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Acura · Known Issues

2019 Acura TLX Problems: 7 Known Issues

2019 model year · 4,050+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,050+ owner reports, the 2019 Acura TLX has 7 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting ($200-$2,800 repair), J35 3.5L V6 Connecting Rod Bearing Wear and Engine Seizure (Recall 23V751000) ($0-$13,000 repair) and In-Tank Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stall Without Warning (Recalls 19V060000, 21V215000, 23V858000) ($0-$1,200 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting with 2,200 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $13,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • TLX Transmission1
  • TLX Engine1
  • TLX Fuel System1
  • TLX Safety/Recalls2
  • TLX Electrical1
  • TLX Steering1
  • Recalls10
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Transmission1
  • Engine1
  • Fuel System1
  • Safety/Recalls2
  • Electrical1
  • Steering1
  • Recalls10
  • FAQ

All 7 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015
Community reported
2,200 owners

On the 2015-2020 Acura TLX 3.5L J35Y6 V6, the ZF 9HP 9-speed automatic transmission paired with the V6 in first-gen TLX models exhibits a pronounced shudder during low-speed acceleration and harsh shifts between 2nd and 3rd gear. The torque converter lockup strategy causes a noticeable vibration between 25-45 mph that worsens in warm weather.

This issue also affects: Acura CL, Acura ILX, Acura MDX

Common Symptoms

  • Shudder between 25-45 mph during light acceleration
  • Harsh 2-3 upshift
  • Hesitation on downshift
  • Vibration felt through steering wheel and seat
  • Transmission hunting between gears on hills

How to Fix

Perform a transmission fluid drain and refill with Acura ATF Type 3.1. Update the transmission control module (TCM) to the latest calibration from Acura, which improves shift logic and torque converter lockup mapping. Severe cases may require torque converter replacement.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Acura ATF Type 3.1 08200-9017

    Verified repair fluid. Approved replacement: Genuine Acura ATF Type 3.1 08200-9017.

    Acurapartswarehouse

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipDrain and refill the 9-speed with Acura ATF Type 3.1 every 30,000 miles. The shudder is often caused by degraded fluid. Two back-to-back drain-and-fills replace about 60% of total fluid volume.
Typical repair cost:$200 - $2,800

Research This Issue

Based on 2,200 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence2,200 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2015-2020 Acura TLX 3.5L J35 V6, first-generation (UB1/UB2) TLX models built with the J35 3.5L V6 suffer a manufacturing defect in the connecting rod bearings. Improperly finished crankshaft journals / bearing clearances cause the rod bearing to wear, spin and eventually seize. Owners report a developing knock or tick that escalates to catastrophic failure - thrown rods punching through the block, holes in the oil pan and fractured crankshafts - frequently with no warning light before the failure. NHTSA complaint volume for this failure mode is the single largest category on the nameplate: roughly 40-45 engine complaints per year for 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019 alone. Honda issued safety recall 23V751000 in late 2023 covering 2015-2020 Acura TLX (and related J35 applications). Multiple owners report the failure recurring on the recall-installed replacement engine, and widespread recall-parts backorders left cars immobilized for months. This is a V6 failure only - it does not apply to the K24 2.4L four, nor to either UB5 engine.

This issue also affects: Honda Accord, Honda Pilot

Common Symptoms

  • Deep knocking or ticking from the bottom end that increases with RPM
  • Rod knock that appears suddenly with no prior warning light
  • Loss of motive power / engine seizure while driving
  • Metal debris in the engine oil
  • Hole punched through the block or oil pan
  • Low oil pressure warning immediately before failure
  • Engine stall on the highway

How to Fix

Check the VIN against recall 23V751000 at an Acura dealer. The recall remedy is a free engine inspection (oil-pan/bearing inspection per Honda's procedure) and repair or complete engine replacement at no charge; owner letters went out from March 2024 with follow-up mailings into January 2025. If the engine already failed and was repaired out of pocket before the recall, request reimbursement through Acura Client Relations (1-888-234-2138) - several owners report initial denials that were reversed on escalation. Do not ignore a new rod knock: continued driving turns a bearing job into a block replacement. Out of recall scope, a bearing/crank refresh runs several thousand dollars and dealers typically quote a long block instead.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $13,000

