U.S. public vehicle records

2023 Acura TLX TYPE S problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

8 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

Not available median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2023 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 8 complaints (87.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Transmission and shifting	3	37.5%
Engine operation	2	25.0%
Steering behavior	1	12.5%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train

Unknown Or Other

Wheels

Power Train: 7; Unknown Or Other: 2; Wheels: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

No usable failure mileage is recorded. 8 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2023

2025

2026

2023: 1; 2025: 2; 2026: 5

Pattern summary

Power Train leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 11723162 · 2026-03-09 (March 9, 2026)

1. Transfer Case-SH-AWD failure-> No, it was recently replaced at the dealership at no cost. 2. Failure with the AWD system would cause me to be in FWD, only causing failure in steering input, especially in turns. 3. The car was put onto the lift and attempted to spin all 4 wheels, only the front 2 spun. Also, they noticed a seal failure/leak from the Transfercase/Transmission. 4. Acura Technicians recommended the replacement after spotting my concern and pointing out the exact issue 5. No lights or warning since the failure happened I had no i…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11723162 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11723340 · 2026-03-10 (March 10, 2026)

Short Description Transmission-to-PTU splines, causing AWD loss and requiring full transfer case and transmission replacement. Summary This drivetrain failure poses an unreasonable safety risk due to the sudden loss of AWD capability, lack of alerts, and resulting instability. My experience is consistent with dozens of documented cases and matches the mechanical fault pattern already under federal review. Given the potential for severe loss of vehicle control, a full investigation and corrective action (including a recall) is necessary. Sympt…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11723340 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11664265 · 2025-06-02 (June 2, 2025)

Transfer case documented as leaking on 3-22-2025/ 35,846 Miles while doing regular oil change in my driveway. Brought to the dealership and they confirmed the transfer case needed to be replaced. If the transfer case went during operation, it could have lead to a dangerous situation with loss of power and control to the rear wheels. Problem was confirmed after dealership performed visual inspection. Component was not inspected by police, insurance, or others. No warning lamps, just accumulating liquid on the under-body panels and seeping fro…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11664265 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11748982 · 2026-07-08 (July 8, 2026)

Transmission and transfer case failure. Causing the loss of power to the rear wheels. Reducing the traction and stability of the vehicle.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11748982 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

8 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

0.0%Usable mileage0 / 8 records

100.0%Valid incident date8 / 8 records

100.0%Valid filing date8 / 8 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates8 / 8 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
Power Train	2887.5% ODI 11619288 Transfer case splines sheared, causing the awd system to fail. This eliminates power output to the rear wheels and could cause a loss of control while driving in sub par road conditions. This appears to be a very common issue among the Type-S trim. Look up ODI 11619288 at NHTSA ↗	888.9% ODI 11640757 The vehicles AWD system has prematurely failed as confirmed by the car dealership Acura of Pembroke Pines that I have taken it to. The lack of traction to the rear wheels causes excessive torque steering and constant engaging of the VSA system if the road is even remotely wet and the vehicle is under anything more than mid level acceleration. There are several Acura TLX Type-S trim vehicles that are being reported to have this common issue and Acura / Honda is keeping this quiet and replacing the prematurely failing transmission and transfer ca… Look up ODI 11640757 at NHTSA ↗	787.5% ODI 11664265 Transfer case documented as leaking on 3-22-2025/ 35,846 Miles while doing regular oil change in my driveway. Brought to the dealership and they confirmed the transfer case needed to be replaced. If the transfer case went during operation, it could have lead to a dangerous situation with loss of power and control to the rear wheels. Problem was confirmed after dealership performed visual inspection. Component was not inspected by police, insurance, or others. No warning lamps, just accumulating liquid on the under-body panels and seeping fro… Look up ODI 11664265 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine	412.5% ODI 11615217 I am reporting a critical safety issue with my 2021 Acura TLX (VIN: [XXX] ), specifically related to the transmission and transfer case. The problem is centered around the transmission’s spline splitting into the transfer case, which causes severe jerking while driving. The car moves forward erratically, jumping up and down, and on multiple occasions, the vehicle has shut off while driving at highway speeds. This is extremely dangerous and poses a significant risk to my life and others on the road. This issue is widely reported by other Acura … Look up ODI 11615217 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	26.3% ODI 11615217 I am reporting a critical safety issue with my 2021 Acura TLX (VIN: [XXX] ), specifically related to the transmission and transfer case. The problem is centered around the transmission’s spline splitting into the transfer case, which causes severe jerking while driving. The car moves forward erratically, jumping up and down, and on multiple occasions, the vehicle has shut off while driving at highway speeds. This is extremely dangerous and poses a significant risk to my life and others on the road. This issue is widely reported by other Acura … Look up ODI 11615217 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	225.0% ODI 11541928 New car three months old. Did not include spare tire. Tried ordering one and told it was backordered. Told Acura considers spares accessories. I don’t. Now have new car with no spare , no tools to change flat tire, no Jack. No help from Acura other than they’ll let me know when the spare kit is available. I consider this a potentially serious safety problem. Look up ODI 11541928 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 11729471 Subject: Vehicle Data Submission for Investigation DP26001 To the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), I am submitting maintenance data for my Acura TLX Type S (VIN: [ВСТАВ ТУТ VIN]) to assist with the ongoing DP26001 investigation regarding the AWD Transfer Case (PTO) splines. The vehicle is a US-specification model currently operated in [XXX] . Maintenance Facts: At 29,000 km (18,000 miles): PTO fluid was changed. Metallic debris was observed in the fluid. At 43,000 km (26,700 miles): PTO fluid was changed again. Silver metallic shavin… Look up ODI 11729471 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Internal:Shaft:Output	13.1% ODI 11712885 See Attached Letter for potential Defect Petition DP26001 Look up ODI 11712885 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Steering	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 11729471 Subject: Vehicle Data Submission for Investigation DP26001 To the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), I am submitting maintenance data for my Acura TLX Type S (VIN: [ВСТАВ ТУТ VIN]) to assist with the ongoing DP26001 investigation regarding the AWD Transfer Case (PTO) splines. The vehicle is a US-specification model currently operated in [XXX] . Maintenance Facts: At 29,000 km (18,000 miles): PTO fluid was changed. Metallic debris was observed in the fluid. At 43,000 km (26,700 miles): PTO fluid was changed again. Silver metallic shavin… Look up ODI 11729471 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Suspension	13.1% ODI 11624322 I would like to report a serious safety issue with the 2021 Acura TLX Type s. Recently in April 2024, while driving, I heard a loud pop from the vehicle, and it turned out that the transfer case had burst into the transmission. This failure has rendered the rear-wheel drive non-functional, resulting in severe oversteer. This oversteer is especially dangerous because the vehicle is now operating as front-wheel drive, which creates an unpredictable and hazardous driving experience. This issue could lead to a catastrophic transmission failure, pa… Look up ODI 11624322 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
No usable records for this analysis.

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	25V031000	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	2	None	ODI 11664265 Transfer case documented as leaking on 3-22-2025/ 35,846 Miles while doing regular oil change in my driveway. Brought to the dealership and they confirmed the transfer case needed to be replaced. If the transfer case went during operation, it could have lead to a dangerous situation with loss of power and control to the rear wheels. Problem was confirmed after dealership performed visual inspection. Component was not inspected by police, insurance, or others. No warning lamps, just accumulating liquid on the under-body panels and seeping fro… Look up ODI 11664265 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11664848 Transfer case Look up ODI 11664848 at NHTSA ↗
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	3	None	ODI 11723162 1. Transfer Case-SH-AWD failure-> No, it was recently replaced at the dealership at no cost. 2. Failure with the AWD system would cause me to be in FWD, only causing failure in steering input, especially in turns. 3. The car was put onto the lift and attempted to spin all 4 wheels, only the front 2 spun. Also, they noticed a seal failure/leak from the Transfercase/Transmission. 4. Acura Technicians recommended the replacement after spotting my concern and pointing out the exact issue 5. No lights or warning since the failure happened I had no i… Look up ODI 11723162 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11723340 Short Description Transmission-to-PTU splines, causing AWD loss and requiring full transfer case and transmission replacement. Summary This drivetrain failure poses an unreasonable safety risk due to the sudden loss of AWD capability, lack of alerts, and resulting instability. My experience is consistent with dozens of documented cases and matches the mechanical fault pattern already under federal review. Given the potential for severe loss of vehicle control, a full investigation and corrective action (including a recall) is necessary. Sympt… Look up ODI 11723340 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11723602 Lost power to rear wheels. AWD system failure. I was denied repair at my local dealership as they insisted the car was fine. I told them I had no awd they didn’t believe me. I was then forced to trade my car into them for a massive $$ loss becuase i feared for my safety driving a fwd car in the winter. I don’t know who owns the car now. I actually have a video of it happening. I can send you it if you work with me. Thanks. Look up ODI 11723602 at NHTSA ↗
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	2	None	ODI 11748393 While making a right turn from a stop the car made a bang sound followed by grinding upon acceleration. I took my 23 TLX type S to a local Dunn Tire and asked them to put it on the lift. They raised all tires off the ground, started the car, and accelerated. Only the front wheels spun. This is the exact scenario lots of consumers have reported with this model when the transfer case splines break off the shaft. The car is driving without error lights but feels different while corning. It's very concerning that the car has 41k miles on it and is … Look up ODI 11748393 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11748982 Transmission and transfer case failure. Causing the loss of power to the rear wheels. Reducing the traction and stability of the vehicle. Look up ODI 11748982 at NHTSA ↗
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2022: 0 complaints · 2023: 4 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2022	0	0	0
2023	1	2	4

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2022	9	0	0
2023	8	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Power Train	Unknown Or Other	Wheels
Power Train	—	1 ODI 11723340 Short Description Transmission-to-PTU splines, causing AWD loss and requiring full transfer case and transmission replacement. Summary This drivetrain failure poses an unreasonable safety risk due to the sudden loss of AWD capability, lack of alerts, and resulting instability. My experience is consistent with dozens of documented cases and matches the mechanical fault pattern already under federal review. Given the potential for severe loss of vehicle control, a full investigation and corrective action (including a recall) is necessary. Sympt… Look up ODI 11723340 at NHTSA ↗	0
Unknown Or Other	1 ODI 11723340 Short Description Transmission-to-PTU splines, causing AWD loss and requiring full transfer case and transmission replacement. Summary This drivetrain failure poses an unreasonable safety risk due to the sudden loss of AWD capability, lack of alerts, and resulting instability. My experience is consistent with dozens of documented cases and matches the mechanical fault pattern already under federal review. Given the potential for severe loss of vehicle control, a full investigation and corrective action (including a recall) is necessary. Sympt… Look up ODI 11723340 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 11541928 New car three months old. Did not include spare tire. Tried ordering one and told it was backordered. Told Acura considers spares accessories. I don’t. Now have new car with no spare , no tools to change flat tire, no Jack. No help from Acura other than they’ll let me know when the spare kit is available. I consider this a potentially serious safety problem. Look up ODI 11541928 at NHTSA ↗
Wheels	0	1 ODI 11541928 New car three months old. Did not include spare tire. Tried ordering one and told it was backordered. Told Acura considers spares accessories. I don’t. Now have new car with no spare , no tools to change flat tire, no Jack. No help from Acura other than they’ll let me know when the spare kit is available. I consider this a potentially serious safety problem. Look up ODI 11541928 at NHTSA ↗	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

3 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 37.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11664265

Look up ODI 11664265 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11723602

Lost power to rear wheels. AWD system failure. I was denied repair at my local dealership as they insisted the car was fine. I told them I had no awd they didn’t believe me. I was then forced to trade my car into them for a massive $$ loss becuase i feared for my safety driving a fwd car in the winter. I don’t know who owns the car now. I actually have a video of it happening. I can send you it if you work with me. Thanks.

Look up ODI 11723602 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11748982

Transmission and transfer case failure. Causing the loss of power to the rear wheels. Reducing the traction and stability of the vehicle.

Look up ODI 11748982 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 12.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11723162

Look up ODI 11723162 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 12.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11723340

Look up ODI 11723340 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b