2020 Acura TLX engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

26 owners have reported engine problems with the 2020 Acura TLX, 41% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 60,000 mi.

Engine complaints
26
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
60,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine19
Engine and engine cooling7
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control1

Engine complaints across Acura TLX years

64201538201629201741201841201926202052021220221202412025
Engine complaints by model year. The 2020 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k230k–60k460k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 23V751000Nov 13, 2023248,999 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.

    Risk: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.

What owners say

  1. Filed Aug 5, 2026GAEngine
    - The engine system failed and it is available for inspection -While driving on the highway at normal traffic speed, my vehicle suddenly developed a loud knocking noise and the check engine light lit up. Within moments, the engine lost power and became inoperable, leaving me unable to continue driving while being 300 miles away from home. This incident occurred at about 5-6AM, having to maneuver through traffic before the sunrise. This created a serious safety risk because…
    NHTSA complaint #11754884 · source
  2. Filed Feb 2, 2026OHEngine
    PE 25008 The engine knock started on 12/22/25. Motorcars Acura recommended get a case number & have the 2020 TLX towed in for a diagnostic. Online case # XXX Towed to Motorcars on 12/23/25. Talked to Michelle with customer relations & she was going to call Motorcars for info. Motorcars, without my permission, pulled the oil pan & inspected the bearings. #6 rod bearing failed. On 1/15/26, Michelle with customer relations told me that they will not offer reimbursement to…
    NHTSA complaint #11714897 · source
  3. Filed Jan 11, 2026TXEngine
    Recall performed on 2020 Acura TLX 3.5 for rod bearing recall. Crankshaft and bearings were replaced. 24000 miles later, the engine spun a bearing again with all the new internals. All maintenance records were supplied when the car was brought in. Acura is wanting me to pay 40% of the cost for a short block.
    NHTSA complaint #11710271 · source
  4. Filed Nov 19, 2025NCElectrical SystemEngine
    49,622 mark on my 2020 Acura tlx AWD… auto stop was enabled, car was at stoplight, engine attempted to re-engage but did not and car went into “neutral”… and the lights stayed on. I immediately turned on blinkers to avoid crash and and attempted to re start car, I shifted into Park, shut down car and re-started it successfully. I am seeking repair or disablement of the auto stop system, this is a safety hazard to myself and my family as well as others who had to go around…
    NHTSA complaint #11700396 · source
  5. Filed Nov 4, 2025TXEngineOther / Unknown
    On or about October 21–22, 2025, I brought my 2020 Acura TLX (brown, 99,000 miles, VIN [XXX] ) to Goodson Acura of Dallas for a recall repair related to engine concerns. The vehicle was returned to me on October 24, 2025. Shortly afterward, the car began to lag and hesitate while accelerating. On November 3, 2025, while driving to a doctor’s appointment on the Bypass Bridge in morning traffic, the vehicle suddenly stalled and lost power completely. This created a dangerous…
    NHTSA complaint #11697430 · source
  6. Filed Oct 28, 202598,000 miALTowedEngine
    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 the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING);…
    NHTSA complaint #11696140 · source
  7. Filed Sep 26, 2025MAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light, the emission system failure, and electronic parking assist messages were displayed. Additionally, the AWD feature had become inoperable, making the vehicle difficult to steer. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. After disconnecting and reconnecting the negative battery terminal, the system was reset and the failure was corrected, but…
    NHTSA complaint #11689856 · source
  8. Filed Feb 22, 2025CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The recall impacting my fuel injection has not been fixed since 2023 i have been waiting. I was told parts are available now and would be called by someone but that has been more than a month ago.
    NHTSA complaint #11644299 · source
  9. Filed Feb 20, 202570,990 miFLTowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Pull Over Immediately" message was displayed. The contact's wife pulled over, and the "Hill Start Assist Problem", "Collision Mitigation System Problem", "Road Departure Mitigation Problem", and "Blind Spot Info System Problem" messages were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that there was oil leaking from the crankshaft seal into…
    NHTSA complaint #11643913 · source
  10. Filed Jan 30, 2025TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that an appointment was scheduled with the local dealer for the recall repairs; however, the contact was informed by…
    NHTSA complaint #11639635 · source
  11. Filed Nov 27, 2024WAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    the engine failed and lost all power to the car. It is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because if i was going on a freeway and freeway speeds i probably would have crash and potentially crash into other people, causing a huge safety issue. The problem has been confirmed by dealer. They said it is very possible the engine rod bearing could have caused this. This is being inspected by Acura. Prior to failed there were no warning lamps or indicators. They…
    NHTSA complaint #11627740 · source
  12. Filed Nov 15, 2024ILEngineOther / UnknownSuspension
    I've received the recall notice for my car about 2 years ago. I've tried to schedule time with the dealership to get it fixed but they just keep telling me they don't have the parts or I have to wait till something "bad" happens first for them to prioritize me. This seems really unsafe and bad practice. I've reached out to Honda and they have open a case to review this but has not gotten back to me since. The car has stall once and a few times during the engine shut off…
    NHTSA complaint #11625453 · source

Other 2020 Acura TLX problem areas

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (17)
  • Electrical System (10)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (7)
  • Other / Unknown (6)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (6)
  • Brakes (4)
  • Wheels & Tires (3)
  • Airbags (3)
  • Suspension (2)
  • Steering (1)
  • Body & Structure (1)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (1)

Back to all 2020 Acura TLX problems →

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