First generation
2015 Acura TLX
The most reported problem on the 2015 Acura TLX is transmission shudder, with 80 complaints, usually around 9,000 miles.
- 334owner complaints
- 6recalls
- 12involved a crash
- 29,752median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 18, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your TLX doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2015 model year.
Is the 2015 Acura TLX reliable?
The 2015 Acura TLX has 334 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 270 for 2015 sedans on this site. Of the 9 TLX model years since 2015, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to other model years
- Complaints filed before 2015 aren't in the files this site reads, so the 2015 count runs short and isn't compared with the model years next to it.
- Top problem
- Transmission shudder leads with 80 of the 334 complaints (24%), ahead of stalling at 53. Transmission shudder tends to show up early. Of the 46 owners who gave a mileage for it, half were under about 9,000 miles and a quarter under about 3,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 13 of the 334 complaints (4%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 12 reports mention a crash and 9 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 7 of 12, fall under brake wear.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Each of transmission shudder and stalling has a recall on the same system: transmission shudder, 14V-779 and 16V-640; stalling, 23V-751. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings jumped in 2015, with 77 complaints, 2.3 times the next busiest year. So far in 2026, 11 more have come in. Filings on record start in 2015.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard, 80 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
334 complaints is 1.2 times the median 2015 model on this site and 1.2 times the median 2015 sedan. Among the 2 TLX model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2015 Acura TLX
Acura filed 427 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2015 Acura TLX. 25 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 3 bulletins · 80 complaints
The 8-Speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) has a bump or hard shift when coming to a stop, usually on the downshift from 2nd to 1st. This symptom is intermittent and may be difficult to duplicate.
SERVICE BULLETIN THE 8-SPEED DUAL-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) HAS A BUMP OR HARD SHIFT WHEN COMING TO A STOP, USUALLY ON THE DOWNSHIFT FROM 2ND TO 1ST. THIS SYMPTOM IS INTERMITTENT AND MAY BE DIFFICULT TO DUPLICATE.
1 more on this problem
The METER reflash process for Cross Traffic Monitoring System inadvertently erases the idle characteristics learned by the PCM, and the HDS shows Idle Torque Learning as "Not Completed." The drivability symptoms which can result from this condition range from ...
Transmission jerks, lurches or bangs into gear 2 bulletins · 58 complaints
The transmission has intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration.
The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) slips or shifts hard when cold, usually on 1st to 2nd upshifts. The client may also report about feeling bumped or jerked once the vehicle has come to a stop. After the transmission warms up, it shifts normally.
Transmission hesitates when accelerating 1 bulletin · 31 complaints
SERVICE BULLETIN THE VEHICLE HESITATES, SURGES, IDLES HIGH, SHIFTS HARD, OR AUTO IDLE STOP DOES NOT WORK. THE IDLE LEARN IS UNABLE TO RELEARN ITS PARAMETERS WHEN THE CAN SYSTEM IS INTERRUPTED DURING AN ECM, TCM, OR CONTROL UNIT UPDATE.
Battery dies or the car will not start 3 bulletins · 24 complaints
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2015-2016 TLX V6s & 2016 MDXs with a client complaint of a no-start condition that requires the 12V battery to be replaced.
Servicenews article - We're currently looking into a no-start issue requiring 12-volt battery replacement. To fully understand what's causing this issue, we need to collect failed batteries from vehicles that meet these criteria.
1 more on this problem
Techline summary article - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2015-2016 TLX V6s & 2016 MDXs with a client complaint of a no-start condition that requires the 12V battery to be replaced.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 5 bulletins · 24 complaints
DEALER MESSAGE AHM IS INVESTIGATING CUSTOMER COMPLAINT OF BRAKE JUDDER. PRIOR TO PERFORMING ANY REPAIR, PLEASE SEND SUSPECT PARTS BACK TO AHM.
AHM IS INVESTIGATING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS OF BRAKE JUDDER. PLEASE SEND SPECIFIC PARTS TO AHM PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING ANY REPAIRS.
3 more on this problem
DEALER MESSAGE IF A BRAKE JUDDER IS REPLACED DUE TO A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT, PLEASE SEND THE PART TO AHM FOR INVESTIGATION.
DEALER MESSAGE AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2015 TLXS WITH A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT OF BRAKE JUDDER. TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE CAUSE OF THIS CONDITION, AHM WOULD LIKE TO COLLECT SPECIFIC PARTS FROM THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO YOU ATTEMPTING A REPAIR OF ANY KIND.
