How common are transmission problems on the 2021 Acura TLX?

NHTSA lists 26 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 TLX, which is 38% of the 69 total complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do 2021 Acura TLX transmission failures happen?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 93,039 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Acura TLX transfer case or transmission?

No related recall is listed in the data for this issue on the 2021 TLX.

Do these transmission issues cause crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data for this component on the 2021 TLX shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.

2021 Acura TLX Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 26 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Acura TLX, 38% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 93,039 miles. There is no related recall on file for this issue.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 26; 38% of 69
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 93,039 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Transfer case splines strip or shear off, cutting power to the rear wheels without any warning light coming on.
Transmission and transfer case fluid leaks appear at the seal between the transmission and rear differential, sometimes noticed during routine oil changes.
Transmission slips or fails to upshift out of first gear, with revving engine but no forward power increase.
Some owners report a loud bang or 'toon' noise from the drivetrain accompanied by a brief check engine light.
Owners describe a burning oil or rubber smell before dealers find transmission slippage and transfer case failure requiring full replacement.

When 2021 Acura TLX transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 28, 2021, latest Aug 29, 2026.

26 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2021 to Aug 2026; peak Mar 2026 (4).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Acura TLX

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by TLX model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20120 (0%)
2015160 (47%)
201615 (14%)
201718 (25%)
201811 (12%)
201911 (12%)
20207 (11%)
202126 (38%)
202210 (40%)
20231 (10%)
20242 (40%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2021 Acura TLX?: NHTSA lists 26 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 TLX, which is 38% of the 69 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do 2021 Acura TLX transmission failures happen?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 93,039 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Acura TLX transfer case or transmission?: No related recall is listed in the data for this issue on the 2021 TLX.
Do these transmission issues cause crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data for this component on the 2021 TLX shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.