2020 Acura TLX Owner Complaints

I was driving around 30miles/hr and the engines shut off unexpectedly. I was stuck in the middle of a highway and the engine didn’t turn back on. The dashboard showed total failure. The car was one year old with 11k miles. I just had it serviced by the dealer.

6/6/2021

Two times in three weeks with the auto idle stop active the car failed to restart on a green light. Following all the prompts in the car it takes over a minute to re start the car while blocking traffic.

6/8/2021

The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

3/5/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. Upon depressing the accelerator pedal from a stop, the vehicle failed to move. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

4/12/2024

Two times in three weeks with the auto idle stop active the car failed to restart on a green light. Following all the prompts in the car it takes over a minute to re start the car while blocking traffic.

6/8/2021

The idle stop feature on the vehicle will engage at a red light stop. Then, will fail to start the engine when the light turns green. You have to engage the car in park and then hit the engine start button. This is a safety hazard in traffic. It could result in an accident.

8/7/2023

The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

3/5/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. Upon depressing the accelerator pedal from a stop, the vehicle failed to move. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

4/12/2024

Vehicle will suddenly shift into neutral while driving and won’t shift into drive until the vehicle is turned off and restarted

9/1/2021

Engine is having an issue causing noises and symptoms of rod knocking which I suspect is the connecting rod bearing failing.

7/27/2024

My car has started to jerk. I called the dealership where I got it from and they told me that if it didn't jerk in there possession there is nothing they could do. It's a 2020 and it has a little over 28k miles on it. There are 2 open recalls on my vehicle, but my specific vin isn't affected. I don't know what else to do .

1/11/2022

Unknown

4/21/2024

Manufacturer at two different locations report the are unable to make repairs due to not having parts.

4/13/2024

Unknown

4/21/2024

while driving on a 2 lane road that curved to the right, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) activated for no apparent reason. The brakes engaged hard for a short period of time. Fortunately there was no vehicle behind me that could have rear ended me. I would say this is a serious safety issue under the right conditions .

5/12/2023

The vehicle's dash states the following are malfunctioning: Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High Beam, Collision Mitigation System, and Lane Keeping Assist. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. A few days prior to this message appearing on the dash, the car flashed and beeped that I needed to BRAKE when there wasn't anything in front of me while driving. The car automatically braked without me doing anything. There weren't any vehicles behind me in that specific moment. With how sudden the car braked, this could have caused a collision. This vehicle has been repaired by the dealership where it was purchased, for this exact issue. The first sign of sensors malfunctioning was in January 2022 (I purchased the vehicle in June 2021). I have taken the vehicle to the dealership for repairs 3 times in relation to sensor malfunction and for replacement of rear actuators, which is stated in the Service Repair Summaries. Since the last repair in 2023, the same problem has occurred once again. This latest incident has included the automatic braking without any objects in front of the vehicle. I have not driven the vehicle in two days due to this safety concern.

12/26/2024

After approx. 15,000 miles on the odometer applying the brakes at highway speed to slow the car down the steering wheel shakes, went to the dealership they said the front brake rotors are warped. Also when traveling at highway speed around 70 mph with strong wind the hood of the car shakes as if it is not latched, stopped vehicle and checked that the hood is properly latched and it was, I am concerned that one time the hood will come unlatched as I am driving. Dealer said that was a normal like other Acura TLX of the same year.

7/16/2021

While traveling on highway, parking brake intermittently activated several times and parking brake malfunction alarm flashed on dashboard. This caused the vehicle to brake unexpectedly while driving through a construction zone on highway 45. Fortunately, we were very close to the Acura dealership where the vehicle was purchased and managed to drive the vehicle to the service department. The Parking brake alarm continued to display on dashboard even after turning off the vehicle and starting it again. The emissions alarm also flashed intermittently on the dashboard. After researching on several TLX Forums, we found similar incidents dating back to 2015 TLX vehicles. There is also an issue when trying to start the vehicle. Sometimes the engine does not turn over and the dashboard displays error messages or goes completely black. Dealer is unable to fix this issue. Vehicle has been in for repairs a number of times with no resolution. We are not sure if the starting issue is related to the parking brake issue. There seems to be major issues with the electrical/software/firmware.

9/26/2022

while driving on a 2 lane road that curved to the right, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) activated for no apparent reason. The brakes engaged hard for a short period of time. Fortunately there was no vehicle behind me that could have rear ended me. I would say this is a serious safety issue under the right conditions .

