indication prior to this occurring, and no warning lights or indication after the incident occurred either. In fact, the torque distribution screen on the console showed power to the back wheels, despite that not being true. All recommended maintenance and oil changes were performed on the car at appropriate times. The problem ended up being a completely stripped transfer case housing / damaged splined shaft on the transmission (picture of transfer case attached). This was finally diagnosed after 2-3 weeks once the dealer lifted the vehicle and checked for power in all 4 wheels (of which only the front two tires would spin). Dealer replaced the parts under warranty after it was shown that the back wheels had no power. However, I believe the same part number was used in the replacement, indicating a potential likelihood of another failure in the future if this part is defective. I'm not sure if this has been reported by others, but I was only able to identify the problem by finding a post on an owners forum that showed identical problems to mine. Conversations in other owners groups suggests this is a wide spread problem with the early renditions of the new Acura TLX Type S line (~2021-2023). A poll in a TLX Type S Owner facebook group I am in, indicated that 16% of folks have had similar failures (out of 170 members polled).

The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving over a bump in the roadway, there was a squeaky metallic sound coming from the front passenger’s side suspension. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed. The failure mileage was 91,000.

Transfer case broken; no longer sending power to the rear wheels. Car loses traction when accelerating from a stop.

AWD system is no longer working. Every time I accelerate the front wheels are slipping and there are no warning lights or system failure messages. I believe this is a transfer case issue as there are now videos on YouTube about TLX Type S's having this issue.

I was driving and was making a right turn at a stop light. I stopped, then took a right. As I took the right, I throttled a little from 5-10 mph and my transfer case blew up and made a loud bang and lost power to my rear wheels. Along with losing power to my rear wheels, the computer still did not recognize this mechanical failure. The dash has a feature that shows power to each wheel and when the cars rear power wasn’t working, this feature showed power still. Along with this failure, immediately after the loud bang, the car was jerking and there was sounds of clunking in the rear.

The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the steering wheel started to shake, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. A dealer was contacted, and the contact was able to schedule an appointment to have the vehicle repaired. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front brake rotors were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.

When Driving my vehicle I abruptly lost power steering on the freeway. I received an error on the screen " Electric Power Steering Problem, assisted steering reduced". I was able to safely drive my car off the freeway. However, I feel like this problem can cause someone else with not enough strength such as an elderly person to loose control of the vehicle if they encounter the same issue. I took my car to the Acura Dealer, and they advised they needed to replace the Rack and Pinon due to a " Steering Position Sensor" Issue.

The transfer case splines between the transfer case are stripping causing the car to lose power in the rear wheels forever. This is a safety hazard as now the wheels lose traction and massive oversteer. This is dangerous in many conditions especially rain as turns are much more prone to sliding and losing traction. It was confirmed at the dealer and is a known issue in the Acura car community. The only way to diagnose the problem is putting it on the left And putting the car in drive to see if the all wheel drive system is working (all 4 wheels spinning). This is a scary problem for owners as no codes are generated since there is no sensor to catch this . The cars other system were also designed with the intention of the car being all wheel drive so this could lead other systems to fail causing a likely accident or collision.

Power take off unit on the TLX TYPE-S’s are stripping at the splines where the drive shaft and PTU meet. This disables the cars AWD system without triggering any codes, giving drivers false confidence to drive in low traction environments which may lead to accidents. The car retains FWD function but struggles to gain grip on the road at all speeds because it is an AWD designed platform. The dealership of Spreen Acura diagnosed my car and confirmed that the PTU fluid was previously leaking and had metal shavings. They also confirmed that the car was now FWD and struggled with getting traction with acceleration. This is a problem as it does not show any indication during failure, there could be many people with failed PTU’s who are unaware and driving daily. With rainy season coming up, this could pose a big risk as drivers with these cars will think their TYPE-S is AWD and my end up getting into accidents when driving unaware.

The all-wheel-drive stops working and the car becomes front wheel drive only. There are no warning lights on. The only way you could tell is to jack the car up with all four wheels off the ground and put it in drive to see if all four wheels are spinning. Also the driveshaft should be turning out of the transfer case. The the roads are wet or with snow the front wheels brake free very easy and the traction light comes on, which is also sign. I took it to the dealer and they verified the issue. They said it needs a new transmission and transfer case because the splines on the output shift of the transmission strip out and also damage the splines on input shaft of the transfer case.

All wheel drive system began to fail. Experienced a loud bang followed by a leak from the transfer case that was observed when I arrived home. No check engine lights of any kind just car is stuck in front wheel drive. Dealer confirmed AWD system is not working. No safety risk and no insurance notifications or police because item is covered under warranty.

Transfer case failure with no warnings or symptoms of problem prior to failure. This is a safety issue as my car was only operating In Front wheel drive due to the transfer case failure. This is a common issue that needs to be investigated.

transfer case and drivetrain failure from spline stripping. No hard driving performed yet parts still failed. Car went from AWD to FWD without codes. Car failed to gain traction when going up hill and nearly rolled back into another car.

The All Wheel Drive system stopped working due to a transfer case/transmission failure. The repair was warrantied by the dealership however everything that i have read states this is a common issue and acura has not provided a permanent fix to prevent this from happening in the future

My car is now a front wheel drive car instead of all wheel drive car … no check engine no light nothing except the car is bringing no more power from the back wheels

I would like to report a serious safety issue with the 2021 Acura TLX Type s. Recently in April 2024, while driving, I heard a loud pop from the vehicle, and it turned out that the transfer case had burst into the transmission. This failure has rendered the rear-wheel drive non-functional, resulting in severe oversteer. This oversteer is especially dangerous because the vehicle is now operating as front-wheel drive, which creates an unpredictable and hazardous driving experience. This issue could lead to a catastrophic transmission failure, particularly at highway speeds, posing a severe safety risk to me and other drivers. I have contacted the dealer about the problem, but they have refused to take any corrective action. I’ve also found that multiple other owners have reported similar issues with this model, highlighting a potential widespread problem with the transfer case and transmission interface. Given the safety risks associated with this failure, I urge NHTSA to investigate this defect and take appropriate action to ensure public safety.

Transfer case splines sheared, causing the awd system to fail. This eliminates power output to the rear wheels and could cause a loss of control while driving in sub par road conditions. This appears to be a very common issue among the Type-S trim.

I am reporting a critical safety issue with my 2021 Acura TLX (VIN: [XXX] ), specifically related to the transmission and transfer case. The problem is centered around the transmission’s spline splitting into the transfer case, which causes severe jerking while driving. The car moves forward erratically, jumping up and down, and on multiple occasions, the vehicle has shut off while driving at highway speeds. This is extremely dangerous and poses a significant risk to my life and others on the road. This issue is widely reported by other Acura owners online, and it appears to be a common defect with the transmission, specifically the remanufactured transmission part number 06200-6T2-A02RM. The cost of repairing this issue exceeds $5,000, and since the vehicle is no longer under warranty, I am deeply concerned about having to replace both the transmission and transfer case, only for the same problem to recur. The vehicle is still drivable, but the issue is worsening, and I fear for my safety. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter and press Honda/Acura to address this defect immediately, as it is a severe safety hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)