What is the Acura TLX class action lawsuit?
The TLX has been the subject of several separate class action lawsuits rather than one blanket nationwide case. In broad terms, these complaints allege defects in certain TLX model years—most often around transmission performance and related powertrain or electronic issues—and seek remedies such as monetary compensation, extended warranties, or covered repairs. Statuses vary by year and court, with some settlements reached and others still pending or ongoing. Owners should verify current information for their specific vehicle year and jurisdiction.
The Acura TLX debuted in 2014 for the 2015 model year as a midsize luxury sedan. Over the years, a number of plaintiffs have claimed problems that affect TLX reliability and value, leading to separate class actions filed in federal and state courts. This article explains what these suits typically cover, how they proceed, and how TLX owners can determine their potential eligibility for remedies.
Understanding class actions and their relevance to TLX owners
A class action allows many people with common claims against a manufacturer to pursue relief in a single lawsuit rather than thousands of separate suits. In auto defect cases involving the TLX, plaintiffs often rely on theories such as breach of warranty, product liability, or consumer protection statutes. If certified as a class, eligible owners may share in any settlement or court-awarded remedy, subject to court approval and individual claim requirements.
TLX issues that have appeared in lawsuits
The following list outlines the kinds of complaints that have appeared in TLX-related class actions. The exact issues and eligible model years vary by case and jurisdiction.
- Transmission problems, including shuddering, harsh or delayed shifting, and loss of power in certain TLX models with a particular 9- or 10-speed automatic transmission configuration.
- Electrical and infotainment glitches, such as screen freezes, software update failures, or connectivity issues affecting navigation, Bluetooth, or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality.
- Engine performance concerns in some model years, including misfires or power loss that plaintiffs allege are tied to manufacturing defects or software controls.
- Warranty-related allegations, where plaintiffs claim the manufacturer failed to honor implied or express warranties for documented defects.
The specifics of each suit depend on the model year, the court, and the alleged defect. These class actions are separate from ongoing or past safety recalls overseen by regulatory agencies.
How class actions for TLX claims typically proceed
Understanding the typical lifecycle helps owners gauge what to expect if they encounter a TLX-related class action. The following steps are common across many auto defect cases.
- Filing of a complaint in a court where the plaintiff(s) seek to certify a class of TLX owners with similar claims.
- Class certification process, where a court determines whether the claims are sufficiently common and whether representative plaintiffs can adequately represent the class.
- Notice to potential class members and opt-in/opt-out procedures, depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the settlement or litigation.
- Negotiation of a settlement or a trial on the merits, which may result in monetary compensation, extended warranties, or covered repairs for eligible owners.
- Final settlement approval by the court and implementation of remedies, subject to administrative and legal processes.
In practice, not every TLX owner is automatically part of a class action. Eligibility depends on model year, the specific defect claimed, and whether the class was certified or a settlement was reached. Owners should monitor official notices and consult with a qualified attorney to determine their options.
How to check if your TLX may be part of a settlement or lawsuit
To avoid missing potential remedies, use these steps to verify current information and determine eligibility.
- Check official court dockets and notices for any TLX-related class actions affecting your vehicle year and location.
- Review recall and remedy information on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database by entering your VIN or searching by model year.
- Visit reputable class action resources and law firm pages that track TLX-related suits and settlements, such as class action news sites or the defendants’ counsel postings.
- Consult a qualified consumer attorney who can assess whether you are a member of an already certified class or if you have separate individual claims.
Notes: Settlement notices and eligibility criteria can change. Always rely on official court documents, NHTSA records, or properly licensed legal counsel for current guidance.
How Acura/Honda has responded to TLX-related lawsuits
Automakers frequently respond in one or more of these ways: defending the claims, engaging in recall campaigns, offering goodwill repairs or extended warranties in some cases, and negotiating settlements when feasible. The exact response depends on the year, the jurisdiction, and the specifics of the allegations. Regulatory agencies, such as NHTSA, may also issue recall notices or investigate defects independently of private lawsuits.
- Disclosure of recall campaigns tied to TLX models and consideration of goodwill repairs or extended warranty adjustments when warranted by the defect pattern.
- Defense of claims in court, including motion practice and, if necessary, trial or settlement negotiations.
- Compliance with regulatory inquiries and, where appropriate, cooperation with investigations by federal or state agencies.
- Communication with customers through official channels about remedies, recalls, or service programs that may affect TLX owners.
Because outcomes depend on the specifics of each case, TLX owners should monitor notices and seek professional legal advice to understand how any settlement or remedy may apply to them.
