The contact owns a 2016 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal clicking sound was coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the connecting rod bearing was defective. The contact was instructed to no longer drive the vehicle. Upon investigation, the…
2016 Acura TLX engine problems
moderate 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 31 engine complaints filed for the 2016 Acura TLX, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 31 engine 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.
Among the 6 model years of Acura TLX in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Unusual noise from engine when idle, which increases gradually
The contact owns a 2016 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not…
The contact owns a 2016 Acura TLX. The contact stated while starting at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic,…
The contact owns a 2016 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal…
The car would go in ACC mode while parked and running and warning lights would appear on the dash (pictured below). While parked and running, the car also accelerates up & down. I can visibly see the acceleration meter moving before the car goes into ACC. Also, while in the drive the car would go in neutral mode. I’ve called several dealerships and I have been put on a “waiting list” and have not…
The contact owns a 2016 Acura TLX. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The check engine warning light was Illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with catalytic convertor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Had engine trouble with your 2016 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 engine problem on the 2016 Acura TLX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 31 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 43,610 and 125,000 miles, with the median around 119,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,610; a quarter make it past 125,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2016/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.