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Happy with their tlx?

956K views 30 replies 22 participants last post by  Dutch9mm 
#1 · (Edited)
I've been lurking on this site for several years. I'm an Accord owner fascinated with TLX, conceptually anyway, but still concerned with reliability. I'm on other forums and I know you get all the complaints but rarely good reviews. I have test driven a 2018 A-Spec SH-AWD, loved it!

So my question is, who's NOT had transmission problems, hard shifts, highway speed vibration, or other pesky problems that keep you running to the dealer? Is the FWD more reliable than SH-AWD? Thanks in advance!
 
#5 ·
I've had two Acuras- my 2016 AWS Tech and a 2008 TL. Both have been as reliable as clocks. To my knowledge, the only TLX's with shifting issues have been the AWDs (and that was mostly the early ones. Not sure about the newer ones). If you live somewhere where there is no snow or torrential rains, consider the AWS.
 
#8 ·
Ah yes you are right, but its called PAWS... Precision All-Wheel Steer. I misread your post and thought your wrote AWD - in either case you are right if you don't need AWD the PAWS / AWS system is super nice. However one thing nice with AWD, is the ability to "fast" start from a read light with any wheel spin. :)
 
#9 ·
No problems. However, I don't have a need to floor it at red lights. Going onto an on-ramp, sure. I've never had a wheel do more than chirp when I've floored it. And the aws goes around corners very nicely. These are lovely cars. Except for the infotainment section, which I have decided is not to my liking. I would have preferred an ApplePlay, but it wasn't available and the only was to retro it is about $800 from a company that looks sketchy. I'm using my Apple Watch for communication, though I still use the on-board map more than than the Apple one. Though even there sometimes the Apple one can find correctly what the Acura one cannot.
 
#10 ·
2015 V6 AWD. The transmission can be hesitant and slighty jerky, but not so bad that it would be a deal-breaker (hence me still getting this car). It also depends on how you drive, in stop and go/small jabs on the accelerator, etc. it will exhibit some of these traits. On the highway, normal acceleration, etc. it's fine and smooth. Otherwise, I've not other issues with reliability, vibration, etc.

Love the SH-AWD, you can really feel it push the rear end around and tighten up the handling vs coasting or braking through a turn. Makes you want to go fast!
 
#11 ·
Glad you're considering a TLX, finally, @slimm !

I have a 2015 TLX V6 with 68,500 mi (I bought it pre-owned with 65,000 mi), and I did have transmission problems. You can read about my journey (and those who came before me) in https://www.tlxforums.com/threads/another-transmission-jerk-thread.41409/page-2#post-320772 .

All told, Acura replaced my transmission, under warranty, just a few days ago, with no hassle or push-back from my local dealership, and the difference is night-and-day! I have no complaints about this car now!

You can read my full review of the vehicle, if you're interested, at https://www.tlxforums.com/threads/2015-acura-tlx-v6-review-base-package.43662/ (note that I have not yet updated the review to reflect the transmission, but I will do that soon!).

Buy it! ;)
 
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#12 ·
They make good cars and the V6 is fun to push some of its limits. If you're looking for muscle car like performance it's not the TLX. It's not marketed as such but you know how people can talk a car up with it's performance. It's more than enough power for the daily and great for merging into a highway. That is only as long as there is not some slow not knowing how to merge onto the highway jerk in front of you that makes it difficult to merge into angry traffic. The 4cyl I'm sure is good enough for some and it probably a little more nimble due to being lighter. The drawback is that other cars will have as much or more power. Interior quality is very nice and I'm fine with the dual screen setup. It will be changed for 2021.
 
#14 ·
I had a 15 V6 SHAWD and it did have a bit of an odd shifting issue when it was cold. Went away once the tranny warmed up a bit. Also had the highway vibrations, but it was a very specific speed, so I just drove faster or slower lol. Still kept the car for 2 years until I upgraded to my 18.

Now I have a V6 SHAWD ASPEC Elite and it has zero issues. 55,000kms (34,000 miles) problem free and it drives great. I'll be keeping it for the foreseeable future unitl I see what the new version has to offer.
 
#15 ·
I now have 13.5k on my 2018, has only been in shop for regular scheduled maintenance. So far mechanically, same as new. L4 is spirited enough in sport mode to have fun. Electronically have bluetooth issues with apple iphone6. Overall happy with my car. Still missing my '05 TL.
 
#16 ·
I have a 2018 TLX A-Spec. The transmission has been fine and no issues with shifting. However, Acura is coming out with a new TLX Type S in 2020. I heard it has a Tirbo Charged V6!!! Acura is previewing it at the Monterey Auto show August 15th 2019. Can't wait to see it.
 
#17 ·
i bought a used, 30k miles 2016 tlx tech paws. i had been reading a bunch about all the issues disgruntled
owners have complained about. figured it was like hotel reviews, some hate, some like, for the same reasons.
i really like this car. runs nice, has some nice features. not a race car, but can be very fun to drive. i've had
sports cars, (vettes, porsche, etc,) this is an all-round good car.
 
#18 ·
i bought a used, 30k miles 2016 tlx tech paws. i had been reading a bunch about all the issues disgruntled
owners have complained about. figured it was like hotel reviews, some hate, some like, for the same reasons.
i really like this car. runs nice, has some nice features. not a race car, but can be very fun to drive. i've had
sports cars, (vettes, porsche, etc,) this is an all-round good car.
Welcome to the forum! Good luck with your 2016 TLX. Post some pictures when you have a chance.
 
