2021 Acura TLX power train problems
26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2021 Acura TLX — 38% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The transfer case and transmission splines have been stripped causing the car to be FWD only. The issue was confirmed by the dealer, and both the transfer case and transmission were replaced under warranty. The car shuddered, followed by a drivetrain noise for a few seconds. No warning lights or…”
filed Aug 29, 2026
“Transmission and transfer case failure. Noticed a very small amount of fluid leaking and took to dealership. Dealer informed me that I was "lucky" to have noticed and that the transfer case spline failure had occurred. Notified that the problem could lead to sudden loss of all wheel drive and loss…”
filed Aug 22, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other TLX years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 TLX | 10 | 40% |
| 2020 TLX | 7 | 11% |
| 2019 TLX | 11 | 12% |
| 2018 TLX | 11 | 12% |
| 2017 TLX | 18 | 25% |
| 2016 TLX | 15 | 14% |
| 2015 TLX | 160 | 47% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Acura TLX
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.