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2015-2023 Acura TLX, the Denso in-tank low-pressure fuel pump module used across the first-generation TLX fails, causing hesitation, hard starting and complete engine stall - often at speed or mid-turn. Two distinct defect mechanisms were recalled: particulates in fuel adhering to internal pump components and degrading pump output (19V060000, covering 2015-2019 TLX with the 3.5L V6), and a pump impeller that absorbs fuel, deforms and binds against the pump housing (21V215000 for 2019-2020, expanded by 23V858000 to 2013-2023 Honda/Acura vehicles including TLX). Owners report repeated stalls even after one recall repair, and a documented cascade in which a failed low-pressure pump is replaced but the high-pressure pump fails soon after because dealers replace only one component - producing P0087 low fuel rail pressure. Recall parts availability has been a recurring complaint, with owners waiting months.

This issue also affects: Acura ILX, Acura MDX, Honda Accord

Common Symptoms

  • Engine stalls without warning while driving or turning
  • Long crank or no start, worse in hot weather
  • Hesitation and stumble under acceleration
  • Check engine light with low fuel rail pressure code
  • Fuel pump whine from the tank
  • Repeat stalling after a fuel pump replacement

How to Fix

Run the VIN against all three campaigns (19V060000, 21V215000, 23V858000) - a car can be open on more than one. Remedies are free: for 19V060000 a fuel injection ECU software update plus fuel pump replacement if needed; for 21V215000 and 23V858000 replacement of the fuel pump module. If stalling continues after a low-pressure pump replacement and the scan tool shows P0087, insist the high-pressure fuel pump and rail pressure sensor be checked as well rather than accepting a repeat low-pressure pump swap. Out of recall coverage a fuel pump module runs roughly $600-$1,200 installed.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,200

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2018-2023 Acura TLX, the front passenger seat weight sensor that feeds the occupant classification system cracks and short circuits. Two separate campaigns cover TLX: 24V064000 (2020-2021 TLX, sensor cracks so the system fails to suppress the passenger airbag as intended) and the later, broader 26V332000 (2018-2021 and 2023 TLX, cracked sensor short-circuiting such that airbags can deploy unintentionally). Both failure modes are unsafe in opposite directions - an airbag that fires when it should be suppressed, or fires when it should not. Owners commonly notice the passenger airbag OFF indicator behaving erratically or staying lit with an adult in the seat. Complaint filings for 2021 note the replacement sensors were unavailable for seven months or more with no ETA from the manufacturer.

Common Symptoms

  • Passenger airbag OFF indicator stays lit with an adult passenger seated
  • Passenger airbag OFF light flickers or cycles
  • SRS / airbag warning light illuminated
  • Occupant classification system fault stored
  • Airbag deployment or non-deployment inconsistent with occupancy

How to Fix

VIN-check both 24V064000 and 26V332000 - a single car may be listed under one or both. The remedy in each case is free replacement of the seat weight sensors by an Acura dealer (Honda customer service 1-888-234-2138). Owner letters for 26V332000 were mailed July 7, 2026 and for 24V064000 in 2024. Until repaired, treat an erratic or constantly illuminated passenger airbag OFF indicator as a live fault and keep children in the rear seat. Expect a parts wait; ask the dealer to order the sensor against your VIN rather than waiting for a callback.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2015-2022 Acura TLX, the AcuraWatch front camera and millimeter-wave radar produce false Collision Mitigation Braking System activations - the car brakes hard, sometimes to a full stop, with no vehicle or obstacle ahead. NHTSA filings on the 2018 TLX describe the 'frontal crash mitigation feature suddenly slammed the brakes on fully to a complete stop', and 2021 filings include an owner rear-ended after a false activation. The same sensor failures produce a signature cascade of dashboard warnings - CMBS Problem, ACC Problem, LKAS Problem and Road Departure Mitigation all illuminating together - because a single failed front camera or an obstructed radar disables every function that depends on it. Common triggers include rain, snow, spray, a bug-splattered or fogged camera area, low sun angle, and shadows or overhead signage. First-generation cars concentrate the failures in the windshield-mounted camera; UB5 cars add radar-obstruction messages in inclement weather. Owners also report the systems cannot be conveniently disabled, and that Acura roadside gave instructions for the wrong model year.

