Acura TLX UB1
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Generations
Engine Overview
The Acura TLX UB1 is available with 2 engine variants — from 152 to 299 hp.
Honda K24 — one of the most reliable four-cylinders ever built. VTC rattle on cold start is normal at higher mileage. Chain-driven, no belt. 400,000 km examples documented.
- ! VTC Actuator Cold-Start Rattle from 160,000 km
Variable timing control actuator produces metallic rattle for 1-3 seconds on cold start due to oil pressure loss during shutdown.
Symptoms: Brief metallic rattle on cold start, disappears when oil pressure builds
Honda J35 V6, workhorse of the Acura fleet. Runs solid when VCM is disabled or dead. Variable Cylinder Management causes progressive oil consumption from ring wear — a VCM disabler or oil catch can is the community's standard countermeasure.
- !! VCM-Induced Oil Consumption from 130,000 km
Variable Cylinder Management reduces ring seal pressure in deactivated cylinders, causing progressive ring and valve stem seal wear. Typical consumption 1 qt per 1,000 miles by 80k miles.
Symptoms: Oil level drops between service intervals without visible leaks, oil warning light before service due, faint bluish smoke on cold starts - !! Connecting Rod Bearing Failure (Recall 23V751) from 145,000 km
Manufacturing defect in connecting rod bearings causes premature wear and catastrophic seizure. Recall 23V751 covers only select VINs.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking from engine, sudden power loss, metal shavings in oil pan - !! Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Recall 23V858) from 50,000 km
Low-pressure fuel pump fails due to particulate contamination, causing engine stall at speed. Three consecutive recalls (2020-2023).
Symptoms: Sudden engine stall during driving, hard start or no-start, power loss during acceleration
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Park Pawl Failure: Vehicle Rolls in Park Park pawl dislodges under certain conditions. Vehicle rolls despite gear selector in P. Always use parking brake as backup. Symptoms: Vehicle rolls after shutdown, clicking when engaging Park, warning message on instrument cluster | High | |
| ZF 9AT: Jerky Shifting — 189 Complaints for 2015 ZF 9HP nine-speed automatic particularly problematic in 2015 model year TLX. Lurching on takeoff, kickdown hesitation, harsh downshifts. Symptoms: Jerking at slow speed, harsh gear changes, delayed response on passing, shudder at standstill from 50,000 km | High | |
| 8-speed DCT shudders on cold start Dual-clutch transmission shudders badly on cold start between first 3 gears. TSB 15-021 with PCM update, problem often persists. NHTSA recall 16V640000. Symptoms: Jerking at 30–45 mph, transmission shifts to neutral, D4 warning light from 30,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 11 weaknesses have been documented for the Acura TLX UB1 (2015–2020) — 4 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: J35 (3.5L V6). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, HVAC, Body. Considered reliable: K24 (2.4L I4).
TLX (J35, 2015–2020) — Stay Away!: VCM-Induced Oil Consumption, Connecting Rod Bearing Failure (Recall 23V751), Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Recall 23V858). Power: 280 PS.
What to watch out for with the Acura TLX? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee