2021 Acura TLX Type S transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed May 31, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   While accelerating from a stop, I heard a loud bang from the drivetrain area and initially believed another vehicle had struck the rear of my car. After checking my surroundings, I realized there had been no collision. Immediately after the incident, the vehicle lost power delivery to the rear wheels. The vehicle is designed as an all-wheel-drive performance sedan, and the sudden loss of rear-wheel power significantly changed the way the vehicle handled. The vehicle became…

   NHTSA complaint #11741121 · source
2. Filed Apr 2, 2026WITransmission & Drivetrain

   The All Wheel Drive (AWD) system of the vehicle became partially inoperable after hearing a loud bang under normal vehicle acceleration some time in early 2025. The vehicle did not trigger or display any warnings stored in the onboard computer or on the dash display that the AWD system had any faults or issues. Had this system failed during an emergency situation involving hazardous or dangerous driving conditions like snow, ice, heavy rain, it could have caused me to not…

   NHTSA complaint #11728955 · source
3. Filed Mar 7, 2026NYTransmission & Drivetrain

   The transfer case in my Acura TLX Type S failed due to the internal splines stripping at approximately 57,600 miles. I heard a loud bang while attempting to maneuver out of a parking spot that was covered in snow. When this occurred, the transfer case was no longer able to transfer power to the rear wheels, causing the all-wheel-drive system to stop functioning. As a result, the vehicle effectively operated as front-wheel drive only. The most concerning part of this failure…

   NHTSA complaint #11722731 · source
4. Filed Jan 21, 2026GATransmission & Drivetrain

   This 2021 Acura TLX Type-S has experienced a complete failure of the transfer case after approximately 40,000 miles of use. This unfortunately is a known issue on the online forums for this vehicle in model years 2021-2023. I have a video inspection performed by the local dealership proving this. The only warning is a one-time loud boom when accelerating and a leaking from the transfer case of fluid thereafter. There is no safety issue best I can tell, however the car only…

   NHTSA complaint #11712500 · source
5. Filed Oct 31, 2025OHTransmission & Drivetrain

   Was driving the car under normal acceleration when the transfer case failed. No power to the rear wheels. Acura dealer confirmed the problem. Will be fixed under warranty. No warning lamps or messages on the dash.

   NHTSA complaint #11696739 · source
6. Filed Oct 16, 2025FLEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving my 2021 Acura TLX Type S, I began losing traction frequently during normal daily driving, especially when turning corners or accelerating from a stop sign or stop light. At first, I believed the issue was related to my tires, so I replaced them, but the same problem continued. After researching online, I discovered that transfer case failures are a known issue on these vehicles, affecting both new and used models. Currently, my vehicle is at the dealership, but…

   NHTSA complaint #11693788 · source
7. Filed Sep 24, 2025CTTransmission & Drivetrain

   - The transfer case failed causing the AWD system to stop working -It is a safety concern because you may lose control since no power is going to rear wheels, especially in inclement weather that we receive in the northeast. -Yes the problem has been confirmed by dealership by putting car on lift and seeing that no power is being sent to the rear wheels. -There are no warning lights or any signs, you just hear a loud bang while driving and lost of traction while accelerating

   NHTSA complaint #11689393 · source
8. Filed Aug 17, 2025OHTransmission & Drivetrain

   While performing a right turn, under normal acceleration a loud "pop/clunk" occurred. I immediately pulled into a parking lot as the vehicle was still able to drive. The vehicle runs as normal, no leaks of any kind present. Nothing visibly broken. Afterwards, I was able to determine with the vehicle suspended off of the ground, I am getting power only to the front wheels. Utilizing google, it's easy to see that this has become a MASSIVE issue on this particular model TLX…

   NHTSA complaint #11681206 · source
9. Filed Jun 7, 2025NJTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving normal, I heard a pop sound coming from the bottom of the car which resulted in my AWD not working. On acceleration the car would spin the front wheels and the traction light would light up. Took to dealer and they confirmed the transfer case and transmission failed and had to be replaced. The splines between both components had stripped.

   NHTSA complaint #11665477 · source
10. Filed Jun 5, 2025TNTransmission & Drivetrain

    • Transfer Case failure, leading to transmission damage. • Vehicle gives no indication of Transfer Case failure, in turn, giving the Driver the impression that the vehicle is AWD. Potential risk to safety as the failure happened under normal driving conditions, vehicle suddenly jolts, with loss of power. • Problem addressed by Dealership Service Dept. but not able to recreate, as this is a drivetrain fault. • Vehicle and components inspected by Dealership Service Dept. only.…

    NHTSA complaint #11665179 · source
11. Filed Jun 5, 2025MNTransmission & Drivetrain

    -Transmission and transfer case failed, specifically the splines on the input shaft connecting the two, rendering the vehicle FWD instead of AWD. Parts are not available to inspect as they were returned to dealer. -While the vehicle could still function in front wheel drive, the lack of AWD could be a safety risk in poor weather or road conditions, especially given that the vehicle does not send an error code for this issue. -Problem was reproduced by the dealer, who…

    NHTSA complaint #11665162 · source
12. Filed Jun 2, 2025FLTransmission & Drivetrain

    At 36,823 miles and October 11,2024 I was taking off from a stop. About 10 seconds into my take off I heard a loud bang and hard jerk. Dash cam caught it happening. As soon as it happened I was still moving forward but just coasting. As soon as I accelerated a tiny bit it sounded like metal being beaten around inside something. No warning light or CEL came on. Nothing. After I parked it the sound disappeared and it seemed to drive fine but a little different. I noticed then…

    NHTSA complaint #11664344 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology