2018 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 2018 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
- Engine4232.8%
- Electrical2015.6%
- Fuel system1511.7%
- Driver assistance1511.7%
- Powertrain (other)107.8%
- Brakes75.5%
- Steering64.7%
- Suspension21.6%
- Interior & seats21.6%
- Body & structure21.6%
- Seat belts21.6%
- Transmission10.8%
- Exterior lighting10.8%
- Other / unspecified10.8%
- Tires & wheels10.8%
- Airbags10.8%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving car and suddenly all the lights on the dash light up and car goes into “limp” mode. Upon pulling over turning car off and turning back on lights are all still lit up. Plug car into obd2 scanner and car is showing code p0087 low fuel rail pressure. This is extremely dangerous as the car will randomly do this and will go into limp mode which can easily cause me to get into an accident. No active recalls on this but I’m seeing this is a common issue with these Acura tlx models. Why hasn’t this issue been addressed yet Acura?! For reference I drive a 2018 Acura tlx base model 2.4 cylinder
I bought my 2018 Acura TLX a-spec V6 in Nov. 2021, certified pre-owned from an Acura dealer. It had warranty through 100k miles. At just under 70k miles, around mid-2023 I believe, the engine seized and would not start. Warranty covered engine replacement. This was just around the time of the 3.6L V6 engine recall. I waited on the recall because the engine was brand new at that point. A year or so later, deal did inspect the engine for recall, but determined it was not part of the recall. Come current to late April 2026, just before engine #2 hit 70k miles (total miles on car ~139,000), engine has seized again. Driving on freeway and car went into limp mode, thankfully close to home and made it safely. Had car towed next day to mechanic who sent a video of the knocking noise (can send video if requested; unable to upload here) and refused to work on it. He later drove the car down the block and that is when engine completely failed; no longer would turn on. Towed home, towed to dealer a week ½ later when they had opening. Dealer performed diagnostic and confirmed crankshaft seized. However, now, well past warranty coverage. I called Acura customer relations and opened a case; they will only cover "half" of the engine replacement, at a cost of $13,817 to me. My car is less than 10 years old, less than 150k miles overall and should NOT need engine #3. Will same issue happen after another 70k miles? Acura refuses to acknowledge and take care of it 100%.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I’ve bought my 2018 Acura TLX used from Holiday Mazda in [XXX] in XXX Now that my nightmare with the Auto Engine Idle is over(the shop that replaced my starter in November 2025 some how got it so it doesn’t work anymore. But that’s not my issue. I’ve had this issues 5-8 times in the last 2 years. I will be driving and my top screen in in the dash(it usually displays navigation, CarPlay, etc) will turn off and flash a couple times. Then it take out my “radio” screen. It’s like it’s resetting because the screens remind me when it electronics reset snd start up. It goes for a total of 2-3 times. Thank the Good Lord my car keeps driving safely. Here is the second issue. I’ve had my parking, forward collision, and the one where it says” object approaching.” Off for 2 years now. When they are on they will start beeping and freaking out. I’ve cleaned in front of wheee those cameras are located. I’ve researched online. And can’t figure it out. Now that I have my newly licensed son ([XXX] old) driving the car I want to get every safety issue working. Acura can’t figure it out and so I don’t know Where else to turn. A fiend recommended I do This. I do have video of these things happening. I can included them if asked to. Thank you. Ps. I wasn’t able to upload video, I can email them if you send me an email address I’ll get it to you asap. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was purchased on September 10th, 2025, as a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 76,410. At the time of registration, when the title was received, it was discovered that the mileage was 176,410. The title read, "Not Actual Mileage, Mileage Tampering," which indicated odometer fraud had been detected. After ordering the Carfax Report, the report indicated that the mileage 176,000 miles at the time of purchase. The contact had not reported the odometer fraud to any other parties.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving car and suddenly all the lights on the dash light up and car goes into “limp” mode. Upon pulling over turning car off and turning back on lights are all still lit up. Plug car into obd2 scanner and car is showing code p0087 low fuel rail pressure. This is extremely dangerous as the car will randomly do this and will go into limp mode which can easily cause me to get into an accident. No active recalls on this but I’m seeing this is a common issue with these Acura tlx models. Why hasn’t this issue been addressed yet Acura?! For reference I drive a 2018 Acura tlx base model 2.4 cylinder
