2019 Acura TLX Complaints

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 01/01/2026

Both headlight lenses on my 2019 Acura TLX developed severe internal stress cracking (crazing) with no external damage of any kind. The cracking appears to originate from inside the housing, consistent with heat stress or a manufacturing defect. Both headlights cracked identically and simultaneously, which rules out accidental damage. Acura corporate has denied a goodwill repair, classifying this as normal wear and tear. Estimated repair cost is 4,000. I believe this is a manufacturing defect and may affect other 2019 Acura TLX owners.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 03/23/2026

I am formally requesting a neutral third-party arbitration review under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act to compel American Honda Motor Co. to provide a permanent mechanical remedy—specifically, the sourcing and installation of a brand-new, redesigned engine assembly (Engine #Four)— This vehicle frame is now on its third engine block. Car was bought 11/30/2024. At Grubbs Acura, fuel pump safety recall that involves flashing/re-calibrating the Engine Control Unit (FI-ECU) software was done. Just a few weeks after new fuel pump, the vehicle displayed sudden stalling symptoms. The engine suffered a terminal, catastrophic internal collapse. The vehicle was towed to Grubbs Acura where Corporate Honda directed a forced out-of-pocket internal engine teardown. The physical teardown explicitly confirmed a catastrophic connecting rod bearing failure (spun bearing) identical to the structural manufacturing flaws currently under active federal investigation by the NHTSA under Preliminary Evaluation PE25008 / RQ24-025. Corporate Honda subsequently issued a verbal agreement to fully reimburse my out-of-pocket teardown fees. Because a manufacturer will never fund diagnostic labor if evidence of owner fault is present, this corporate reimbursement serves as formal validation that no owner maintenance neglect occurred, and that the engine died exclusively from an inherent component defect. Gunn Acura (San Antonio, TX) confirmed with my vin, that Engine #3 was a warranty/dealer-installed replacement unit at 22,000 miles. It failed after less than 40,000 miles of total operation. A professionally manufactured and dealer-installed engine is reasonably expected to last well beyond 40,000 miles. The manufacturer network cannot utilize arbitrary part-ownership rules or uncooperative, fragmented dealer communications. The original factory-installed engine and the dealer-installed replacement engine both suffered identical connecting rod bearing failures.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 10/23/2024

The contact owns a 2019 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving on the highway, the vehicle intermittently started to accelerate slowly and then it unexpectedly surges forward. The dealer was contacted regarding the issue but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unavailable.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 03/17/2026

I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding the execution of NHTSA Recall 24-002 (Connecting Rod Bearing Replacement) by an authorized Acura dealership, and a fundamental safety flaw in Acura’s official Service Bulletin for this recall. My vehicle underwent "Repair #1" under this recall, which involved opening the engine block and replacing the rod bearings due to a factory defect that causes metal-on-metal wear. However, upon picking up my vehicle, I discovered the dealership left the old, dirty oil filter attached to the engine. I reviewed Acura’s Service Bulletin 24-002 and realized the "Required Materials" list explicitly omits a new oil filter for Repair #1. Because dealerships strictly follow this bulletin for warranty reimbursement, they are systematically leaving old filters on engines that just received new bearings. This means old, metal-contaminated oil trapped in the filter is immediately recirculated through the brand-new precision bearings. This procedural flaw directly jeopardizes the integrity of the engine, completely undermining the purpose of the safety recall and putting drivers at risk of sudden engine failure at highway speeds. I have time-stamped video and photographic evidence of my vehicle’s mileage (61,325) and the untouched, original oil filter immediately after returning home from the dealership. Acura Corporate was contacted regarding this procedural negligence and failed to provide a resolution. I am requesting the NHTSA investigate Acura's repair procedures for Recall 24-002 to prevent further unsafe vehicle modifications.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 02/27/2026

The contact owned a 2019 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while pulling into a detached garage at 3-5 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated through the wall and was hanging out 2/3 of the way. The contact sustained injuries to his head, and medical attention was not provided. The air bag deployed as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The building inspector and fire department were on the scene. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot by the insurance company. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 14,500. The vehicle was deemed a total loss.

ENGINE — Filed 10/31/2025

My engine has been replaced under warranty for connecting rod bearings failing before the recall 23V-751 existed. 40,000 miles later it failed again. I have paper work and other information available upon request. The vehicle is currently on it's third short block replaced by Acura. No CEL or anything prior to when the knocking started.

STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 11/28/2025

The contact owned a 2019 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH the vehicle was losing forward velocity and the steering was pulling slightly to the right. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly and violently turned to the right. The contact was not aware of any warning lights. The contact was unable to counter turn and the vehicle crashed into the guard rail on the right front bumper. The contact stated that the force of the crash shot his vehicle to the left, crossed two lanes of traffic and crashed into the guard rail on the left side of the highway. The contact stated that this crash with the guardrail deployed the drivers side curtain air bag. The contact stated that the force of the crash shot the vehicle to the right and he drove off of the roadway down a slight embankment. The contact was able to stop and exit the vehicle. The contact saw that front bumper had sheared off and that the right fender and wheel well were crushed. The contact stated that the he could see the right tire suspension and control arms were exposed and fractured. The contact stated that the damage of the left side of the vehicle was not as severe. The contact stated that the passenger side curtain air bag had also deployed. The contact stated that the police were on scene and wrote a report. The contact stated that he was transported by ambulance to the ER. The contact stated that he had bruises and cuts on his right temple and check and swelling, cuts and bruises on the left cheek and left temple and forehead. The contact stated he was released after treatment. The contact stated that the vehicle had been towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact had received recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and related the failure to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

SEATS — Filed 04/19/2024

Drivers seat trim has broken 3 times, and is now causing the seat to come apart from the entire trim around the seat.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 11/15/2025

Internal failure of front facing camera. This has caused issues with the auto braking abd lane assist. My mechanic recreated the issue and tried to clear the codes but said camera needs replacing. Acura should recall this or compensate people, it is over 1500. Car is only 6 years old

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 11/03/2025

In 2022, my 2019 Acura TLX A-Spec received a warranty engine replacement due to a spun bearing. At that time, recall 23V-751 (connecting rod bearing defect) did not yet exist. Recently, the replacement engine developed a pronounced knocking/ticking noise at idle and during light acceleration. Multiple independent mechanics and an Acura service department confirmed the noise is abnormal and consistent with connecting rod bearing wear as described in the recall. Acura advised that my VIN is not included in the recall because the original engine was replaced. However, the replacement engine was supplied by Acura prior to the recall and may contain the same defective components. The dealership and Acura corporate did not inspect the internal components or verify whether the replacement engine used the revised bearing parts — they only referenced the VIN and engine number to deny recall eligibility. I currently have an open case with Acura, and the vehicle is scheduled for diagnostic inspection. I was informed that if the issue is determined to be related to recall 23V-751, diagnostic costs may be reimbursed, but there is no guarantee. This situation raises concern because my symptoms, timeline, and component failure are consistent with the known defect, yet my vehicle remains excluded from coverage. Given the safety implications of possible engine seizure or loss of power while driving, I am requesting that NHTSA review whether vehicles with Acura-supplied replacement engines should also fall under recall 23V-751. All service records and warranty history with Acura are available for review upon request.