The Acura TLX Type S, reintroduced in 2021, revitalized Acura’s performance sedan lineup with its turbocharged V6, adaptive suspension, and aggressive styling. While praised for its sharp handling and premium features, the TLX Type S isn’t without its quirks. Drawing from owner forums, dealership insights, and technical service bulletins (TSBs), this guide uncovers the most common Acura TLX Type S problems, actionable fixes, and maintenance strategies to keep your luxury sedan running smoothly. Whether you’re a current owner or a prospective buyer, these insights will help you navigate potential pitfalls and maximize your driving experience.
1. Turbocharger and Engine Concerns: Power at a Cost?
The TLX Type S’s 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine delivers 355 hp, but some owners report issues affecting performance and longevity.
Reported Issues
- Turbo Lag and Throttle Response: Drivers note a slight delay in power delivery under 3,000 RPM, particularly in urban driving. This is attributed to the turbo’s size and tuning for mid-range torque.
- Oil Consumption: A subset of 2021–2022 owners report burning 1 quart of oil every 3,000–4,000 miles, exceeding Acura’s “normal” threshold of 1 quart per 1,000 miles.
- Cooling System Strain: Pushing the engine on track days or mountainous roads can trigger overheating warnings, linked to the compact intercooler’s efficiency.
Expert Fixes
- Turbo Lag: Install a pedal commander ($250–$300) to sharpen throttle response or opt for a custom ECU tune (voids warranty).
- Oil Consumption: Switch to 0W-30 synthetic oil (approved by Acura) and monitor levels monthly. Persistent issues may require piston ring inspections under warranty.
- Cooling Upgrades: Aftermarket intercoolers (e.g., PRL Motorsports) improve heat dissipation for $800–$1,200.
Keywords: TLX Type S turbo lag fix, Acura Type S oil consumption, 3.0L V6 overheating solution
2. 10-Speed Transmission Quirks: Smoothness vs. Sportiness
The 10-speed automatic transmission, co-developed with Honda, generally shifts smoothly but has drawn criticism in aggressive driving scenarios.
Reported Issues
- Harsh Downshifts: In Sport+ mode, abrupt downshifts (e.g., 4th to 2nd gear) during deceleration cause jerking.
- Torque Converter Shudder: A humming vibration at 45–55 MPH, reported in early 2021 models, often mistaken for wheel imbalance.
- Delayed Engagement: A 1–2 second lag when shifting from Park to Drive, especially in cold weather.
Expert Fixes
- Software Updates: Acura TSB #21-041 addresses shift logic. Request this update at your dealership.
- Transmission Flush: Replace fluid with Honda/Acura ATF DW-1 every 30,000 miles to mitigate shudder.
- Driving Mode Adjustment: Use “Comfort” mode in stop-and-go traffic to reduce shift aggression.
Keywords: TLX Type S transmission problems, 10-speed automatic shudder fix, Acura torque converter lag
3. Brembo Brake Squeal and Rotor Wear: Performance Trade-Offs
The TLX Type S’s standard Brembo brakes offer impressive stopping power but come with noise and maintenance quirks.
Reported Issues
- High-Pitched Squeal: Common during light braking in humid or cold conditions, caused by semi-metallic pad compounds.
- Premature Rotor Warping: Aggressive driving or hard stops generate excess heat, leading to pulsation in the pedal.
- Dust Accumulation: Brembo pads produce significant brake dust, requiring weekly wheel cleaning.
Expert Fixes
- Pad Replacement: Swap to Akebono ceramic pads ($200–$300/set) for quieter operation and less dust.
- Rotor Resurfacing: Machine rotors at 15,000–20,000 miles if pulsation occurs. Upgrade to slotted rotors (e.g., Power Stop) for better heat dissipation.
- Anti-Squeal Shims: Apply copper-based brake lubricant between pads and calipers to dampen vibrations.