I had the same Issue as [XXX] . I do see there are many others effected by this and some have overpaid due to inaccurate diagnostics by dealerships. We would really appreciate if NHTSA looks into this issue and help us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I’ve bought my 2018 Acura TLX used from Holiday Mazda in [XXX] in XXX Now that my nightmare with the Auto Engine Idle is over(the shop that replaced my starter in November 2025 some how got it so it doesn’t work anymore. But that’s not my issue. I’ve had this issues 5-8 times in the last 2 years. I will be driving and my top screen in in the dash(it usually displays navigation, CarPlay, etc) will turn off and flash a couple times. Then it take out my “radio” screen. It’s like it’s resetting because the screens remind me when it electronics reset snd start up. It goes for a total of 2-3 times. Thank the Good Lord my car keeps driving safely. Here is the second issue. I’ve had my parking, forward collision, and the one where it says” object approaching.” Off for 2 years now. When they are on they will start beeping and freaking out. I’ve cleaned in front of wheee those cameras are located. I’ve researched online. And can’t figure it out. Now that I have my newly licensed son ([XXX] old) driving the car I want to get every safety issue working. Acura can’t figure it out and so I don’t know Where else to turn. A fiend recommended I do This. I do have video of these things happening. I can included them if asked to. Thank you. Ps. I wasn’t able to upload video, I can email them if you send me an email address I’ll get it to you asap. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was rolling up to a stop light at approximately 20 mph when the frontal crash mitigation feature suddenly slammed the brakes on fully to a complete stop. I searched the web and found that there are other owners of this model that have had similar occurrences. I could easily have been rear-ended if someone had been following. I was lucky that didn’t happen. Since that day, I have been afraid to drive the car until I have disabled the feature.So every time I start my car I have to disable this mode. There is no known fix. No technical service bulletins etc. regarding this problem. Honda Acura needs to find a solution to this. I should not have to disable a safety feature that is actually making my car unsafe!
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Date of incident : August 31,2025 Around 9pm on August 31, I was fixing to accelerate at a green light. I pressed the gas pedal, my car went up to 40 mph and then the engine failed. This is due to a recall on the bearing rods for 2015-2020 Acura TLX. The incident occurred a month after financing the car. I don't have a warranty, so I opened up a case with the manufacturer to get help with the repair cost (which is 25,500 for a new engine block and 2 new cylinder heads). Unfortunately, Acura denied assistance. The car only has 68880 miles on it. The rod snapped and put a hole through my engine block. Shame on the manufacturer for denying assistance. I'm now stuck making payments on a car I cannot drive. Yes I have insurance, but it was not involved in an accident so I'm helpless there.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster. Additionally, the contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was hesitated before responding as needed. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local mechanic who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The contact called a local dealer but had not taken the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I had the same Issue as [XXX] . I do see there are many others effected by this and some have overpaid due to inaccurate diagnostics by dealerships. We would really appreciate if NHTSA looks into this issue and help us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My car shakes really bad when driving at 75 mph on smooth highway. Others have experienced the same problem online and most users pointed the problem to the cv axle
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
While performing routine maintenance on my 2018 Acura TLX, I discovered a critical structural failure in the front right (passenger side) lower control arm. The factory weld connecting the stamped steel control arm to the compliance bushing housing has failed and separated. Visual inspection reveals a clear manufacturing defect: there is a significant crater and void in the weld bead, indicative of incomplete fusion or a "start/stop" error during the manufacturing process. This is a latent structural defect, not a stress fracture from mileage or impact. The weld has begun to separate from the housing, leaving a visible gap. Safety Risk: This failure compromises the suspension geometry and structural integrity of the vehicle. If the weld completes its separation while driving, it would result in the control arm detaching from the subframe, leading to immediate loss of steering control, wheel collapse, and a high probability of a collision. Status: No warning lights were illuminated prior to discovery. The vehicle has not been involved in any collisions that would affect this component. The defective part is currently on the vehicle but is available for inspection by NHTSA or manufacturer representatives upon request.
