2023 Acura TLX Type S

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has completed its review of a Petition dated January 9, 2026, requesting an investigation into the loss of the optional all-wheel drive capability in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Acura TLX and MY 2022-2023 Acura MDX vehicles. The Petition alleges failures in the interfacing splines between the front wheel drive transaxle and the rear wheel drive power take off unit. Failure of these splines prevents the transfer of drive power to the rear axle, making the vehicle front wheel drive only. The Petition further alleges that this failure reduces vehicle directional control. Most traditional AWD systems utilize mechanical and passive measures. These systems have the tendency to distribute torque along the path of least resistance, such as a wheel that has lost contact with the ground or is on a low friction surface such as ice. To compensate for this, many manufacturers use the brake system to redirect torque to the wheels with more traction.  However, in this style of AWD system, a failed drive shaft or similar disconnection prior to the brakes often results in drive power being lost to the disconnected component. The consequence of this loss is the inability to maintain speed with surrounding traffic which increases the risks of collisions and injuries to the vehicle occupants. The Subject Vehicles are built upon a platform that was designed primarily as Front Wheel Drive (FWD). The SH-AWD system functions more as a performance enhancement feature rather than a stability feature. Even if the SH-AWD is nonoperational, the vehicles retain full mobility via FWD. In addition, the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) remains functional, ensuring directional stability through traditional engine and brake-based traction control. Although the condition raised by the Petitioner may degrade the vehicle’s performance characteristics, there is insufficient information to indicate a potential unreasonable safety risk. ODI reviewed 62 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and several EWR Field Reports alleging the loss of SH-AWD and its impact on the driving dynamics of the subject vehicles. During its analysis, ODI determined that the failure is localized to the mechanical interface between the FWD transaxle and the PTU. Specifically, the failure is the shearing or stripping of the interfacing splined shafts between the FWD transaxle and the PTU, resulting in a permanent loss of torque transfer to the rear of the vehicle. Upon reviewing the technical details of SH-AWD, ODI has found that this failure does not result in any loss of motive power or lead to a loss of vehicle control. Several complaints indicated that the operators were unaware of the mechanical fault until encountering a low friction surface or the condition was identified by a technician during routine maintenance. The SH-AWD system lacks any form of direct feedback for monitoring real time torque transfer to the rear wheels. Therefore, the system will continue to display information indicating power is being supplied to the rear wheels even when power is actually only supplied to the front wheels. ODI’s review did not identify sufficient evidence to indicate that the misinformation has presented a safety issue in the field. ODI did not identify any reports of loss of motive power or vehicle control that could be attributed to the loss of SH-AWD. ODI is not aware of any crashes involving the Subject Vehicles that resulted from the loss of SH-AWD. After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the Petitioner, consumer complaint information in NHTSA’s databases, and other relevant information already in possession of the Agency, NHTSA has not found sufficient evidence to indicate that the loss of AWD as alleged by the Petitioner is likely to present a safety related defect that would warrant a formal investigation. After full consideration of the available information, and in view of NHTSA’s enforcement priorities, the Petition is denied.  A denial report will be posted in the Federal Register.  The closing of the petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.  The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11712885.

Transmission and transfer case failure. Causing the loss of power to the rear wheels. Reducing the traction and stability of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11748982

Incident

Jun 22, 2026

While making a right turn from a stop the car made a bang sound followed by grinding upon acceleration. I took my 23 TLX type S to a local Dunn Tire and asked them to put it on the lift. They raised all tires off the ground, started the car, and accelerated. Only the front wheels spun. This is the exact scenario lots of consumers have reported with this model when the transfer case splines break off the shaft. The car is driving without error lights but feels different while corning. It's very concerning that the car has 41k miles on it and is well taken care of. I drive it in winter so AWD is a huge reason I choose it. I have an appointment with my local Acura dealership but its over a week away. I asked to have a tech contact me back to ensure driving it more won't case future issues but they never followed up.

NHTSA ID

11748393

Incident

Jul 5, 2026

Lost power to rear wheels. AWD system failure. I was denied repair at my local dealership as they insisted the car was fine. I told them I had no awd they didn’t believe me. I was then forced to trade my car into them for a massive $$ loss becuase i feared for my safety driving a fwd car in the winter. I don’t know who owns the car now. I actually have a video of it happening. I can send you it if you work with me. Thanks.

NHTSA ID

11723602

Incident

Dec 20, 2025

Short Description Transmission-to-PTU splines, causing AWD loss and requiring full transfer case and transmission replacement. Summary This drivetrain failure poses an unreasonable safety risk due to the sudden loss of AWD capability, lack of alerts, and resulting instability. My experience is consistent with dozens of documented cases and matches the mechanical fault pattern already under federal review. Given the potential for severe loss of vehicle control, a full investigation and corrective action (including a recall) is necessary. Symptoms Sudden AWD loss Loud bang or grinding Only front wheels receiving power No warning lights Safety risks Loss of directional stability Wheel spin under acceleration Hazard in inclement weather Cost & extent of repairs Many cases require complete drivetrain replacement costing $13k–$19k. Prevalence 137k+ vehicles, NHTSA DP26‑001 currently open.

NHTSA ID

11723340

Incident

Jan 5, 2026

1. Transfer Case-SH-AWD failure-> No, it was recently replaced at the dealership at no cost. 2. Failure with the AWD system would cause me to be in FWD, only causing failure in steering input, especially in turns. 3. The car was put onto the lift and attempted to spin all 4 wheels, only the front 2 spun. Also, they noticed a seal failure/leak from the Transfercase/Transmission. 4. Acura Technicians recommended the replacement after spotting my concern and pointing out the exact issue 5. No lights or warning since the failure happened I had no idea of how bad the issue was until an Acura Technician brought it up. 5(c). I did notice a difference in driving feel i.e jerking in low gear and a leak on the floor, but thought it was just excess oil from oil changes. Confirmed by the tech, it was not when I asked them.

NHTSA ID

11723162

Incident

Jan 6, 2026

Transfer case

NHTSA ID

11664848

Incident

Jun 4, 2024

Transfer case documented as leaking on 3-22-2025/ 35,846 Miles while doing regular oil change in my driveway. Brought to the dealership and they confirmed the transfer case needed to be replaced. If the transfer case went during operation, it could have lead to a dangerous situation with loss of power and control to the rear wheels. Problem was confirmed after dealership performed visual inspection. Component was not inspected by police, insurance, or others. No warning lamps, just accumulating liquid on the under-body panels and seeping from the gasket. The transfer case was replaced on 11APR2025 with the same part number: 29000-5YK-060. I asked if this would happen again since there was no revision to the part number, the dealership was unable to reply.

NHTSA ID

11664265

Incident

Mar 22, 2025

New car three months old. Did not include spare tire. Tried ordering one and told it was backordered. Told Acura considers spares accessories. I don’t. Now have new car with no spare , no tools to change flat tire, no Jack. No help from Acura other than they’ll let me know when the spare kit is available. I consider this a potentially serious safety problem.

NHTSA ID

11541928

Incident

Aug 31, 2023

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2023 TLX ADV’s and 2021-2025 TLX Type S’s with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display). To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2023 TLX ADV’s and 2021-2025 TLX Type S’s with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display). To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2023 TLX ADV’s and 2021-2025 TLX Type S’s with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display). To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2023 TLX ADV’s and 2021-2025 TLX Type S’s with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display). To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2023 TLX ADV’s and 2021-2025 TLX Type S’s with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display). To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2023 TLX ADV’s and 2021-2025 TLX Type S’s with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display). To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.