Summary
There is no single Acura TLX class action lawsuit. Instead, multiple, year- and issue-specific cases have been filed against Acura/ Honda over the TLX, focusing mainly on transmission and related defects, with a mix of settlements, ongoing litigation, and regulatory actions across different jurisdictions. Owners should verify the current status for their model year, review recall and remedy information from NHTSA, and consult a qualified attorney to determine eligibility for any settlement or remedy. Staying informed through official notices and reputable legal resources is essential for TLX owners navigating these actions.
Is there a recall on the Acura TLX?
Recent Acura TLX recalls include a 2021-2023 fuel leak recall, a 2021-2025 brake pedal recall, and a 2015-2020 connecting rod bearing recall that can cause engine failure. To check if your specific vehicle is affected, use the Acura Recall Lookup tool with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Recall repairs are performed by authorized dealerships at no cost to the owner.
Recent recalls
- 2021-2023 Fuel Leak: A misaligned weld in the fuel filler neck may cause a fuel leak, which could be indicated by a fuel odor.
- 2021-2025 Brake Pedal: The brake pedal pivot pin may not have been properly secured, allowing the pedal to shift and potentially leading to an inability to brake correctly.
- 2015-2020 Connecting Rod Bearing: A manufacturing defect can cause premature wear of the connecting rod bearing, leading to engine seizure, stalling, or failure.
- 2015 Transmission: Some 2015 TLX models have a transmission wire harness connection issue that could cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.
How to check and get repairs
- Find your VIN: Locate your VIN on the driver's side door frame or lower corner of the windshield.
- Check for recalls: Go to the Acura Recall Lookup tool and enter your VIN to see if your car has any open recalls.
- Schedule an appointment: Contact an authorized Acura dealership to schedule a free repair for any open recalls.
What is the average payout per person for a class action lawsuit?
There is no reliable average payout per person for a class action lawsuit because it varies dramatically based on factors like the type of harm, the total settlement amount, the number of people involved, and attorney fees. While some cases result in very small payouts (cents to dollars), others can be hundreds or thousands of dollars, and some severe cases have resulted in individual payouts of $5,100 to $10,000 or more.
Factors that influence the payout amount
- Size of the class: With more claimants, the total settlement money is divided among more people, resulting in a smaller individual share.
- Total settlement amount: Cases involving more severe harm or larger-scale corporate misconduct can result in a higher total settlement fund.
- Type of harm: The severity of the harm plays a significant role. Health-related harms, physical injuries, or large-scale corporate misconduct often lead to higher payouts compared to cases involving less direct financial loss.
- Attorney fees: A portion of the total settlement is paid to the attorneys, which reduces the amount available for individual class members.
Examples of varying payouts
- Low payouts: In large-scale consumer cases, individual payouts can be very small, sometimes just cents or a few dollars, especially when a very large number of people are involved.
- Higher payouts:
- Volkswagen emissions settlement: Eligible car owners received between $5,100 and $10,000 each.
- Juul settlement: Qualifying claimants received up to $9,000 per person.
- Severe injury cases: For severe injuries like permanent disability, payouts can reach millions of dollars.
Why is Acura discontinuing TLX?
Acura is discontinuing the TLX primarily due to declining sales and the broader market shift away from sedans towards SUVs and crossovers. In recent years, TLX sales have dropped significantly, and Acura is focusing on higher-demand vehicles, including new electric SUVs like the upcoming RSX, which will replace the TLX on the production line.
- Declining sales: The TLX's sales have been in a steady decline since 2015, with sales figures for 2024 showing only a fraction of its previous peak. For example, in the first half of 2025, only 3,634 units were sold.
- Market shift to SUVs: The automotive industry is seeing a major shift in consumer preference from sedans to SUVs and crossovers. Acura's decision reflects this trend, as they are reallocating resources to their more popular SUV models.
- Focus on electric vehicles: Acura is also pivoting towards electrification, and the production capacity at the TLX's Marysville, Ohio, plant will be used for a new electric SUV, the RSX.
- Brand strategy: The discontinuation is part of Acura's larger strategy to streamline its lineup and focus on future growth areas, such as electric vehicles and its SUV offerings.
What is the class action lawsuit on the Acura TLX?
Plaintiffs allege that the Auto Idle Stop feature in the Class Vehicles is defective because the engine may not automatically restart when a driver releases the brake pedal, which can leave the vehicle temporarily undrivable (“AIS No Restart”). Plaintiffs further allege that Honda was aware of the alleged defect.
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