2015 Acura TLX Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 Acura TLX, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)16033.1%
- Engine9619.9%
- Electrical6413.3%
- Driver assistance5010.4%
- Brakes245.0%
- Fuel system214.3%
- Steering142.9%
- Body & structure132.7%
- Visibility122.5%
- Airbags91.9%
- Other / unspecified61.2%
- Suspension61.2%
- Exterior lighting30.6%
- Seat belts20.4%
- Interior & seats20.4%
- Heating & air conditioning10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Car randomly goes into neutral and stays in neutral not allowing gear change
The contact owns a 2015 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The message to stop driving and have the vehicle serviced immediately was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) warmer had failed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with other undisclosed failures due to the ATF warmer failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failures and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The emergency brake system continues to come on and read all the type of stuff on the screen, as well as the LKAS keeps coming on the screen showing problems and when it does, the transmission or engines stalls a little and slows up and speed down on its on
Vehicle displays two warnings under normal usage. First warning is Emissions system issue and second is Brake System Failure. The Vehicle runs completely normal and operational, however these two warnings flash on the vehicle. The parking brake indicator also flashes. Vehicle has been to dealership/shop for multiple repairs; around 3-4 repairs within two months with no resolve for the same warning/issue.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The emergency brake system continues to come on and read all the type of stuff on the screen, as well as the LKAS keeps coming on the screen showing problems and when it does, the transmission or engines stalls a little and slows up and speed down on its on
The contact's client owns a 2015 Acura TLX. The contact stated while the client was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut down in the middle of traffic. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift into drive or reverse. Additionally, there was an unknown failure with the brakes and transmission. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument cluster had failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the driver suffered a stroke after the failure, and medical attention was provided. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The emergency brake system continues to come on and read all the type of stuff on the screen, as well as the LKAS keeps coming on the screen showing problems and when it does, the transmission or engines stalls a little and slows up and speed down on its on
The contact owns a 2015 Acura TLX. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The contact stated that the image was being blocked. Additionally, the rear-view mirror had dark sunspots that obstructed the driver's visibility. Most recently, the contact became aware that the driver’s seat was fractured where the seat adjust buttons were located. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Electrical brake signal came on and emission light
The car is constantly throwing codes for faulty emissions system problem and parking brake problem but the car runs fine. The dealership will not do anything unless I pay them a fee to diagnose it and then they suggest replacing the catalytic converter even though it’s very likely a faulty fuel hose or faulty sensor. This needs to be recalled and fixed immediately
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle had suddenly began to shake and rattle and eventually stalled. The contact able to restart the vehicle and continued to drive. Over time the failure continued to occur more frequently. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later repair by a local mechanic. The manufacturer was contact regarding the failure and informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Vehicle displays two warnings under normal usage. First warning is Emissions system issue and second is Brake System Failure. The Vehicle runs completely normal and operational, however these two warnings flash on the vehicle. The parking brake indicator also flashes. Vehicle has been to dealership/shop for multiple repairs; around 3-4 repairs within two months with no resolve for the same warning/issue.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle is throwing a steering code of LSAK. The steering is being compromised as the vehicle cannot determine if it is being steered correctly or not. After researching this code, I have seen hundreds of other people so far complaining about the same code for this year, make and model. One person had stated that his steering stopped mid way on his drive. I looked up the prices of correcting this issue and it ranges anywhere form 1800.00 to 2000 .00. My vehicle only has 65,000 miles on it and this is a potentially very dangerous situation. With the hundreds of customers that I have seen so far that are complaining of the same issue, I do not feel that this should be the customers responsibility to fix but rather a recall or at the very least a class action lawsuit if the dealer will not correct this potentially very dangerous issue.
I recently got my rotors replaced and the car stutter while braking. Also, this happened before I replaced rotors.. the transmission is slow and won't shift to merge highways. I don't know if its the transmission or the brake lines.. I guess it's the transmission trying to drop gears for engine braking and it starts stuttering.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle is experiencing extensive factory paint failure and clear-coat delamination on the roof, around the rear windshield, C-pillars, and upper door frames. The condition began approximately 12 months ago around the rear windshield and has progressively spread to multiple upper body panels despite normal ownership and maintenance. The paint is peeling in large sections, exposing the underlying paint layers. Research indicates Acura previously acknowledged a similar paint adhesion defect affecting certain 2015 Acura TLX vehicles around the rear windshield and issued a warranty extension for some vehicles. Although my vehicle may not have been included in that program, the failure pattern appears substantially similar. The vehicle has not been involved in any collision affecting these areas, and the paint appears to be the original factory finish. The condition continues to worsen over time. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Acura Client Relations has been contacted, and a case has been opened requesting inspection and review.
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Acura TLX. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The contact stated that the image was being blocked. Additionally, the rear-view mirror had dark sunspots that obstructed the driver's visibility. Most recently, the contact became aware that the driver’s seat was fractured where the seat adjust buttons were located. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA TLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE GLASS SUNROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT IMPACT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON A CLEAR DAY WITH WEATHER TEMPERATURES OF 60 DEGREES. THE LOCAL DEALER SERRAMONTE ACURA (475 SERRAMONTE BLVD, COLA CA) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My check airbag light came on. Also, when I'm driving, my car stalls in the middle of the road and is unable to move, and it keeps doing that. And it does not have a check engine light, but it keeps stalling.
