2020 Acura TLX problems

ENGINE

- The engine system failed and it is available for inspection -While driving on the highway at normal traffic speed, my vehicle suddenly developed a loud knocking noise and the check engine light lit up. Within moments, the engine lost power and became inoperable, leaving me unable to continue driving while being 300 miles away from home. This incident occurred at about 5-6AM, having to maneuver through traffic before the sunrise. This created a serious safety risk because surrounding vehicles were traveling at full speed increasing the risk of collision. There were no warning signs of this failure and I was unfortunately stranded on the highway in an unfamiliar town for hours with minors in the vehicle. -Yes, the vehicle was towed to a local dealeriship, Hahira Automotive Services, where the engine failure occurred and they confirmed that they were unable to start the car and the knocking sound was indicative of engine failure. I towed the car to an Acura dealership local to my home and they confirmed the same vehicle condition and that a takedown is required to fully inspect the engine. -The engine has not been inspected by anyone only the vehicle condition -There were no warning signs of engine failure prior to the incident

NHTSA complaint #11754884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The cars Emission Systems and Parking Brake lights come on, and the dealer can not diagnose this issue properly. I have taken it in 4 times, and it continues to happen. I fear the parking brake coming on while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11735228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

The cars Emission Systems and Parking Brake lights come on, and the dealer can not diagnose this issue properly. I have taken it in 4 times, and it continues to happen. I fear the parking brake coming on while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11735228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

Airbags (SRS)

NHTSA complaint #11733447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission harsh and delayed gear engagement, sometimes it won’t shift unless it’s done manually, few times it didn’t shift even though I shifted manually, I had to increase engine speed to about 5000 RPM so it shifts, transmission goes into neutral when trying to to accelerate while it’s in drive and intermittent vibration caused by hydraulic circuit pressure issues, I’ve had the vehicle since it had 7900 miles and all these issues been present in the car since then, the car now have 29000 miles and it’s only getting worse. These issues have been reported by a lot of Honda/Acura vehicles owner with the 9 speed transmission

NHTSA complaint #11722849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

PE 25008 The engine knock started on 12/22/25. Motorcars Acura recommended get a case number & have the 2020 TLX towed in for a diagnostic. Online case # XXX Towed to Motorcars on 12/23/25. Talked to Michelle with customer relations & she was going to call Motorcars for info. Motorcars, without my permission, pulled the oil pan & inspected the bearings. #6 rod bearing failed. On 1/15/26, Michelle with customer relations told me that they will not offer reimbursement to repair. I told Motorcars to do the repair on 1/15/26. Picked up the car on 1/21/26 Info & pictures attached. I told Michelle I hope you reconsider reimbursing me for the repairs. As I told Michelle, I am very loyal to Acura as I own (4) Acura’s. Now two of them have engine issue. The 2020 TLX rod bearing issue that was not included in the recall & my 2012 MDX with the 3.7 oil consumption issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11714897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

The front camera that operates the cruise control, lane assist, automatic braking, automatic high beam has stopped working. After further research it seems to be a popular problem with this car in a short amount of time. This car is a 2020 with 61,000 miles. The camera costs approximately $2000 to fix and should have a longer life span.

NHTSA complaint #11714405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

The front camera that operates the cruise control, lane assist, automatic braking, automatic high beam has stopped working. After further research it seems to be a popular problem with this car in a short amount of time. This car is a 2020 with 61,000 miles. The camera costs approximately $2000 to fix and should have a longer life span.

NHTSA complaint #11714405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

The front camera that operates the cruise control, lane assist, automatic braking, automatic high beam has stopped working. After further research it seems to be a popular problem with this car in a short amount of time. This car is a 2020 with 61,000 miles. The camera costs approximately $2000 to fix and should have a longer life span.

NHTSA complaint #11714405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Recall performed on 2020 Acura TLX 3.5 for rod bearing recall. Crankshaft and bearings were replaced. 24000 miles later, the engine spun a bearing again with all the new internals. All maintenance records were supplied when the car was brought in. Acura is wanting me to pay 40% of the cost for a short block.

