NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
This page covers 10 recalls, 338 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 Acura TLX.
25–28 mpg combined
8.4–9.4 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2015 Acura TLX draws the bulk of its complaints from the powertrain, with transmission issues leading the pack by a wide margin. Owners most commonly describe torque converter shudder, hesitation during acceleration, and rough or delayed gear engagement, many report these symptoms appearing during normal everyday driving rather than under hard use. A recurring pattern involves the transmission jerking or lurching at low speeds, particularly during light throttle transitions. Engine complaints follow, with owners describing stalling, rough running, and in some cases a fuel pump diagnosis behind the stall events. The electrical system also generates a steady stream of reports, mostly around warning lights activating unexpectedly, emissions and brake system warnings appearing together during otherwise normal operation comes up repeatedly, often with no accompanying drivability issue. Some owners also report lane-keeping and steering system warnings triggering sudden speed fluctuations.
338
Total Complaints
12
Crash-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Acura TLX has 10 recalls, the most serious being a V6 engine defect where connecting rod bearings can wear and seize, potentially causing the engine to stall, catch fire, or lose power while driving.
Two separate transmission concerns also affect this vehicle. On models with a 9-speed automatic or V6 transmission, the park pawl can fail to engage or become contaminated, meaning the car may roll away even when the shifter shows "Park." Separately, the transmission wire harness connections may not be properly crimped, which can cause an unexpected shift into neutral and a sudden loss of drive power. The fuel system has two related issues: particulates in the fuel can clog the fuel pump on V6 models, and a broader fuel pump concern across a wider range of model years can also cause the engine to stall while driving. Rounding out the list, certain all-wheel-drive models built during a narrow production window carry incorrect weight rating values on the safety certification label, which could lead to overloading and tire failure if an owner loads the vehicle to the figures printed there.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing error may cause the connecting rod bearing in the engine to wear and seize, which damages the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and repair or replace it as necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Connecting rod bearings in certain V6 engines may wear prematurely and become damaged, causing engine noise and warning lights. Continued driving risks engine failure.
What the fix does
Honda will mail you instructions to have a dealer inspect your engine. If damage is found, the dealer will replace the damaged parts.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Fuel particles can build up inside the fuel pump, reducing how well it works.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control software and replace the fuel pump if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission wire harness connections may have poor crimps, causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the transmission software to prevent unwanted neutral shifts, based on your transmission's serial number.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission wire harness connections may have been improperly crimped, which could cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift to neutral and lose engine power.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle's software to prevent unexpected loss of engine power from this wiring issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The automatic transmission parking pawl may become contaminated, or the park rod may become dislodged or broken, preventing the transmission from shifting into Park.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The parking pawl in the 9-speed automatic transmission may fail to engage properly. If it doesn't engage and the electric parking brake isn't used, the vehicle could roll away when you release the brake pedal.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your transmission and repair it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The safety certification label has incorrect weight ratings printed on it. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and front and rear Gross Axle Weight Ratings are wrong.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a corrected safety certification label at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vehicle's weight rating label may show incorrect maximum weight limits, which could lead to overloading the vehicle and increasing crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a corrected weight rating label on your vehicle.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
