Service Bulletin - The transmission has intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Acura TLX powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Acura TLX have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 TLX | 151 |
| 2016 TLX | 14 |
| 2017 TLX | 18 |
| 2018 TLX | 10 |
| 2019 TLX (this page) | 10 |
| 2020 TLX | 7 |
| 2021 TLX | 23 |
| 2022 TLX | 9 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
"Service Bulletin - The vehicle may exhibit several of the following symptoms: - Multiple indicators are on. - No communication with the i-HDS. - The option fuse (7.5 A) is blown. - MDX: Fuse E21 - TLX: Fuse B7 - MDX: It is hard to shut off the engine. - TLX: The transmission will not shift from park."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - The transmission end cover leaks on vehicles with 9-speed A/T. During assembly, the transmission end cover sealing gasket gets torn.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2019 Acura TLX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 23,633 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.