Home FAQ

How long will an Acura TLX last?

In general, a well-maintained Acura TLX can last around 200,000 miles or more, and many owners push well past 250,000 miles with diligent care. The exact lifespan depends on maintenance habits, driving conditions, and the specific model year.

What is a typical lifespan for a TLX?

The TLX is built on Honda/Acura engineering that prioritizes longevity. With routine maintenance and sensible driving, you should expect the car to rack up two decades of use or more in many cases. Some owners report reaching 250,000 miles or beyond, while others may see shorter lifespans if maintenance was skipped or aggressive driving was common.

What factors influence how long a TLX lasts?

Several variables determine how far a TLX will go. The following list highlights the most important ones:

Quality and consistency of maintenance, including timely oil changes and fluid refreshes

Driving environment and style (highway cruising vs. frequent heavy city use, aggressive acceleration)

Climate and road conditions (extreme temperatures, salted winter roads, rough roads)

Past accidents or body/frame damage that can affect long-term reliability

Timely replacement of wear items (brakes, tires, suspension components) to prevent collateral damage

Adherence to the maintenance minder recommendations and owner compliance

Overall, the TLX’s longevity hinges on preventive care and steady, attentive ownership. While some early models faced teething issues, the platform’s reliability has generally improved across the years as updates were rolled out.

Tips to maximize the TLX’s lifespan

Use these guidelines to help ensure the TLX remains dependable for as long as possible:

Follow the maintenance minder and the owner’s manual for service intervals

Use high-quality synthetic oil and change it at or near the recommended interval

Keep up with fluid replacements (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid when applicable)

Rotate tires and align wheels regularly to reduce uneven wear

Replace worn components promptly (brakes, suspension parts, belts if applicable)

Address any warning lights or unusual noises early to prevent further damage

By staying proactive with maintenance and attentive to signs of wear, you can significantly increase the odds of reaching high-mileage milestones.

Maintenance milestones and what to expect as miles add up

The following is a practical overview of typical maintenance considerations as a TLX ages. Always defer to the specific year’s manual and your dealer’s recommendations.

Oil and filter changes every 5,000–7,500 miles when using synthetic oil

Tire rotation roughly every 5,000–7,500 miles to promote even wear

Brake fluid replacement every 2–3 years (or as the minder indicates)

Coolant flush at intervals specified by the manual or on signs of degradation

Air and cabin filter replacements at recommended service intervals

Comprehensive inspections at major mileages (e.g., 60k, 90k, 120k, and beyond) to anticipate wear items

Sticking to a disciplined maintenance routine and addressing aging components early are the best strategies to extend the TLX’s life.

TLX variants: how model year and version affect longevity

Different TLX trims and years introduce varying levels of stress and maintenance costs. In general, base TLX models are lighter and may experience less drivetrain strain than higher-output versions, while the high-performance Type S can experience greater wear on turbocharged systems and cooling components. Early TLX models (introduced in 2015) had some reported transmission-related concerns that were addressed over subsequent updates; overall, newer TLX generations have benefited from refinements that can improve long-term durability.

Base TLX vs. Type S: longevity considerations

The standard TLX and the performance-oriented Type S share core Acura engineering, so their lifespans can be similar with correct care. The Type S’ turbocharged setup and higher horsepower demand more diligent maintenance, especially around cooling, oil, and intercooler cleanliness, but does not inherently reduce expected longevity if serviced properly.

Real-world experiences from TLX owners

Across model years, owners commonly report reaching the 200,000-mile mark with routine maintenance, and many push beyond that threshold. While some early TLX owners encountered transmission and electronic issues, these problems have become less prevalent as the platform matured and as servicing practices improved. Overall, TLX ownership tends to reflect a strong balance of performance and durability when maintenance is kept up to date.

Summary

In summary, a properly maintained Acura TLX can reasonably be expected to last at least 200,000 miles, with a solid chance of surpassing 250,000 miles. Longevity hinges on consistent maintenance, mindful driving, and timely replacement of wear items. If you’re shopping for a used TLX, look for a documented maintenance history, a clean service record, and signs of well-kept components. For new or newer TLX models, adhering to the manufacturer’s service schedule and paying attention to the maintenance minder alerts will help maximize longevity.

Final takeaway

With diligent upkeep and sensible driving, the Acura TLX is built for substantial longevity. Its combination of reliable engineering, a strong maintenance framework, and a flexible platform means that many owners can expect a long lifecycle from their vehicle, provided they stay on top of regular care.