5/12/2023

The vehicle's dash states the following are malfunctioning: Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High Beam, Collision Mitigation System, and Lane Keeping Assist. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. A few days prior to this message appearing on the dash, the car flashed and beeped that I needed to BRAKE when there wasn't anything in front of me while driving. The car automatically braked without me doing anything. There weren't any vehicles behind me in that specific moment. With how sudden the car braked, this could have caused a collision. This vehicle has been repaired by the dealership where it was purchased, for this exact issue. The first sign of sensors malfunctioning was in January 2022 (I purchased the vehicle in June 2021). I have taken the vehicle to the dealership for repairs 3 times in relation to sensor malfunction and for replacement of rear actuators, which is stated in the Service Repair Summaries. Since the last repair in 2023, the same problem has occurred once again. This latest incident has included the automatic braking without any objects in front of the vehicle. I have not driven the vehicle in two days due to this safety concern.

12/26/2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 ACURA TLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING IT FELT AS IF THE TIRE WAS ABOUT TO DEFLATE. HE CHECKED THE TIRE AND FOUND NO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. HE CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE PARK AVENUE ACURA DEALER LOCATED AT 247 WEST PASSAIC ST, MAYWOOD, NJ 07607, (201)-587-0029, WHERE IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT SOMEONE POSSIBLY HAD TAMPERED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN OFFERED RE-INSTALL THE WHEEL HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DECLINED THE OFFER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 830.

8/10/2020

I've received the recall notice for my car about 2 years ago. I've tried to schedule time with the dealership to get it fixed but they just keep telling me they don't have the parts or I have to wait till something "bad" happens first for them to prioritize me. This seems really unsafe and bad practice. I've reached out to Honda and they have open a case to review this but has not gotten back to me since. The car has stall once and a few times during the engine shut off while stopping, it takes a moment for the engine to come back, not normally like when I got the car. There has been a few time that there were cracking noise while I was driving. I stop driving the car as much as I can to avoid an accident happening. Please help me get some resolution with Honda, it's been almost 2 years.

11/15/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while being at a complete stop in standstill traffic on a highway, they were rear-ended and pushed into the rear of a Chevrolet Tahoe in front. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The contact was unaware if the air bag warning light was illuminated after the accident. The contact sustained injuries to their arm and back that required medical attention from the ER. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

1/22/2024

Manufacturer at two different locations report the are unable to make repairs due to not having parts.

4/13/2024

Warning lamps appeared for forward collision, lane keep assist, auto high beam, brakes, adaptive cruise control.

9/25/2025

Multiple dash lights including "brake system failure, collision mitigation system problem, adaptive cruise control problem, road departure mitigation system problem, etc." RPMs effected, car does not shift into third gear. Safety of myself and others were at risk because the vehicle stalled then would not go over 20mph. Had this been a busy highway, lack of warning could cause a major collision. The vehicle was recently inspected and passed by Criswell Honda, Gaithersburg and purchased by me today. No dash lights were displayed. I drove less than 100 miles before the issue occurred. The vehicle is currently being towed back to Criswell Honda for diagnostics and repair (or I was told that is what they will be doing).

10/2/2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 ACURA TLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING IT FELT AS IF THE TIRE WAS ABOUT TO DEFLATE. HE CHECKED THE TIRE AND FOUND NO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. HE CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE PARK AVENUE ACURA DEALER LOCATED AT 247 WEST PASSAIC ST, MAYWOOD, NJ 07607, (201)-587-0029, WHERE IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT SOMEONE POSSIBLY HAD TAMPERED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN OFFERED RE-INSTALL THE WHEEL HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DECLINED THE OFFER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 830.

8/10/2020

After approx. 15,000 miles on the odometer applying the brakes at highway speed to slow the car down the steering wheel shakes, went to the dealership they said the front brake rotors are warped. Also when traveling at highway speed around 70 mph with strong wind the hood of the car shakes as if it is not latched, stopped vehicle and checked that the hood is properly latched and it was, I am concerned that one time the hood will come unlatched as I am driving. Dealer said that was a normal like other Acura TLX of the same year.

7/16/2021

Tire size: 225/50R18 95H While parked I noticed the tire tread pealing off face of tire (the part that touches the road surface) and exposing the under layers of tire rubber and internal tread shapes Almost like outside and inside tread layers separated Not sure if from road hazard or the two layers separated on their own?