NHTSA complaint #11710271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

49,622 mark on my 2020 Acura tlx AWD… auto stop was enabled, car was at stoplight, engine attempted to re-engage but did not and car went into “neutral”… and the lights stayed on. I immediately turned on blinkers to avoid crash and and attempted to re start car, I shifted into Park, shut down car and re-started it successfully. I am seeking repair or disablement of the auto stop system, this is a safety hazard to myself and my family as well as others who had to go around while the issue was being troubleshooted. This appears to be related to Investigation:EA25004

NHTSA complaint #11700396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

49,622 mark on my 2020 Acura tlx AWD… auto stop was enabled, car was at stoplight, engine attempted to re-engage but did not and car went into “neutral”… and the lights stayed on. I immediately turned on blinkers to avoid crash and and attempted to re start car, I shifted into Park, shut down car and re-started it successfully. I am seeking repair or disablement of the auto stop system, this is a safety hazard to myself and my family as well as others who had to go around while the issue was being troubleshooted. This appears to be related to Investigation:EA25004

NHTSA complaint #11700396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On or about October 21–22, 2025, I brought my 2020 Acura TLX (brown, 99,000 miles, VIN [XXX] ) to Goodson Acura of Dallas for a recall repair related to engine concerns. The vehicle was returned to me on October 24, 2025. Shortly afterward, the car began to lag and hesitate while accelerating. On November 3, 2025, while driving to a doctor’s appointment on the Bypass Bridge in morning traffic, the vehicle suddenly stalled and lost power completely. This created a dangerous situation in active traffic. I recently underwent surgery following a serious burn injury, so limited mobility made this stall especially hazardous. After restarting the engine, multiple ADAS and system-fault warnings appeared. I contacted Goodson Acura and was advised to bring the vehicle in. Upon arrival, the service advisor confirmed the warning lights but required a $205 diagnostic fee despite the recall work. Acura Client Relations opened Case No. XXX and advised the charge should not apply if related to the recall. After waiting several hours, I was told the battery had died and that front camera/ADAS systems were returning codes. This stall occurred less than two weeks after recall repair and could easily have caused a serious crash or injury. I am requesting a full investigation into the recall repair, the stalling issue, and any related safety defects. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11697430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

On or about October 21–22, 2025, I brought my 2020 Acura TLX (brown, 99,000 miles, VIN [XXX] ) to Goodson Acura of Dallas for a recall repair related to engine concerns. The vehicle was returned to me on October 24, 2025. Shortly afterward, the car began to lag and hesitate while accelerating. On November 3, 2025, while driving to a doctor’s appointment on the Bypass Bridge in morning traffic, the vehicle suddenly stalled and lost power completely. This created a dangerous situation in active traffic. I recently underwent surgery following a serious burn injury, so limited mobility made this stall especially hazardous. After restarting the engine, multiple ADAS and system-fault warnings appeared. I contacted Goodson Acura and was advised to bring the vehicle in. Upon arrival, the service advisor confirmed the warning lights but required a $205 diagnostic fee despite the recall work. Acura Client Relations opened Case No. XXX and advised the charge should not apply if related to the recall. After waiting several hours, I was told the battery had died and that front camera/ADAS systems were returning codes. This stall occurred less than two weeks after recall repair and could easily have caused a serious crash or injury. I am requesting a full investigation into the recall repair, the stalling issue, and any related safety defects. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11697430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11696785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle lost power. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the engine was not replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to help with the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA complaint #11696140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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).

NHTSA complaint #11691114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

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).

NHTSA complaint #11691114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

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).

NHTSA complaint #11691114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11689856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11689856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:PARKING ASSIST:SENSORS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11689856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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

NHTSA complaint #11689750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

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

NHTSA complaint #11689750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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

NHTSA complaint #11689750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.