2021 Acura TLX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 39%of 72 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,039miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Acura TLX, 39% of the 72 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,039 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I'm losing power than normal all of a sudden. When I step on the gas after light hits green in sport and sport plus mode my car losses traction even when traction control is on, and I hear a loud clunck sound. After the the loud clunck sound the car losses RPM while driving I step off the gas and step back on it and the RPM goes back to normal again.”
NHTSA complaint #11754848, filed 2026-08“The all wheel drive failed do to transfer case splines being sheered off between the transmission and transfer case. No warning lights are on to warn of the rear wheel tires not receiving power to them. I was not aware of this problem and this could have contributed to and accident, as I though the AWD was working, but it wasn't.”
NHTSA complaint #11725554, filed 2026-03“My vehicle was performing as expected, but there was a smell of burning oil or rubber. When I took the car into the dealership the found that the transmission was slipping and the transfer box was failing. In the video they sent of the initial inspection there is obvious brown sludge leaking from the transmission. I was told that a complete transmission and transfer case was required.”
NHTSA complaint #11724400, filed 2026-03“Driving towards the gas station, still at lows speeds while I was in the neighborhood so speed limit was 15mph. I can hear and feel the car struggle to move forward, about 2 minutes into the drive a hear a big TOON and check engine light is on for about a minute before going away. I filled gas and headed back home and I heard a larger TOON but this time all the warning light came up. …”
NHTSA complaint #11723440, filed 2026-03“I took this vehicle to get serviced in the summer of 2025. I recently joined an Acura Type S (2021+) group on Facebook and learned that the issue is quite prevalent. I had to have the transmission and transfer case replaced due to transmission issues and traction issues”
NHTSA complaint #11750163, filed 2026-07Related service bulletins
- 10252481Mar 27, 2024Service Bulletin - During engine start in cold conditions, a miscalculation in the PCM causes the air-fuel ratio to exceed DTC rich criteria.
- 10203800Nov 23, 2021Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on with DTC P061B (PCM Internal Malfunction) is stored.
- 10202909Oct 26, 2021Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on with DTC P061B (PCM Internal Malfunction) is stored.
- 10196882Jun 1, 2021Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on with DTC P0236 (Turbocharger Boost Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Problem) stored.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 40% |
| 2023 | 2 | 18% |
| 2022 | 10 | 40% |
| 2021 | 28 | 39% |
| 2020 | 7 | 11% |
| 2019 | 11 | 12% |
| 2018 | 11 | 11% |
| 2017 | 18 | 25% |
| 2016 | 15 | 14% |
| 2015 | 161 | 47% |
Other parts of the 2021 Acura TLX
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsLane departure
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Acura TLX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology