2016 ACURA TLX

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1+ quart per 1,000 miles), Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Engine misfire codes, Complete engine seizure if oil level drops too low

Fix: The 3.5L V6 has defective piston rings that fail to seal properly. Requires complete engine teardown, new pistons, rings, honing cylinders, often new bearings. Expect 25-35 labor hours for rebuild, or 15-20 for short block replacement if available. Many owners opt for used low-mileage engine swap (12-16 hours) to avoid internal unknowns.

Estimated cost: $5,500-9,500

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Harsh shudder during low-speed acceleration (15-25 mph), Hesitation when shifting from stop, Inability to find correct gear, hunting between ratios, Complete loss of forward gears or limp mode

Fix: ZF 9HP transmission in V6 models has torque converter clutch shudder and software issues Honda addressed with multiple TSBs but never fully fixed. Software updates help temporarily. Transmission fluid replacement with Honda DW-1 every 30k helps but doesn't prevent failure. Ultimate fix is torque converter replacement (8-10 hours) or full transmission replacement/rebuild (12-18 hours).

Estimated cost: $3,200-6,800

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddle under vehicle, driver's side, Low transmission fluid warning, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Burnt transmission fluid smell

Fix: The transmission cooler lines where they connect to the radiator corrode and crack, especially in salt-belt states. Lines run along subframe and are exposed to road debris. Replacement requires dropping portions of undertray. 2-3 hours labor plus fluid refill and system flush recommended.

Estimated cost: $450-800

Symptoms: Engine stalling while driving, No-start condition, Loss of power at highway speeds, Check engine light with fuel pressure codes

Fix: NHTSA recall covers defective fuel pump impellers that can crack and cause sudden engine stalling. Acura will replace the fuel pump assembly free of charge. If not yet done, this should be priority #1. Non-recall fuel pump replacement is 3-4 hours (tank drop required on some model years).

Estimated cost: $0 (recall) or $800-1,200

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Visible engine movement when accelerating hard, Rattling from engine bay over bumps

Fix: Upper transmission mount (torque rod) deteriorates and separates. Common wear item but fails earlier on TLX than comparable Honda platforms. Replacement is straightforward, 1.5-2 hours. Often replaced alongside engine mounts for complete driveline refresh.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Rough idle, Misfire codes on specific cylinders, Poor fuel economy, Hesitation on acceleration

Fix: The 2.4L direct-injection system develops carbon buildup and injectors fail electrically or mechanically. One injector replacement is 2-3 hours (intake manifold removal), but often multiple injectors show wear. Walnut blasting intake valves recommended at same time (add 3-4 hours).

Estimated cost: $600-1,200 per injector, $1,800-3,000 for all four plus carbon cleaning