2019 Acura TLX problems

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the steering wheel failed to responded as needed. The vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. The vehicle was restarted but stalled immediately. The contact inspected the vehicle but found no fault. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing had failed and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing had failed and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11752202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Both headlight lenses on my 2019 Acura TLX developed severe internal stress cracking (crazing) with no external damage of any kind. The cracking appears to originate from inside the housing, consistent with heat stress or a manufacturing defect. Both headlights cracked identically and simultaneously, which rules out accidental damage. Acura corporate has denied a goodwill repair, classifying this as normal wear and tear. Estimated repair cost is $4,000. I believe this is a manufacturing defect and may affect other 2019 Acura TLX owners.

NHTSA complaint #11741072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I am formally requesting a neutral third-party arbitration review under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act to compel American Honda Motor Co. to provide a permanent mechanical remedy—specifically, the sourcing and installation of a brand-new, redesigned engine assembly (Engine #Four)— This vehicle frame is now on its third engine block. Car was bought 11/30/2024. At Grubbs Acura, fuel pump safety recall that involves flashing/re-calibrating the Engine Control Unit (FI-ECU) software was done. Just a few weeks after new fuel pump, the vehicle displayed sudden stalling symptoms. The engine suffered a terminal, catastrophic internal collapse. The vehicle was towed to Grubbs Acura where Corporate Honda directed a forced out-of-pocket internal engine teardown. The physical teardown explicitly confirmed a catastrophic connecting rod bearing failure (spun bearing) identical to the structural manufacturing flaws currently under active federal investigation by the NHTSA under Preliminary Evaluation PE25008 / RQ24-025. Corporate Honda subsequently issued a verbal agreement to fully reimburse my out-of-pocket teardown fees. Because a manufacturer will never fund diagnostic labor if evidence of owner fault is present, this corporate reimbursement serves as formal validation that no owner maintenance neglect occurred, and that the engine died exclusively from an inherent component defect. Gunn Acura (San Antonio, TX) confirmed with my vin, that Engine #3 was a warranty/dealer-installed replacement unit at 22,000 miles. It failed after less than 40,000 miles of total operation. A professionally manufactured and dealer-installed engine is reasonably expected to last well beyond 40,000 miles. The manufacturer network cannot utilize arbitrary part-ownership rules or uncooperative, fragmented dealer communications. The original factory-installed engine and the dealer-installed replacement engine both suffered identical connecting rod bearing failures.

NHTSA complaint #11740358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am formally requesting a neutral third-party arbitration review under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act to compel American Honda Motor Co. to provide a permanent mechanical remedy—specifically, the sourcing and installation of a brand-new, redesigned engine assembly (Engine #Four)— This vehicle frame is now on its third engine block. Car was bought 11/30/2024. At Grubbs Acura, fuel pump safety recall that involves flashing/re-calibrating the Engine Control Unit (FI-ECU) software was done. Just a few weeks after new fuel pump, the vehicle displayed sudden stalling symptoms. The engine suffered a terminal, catastrophic internal collapse. The vehicle was towed to Grubbs Acura where Corporate Honda directed a forced out-of-pocket internal engine teardown. The physical teardown explicitly confirmed a catastrophic connecting rod bearing failure (spun bearing) identical to the structural manufacturing flaws currently under active federal investigation by the NHTSA under Preliminary Evaluation PE25008 / RQ24-025. Corporate Honda subsequently issued a verbal agreement to fully reimburse my out-of-pocket teardown fees. Because a manufacturer will never fund diagnostic labor if evidence of owner fault is present, this corporate reimbursement serves as formal validation that no owner maintenance neglect occurred, and that the engine died exclusively from an inherent component defect. Gunn Acura (San Antonio, TX) confirmed with my vin, that Engine #3 was a warranty/dealer-installed replacement unit at 22,000 miles. It failed after less than 40,000 miles of total operation. A professionally manufactured and dealer-installed engine is reasonably expected to last well beyond 40,000 miles. The manufacturer network cannot utilize arbitrary part-ownership rules or uncooperative, fragmented dealer communications. The original factory-installed engine and the dealer-installed replacement engine both suffered identical connecting rod bearing failures.