#20 ·
I had the exact same concerns when researching to buy my TLX over a year ago.

I have not had a single issue with my 2015 TLX V6 at all. I think it's definitely a case of relying too much on internet reviews, where lets be honest, you're more likely to see negative voices heavily outweigh positive ones. FWD is the way to go, unless you have a strong need for FWD. The one thing I know for certain is that AWD models have FAR more issues than it's FWD counterparts, something that I hear all the time whenever I go in for an oil change and chop it up with the staff.
 
#21 ·
I've been happy with my TLX... no issues thus far that I can complain about... well except for the week info system - fixed in later models and what I believe is a weak battery to support the auto engine idle. But I'm living with it, no regrets.
 
#22 ·
I've been happy with both my 2015 and now 2018 2.4L Tech. models. Only minor quirks. One recent odd thing where the audio portion of the infotainment system went dead. Nothing played, radio, HDD, CD, or any of the music options through Android Auto. Google maps did work however. It came out of its funk after the car set overnight.
 
#23 ·
I've only had my TLX about a month and the only thing I wish is that it had was wider rubber. Mine has the 18" rims and the stock 225-50R18 tires. Don't want to buy new wheels. Anybody ever try 245-45R18? Tire diameter is about the same. Would like to see pic of this size on the car before the investment though.
 
#24 ·
I just bought my 2018 aspec awd about 3 months ago and I was a little worried about the tranny, but so far, it seems just fine.

When I first got it, sometimes I wouldn't gun the throttle enough when making a spirited pass on the freeway so it'd be "confused" as to what gear to grab. But, after about the 3rd week or so, I got used to the inputs and the responses I would get. You have to be pretty deliberate with your gas pedal for the tranny to act right.

This car is very fun to drive, I'm amazed at how it gobbles up hard turns, and it grips so hard in the rain you will scare your passangers with how confident you are maneuvering. Everytime I'm flying down the freeway on the way to Oklahoma (to gamble at the Indian Casino...I live in DFW) I tend to hit 100 mph. It's is just as smooth as 70. I think you'll like buying one.
 
#25 ·
When I first got it, sometimes I wouldn't gun the throttle enough when making a spirited pass on the freeway so it'd be "confused" as to what gear to grab. But, after about the 3rd week or so, I got used to the inputs and the responses I would get. You have to be pretty deliberate with your gas pedal for the tranny to act right.
You explained it exactly like I learned it. You get used to this car and tranny! I do enjoy my TLX.
 
#26 ·
Thanks everyone for your thorough replies. I guess it's the usual or frequent case of hearing all the negatives and not the positives on any review site.
 
#27 ·
So have you made a decision? Going to trade in the Accord for an A-spec? If you're still on the fence just be sure to take an extended test drive of the actual car that you might purchase and that should put your mind at ease.
 
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#28 ·
Bought the 2015 2.4 with Tech package new and with 76k miles am very happy overall. Pluses for me are the smooth quiet ride, fuel economy, audio system and instrumentation. The navigation system user interface is not very good and the bluetooth integration with iPhone glitchy. So I mostly rely on the phone. Maybe the newer CarPlay integration is better. Unexpected repairs were a rear wheel alignment, TPMS receiver replacement and HVAC AUTO button replacement due to LED failure. Even so, service costs compared to German cars are quite reasonable. I replaced the Goodyear tires after the bad factory alignment caused them to wear. The Michelins I replaced them with really make the car drive much better and are worth the cost to me. I wish it had a real spare tire, for road trips out of cell phone range. The 8 speed transmission software can be fooled if you drive hilly rural roads 30-50 mph, especially in cold weather. Since I moved from PNW to flat sunny Phoenix it shifts much more smoothly and predictably. Only regret is I didn’t wait to buy it used. Resale prices seem to be a bargain, I guess because it isn’t an SUV.
 
#29 · (Edited)
Car is stellar!! 2020 Advance V6 AWD...Have owned Honda products (6 of them) since 2005 none with any issues. My Sister has a '15 TLX Advance AWD V6 as well, bought new and car has been flawless for her too! As far as the 9 speed, I have no issues with it nor does my 2019 Pilot Elite which is smooth shifting as well. Getting back to the TLX, its NOT just a fancy Accord. I traded a '17 Accord Touring V6 sedan for it. The TLX is heavier, quieter, better handling and better riding, not to mention the seats are far more comfortable. I do prefer the dual screen for navigation, I dislike the touch screens as they are nothing but fingerprint magnets. I also dislike the standup screens on many cars as they look like an after thought, very cheap appearing. Lastly, I am not into little 4 cyl turbos, they wont go the long haul as a larger 4 cyl, V6 or V8 will. As far as vehicles go, they in the auto media can say the sedan is dead all they like, I prefer the sedan over an SUV any day of the week and rest assured as long as they build them, I will continue to buy them.
 
#30 ·
Don’t be put off by early 9 speed automatic (ZF-9) transmission problems. That problem goes back to 2015 to 2016 in TLX, and MDX/Pilot. I just picked up a 2020 V6 A-Spec, Tech package SH-AWD today, and I have the 2018 Pilot Touring with same powertrain. Previously I had a ‘05 Accord and ‘05 TL, and I can tell you from experience the two cars were stellar, with the Accord being a 2.4 4 cylinder and the TL the 3.2 V6. I test-drove the 2020 Accord and really didn’t warm up to the car. Test-driving the TLX confirmed it was the right car for me except for the Nav/ infotainment system which is awkward and illogical compared to the streamlined Garmin-based system in the Pilot.
 
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