7/15/2022

I purchased a new Acura TLX in 2020. The following year it took it into get state inspected in Massachusetts. My care failed for emission 3 times. I brought it back to the dealer (Herb Connolly) in Framingham Massachusetts. They kept it for 3 weeks, worked on it and told me it was all set. The following year I brought it in for a state inspection. The same thing happened. They told me that they had seen a few of these cases. They found a way to get them to pass. They have to drive it at different speeds for a few hundred miles. I asked that they fix in properly and they noted that they did not have a fix. This was all after I picked it up. I told them I was concerned as I worried this could keep happening. They encouraged me to call Honda Motor Corp. I spoke to them several times and they denied the problem. I am not in my third year. Car is still under warranty and it again failed inspection. Below is an email from the service manager on how to get it to pass. From: Michael Brooks <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 4:05:38 PM To: [XXX] Subject: Passing Inspection Hi [XXX], As discussed we have not received any updated procedures or available software updates to get these cars to store the memory for the readiness flags. This is an issue what we have had to drive the car in very specific patterns to get it to pass. The main thing we do is DO NOT SHUT THE CAR OFF AFTER DRIVING IT JUST PULL IT INTO THE INSPECTION BAY AND LEAVE IT RUNNING DURING THE INSPECTION. There are a few flags that are notoriously tricky to get to flip. Usually we use our $20 “obd” tool that we got off amazon which monitors the flags in real time so we know when it is ready for inspection. Below are the driving patterns we follow to get the problem flags to turn over: O2 sensor This is one of the trickiest ones, we seem to have the most luck getting this one from continued driving so there is not a spec INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(

8/9/2023

The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact stated that his daughter was driving and was stopped at a traffic signal when the signal turned green, the vehicle in front began to move forward but abruptly stopped. The contact's daughter crashed into the rear bumper of the vehicle at approximately 2 MPH. The seat belt pre-tensioner was activated on the driver's side seat belt. The contact stated that his daughter was not aware of any warning lights. The contact stated that his daughter was unhurt, the other vehicle drove away with no damage. The police were not at the scene. The contact stated that his daughter was pinned in the seat by the seat belt but was able to unbuckle. She then turned the Hazard Lights on. The contact stated that he arrived and he saw that the Hazard Lights were dim and when he attempted to start the vehicle it was not starting. The contact had the vehicle towed to a collision center. The contact stated that the collision repair shop diagnosed and determined that the driver's side seat belt needed to be replaced, however, the parts (Part Number: 04818TZ3A01ZC) were not available. The contact stated that he contacted a local dealer to source the part and was told the part was unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed. The failure mileage was unknown.

4/16/2024

The contact's husband owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact stated while her husband was driving 10-15 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud revving sound. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the LKAS and other unknown safety features were inoperable while driving. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer determined that the safety camera system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

6/28/2024

The contact's husband owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact stated while her husband was driving 10-15 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud revving sound. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the LKAS and other unknown safety features were inoperable while driving. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer determined that the safety camera system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

6/28/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and an unknown recall for the tires, and another for the trim around the doors. The contact stated that the recall repairs were completed. The contact’s son picked up the vehicle from the dealer and noticed that the front windshield was cracked. Additionally, while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally, and the driver was unable to control the vehicle. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side tire detached from the vehicle. The driver was able to regain control of the vehicle and pulled over to the side of the road. Several messages were displayed on the instrument panel including messages that the cruise control was inoperable, assist line Collison system inoperable, road mitigation system unavailable, Collison Mitigation system failure were displayed. When the tow truck arrived at the scene, the tow truck driver noticed that bolts connected to the spindle had detached. The vehicle was towed to a tire specialist and the tires were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

9/8/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light, the emission system failure, and electronic parking assist messages were displayed. Additionally, the AWD feature had become inoperable, making the vehicle difficult to steer. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. After disconnecting and reconnecting the negative battery terminal, the system was reset and the failure was corrected, but eventually reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.

9/26/2025

Multiple dash lights including "brake system failure, collision mitigation system problem, adaptive cruise control problem, road departure mitigation system problem, etc." RPMs effected, car does not shift into third gear. Safety of myself and others were at risk because the vehicle stalled then would not go over 20mph. Had this been a busy highway, lack of warning could cause a major collision. The vehicle was recently inspected and passed by Criswell Honda, Gaithersburg and purchased by me today. No dash lights were displayed. I drove less than 100 miles before the issue occurred. The vehicle is currently being towed back to Criswell Honda for diagnostics and repair (or I was told that is what they will be doing).

10/2/2025

Was driving on the highway at posted 65 and 70-mph when car suddenly went into 'limp mode' to under 50mph and I was forced to exit the highway after nearly being rear-ended. Dash error indicated 'Precision All wheel steering had malfunctioned'. Took the car to Crown Acura in Cleveland where I was told that it would be $9210 to replace two rear wheel steering actuators or $2800 if they used salvage parts. This was a known issue with the 2015-2020 Acura TLX cars and there are numerous reports online in TLX and Acura forums. Had a semi truck been behind me, there is no question that I would have been in an accident and injured if not killed. Acura needs to address this issue with these cars under a federally mandated recall notice.

10/31/2025