I am getting a U129D-00 code, my vehicle isn't passing 50mph. Says lane keep assist problem, vehicle stability problem, precision steering problem, i am experiencing all the characteristics of specific service bulletin 15-050. What are my options
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
While performing routine maintenance on my 2018 Acura TLX, I discovered a critical structural failure in the front right (passenger side) lower control arm. The factory weld connecting the stamped steel control arm to the compliance bushing housing has failed and separated. Visual inspection reveals a clear manufacturing defect: there is a significant crater and void in the weld bead, indicative of incomplete fusion or a "start/stop" error during the manufacturing process. This is a latent structural defect, not a stress fracture from mileage or impact. The weld has begun to separate from the housing, leaving a visible gap. Safety Risk: This failure compromises the suspension geometry and structural integrity of the vehicle. If the weld completes its separation while driving, it would result in the control arm detaching from the subframe, leading to immediate loss of steering control, wheel collapse, and a high probability of a collision. Status: No warning lights were illuminated prior to discovery. The vehicle has not been involved in any collisions that would affect this component. The defective part is currently on the vehicle but is available for inspection by NHTSA or manufacturer representatives upon request.
My car shakes really bad when driving at 75 mph on smooth highway. Others have experienced the same problem online and most users pointed the problem to the cv axle
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
On June 1, 2021 at about 9 p.m. the hood popped up, then the truck latch, the speedometer was reading a different speed than the cruise control without any interference, and the bluetooth and entertainment center were not operating correctly, yet no codes or warning lights. On resuming travel on I-80 a semi started flashing his lights and veered out of the way so I slowed, and the parking brake engaged without my use of the parking brake as I was travelling at 80 mph, slowed to 45 with the semi. Struck a road marker and the wheels were locked up on the interstate and steam appeared along along the windshield and passenger window with some whining from transmission. I notified Acura (Montreal) from alongside the interstate. Research revealed that this problem has been reported in many different types of Acura since 2015. There were many warning lamps that appeared after the lock-up with two messages "Emission System Problems" and "Electric Parking Brake Problem" with the mileage at 43k. When I tried to move the car individual wheels locked up, first driver rear, then front passenger, followed by front driver and rear passenger. There was smoke coming out from the wheels, and the front bumper has physical damage. Seeing this problem existed for years, and not the seriousness and intensity of the problem grew it is hard to understand how Acura and the NHTSA cannot issue a recall when this could have been a serious calamity on a major interstate causing loss of life, injury and serious interruption with interstate commerce. The vehicle was towed to Acura dealership in Reno on June 2, 2021 and the dealership's service department has been very helpful.
THE DRIVERS SEAT LOWER TRIM FACING THE DOOR BREAKS AND CAUSES A SHARP BROKEN AREA THAT COULD CUT WHEN ENTERING OR EXITING THE CAR, OF IF IN AN ACCIDENT THE DRIVER COULD SHIFT THEIR BODY INTO THIS BROKEN AREA. WHEN THE DRIVER SHIFT THEIR WEIGHT LATTERLY OVER A PERIOD OF TIME WITHIN THE SEAT THE PLASTIC TRIM BREAKS AND EXPOSES A U SHAPED METAL SUPPORT PIECE. I SUSPECT THIS U SHAPED PIECE IS USED IN THE ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION OF THE SEAT AND AFTERWARDS COVERED WITH THE PLASTIC TRIM. THIS DEFECT HAS AFFECTED CARS BACK TO 2015, AND ACURA IS JUST REPLACING THE PLASTIC TRIM PIECE. ONE CAN GOOGLE "DRIVER SEAT PLASTIC BREAKING APART" AND SEE THAT ARE MANY CASES. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE ACURA MANUFACTURE A STRONGER PLASTIC TRIM PIECE, OR A TALLER ONE, OR FIND A WAY TO ELIMINATE THE EXPOSED U SHAPED METAL PIECE. MINE IS A 2018 TLX WITH 27,000 MILES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car shakes really bad when driving at 75 mph on smooth highway. Others have experienced the same problem online and most users pointed the problem to the cv axle
