2018 Acura TLX Reliability Report

Owners of the 2018 Acura TLX frequently report issues related to the power train, notably involving engine failure and transmission problems. Common symptoms include engine knocking, stalling, and complete engine seizure, with some incidents occurring around 68,000 to 120,000 miles. Transmission issues are described as rough shifting and banging into gear, particularly between 30 to 45 mph and when starting to drive. Safety implications are evident in reports of sudden acceleration leading to a crash with injuries, as well as incidents of vehicles rolling due to worn-out shifter buttons. These complaints highlight potential risks for buyers considering this model, especially in terms of engine reliability and transmission performance.

Owners of the 2018 Acura TLX frequently report issues related to stalling and engine performance, often linked to fuel pump recalls that some vehicles are not covered for despite exhibiting similar symptoms. Typical symptoms include unexpected stalling, engine vibrations, and vehicles slipping into neutral, with some reports indicating these issues occur even with low mileage. Additional complaints involve malfunctioning infotainment systems that freeze and affect backup camera and GPS functionality, as well as keyless entry and emergency call system malfunctions. Safety implications are noted in instances where the Collision Mitigation Braking System activates unexpectedly, causing abrupt stops. These issues could be critical for used car buyers to consider, especially regarding unresolved recall coverage and potential repair costs.

Owners report issues with the fuel system of the 2018 Acura TLX, particularly with the high pressure fuel pump. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as hesitation, jerking during acceleration, engine surging while idle, and vehicles entering "limp mode" with reduced speed capabilities. These issues often occur around 55,000 miles, and some owners note that problems persist even after recall repairs. Safety implications include the risk of being rear-ended due to sluggish acceleration and potential vehicle stalling. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially if considering a used model with similar mileage.

Owners of the 2018 Acura TLX frequently report steering-related issues, including problems with the vehicle's control arms and various electronic steering systems. Complaints often describe warning lights for systems such as lane keep assist, vehicle stability, and precision steering, with some vehicles experiencing a sudden loss of steering control or alignment issues. These issues are mentioned in vehicles with mileage ranging from approximately 31,081 to 46,987 miles. Several reports highlight significant safety risks, including the potential for loss of steering control and difficulty in maintaining vehicle stability, which could lead to collisions, especially at higher speeds. Used car buyers should be aware of potential costly repairs related to rear toe actuators and P-AWS actuators, which are noted in multiple complaints.

Owners of the 2018 Acura TLX frequently report issues with the vehicle's forward collision avoidance systems, particularly involving unexpected activations and warning lights. Common symptoms include sudden, unneeded braking while the vehicle is in motion and multiple dashboard warning lights for systems such as Collision Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist. These issues often occur around 54,000 miles, though some owners report problems soon after vehicle maintenance, such as alignments. Safety implications are noted, with one owner expressing concern about the potential for rear-end collisions due to abrupt braking. Buyers should be aware that some owners resort to disabling the system to avoid these issues, and there are no known fixes or technical service bulletins addressing the problems.

Owners of the 2018 Acura TLX report issues with the service brakes, specifically noting two main problems. One complaint describes a vibration occurring when brakes are applied at highway speeds or during complete stops. Another owner details a malfunction in the brake sensing system, which unexpectedly brings the vehicle to a halt without any obstruction ahead, potentially posing a safety risk of being rear-ended. This incident occurred on a city street, and the dealership acknowledged similar experiences among other drivers but found no system errors. These issues are reported without specific mileage, but the malfunction reported occurred in early 2020, suggesting it may emerge after some use.

Owners of the 2018 Acura TLX report two distinct issues related to safety features. One complaint involves the collision mitigation braking system, which unexpectedly activates, causing the vehicle to come to a sudden stop without any apparent obstruction. This issue occurs at speeds over 35 mph, both on local streets and highways, and poses a risk of rear-end collisions. Another complaint highlights the inaccessibility of rear seat anchors for child safety seats, with owners stating the hooks are positioned too far under the seat to be usable. These reports suggest potential safety implications for both sudden braking and child seat installation.