On a number of occasions, a warning light came on stating "Passenger Airbag Off". Each time there was someone (usually my adult wife or daughter weighing 112lbs to $125lbs respectively) sitting in front seat in a correct position. The issue was first noticed about 2+ years ago. I had mentioned this to our dealership during an inspection but there was no firm explanation to the cause, or if it was really serious or not. They seem to indicate it was just a sensor glitch and that if there was a crash the system would work properly. I am not sure if they tested the car with a person in the front seat, and if they did, they may not have reproduced the issue because it doesn't happen with every drive. It happens sporadically. This issue happened again last week on a major interstate highway in the middle of a long drive with my wife in front seat. Again, the warning light came on "Passenger Airbag Off." About 15 or 20 minutes later it went off during the drive. Fortunately, there were no crashes, and therefore no injuries with any of these occurrences. Today I received a NHTSA safety recall notice from Audi of America on my 2nd car, which is a 2016 Audi A3, prompting me to make this report. The Safety Recall is 69BY - Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS). (NHTSA: 21V198). This Audi safety notice describes "perfectly" what is happening with my 2015 Acura TLX. As in this report, the issue is sporadic, but happens fairly frequently when someone is in the front seat. Perhaps the Acura PODS is produced from the same company as the one in this Audi safety recall? In any case, I am fearful of having anyone in my front seat now. Since there is not a formal recall for my Acura, what recourse do I have so I can use my vehicle as intended? Thank you
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE HAS REAR STEERING PAWS. WHEN VEHICLE WAS ON A TIRE SHOP LIFT THE REAR SUSPENSION INSPECTED. THE REAR WHEELS HAVE SIDE TO SIDE PLAY. NO UP AND DOWN MOVEMENT THOUGH. FEEL LIKE A BAD WHEEL BEARING WHEN MOVING SIDE TO SIDE. THE REAR ACTUATORS ON BOTH SIDES MOVE. DEALER SAID NORMAL. MY CAR SHAKES ALL THE TIME. DEALER SAID NORMAL. PEOPLE ON ACURA FORUM. SAID EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM. IF THEY MOVE THE CAR IN S GOING TO SHAKE. I DON'T FEEL SAFE. ACURA WON'T DO ANYTHING. CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. ONLY 40,000 ON CAR.
VEHICLE HAS A VIBRATION THAT SHAKES PASSENGER SEAT BETWEEN 65-75 MPH. SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND OCCURS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS AT THE SPEED LISTED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Acura TLX. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The contact became aware that the front axle had detached from the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,906.
I was driving on the freeway for about 5 minutes and literally out of no where my car began to make a strange noise and then my engine light came on. Following that my car shut off and I immediately lost power I pulled over as best I can and turn my hazard on eventually the car died because I couldn’t get a tow out fast enough and I’ve had it sitting at a shop ever since this incident.. tell
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving on the freeway going at the speed of traffic about 65-70mph then suddenly I heard my car engine slowing down and multiple lights popped up on my dashboard. I looked at my speedometer and it indeed was decreasing in speed. I tried to accelerate little by little and it did not. My check brake system, check brake hold system, check power steering system, check VSA system, check hillstart assist system, check emission system lights popped up on my dashboard. My car felt like I was popping the clutch, jerking a lot. I was able to move over to the right shoulder and park. I turned the car off and I was able to turn it back on unfortunately but the lights were still popping up and my car kept jerking and not accelerating. This happened while driving on the highway this is extremely dangerous! There has been others with the same issue.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA TLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS SET TO AUTO DIM, WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER NOT TO BE ABLE TO SEE OUT OF THE MIRROR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIRBAG AND SEATBELTS WARNING SIGN IS ON. STATES IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THIS HAPPENED TO A FEW OTHERS AS THERE ARE FORUMS ONLINE ABOUT THIS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA TLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM (CMBS) FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEAT BELT PRETENSION WHICH WAS A FEATURE OF THE COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE SYSTEM WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM WITH PEDESTRIAN DETECTION FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. UPDATED 2/4/16 *CN *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
PURCHASED A BRAND NEW VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER'15 AND SINCE DAY ONE I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING VIBRATIONS DURING HIGHWAY COMMUTE. THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED 5 TIMES SO FAR THE VIBRATION HAS ACTUALLY BEEN MADE FAR WORSE THEN WHAT THEY USED TO BE. THE SEATS, THE SEAT BUCKLE, EVEN MY CHILD CAR SEAT VIBRATES/SHAKES WHEN DRIVING. THE VIBRATION CAN BE FELT ALL OVER THE BODY WHEN DRIVING. THE VIBRATION IS SOO BAD NOW, THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON A HIGHWAY.
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 105 ACURA TLX TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE FROM CERRITOS ACURA, CALIFORNIA. I JUST FAINT OUT YESTERDAY THAT THERE ARE NO SAFETY CHILD LATCHES TO SECURE MY NIECE'S CARSEAT. ACCORDING TO YOUR WEBSITE, INSTALLATION OF SAFETY LATCHES FOR USE ON CHILD CAR SEAT ARE STANDARDS ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AFTER SEPTEMBER, 2002. DO YOU KNOW HOW I CAN GET THIS RESOLVED? THANK YOU. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 ACURA TLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM (CMBS) FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEAT BELT PRETENSION WHICH WAS A FEATURE OF THE COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE SYSTEM WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM WITH PEDESTRIAN DETECTION FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. UPDATED 2/4/16 *CN *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .