"Customer letter - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. To ensure your confidence in your vehicle. Acura is extending the warranty coverage for starter and starter relays and a valve adjustment related to this condition to 10 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limitation. This warranty extension provides coverage for the original owner and any subsequent owners. No action is required on your part unless you experience a problem."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Acura TLX electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Acura TLX have filed 43 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 50,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
43
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 TLX (this page) | 43 |
| 2016 TLX | 21 |
| 2017 TLX | 4 |
| 2018 TLX | 16 |
| 2019 TLX | 12 |
1crash
2injuries
What stands out
Of the 7 model years of Acura TLX we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 43.
Owners have filed 43 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
"Customer letter - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Acura is providing a product update with new PGM-FI software update to fix this issue. In addition, to ensure your confidence in your vehicle, Acura is extending the warranty coverage for valve adjustment and starter replacement related to this condition to 10 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limitation. This warranty extension provides coverage for the original owner and any subsequent owners. No action is required on your part unless you experience a problem."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque. Typically, the client can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Service bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Acura TLX electrical system shows chronic failure patterns across multiple distinct problems. Battery drain is the most common complaint—owners replace batteries repeatedly despite factory testing showing "very good" condition, and multiple jump-starts fail to restore starting power. The auto idle-stop feature compounds this: the engine stalls at red lights and refuses to restart without key cycling or extended waits, stranding owners in traffic.
Engine stalls without warning occur at speeds ranging from city traffic to 80 mph on highways. Dashboard lights illuminate all at once—check engine, transmission, brakes, power steering, VSA, lane departure, airbag system. Some vehicles enter limp mode and lose 80% of power output. Re-starting sometimes takes 15-25 cranks over 10 minutes. Transmission failures include unprompted shifts into neutral with 30-minute lockouts before accepting drive command again.
One owner reports soy-based wiring insulation attracting rodents, causing three separate damage incidents within five months costing thousands per repair. Another owner experienced total airbag failure during a high-impact collision with a parked vehicle, resulting in injuries. Sunroof motors reverse during closing, leaving roof stuck open.
Across these issues, dealership diagnostics are inconsistent: dealers reset error codes without identifying root causes, perform software updates that don't stick, replace fuel pumps and spark plugs without resolution, and claim "nothing is wrong" despite repeated failures. Some manufacturers suggested disabling the auto start feature as a workaround.
Same Acura TLX electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Battery drain and auto start/stop failures
Chronic battery discharge from an unknown electrical system drain requiring repeated battery replacements. The auto idle-stop feature fails to restart the engine, leaving owners stranded at traffic lights and intersections. Owners report the electrical system demands exceed alternator charging capacity, especially with the auto start/stop function engaged.
When: Occurs intermittently from early ownership through high mileage; some failures reported in cold weather; patterns consistent across multiple years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains overnight despite testing 'very good' at dealership or AutoZone; Car won't crank or start after overnight parking; Engine stalls at red lights when auto start/stop feature activates; Multiple jump-starts required within weeks or months; Portable car chargers unable to restore starting power; Push-button start fails in cold weather while remote engine start works; All dashboard warning lights illuminate when starting issues occur
Codes mentioned: P0657
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced multiple times (owners report 2–3 replacements); dealers suggest disabling auto start feature as workaround; some owners purchase portable car chargers; dealers offer overnight house chargers as temporary measure; no permanent repair identified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Acura suggested disabling auto start feature; offered overnight charger from American Honda; refused to accept responsibility for charging system design; one recall mentioned (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V779000) but some VINs excluded
Engine stall and limp-mode failures
Engine stalls without warning at various speeds ranging from 0 to 80 mph, often on highways. Multiple system warning lights illuminate, and the transmission may shift into neutral unprompted. Car enters limp mode, drastically reducing power output. Owners stranded for hours unable to restart; re-starting requires engine key cycling or extended wait time.
When: Throughout ownership; some reports from 10,800 miles to 200,000 miles; incidents on highways at 65–80 mph and in city traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power while driving; Complete engine shutdown mid-drive requiring wait or restart cycle to recover; Transmission shifts into neutral unprompted; All dashboard warning lights illuminate (check engine, transmission, emissions, brake system, VSA, hill-start assist, lane departure, parking brake, traction control); Violent deceleration described as 'bucking horse' sensation; Car coasts without engine response after stalling; Loss of power steering and power braking after stall
Codes mentioned: P0087, Cylinder 2 misfire
Repairs/costs cited: High-pressure fuel pump replaced; in-tank fuel pump replaced; fuel rail and sensor replaced; spark plugs replaced; corrosion near sensor cleaned; software updates applied; hard resets performed; torque converter replaced; no permanent fix achieved in reported cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers perform software updates and system resets; unable to duplicate failures in service; replace components based on error codes without resolving underlying issue; no recalls issued for affected VINs in some cases
Loss of power and acceleration failures
Vehicle spontaneously loses acceleration, engine power, and throttle response while driving. Owners report loss of power at traffic lights, on highways, and in urban environments, creating dangerous situations with emergency system warning lights flashing.
When: Starting November 2019 in one early case; recurring throughout ownership; on highways at 65–70 mph and in traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration and throttle response; Poor gas mileage; Jerking and hesitation at speeds 0–40 mph; Multiple warning lights flash on dashboard; Humming noise present (reported in one case); Vehicle fails to accelerate even when driver applies gas pedal; Car slowly loses speed mid-drive
Codes mentioned: P0087
Repairs/costs cited: High-pressure fuel pump replaced; second fuel pump replaced; spark plugs replaced; fuel rail replaced; system resets and hard resets applied; costs 'thousands of dollars' in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple visits to dealership; dealers unable to identify root cause; components replaced based on error codes; error code reset without lasting repair
Rodent damage to wiring harness
Owners report soy-based wiring insulation attracts rodents, squirrels, and mice that chew through vehicle wiring. One owner sustained damage three times within five months (January, March, May 2020), resulting in check engine and transmission warning codes.
When: 2020; three separate incidents within 5 months (January, March, May); newer vehicles appear more susceptible than 2009 Toyota or 2015 Honda Accord parked in same location
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Check transmission warning; Engine won't start or difficult starting after rodent damage; Check engine and transmission codes appear in morning; Extensive wiring damage requiring costly repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs cost 'thousands of dollars' per incident; multiple repair visits required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Corporate office aware of soy-based insulation material but refuses to take responsibility; no recall or TSB mentioned
Transmission and shift control failures
Transmission automatically shifts into neutral unprompted during highway driving or city traffic. Owners unable to shift back into drive, leaving vehicle stranded. Some reports indicate vehicle goes into limp mode and won't accept drive command for 30 minutes or longer.
When: Intermittent; occurs around 60 mph on highways; some reports from early ownership (3 months after purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic shift into neutral while driving; Unable to shift into drive after neutral shift; Transmission error codes displayed; Vehicle continues rolling downhill uncontrolled after shift into park fails; Multiple failed attempts to shift back into drive; Vehicle remains in neutral for 30+ minutes before responding to shift command
Codes mentioned: P0657, Transmission system problem codes
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced on one vehicle less than 3 months after purchase; problem recurred; no permanent fix reported; system updates applied
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership replaced transmission without resolving issue; software updates applied; no recall issued for some affected VINs
All-warning-light dashboard events and electrical system crashes
Vehicle electrical system intermittently crashes, causing all dashboard warning lights to illuminate simultaneously ('like a Christmas tree'). System may shut down the engine, lock transmission into park, or disable parking brake release. Events resolve after power cycling the vehicle or waiting 10–15 minutes.
When: Intermittent; can occur during drive or at stops; one reported incident after 179,000 miles with no prior check engine light
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights illuminate at once; Multiple system warnings: check engine, transmission, power steering, brakes, VSA, ABS, collision warning, adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, seat belt, oil, traction control, hill-start assist, electronic parking brake, LKAS; Engine stalls or dies completely; Parking brake won't release or disengage; Vehicle cannot shift out of park; Power steering and braking unavailable temporarily; SRS airbag light remains illuminated after battery replacement
Codes mentioned: Cylinder 2 misfire, P0657
Repairs/costs cited: Battery disconnection and reconnection resolves symptoms temporarily; battery replacement recommended but problem recurs; some owners disabled auto start feature as workaround
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers perform hard resets and software updates; some dealers suggest disabling auto start feature; no recalls issued for some affected VINs
Airbag non-deployment in collision
Front airbags failed to deploy during high-impact collision with parked vehicle. Vehicle sustained significant front-end damage (crushed front end) but airbags never deployed, resulting in injuries to driver's chest and passenger's hip.
When: During impact with parked car
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags failed to deploy on frontal impact; Driver and passenger chest and hip injuries; After collision, all vehicle systems failed (no braking, no power steering, steering column power-off did not stop vehicle); Vehicle continued rolling backward into retaining wall
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled; no repair attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted by consumer; no further details provided
SRS airbag light malfunction
SRS airbag warning light illuminates and remains on after battery replacement or electrical system events, indicating potential airbag system fault.
When: After battery replacement or electrical system crashes
Symptoms owners cite: SRS airbag light remains illuminated continuously; Light does not clear after power cycling vehicle; Often follows battery replacement or dashboard crash events
Repairs/costs cited: Appears after battery replacement; dealers have not provided repair information in narratives
Sunroof motor control failure
Sunroof reverses direction when closing and contacts wind deflector, preventing auto-close. Sunroof becomes stuck open, allowing wind and debris intrusion at highway speeds.
When: After opening sunroof
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof won't close automatically; Sunroof reverses direction when lowering; Obstruction detected by motor when contacting wind deflector; Wind and debris enters vehicle at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $350/hour labor plus parts; warranty does not cover; owner sought independent repair
Synthesized from 43 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2015 Acura TLX?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2015 Acura TLX?
It's a meaningful issue. 43 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 21,500 and 72,400 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 21,500; a quarter make it past 72,400. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Acura/TLX.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.