NHTSA complaint #11740358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am formally requesting a neutral third-party arbitration review under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act to compel American Honda Motor Co. to provide a permanent mechanical remedy—specifically, the sourcing and installation of a brand-new, redesigned engine assembly (Engine #Four)— This vehicle frame is now on its third engine block. Car was bought 11/30/2024. At Grubbs Acura, fuel pump safety recall that involves flashing/re-calibrating the Engine Control Unit (FI-ECU) software was done. Just a few weeks after new fuel pump, the vehicle displayed sudden stalling symptoms. The engine suffered a terminal, catastrophic internal collapse. The vehicle was towed to Grubbs Acura where Corporate Honda directed a forced out-of-pocket internal engine teardown. The physical teardown explicitly confirmed a catastrophic connecting rod bearing failure (spun bearing) identical to the structural manufacturing flaws currently under active federal investigation by the NHTSA under Preliminary Evaluation PE25008 / RQ24-025. Corporate Honda subsequently issued a verbal agreement to fully reimburse my out-of-pocket teardown fees. Because a manufacturer will never fund diagnostic labor if evidence of owner fault is present, this corporate reimbursement serves as formal validation that no owner maintenance neglect occurred, and that the engine died exclusively from an inherent component defect. Gunn Acura (San Antonio, TX) confirmed with my vin, that Engine #3 was a warranty/dealer-installed replacement unit at 22,000 miles. It failed after less than 40,000 miles of total operation. A professionally manufactured and dealer-installed engine is reasonably expected to last well beyond 40,000 miles. The manufacturer network cannot utilize arbitrary part-ownership rules or uncooperative, fragmented dealer communications. The original factory-installed engine and the dealer-installed replacement engine both suffered identical connecting rod bearing failures.

NHTSA complaint #11740358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2019 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving on the highway, the vehicle intermittently started to accelerate slowly and then it unexpectedly surges forward. The dealer was contacted regarding the issue but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA complaint #11736399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding the execution of NHTSA Recall 24-002 (Connecting Rod Bearing Replacement) by an authorized Acura dealership, and a fundamental safety flaw in Acura’s official Service Bulletin for this recall. My vehicle underwent "Repair #1" under this recall, which involved opening the engine block and replacing the rod bearings due to a factory defect that causes metal-on-metal wear. However, upon picking up my vehicle, I discovered the dealership left the old, dirty oil filter attached to the engine. I reviewed Acura’s Service Bulletin 24-002 and realized the "Required Materials" list explicitly omits a new oil filter for Repair #1. Because dealerships strictly follow this bulletin for warranty reimbursement, they are systematically leaving old filters on engines that just received new bearings. This means old, metal-contaminated oil trapped in the filter is immediately recirculated through the brand-new precision bearings. This procedural flaw directly jeopardizes the integrity of the engine, completely undermining the purpose of the safety recall and putting drivers at risk of sudden engine failure at highway speeds. I have time-stamped video and photographic evidence of my vehicle’s mileage (61,325) and the untouched, original oil filter immediately after returning home from the dealership. Acura Corporate was contacted regarding this procedural negligence and failed to provide a resolution. I am requesting the NHTSA investigate Acura's repair procedures for Recall 24-002 to prevent further unsafe vehicle modifications.

NHTSA complaint #11725629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My engine has been replaced under warranty for connecting rod bearings failing before the recall 23V-751 existed. 40,000 miles later it failed again. I have paper work and other information available upon request. The vehicle is currently on it's third short block replaced by Acura. No CEL or anything prior to when the knocking started.

NHTSA complaint #11718417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEATS

Drivers seat trim has broken 3 times, and is now causing the seat to come apart from the entire trim around the seat.

NHTSA complaint #11702028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Internal failure of front facing camera. This has caused issues with the auto braking abd lane assist. My mechanic recreated the issue and tried to clear the codes but said camera needs replacing. Acura should recall this or compensate people, it is over $1500. Car is only 6 years old

NHTSA complaint #11701028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Internal failure of front facing camera. This has caused issues with the auto braking abd lane assist. My mechanic recreated the issue and tried to clear the codes but said camera needs replacing. Acura should recall this or compensate people, it is over $1500. Car is only 6 years old

NHTSA complaint #11701028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Internal failure of front facing camera. This has caused issues with the auto braking abd lane assist. My mechanic recreated the issue and tried to clear the codes but said camera needs replacing. Acura should recall this or compensate people, it is over $1500. Car is only 6 years old

NHTSA complaint #11701028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

In 2022, my 2019 Acura TLX A-Spec received a warranty engine replacement due to a spun bearing. At that time, recall 23V-751 (connecting rod bearing defect) did not yet exist. Recently, the replacement engine developed a pronounced knocking/ticking noise at idle and during light acceleration. Multiple independent mechanics and an Acura service department confirmed the noise is abnormal and consistent with connecting rod bearing wear as described in the recall. Acura advised that my VIN is not included in the recall because the original engine was replaced. However, the replacement engine was supplied by Acura prior to the recall and may contain the same defective components. The dealership and Acura corporate did not inspect the internal components or verify whether the replacement engine used the revised bearing parts — they only referenced the VIN and engine number to deny recall eligibility. I currently have an open case with Acura, and the vehicle is scheduled for diagnostic inspection. I was informed that if the issue is determined to be related to recall 23V-751, diagnostic costs may be reimbursed, but there is no guarantee. This situation raises concern because my symptoms, timeline, and component failure are consistent with the known defect, yet my vehicle remains excluded from coverage. Given the safety implications of possible engine seizure or loss of power while driving, I am requesting that NHTSA review whether vehicles with Acura-supplied replacement engines should also fall under recall 23V-751. All service records and warranty history with Acura are available for review upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11697869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

In 2022, my 2019 Acura TLX A-Spec received a warranty engine replacement due to a spun bearing. At that time, recall 23V-751 (connecting rod bearing defect) did not yet exist. Recently, the replacement engine developed a pronounced knocking/ticking noise at idle and during light acceleration. Multiple independent mechanics and an Acura service department confirmed the noise is abnormal and consistent with connecting rod bearing wear as described in the recall. Acura advised that my VIN is not included in the recall because the original engine was replaced. However, the replacement engine was supplied by Acura prior to the recall and may contain the same defective components. The dealership and Acura corporate did not inspect the internal components or verify whether the replacement engine used the revised bearing parts — they only referenced the VIN and engine number to deny recall eligibility. I currently have an open case with Acura, and the vehicle is scheduled for diagnostic inspection. I was informed that if the issue is determined to be related to recall 23V-751, diagnostic costs may be reimbursed, but there is no guarantee. This situation raises concern because my symptoms, timeline, and component failure are consistent with the known defect, yet my vehicle remains excluded from coverage. Given the safety implications of possible engine seizure or loss of power while driving, I am requesting that NHTSA review whether vehicles with Acura-supplied replacement engines should also fall under recall 23V-751. All service records and warranty history with Acura are available for review upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11697869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Well, today November 3 , car have 70900 miles, few weeks ago Acura do a replacements, recall fuel, problems, today warning , engine and ( P ) Brake system came on , and i look in the forum of this type of issues with Acuras and some many diferents opinions. To many complaint about this problems with Acura. I am worry that driving the car with this issues ruins the car. But its the only transportation that i have. Thanks

NHTSA complaint #11697318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Well, today November 3 , car have 70900 miles, few weeks ago Acura do a replacements, recall fuel, problems, today warning , engine and ( P ) Brake system came on , and i look in the forum of this type of issues with Acuras and some many diferents opinions. To many complaint about this problems with Acura. I am worry that driving the car with this issues ruins the car. But its the only transportation that i have. Thanks

NHTSA complaint #11697318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Im not sure what fails but the car wont start after coming to a stop with the auto off function and almost caused an accident because when the light turned green i couldnt take off because the car didnt start up and the car behind me almost hit me. It has happened other times at stop signs and any other stop ive made. I have to press the button my self to start up again. I havent had it inspected because i havent had any time. There are no warning lights on

NHTSA complaint #11691244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Im not sure what fails but the car wont start after coming to a stop with the auto off function and almost caused an accident because when the light turned green i couldnt take off because the car didnt start up and the car behind me almost hit me. It has happened other times at stop signs and any other stop ive made. I have to press the button my self to start up again. I havent had it inspected because i havent had any time. There are no warning lights on

NHTSA complaint #11691244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I had the stop bearing rod recall performed on my 2019 Acura TLX along with a fuel pump recall. After less than 10,000 miles I am informed that my high pressure fuel pump has failed. When the did the recall on the vehicle they only did the low pressure fuel pump when there is known issue of the high pressure fuel pump failing.

NHTSA complaint #11690741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am writing to formally request assistance with a premature engine failure on my 2019 Acura TLX A-Spec 3.5L (VIN: [XXX] , Mileage: 95k I have consistently followed Acura’s recommended maintenance schedule, as documented by my service history. My vehicle was also serviced under [insert recall number if you have it] at [insert dealer name], as required by Acura, and I have attached records confirming that the recall work was performed. Despite this compliance with all required maintenance and recall service, my vehicle has experienced a serious engine malfunction. This failure appears to be related to the same type of connecting rod bearing or crankshaft issue currently under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE25008), which covers the 2018–2020 Acura TLX with the 3.5L V6 engine. Given that: •I have properly maintained the vehicle as recommended. •The recall repair was performed, yet the engine failure still occurred. •NHTSA is investigating this exact issue as a potential defect affecting safety and reliability. I am respectfully requesting goodwill coverage for the full cost of the necessary engine repair or replacement. If Acura is unable to offer immediate coverage, I request that this case remain open and that I be considered for reimbursement should a recall or service campaign be issued as a result of the ongoing NHTSA investigation. I chose Acura for its reputation for reliability, and I trust that Acura will stand by its customers when a serious issue like this occurs. I look forward to your timely response so we can resolve this matter promptly. Thank you for your attention and assistance. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11690124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.