2022 ACURA TLX — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

While accelerating from 0 to 40 miles per hour, I experienced a loud bang come from the car. Turns out the splines were stripped between my transmission and transfer case. This was due to the drive shaft spinning while in park mode, as well as an opening between the transmission and transfer case that was spooling. My powertrain system was severely compromised; who knows what could've happened if I had kept driving the car in this condition? Something was waiting to inevitably fail beyond what had happened. Thankfully, this happened on an empty road close to home, but it could have happened anywhere. There were no warnings, lights, or anything, which was the strangest part. Thankfully, this $10k+ bill was covered under the manufacturer's powertrain warranty, but it seems to be a common issue with many newer Acuras. Acura is well aware of the issue (spline failure) and should issue a recall to correct this design flaw within the powertrain.

Loss of brake power with “brake” light and “brake service” light on. I was backing out of my driveway and lost almost all braking power almost pushing the pedal to the floor. Once I came to a stop, I turned the car off and turned it back on, brake pedal felt fine and lights went away at that point.

Last week, the right lower ball joint began producing a noticeable squeaking noise. I brought the vehicle to Irvine Acura in Irvine, California, where two technicians confirmed that the right lower ball joint boot is intact with no grease leakage; however, the ball-and-socket joint displays excessive play. The dealership recommended replacing both lower control arms, despite the left side currently being in acceptable condition. If the right lower ball joint were to fail, it could result in a loss of vehicle control.

Transmission and transfer case failed. Traction control light flashes when accelerating.

I got new tires and an alignment performed and ever since the car has pulled to the right. The car has been to the dealer for 6 alignments due to the car veering to the right. They swapped the wheels from another car to ensure it wasn’t the new tires and the problem still occurred. As soon as I let go of the wheel it pulls to the right no matter if it’s a crowned road or not. Each time the alignment is completely off from the last time it had it performed. I took it to 3 different dealers and they all suggested throwing parts at it (replacing the rear subframe for $3000 or a front driver strut for $1400) telling me that they don’t know if it’d fix it or not.