i took my car to acura carland in duluth georgia and i went initially for a check up on my recall i was notified for regarding my rod bearing and was told that there’s nothing they can do about it and offered to do a wheel alignment on my vehicle and that should help with the knocking noise i had coming from my engine and that i would have to wait till january for anything else regarding my recall. i asked what could i do until then and i was told to keep up with my oil change and that its until january. i even asked for a loaner and was denied stating that they don’t offer that which was hard to believe. a month after my recall on december 7th at 9:03 est pm my vehicle made more knocking noise way worse than before i had took it to acura carland and i was traveling home from work and suddenly my car start losing power and my check engine was flashing and car was stalling a bunch which eventually lead to my entire engine giving out and i was left stranded in the middle of the night with my car not operating nor cranking. i reached out to the manufacturer again and she provided me a case number but i really wish something could be done sooner but now my car is completely broken and won’t crank anymore due to my engine being worn down by this recall which could of been avoided by proper customer care and no i don’t have a car anymore with no help from no one. please help
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
THIS WILL BE THE 12TH TIME WHERE MY CAR COMES TO A SUDDEN AND VIOLENT STOP FOR NO APPARENT REASON - DUE TO THE COLLISION MITIGATION BREAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATING WITH NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED, A FEW WEEKS AGO, THERE WAS SOMEONE BEHIND ME AND IT WAS A VERY CLOSE CALL. THERE WAS ALSO A PASSENGER WHO DIDN'T KNOW WHAT HIT HIM. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE ONLY TO BE TOLD EVERYTHING WAS FINE. I ATTEMPTED TO BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE AGAIN AND I WAS GIVEN THE RUN AROUND THAT THEY HAD NO AVAILABILITY FOR WEEKS. I HAVE EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE WITH ACURA CUSTOMER CARE AND ANYONE INVOLVED IN THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE, INCLUDING TWO SEPARATE DEALERSHIPS AND I HAVE RECEIVED A GENERIC RESPONSE WITH NO SOLUTION OFFERED. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SYSTEM THAT IS CLEARLY NOT TESTED APPROPRIATELY AND I WILL BE KEEPING IT TURNED OFF JUST AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER TO DO SO. THESE INCIDENTS VARY - MOST TIMES IT OCCURRED ON A LOCAL STREET. IT HAPPENED TWICE ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AS I WAS ENTERING GOING ABOUT 45MPH. ALL TIMES THIS HAS HAPPENED I WAS TRAVELING OVER APPROX 35MPH
THE REAR SEAT ANCHORS TO INSTALL A CHILD SAFETY SEAT ARE NOT ACCESSIBLE IN THE 2018 ACURA TLX. YOU CANNOT TRANSPORT A SMALL CHILD UNDER 2 IN THE CAR. REPORTED TO ACURA 12/14/2017. NOTE: THE HOOKS ARE TOO FAR UNDER THE SEAT AND CANT BE REACHED!!!!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
When I bought the 2018 Acura TLX I asked about the buttons on the shifter being warn out. And they said they were fine and did not need to be replaced. I also brought this to Acura's attention that the fact that they wear out enough other drivers will not know which buttons is which and it can become a safety issue. Again, they brushed it off and said it wasn't in need of fixing. Well, my friend drove my car and even though I told her about the issue still had issues. She could not find the park button and pushed the wrong button. Causing the car to move when she thought it was in park.
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
The contact owns a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights started flickering. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the amps in the battery was low. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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 contact owned a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire while parked in the driveway. The origin of the fire was unknown. The vehicle was unoccupied during the fire. The location of the fire was between and underneath the shifter and the cup holder. The fire was extinguished by itself. A fire department report was not filed. A police department report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
MAVIS TIRE A NEW YORK BASED TIRE RETAILER IS SELLING TIRES WITH ADVERTISED 5+ YEAR OLD DOT NUMBERS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car slid off of the road during a blizzard and hit a tree head on. My front end had smashed in and the car was totaled. The airbags did not deploy and the police who arrived on the scene believed that they should have. I brought my car to a body shop to assess the damages as well as look into the issue of the airbags. He told me that all of the crash sensors had gone off and my seat belt had locked up which led him to believe that my airbags should have definitely deployed. The car had no warning lamps on prior to the accident. I often travel on the interstate and had this crash happened at greater speeds I most likely would have not survived. The vehicle is in transit to a salvage yard but is available for inspection.
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 .