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Are Acura TLX expensive to fix?

For most TLX owners, routine maintenance is reasonably affordable, and serious repair bills are not the norm. Overall, the TLX sits in the mid-range for luxury-sedan repair costs, with costs driven largely by age, mileage, and the specific model year and engine.

The Acura TLX has evolved over its generations, and costs can vary based on whether you’re dealing with a newer model still under warranty or an older one out of factory coverage. This article outlines what drives repair bills, typical maintenance and major-repair price ranges, and tips to manage ownership costs in 2025.

Cost drivers for the TLX

Several factors determine how much it costs to fix a TLX, from how old the car is to the local labor market. The following items are the most influential on repair bills across model years and configurations.

Age and mileage: Higher mileage and older components tend to require more frequent repairs and part replacements.

Engine and drivetrain configuration: Different powertrains have varying part costs and service requirements; some setups may need more specialized labor.

Warranty status and service history: A still‑covered vehicle can reduce out‑of‑pocket costs; neglecting scheduled maintenance can lead to bigger bills later.

Regional labor rates: Labor costs vary by city and state, and can significantly affect total repair costs.

Parts availability and cost: OEM parts and availability influence prices; aftermarket options can offer savings but may affect long‑term reliability perceptions.

Model year revisions and recalls: Updates to components or recall work can change typical repair costs between generations.

Ownership pattern: Frequent highway driving or aggressive use can accelerate wear on brakes, tires, and suspension components.

Understanding these drivers helps buyers and owners budget for maintenance and plan for potential repairs over the life of the TLX.

Age and mileage impact

As the TLX ages and accumulates miles, components such as brakes, tires, suspension parts, and electronics may require replacement or refurbishment more often. The likelihood of more expensive items like transmission wear or cooling-system components increases with higher mileage, though well‑maintained examples can remain economical to fix well into later years.

Engine options and maintenance demands

Different engine choices in the TLX come with distinct maintenance profiles. Some configurations may have higher parts costs or require specialty labor, which can influence total repair bills. Regular inspections and timely maintenance help keep these costs predictable.

Warranty, service history, and location

A TLX still under factory or extended warranty typically minimizes major out‑of‑pocket repairs. A complete service history from a reputable shop or dealer also helps when negotiating cost expectations, while shopping around for labor in regions with lower rates can reduce bills.

Typical maintenance and repair costs

Here is a practical breakdown of what owners may encounter for routine upkeep versus larger, less frequent repairs. Prices vary by shop, region, and parts choice, but these ranges give a sense of scale.

Routine maintenance and service: Oil changes, filter changes, and fluid top‑offs typically run about $100–$150 at a dealership and $60–$120 at an independent shop.

Tires (all four): Replacing a full set can range from roughly $600–$1,200 depending on tire size and brand.

Brakes (pads and rotors per axle): Expect about $300–$600 per axle, more if rotors are heavily worn or if you opt for higher‑performance parts.

Battery replacement: Generally in the $120–$260 range, depending on battery type and where you buy it.

Scheduled maintenance (inspection, fluids, spark plugs, etc., at typical service intervals): About $150–$300 per service, depending on the scope and whether you use a dealer or independent shop.

Annual maintenance cost range (typical year, not accounting for major repairs): Roughly $500–$1,000, with higher costs if tires or brakes are due.

Costs vary widely by model year and maintenance history. Keeping up with routine service and addressing issues early can help prevent larger bills later.

Major repairs to anticipate

Major repairs are less frequent but can be costly when they occur. The following items are among the more expensive possibilities you might encounter on a TLX, depending on year and configuration.

Transmission service or replacement: In the range of several thousand dollars, depending on whether a full rebuild, replacement, or just a service is needed and on the specific transmission type used in your TLX generation.

Cooling and related components (water pump, thermostat, hoses): $400–$1,500 depending on part and labor.

Suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings): $500–$2,000 per affected axle, depending on parts and labor complexity.

Electrical system issues (sensors, infotainment, harnesses): Diagnostics can run a few hundred dollars, with repairs ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand when multiple modules are involved.

Turbocharger or related forced‑induction components (for turbo models): $1,000–$4,000 depending on the fault and whether components can be repaired or must be replaced.

These figures illustrate the potential scale of major repairs. The likelihood and cost depend heavily on model year, maintenance history, and where the work is performed.

Reliability and ownership experience

Across its generations, the TLX has generally earned solid reliability ratings for a luxury compact sedan. Owners report strong daily usability, comfortable ride quality, and respectable long‑term durability when the model is properly maintained. As with any used car, reliability can vary by year, with some early versions encountering more frequent electronics or drivetrain concerns, while later updates tend to improve robustness. Prospective buyers should review service histories, look for comprehensive recalls completion, and consider a pre‑purchase inspection to gauge expected repair costs for a specific example.

Buying tips to minimize repair costs

Smart steps can reduce the likelihood of surprise repairs and help keep ownership affordable.

Check full service history and verify adherence to recommended maintenance intervals.

Get a pre‑purchase inspection by an independent mechanic familiar with Acura vehicles.

Consider certified pre‑owned (CPO) TLX models with remaining factory warranty for added protection.

Budget for tires, brakes, and routine fluids so you aren’t caught off guard by scheduled replacements.

Shop around for labor rates and parts, but balance price with the quality of work and availability of OEM parts.

With careful shopping and maintenance, the TLX can remain a reasonable choice among premium midsize sedans in terms of repair costs.

Summary

Are Acura TLX repairs expensive to fix? Not inherently. Routine maintenance tends to be affordable for a luxury brand, and major repairs are possible but not common, especially with good maintenance and warranty coverage. Costs vary by model year, engine, mileage, and local labor rates. Staying on top of service, planning for tires and brakes, and using reputable shops can help keep ownership costs predictable and manageable.

Is the Acura TLX worth buying used?

Strong Resale Value
A used Acura TLX offers a great balance between affordability and long-term value. As a luxury sedan, it offers premium features, performance, and advanced technology without experiencing the steep depreciation that typically affects new vehicles.

Are Acura TLX expensive to maintain?

The average annual repair cost for a Acura is $501, which means it has above average ownership costs. The other factors that contribute to Acura reliability include an average of 0.4 visits to a repair shop per year and a 8% probability of a repair being severe.

What is the common problem for Acura TLX?

Common Acura TLX problems include transmission issues (especially in early models), infotainment glitches (like frozen screens and unresponsive touchscreens), and premature brake wear. Other frequently reported problems are speaker failures, backup camera condensation, rear-wheel steering noise, and issues with the electronic parking brake or auto start/stop system.

This video discusses common problems with the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, including transmission issues: 59sAutoMotivateYouTube · May 16, 2021
Powertrain and engine

Transmission: Early 8-speed dual-clutch transmissions (2015) have been particularly problematic, with some later models also experiencing issues.
Engine issues: Some V6 models have recall-related engine bearing issues. Other reports include EGR failures, fuel pump failures, and erratic idling.
Auto start/stop: The system can be unreliable or cause rough shifting in some models.

Electrical and infotainment

Infotainment system: Software glitches, such as freezing, crashing, and Bluetooth issues, are common due to coding flaws and memory overload.
Touchscreen: The touchscreen can become unresponsive over time.
Audio system: Speaker blowouts and complete audio failure from faulty amplifiers or grounding issues have been reported.
Parking brake: Some models have a faulty electronic parking brake that can activate unexpectedly, often accompanied by warning lights. A weak battery or a fuel filler neck issue can also cause problems.
Alarm system: Randomly triggered alarms have been reported on some models.

You can watch this video to learn about specific checks for common problems with the Acura TLX, such as backup camera issues: 39sDriving.caYouTube · Sep 11, 2021
Brakes and steering

Brakes: Premature wear of brake pads and rotors is a frequent complaint, often requiring more frequent replacement than expected.
Brake pulsation: Warped rotors can lead to vibration and grinding noises.
Steering: Vibration, especially noticeable during acceleration, can occur. Some models with Precision All-Wheel Steer (PAWS) may exhibit a rattling noise from the rear when turning.
Power steering: Some owners have reported a failure of the power steering system.

Is the Acura TLX a reliable car?

The Acura TLX is generally considered a reliable car, especially with proper maintenance, but some model years and configurations have known issues. Lower costs for repairs and maintenance compared to the average luxury car indicate good reliability, though some owners have reported problems with specific components like transmissions, electrical systems, and adaptive suspension plugs.
Areas of concern

Transmission issues: Some models, particularly those with the 9-speed ZF transmission, have been reported to have hard or hesitant shifting.
Electrical problems: Some owners have experienced issues with dashboard warning lights coming on, sometimes related to the wheel speed sensor.
Adaptive suspension: The adaptive suspension on certain models has a potential issue with corroding rear suspension plugs, which can be costly to repair.
V6 engine: Some older V6 models are known to have potential issues like misfires or high oil consumption, particularly as mileage increases.

Positive indicators

Lower repair costs: The average annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a TLX is lower than the average for luxury midsize cars.
Owner satisfaction: Many owners report high satisfaction with the driving experience, features, and overall performance.
Strong safety ratings: The TLX has received high safety ratings and comes with many standard safety features.

Recommendations

Consider the 4-cylinder model: Some owners suggest the 4-cylinder engine may be more reliable over the long term compared to the V6.
Check service history: When buying a used TLX, a complete service history is essential to ensure all maintenance has been performed on time.
Be aware of specific model year issues: Research the specific model year and trim you are interested in, as some have known problems that have been reported by owners.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.