Owners have reported 3 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Acura TLX. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints17
ENGINE
Owners report several engine-related issues with the 2018 Acura TLX, notably involving knocking noises and engine stalling. Complaints frequently mention connecting rod bearing failures leading to engine seizures and the need for engine replacements, often at mileage as low as 24,000 to 88,000 miles. Multiple owners describe symptoms such as rattling or knocking noises, sudden engine shutdowns, and the vehicle shifting into neutral unexpectedly. Some reports indicate safety concerns, including vehicles stalling at highway speeds and during idle stop functions, which can result in loss of control. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential engine issues and the associated repair costs, which can be significant.
Owner complaints15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Acura TLX frequently report issues with the electrical system, including problems with the car not starting due to the vehicle not recognizing the keyless remote, and instances of the car alarm going off unexpectedly. Complaints also highlight failures related to the Idle Stop/Restart system, where the engine fails to restart after stopping at intersections, leading to unexpected stalls and potential safety risks. These issues often arise at varying mileages, with some reports indicating occurrences around 50,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with several owners expressing concerns about the risk of accidents due to sudden engine shutdowns and loss of power steering while driving.
Owner complaints11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners report issues with the 2018 Acura TLX's engine, often linked to a recall for engine and cooling components. Complaints frequently mention engine knocking, stalling, and failure to restart, with some cases involving connecting rod or rod bearing failures. Symptoms such as loud clunking sounds, loss of motive power, and oil leaks are noted, typically occurring around 40,000 to 110,000 miles. Several owners describe situations where the vehicle stalls or loses power while driving, which could have safety implications. Buyers should be aware of parts availability issues affecting recall repairs, as multiple owners report delays in obtaining necessary components.
Owner complaints10
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Acura TLX frequently report issues related to the power train, notably involving engine failure and transmission problems. Common symptoms include engine knocking, stalling, and complete engine seizure, with some incidents occurring around 68,000 to 120,000 miles. Transmission issues are described as rough shifting and banging into gear, particularly between 30 to 45 mph and when starting to drive. Safety implications are evident in reports of sudden acceleration leading to a crash with injuries, as well as incidents of vehicles rolling due to worn-out shifter buttons. These complaints highlight potential risks for buyers considering this model, especially in terms of engine reliability and transmission performance.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints9
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Acura TLX frequently report issues related to stalling and engine performance, often linked to fuel pump recalls that some vehicles are not covered for despite exhibiting similar symptoms. Typical symptoms include unexpected stalling, engine vibrations, and vehicles slipping into neutral, with some reports indicating these issues occur even with low mileage. Additional complaints involve malfunctioning infotainment systems that freeze and affect backup camera and GPS functionality, as well as keyless entry and emergency call system malfunctions. Safety implications are noted in instances where the Collision Mitigation Braking System activates unexpectedly, causing abrupt stops. These issues could be critical for used car buyers to consider, especially regarding unresolved recall coverage and potential repair costs.
Owner complaints7
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report issues with the fuel system of the 2018 Acura TLX, particularly with the high pressure fuel pump. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as hesitation, jerking during acceleration, engine surging while idle, and vehicles entering "limp mode" with reduced speed capabilities. These issues often occur around 55,000 miles, and some owners note that problems persist even after recall repairs. Safety implications include the risk of being rear-ended due to sluggish acceleration and potential vehicle stalling. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially if considering a used model with similar mileage.
Owner complaints6
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Acura TLX frequently report steering-related issues, including problems with the vehicle's control arms and various electronic steering systems. Complaints often describe warning lights for systems such as lane keep assist, vehicle stability, and precision steering, with some vehicles experiencing a sudden loss of steering control or alignment issues. These issues are mentioned in vehicles with mileage ranging from approximately 31,081 to 46,987 miles. Several reports highlight significant safety risks, including the potential for loss of steering control and difficulty in maintaining vehicle stability, which could lead to collisions, especially at higher speeds. Used car buyers should be aware of potential costly repairs related to rear toe actuators and P-AWS actuators, which are noted in multiple complaints.
Owner complaints4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners of the 2018 Acura TLX frequently report issues with the vehicle's forward collision avoidance systems, particularly involving unexpected activations and warning lights. Common symptoms include sudden, unneeded braking while the vehicle is in motion and multiple dashboard warning lights for systems such as Collision Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist. These issues often occur around 54,000 miles, though some owners report problems soon after vehicle maintenance, such as alignments. Safety implications are noted, with one owner expressing concern about the potential for rear-end collisions due to abrupt braking. Buyers should be aware that some owners resort to disabling the system to avoid these issues, and there are no known fixes or technical service bulletins addressing the problems.
Owner complaints2
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 Acura TLX report issues with the service brakes, specifically noting two main problems. One complaint describes a vibration occurring when brakes are applied at highway speeds or during complete stops. Another owner details a malfunction in the brake sensing system, which unexpectedly brings the vehicle to a halt without any obstruction ahead, potentially posing a safety risk of being rear-ended. This incident occurred on a city street, and the dealership acknowledged similar experiences among other drivers but found no system errors. These issues are reported without specific mileage, but the malfunction reported occurred in early 2020, suggesting it may emerge after some use.
Owner complaints2
SEAT BELTS
Owners of the 2018 Acura TLX report two distinct issues related to safety features. One complaint involves the collision mitigation braking system, which unexpectedly activates, causing the vehicle to come to a sudden stop without any apparent obstruction. This issue occurs at speeds over 35 mph, both on local streets and highways, and poses a risk of rear-end collisions. Another complaint highlights the inaccessibility of rear seat anchors for child safety seats, with owners stating the hooks are positioned too far under the seat to be usable. These reports suggest potential safety implications for both sudden braking and child seat installation.