Replacement TCMs don?t come with trim data. After installation, you need to run a teach-in (hydraulic pressure characteristic calibration) procedure with the HDS.
Multiple warning lights come on at once 1 bulletin · 23 complaints
SERVICE BULLETIN MULTIPLE INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE ON WITH DTC U129D (F-CAN MALFUNCTION) [PCM-PRECISION ALL WHEEL CONTROL UNIT]) STORED. THERE IS A BAD WIRE CRIMP IN THE REAR TOE CONTROL ACTUATOR CONNECTOR.
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 1 bulletin · 16 complaints
The water pump seized or the drive belt shredded. The water pump bearing is out of specification.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 9 bulletins · 14 complaints
SERVICE BULLETIN THE NAV, AUDIO, DAY/NIGHT AND SETTINGS BUTTONS ON THE AUDIO-NAVIGATION UNIT ARE STICKING. THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE AUDIO-NAVIGATION UNIT AND THE ODMD AND CLIMATE CONTROL SWITCH PANEL MAY BE TOO TIGHT CAUSING THE PANEL TO CONTACT THE BUTTONS AND STICK.
SERVICE BULLETIN THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE AUDIO-NAVIGATION UNIT AND THE ODMD AND CLIMATE CONTROL SWITCH PANEL MAY BE TOO TIGHT CAUSING THE PANEL TO CONTACT THE BUTTONS AND STICK.
7 more on this problem
DEALER MESSAGE AHM IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH A CLIENT REPORT OF THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE NOT RELEASING DURING IGNITION START, CAUSING ONE OR BOTH REAR WHEELS TO NOT MOVE AND A WARNING MESSAGE TO DISPLAY.
DEALER MESSAGE AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2015 TLXS WITH A CLIENT REPORTING ON IGNITION START, THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE (EPB) WILL NOT RELEASE CAUSING ONE OR BOTH REAR WHEELS NOT TO MOVE AND/OR "CHECK PARKING BRAKE" WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYS IN MID.
Background American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2015 TLXs with a client reporting on ignition start, the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) will not release causing one or both rear wheels not to move and/or "Check Parking Brake" warning message displays ...
American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2015 TLXs with a client reporting on ignition start, the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) will not release causing one or both rear wheels not to move and/or "Check Parking Brake" warning message displays in MID.
Our records indicate that a PRODUCT UPDATE has not been completed on this vehicle, refer to the address card for the affected VIN. When a vehicle passes behind the 2015 TLX, the Cross-Traffic Monitoring (CTM) audible alert does not sound.
When a vehicle passes behind the 2015 TLX, The Cross-Traffic Monitoring (CTM) alert does not sound. The display screen shows CTM indicators (orange arrows) only. The current Combination Meter Unit software does not enable the audible alert for CTM.
When a vehicle passes behind the 2015 TLX, the Cross-Traffic Monitoring (CTM) alert does not sound. The display screen shows the CTM indicators (orange arrows) only. The current combination meter unit software does not enable the audible alert for CTM.
Complaints filed by year
77 complaints came in 2015. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
No restart after auto start/stop engages. Open.
NHTSA summary
Electrical overstress. Closed sep 19, 2024, led to recall 20V-024.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2015 Acura TLX
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's recall number for this recall is P3W. Honda's recall number for this recall is N3X.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura TLX 2WD and 4WD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the transmission wire harness connections may have insufficient crimps, and, as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Acura has notified owners, and dealers will, based on the automatic transmission serial number, update the transmission software to prevent the transmission from shifting into neutral due to a faulty crimp, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Acura Client Relations at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KC2.
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura TLX V6 2WD vehicles manufactured July 14, 2014, to November 12, 2014, and certain 2015 TLX V6 SH-AWD vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to November 10, 2014. The automatic transmission parking pawl may become contaminated or the park rod may become dislodged or broken. This may prevent the transmission from shifting into the Park position.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmission if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 30, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JM8.
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura TLX AWD vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to September 20, 2014. The affected vehicles may have incorrect values for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front and rear printed on the safety certification label. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Part 567, "Certification."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected certification label, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 21, 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's number for this recall is JK6.
All 6 recalls on the 2015 Acura TLX, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2015 Acura TLX?
Transmission shudder, with 80 of the 334 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 9,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2015 Acura TLX problems start?
Of the 192 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 8,000 miles and half by about 30,000.
How many 2015 Acura TLX complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
13 of them (4%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for transmission shudder on the 2015 Acura TLX?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls on the same system: 14V-779 and 16V-640. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.