Are Acura TLX cars reliable?

The Acura TLX is generally considered a reliable luxury sedan, with low repair frequency and lower severity risk compared to many luxury competitors. However, reliability can vary by model year, with some generations having known issues like transmission problems, particularly with the V6 models' 9-speed automatic. Potential owners should be aware of issues reported in older models, including transmission problems, backup camera condensation, and engine-related recalls on certain V6 models from 2015-2020.
This video discusses common problems and reliability of Acura TLX models from 2015 to 2020: 1mDiscerning CarsYouTube · Jan 23, 2024
Strengths

Overall reliability: The TLX has a lower-than-average frequency of repairs, and the severity of repairs is lower than average for its class, according to RepairPal.
Competitive maintenance costs: It has a reputation for being dependable with reasonable maintenance costs and favorable resale value.
Build quality and safety: The TLX has strong build quality and received a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Weaknesses and common issues

Transmission problems: Some models, particularly V6 models with the 9-speed transmission, have been reported to have issues with shifting and performance.
Specific model year concerns:
- 2015-2020 V6 models: A recall was issued for a connecting rod bearing issue that could cause engine failure. Older models also had issues like transmission problems, backup camera condensation, and speaker blowouts.
- 2023 model year: Some owners have reported transfer case issues, engine problems, and electronic glitches.
Minor complaints: Some owners have reported minor issues such as infotainment system lag, voice assistance features not working as expected, and poor fuel economy compared to some rivals.

What to consider before buying

Research specific model years: Reliability can vary significantly between model years. It's essential to research specific issues and recalls for the year you are considering.
Consider a pre-purchase inspection: Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic to identify any potential issues.
Evaluate your priorities: If you prioritize luxury features and cutting-edge technology over long-term reliability, other brands like BMW or Mercedes-Benz might be a better fit, although they generally have higher costs.

What are good years for an Acura TLX?

The best Acura TLX years depend on your priorities: for a reliable used model, the 2019-2021 are strong choices, while the 2024-2025 are recommended for the latest tech and performance, especially the Type S. The 2018 is often cited as a great value because it has the updated styling and safety features from the first generation without the higher price tag of later models.

This video reviews the first generation Acura TLX, highlighting its reliability and common issues: 1mDiscerning CarsYouTube · Jan 23, 2024
Best for value

2018 TLX: Offers a great mix of updated styling and standard safety features, representing a significant value on the used market.

Best for reliability

2019-2021 TLX: These years are frequently recommended for their strong reliability ratings and owner satisfaction.

Best for new technology and performance

2024-2025 TLX: The most recent models come with significant updates, particularly the improved infotainment system and the performance-focused Type S version.
2021-2024 TLX: The second generation, starting with 2021, brought a full redesign with more modern features and a new turbocharged engine for the standard model.

Things to consider

Engine: The first generation (2015-2020) offered both 4-cylinder and V6 engines, while the second generation (2021+) uses a 2.0L turbocharged engine, with the Type S getting a more powerful 3.0L turbo.
Transmission: Some 2015-2016 models with the 9-speed automatic V6 had rough shifting issues, which were often resolved with software updates or a new battery.
Features: The 2018 model year saw the introduction of the A-Spec package and standard AcuraWatch safety features.

Is Acura reliable after 100K miles?

Yes, Acuras are generally very reliable after 100k miles, especially with consistent maintenance, as they are built with quality engineering from their Honda roots. Key to this reliability is following the recommended maintenance schedule, which includes performing major services like transmission fluid changes and, for models with a timing belt, replacing it around the 100k mark.
Key factors for long-term reliability

Follow the maintenance schedule: Regular oil changes, fluid replacements, and other services are crucial for longevity.
Pay attention to major service intervals: At around 100,000 miles, certain components, like the timing belt in older models, need to be replaced.
Transmission fluid is critical: Changing the transmission fluid at recommended intervals is one of the most important aspects of keeping the car running smoothly long-term.
Consider the engine: While many Acura engines are very reliable, some J-series engines have a history of oil consumption issues, especially older ones.
Potential for issues: As with any car, some issues can arise after 100k miles, such as air conditioning system problems or oil consumption, so it's wise to factor in potential repair costs.

What drivers say

Many owners report driving their Acuras for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues if proper maintenance was performed.
Owners of older models like the TL and MDX often report that the engines remained in good condition even after the transmission began to show wear.

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.

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.