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 ↗2020 Acura TLX engine problems
severe Owners of the 2020 Acura TLX have filed 18 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 TLX | 32 |
| 2017 TLX | 24 |
| 2018 TLX | 30 |
| 2019 TLX | 32 |
| 2020 TLX (this page) | 18 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 18 engine complaints filed for the 2020 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
Of the 6 model years of Acura TLX we track for engine problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (18).
Engine accounts for 30% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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 AWD warning light is on with one or more AWD DTCs having been set due to water intrusion into the electric oil pump motor connector area corrodes the terminals.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on during vehicle operation due to variations in the purge control solenoid valve spring, the valve wears unevenly and intermittently sticks. This may result in setting DTC P0441 (Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Purge Flow Malfunction).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Due to variations in the purge control solenoid valve spring, the valve wears unevenly and intermittently sticks. This may result in setting DTC P0441 (Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Purge Flow Malfunction).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Owner Notification 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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2020 Acura TLX engine shows a pattern of stalling and power loss across multiple failure modes. Most common: engine dies at red lights or won't accelerate from a complete stop, sometimes taking up to 90 seconds to restart—a serious highway safety issue. Some owners report total loss of power while driving at normal speeds with little warning.
Rod bearing failure appears in at least two complaints, with one owner facing a second bearing failure just 24,000 miles after the recall repair was completed. A fractured bearing discovered at 62,000 miles required engine disassembly; the owner was later asked to pay 40% of a replacement block cost despite recall history.
Emission system readiness keeps failing at inspection time, with no permanent factory fix. Dealers resort to driving the car in specific patterns and leaving it running during the inspection bay—a band-aid that works until it doesn't.
Two major recalls (23V751000 for engine/cooling and 23V858000 for fuel system) remain incomplete. Owners report parts unavailable at dealerships since 2023, scheduled repair appointments cancelled, and no timeline for resolution. Electrical failures tied to crankshaft seal leaks trigger cascading warning messages and rough running. One owner reports a recurrence of electrical failure even after the component was replaced.
Same Acura TLX engine reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Emission System Readiness Failures
Engine fails to store readiness flags needed for state emissions inspection. Dealership has no permanent fix and relies on temporary driving patterns and OBD monitoring to pass inspection.
When: Year 2 and 3 of ownership, during state inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Repeated failed state emissions inspections; O2 sensor readiness flag issues
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership uses temporary workaround: specific driving patterns and leaving car running during inspection. No software update or permanent fix available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Motor Corp denied the problem exists
Engine Stalling and Loss of Power
Engine stalls at traffic lights, during acceleration from stops, and at highway speeds. Vehicle may lose power completely with little to no warning. Related to NHTSA Campaign 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling).
When: Various mileages: 22,000 to 98,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at traffic lights with auto stop-start; Engine stalls during acceleration from complete stop; Complete loss of power while driving; No warning lights or delayed warning lights; Engine fails to restart immediately (up to 90 seconds)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose or repair in most cases due to part unavailability. One case: engine replacement attempted but not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V751000 parts unavailable since recall issued in 2023
Rod Bearing Failure
Engine rod bearings fail, causing engine knock, loss of compression, and complete engine failure. Occurs even after bearing replacement under recall.
When: 62,000 miles; recurrence 24,000 miles after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knock; Loss of power while driving; Oil warning light illuminated (stated as 8,000 miles overdue)
Codes mentioned: PE 25008
Repairs/costs cited: Engine disassembled; fractured rod bearing found. Crankshaft and bearings replaced under recall; bearing spun again shortly after. Owner reports dealer asking for 40% cost-share on second short block replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall repair performed but no coverage for subsequent bearing failure. Manufacturer declined reimbursement for out-of-warranty repair.
Electrical System Failures Affecting Engine
Electrical failures reoccur and contribute to engine running issues. Oil leakage from crankshaft seal into sensors triggers multiple warning messages and rough idle.
When: Pre-62,000 miles; recurrence at 70,990 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical system failure; Oil leaking from crankshaft seal into sensor; Pull Over Immediately message displayed; Hill Start Assist, Collision Mitigation, Road Departure Mitigation, Blind Spot Info system messages; Rough idle and failure to accelerate
Repairs/costs cited: Electrical system replaced; failure reoccurred. Crankshaft seal leak repaired under NHTSA Campaign 23V751000; issue persisted. Dealer performed unknown repair after 30-mile test drive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V751000 applied but did not resolve underlying issue
Fuel Pump / Fuel Injection Recall Parts Unavailability
NHTSA Campaign 23V858000 (Fuel System) parts remain unavailable as of mid-2024, nearly two years after recall issuance. Owners unable to complete recall repairs despite appointments scheduled.
When: Recall 23V858000 issued in 2023; parts still unavailable in 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling (related to fuel system issue); No parts available at dealerships despite manufacturer claims
Repairs/costs cited: Recall appointments cancelled due to parts unavailability. No repairs performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V858000 parts distribution disconnect—unavailable at dealer level despite recall issuance
Power Loss on Inclines
Vehicle loses power and speed when attempting to accelerate on uphill sections.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power on inclines; Engine decreases speed when accelerating uphill
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle lost power. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the engine was not replaced. The contact related…
Had engine trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Acura TLX?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 18 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 57,070 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 $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/2020/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.