Common Symptoms

  • Hard automatic braking with no vehicle or obstacle ahead
  • CMBS, ACC, LKAS and Road Departure warnings illuminating simultaneously
  • Radar or camera obstruction message in rain, snow or spray
  • Adaptive cruise control refuses to engage
  • Lane keeping assist inoperative
  • Warnings clear after cleaning the windshield or grille, then return

How to Fix

First rule out obstruction: clean the camera area behind the mirror and the radar behind the lower grille emblem, and check for aftermarket windshield tint strips or a non-OEM windshield - an out-of-spec replacement windshield is a leading cause of camera faults on these cars. Any windshield replacement requires a static and dynamic AcuraWatch camera recalibration; skipping it produces exactly this fault set. If codes persist, the front camera unit or radar typically needs replacement plus recalibration (roughly $700-$1,800). No recall covers false CMBS activation on the TLX. As an interim measure the CMBS can be switched off from the steering wheel controls, but note it re-enables at each ignition cycle.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,800

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
1,850 owners

On the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, the dual-screen infotainment system in first-generation TLX models suffers from severe lag, random freezes, and full system crashes requiring a restart. The upper navigation screen and lower touchscreen frequently lose sync, with Bluetooth audio dropping mid-stream and the backup camera failing to display.

This issue also affects: Honda Pilot, Acura ILX, Honda Civic

Common Symptoms

  • Touchscreen unresponsive or extremely laggy
  • System reboots while driving
  • Bluetooth audio cuts out
  • Backup camera black screen
  • Navigation screen freezes mid-route

How to Fix

Update infotainment firmware to the latest version via USB or dealer update. If freezing persists after the update, the head unit may need replacement with the revised hardware. Performing a factory reset can temporarily resolve lag but the issue typically returns.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipHold the power/volume knob for 10 seconds to force a hard reboot. This clears the cache and resolves most temporary freezes without needing a dealer visit.

Research This Issue

Based on 1,850 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence1,850 owner reportsLast reported by owners Nov 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, p-AWS is TLX-specific hardware: two independent electric actuators toe the rear wheels for low-speed agility and high-speed stability, fitted to first-generation front-drive TLX models (the SH-AWD cars use the rear drive unit instead). The actuators fail - electrically and mechanically - and when one goes the rear toe can be left misaligned. Owners report sudden pull or wander, a car that tracks crooked, and a system fault that limits the car's usable speed. The failure is expensive because the actuators are not serviceable parts and are replaced as assemblies: an NHTSA complainant on a 2020 TLX documented a $9,210 quote to replace two rear wheel steering actuators, calling it 'a known issue'. Related 2018 filings describe P-AWS actuator failures causing sudden misalignment and limiting the car to about 50 mph. There is no recall covering this failure.

Common Symptoms

  • Sudden pull or wander at highway speed
  • Car tracks crooked or dog-tracks
  • P-AWS or steering system warning message
  • Vehicle speed limited (owners report roughly 50 mph)
  • Uneven or rapid rear tire wear
  • Alignment will not hold after adjustment

How to Fix

Have the P-AWS system scanned - the module stores its own actuator faults, and a single failed actuator can be replaced rather than the pair if the second tests good, which roughly halves the bill. Confirm the fault is the actuator and not its wiring or connector: corroded rear harness connectors produce identical codes and cost a fraction to repair. Because there is no recall, check for any Acura goodwill or extended-coverage offer with your VIN before paying, and get an independent quote - specialists source used or remanufactured actuators far below the roughly $4,000-$9,200 dealer replacement range. A car with a dead P-AWS actuator should be aligned by a shop that can lock or zero the rear toe, or it will chew rear tires.

Typical repair cost:$2,500 - $9,500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls10 recalls

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2023 TLX vehicles. The fuel filler neck and fuel tank may have been improperly welded, which can result in a fuel leak.

Campaign #24V95000019/12/2024

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Campaign #25V39100012/06/2025

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura TLX problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,050+ owner reports, the 2019 Acura TLX has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting, J35 3.5L V6 Connecting Rod Bearing Wear and Engine Seizure (Recall 23V751000), In-Tank Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stall Without Warning (Recalls 19V060000, 21V215000, 23V858000). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura TLX reliable?

The 2019 Acura TLX has 7 known issues documented across 4,050+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting and J35 3.5L V6 Connecting Rod Bearing Wear and Engine Seizure (Recall 23V751000) and In-Tank Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stall Without Warning (Recalls 19V060000, 21V215000, 23V858000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Acura TLX problems?

Repair costs for known Acura TLX issues range from $0 to $13,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting, typically costs $200-$2,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2015-2020 Acura TLX 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting?

The ZF 9HP 9-speed automatic transmission paired with the V6 in first-gen TLX models exhibits a pronounced shudder during low-speed acceleration and harsh shifts between 2nd and 3rd gear. The torque converter lockup strategy causes a noticeable vibration between 25-45 mph that wo… Repairs typically run $200-$2,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2020 Acura TLX J35 3.5L V6 Connecting Rod Bearing Wear and Engine Seizure (Recall 23V751000)?

First-generation (UB1/UB2) TLX models built with the J35 3.5L V6 suffer a manufacturing defect in the connecting rod bearings. Improperly finished crankshaft journals / bearing clearances cause the rod bearing to wear, spin and eventually seize. Owners report a developing knock o… Repairs typically run $0-$13,000. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 4,050+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Campaign #26V33200021/05/2026

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

Campaign #24V06400001/02/2024

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Campaign #21V21500025/03/2021

+ 5 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2015-2023 Acura TLX In-Tank Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stall Without Warning (Recalls 19V060000, 21V215000, 23V858000)?

The Denso in-tank low-pressure fuel pump module used across the first-generation TLX fails, causing hesitation, hard starting and complete engine stall - often at speed or mid-turn. Two distinct defect mechanisms were recalled: particulates in fuel adhering to internal pump compo… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2020 Acura TLX Infotainment System Lag, Freezing, and Crashes?

The dual-screen infotainment system in first-generation TLX models suffers from severe lag, random freezes, and full system crashes requiring a restart. The upper navigation screen and lower touchscreen frequently lose sync, with Bluetooth audio dropping mid-stream and the backup… Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2023 Acura TLX Front Passenger Occupant Classification Seat Weight Sensor Cracking and Short Circuit (Recalls 24V064000, 26V332000)?

The front passenger seat weight sensor that feeds the occupant classification system cracks and short circuits. Two separate campaigns cover TLX: 24V064000 (2020-2021 TLX, sensor cracks so the system fails to suppress the passenger airbag as intended) and the later, broader 26V33… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2022 Acura TLX AcuraWatch CMBS False Emergency Braking and Cascading ADAS Warning Cluster?

The AcuraWatch front camera and millimeter-wave radar produce false Collision Mitigation Braking System activations - the car brakes hard, sometimes to a full stop, with no vehicle or obstacle ahead. NHTSA filings on the 2018 TLX describe the 'frontal crash mitigation feature sud… Repairs typically run $0-$1,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2020 Acura TLX Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) Rear Steering Actuator Failure?

P-AWS is TLX-specific hardware: two independent electric actuators toe the rear wheels for low-speed agility and high-speed stability, fitted to first-generation front-drive TLX models (the SH-AWD cars use the rear drive unit instead). The actuators fail - electrically and mechan… Repairs typically run $2,500-$9,500. Severity: medium.