Keywords: Acura TLX Brembo brake squeal, Type S rotor warping fix, Brembo dust reduction
4. Infotainment and Electronics: Frustrations Behind the Screen
Acura’s True Touchpad Interface, paired with a 10.2-inch display, divides owners with its learning curve and responsiveness.
Reported Issues
- Touchpad Lag: Delayed cursor movement, especially when navigating Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
- Random Reboots: The system occasionally restarts mid-drive, often linked to software conflicts.
- Wireless Charger Overheating: Phones overheat on the charging pad, triggering safety shut-offs.
Expert Fixes
- Software Updates: TSB #22-023 stabilizes performance. Ensure your system runs version 520.00 or newer.
- Factory Reset: Hold the power button for 10 seconds to clear glitches.
- Disable Background Apps: Limit wireless CarPlay/Android Auto to essential apps (e.g., turn off Wi-Fi scanning).
Keywords: TLX Type S infotainment lag, Acura touchpad issues, wireless charger overheating fix
5. Suspension and Ride Comfort: Stiffness vs. Control
The adaptive dampers and 20-inch wheels prioritize handling but draw complaints over harshness on rough roads.
Reported Issues
- Excessive Road Noise: Low-profile tires transmit road imperfections into the cabin, particularly on concrete highways.
- Damper Leaks: A small number of 2021 models experienced fluid leaks from the front shocks.
- Creaking Over Speed Bumps: Noise from the rear multi-link suspension during low-speed maneuvers.
Expert Fixes
- Tire Upgrade: Swap to Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 tires for a quieter ride without sacrificing grip.
- Suspension Lubrication: Apply silicone spray to bushings and sway bar links to eliminate creaks.
- Warranty Claims: Damper leaks are covered under Acura’s 6-year/70k-mile powertrain warranty.
Keywords: TLX Type S road noise fix, adaptive suspension problems, Acura damper leaks
6. Interior Build Quality: Luxury with Minor Flaws
While the TLX Type S boasts premium materials, some owners note ergonomic and durability concerns.
Reported Issues
- Seat Bolster Wear: The heavily contoured sport seats show creasing on the outer bolsters after 15,000+ miles.
- Rattling Panoramic Roof: Wind noise and rattles from the moonroof assembly at highway speeds.
- Fading Trim: Piano black surfaces scratch easily, and open-pore wood trim loses luster over time.
Expert Fixes
- Seat Conditioner: Apply Leather Honey every 6 months to prevent cracking.
- Moonroof Adjustment: Dealer technicians can realign the glass panel to reduce wind buffeting.
- Trim Protection: Install aftermarket vinyl wraps (e.g., 3M Scotchguard) on high-touch areas.
Keywords: TLX Type S seat wear, Acura moonroof rattle, interior trim fading solutions
Proactive Maintenance: Extending Your TLX Type S’s Lifespan
- Oil Changes: Every 5,000 miles with synthetic 0W-20 or 0W-30 oil.
- Transmission Service: Fluid flush every 30,000 miles to preserve shift quality.
- Brake Inspections: Check pad thickness and rotor runout biannually.
- Software Updates: Schedule annual system checks for infotainment and ECU patches.
FAQ: Acura TLX Type S Ownership Costs
Q: Is the TLX Type S reliable long-term?
A: Early data suggests above-average reliability, but turbo and transmission longevity beyond 100k miles remains unproven.
Q: Does the TLX Type S require premium gas?
A: Yes—91+ octane is mandatory to prevent engine knock.
Q: Are Brembo brakes worth the maintenance?
A: For performance driving, yes. For daily use, consider ceramic pads to reduce noise and dust.
Q: How much does a TLX Type S oil change cost?
A: $120–$180 at dealerships, depending on location.
Final Verdict: Navigating the TLX Type S’s Quirks
The Acura TLX Type S excels as a driver’s sedan but demands attentive maintenance to mitigate its common issues. By addressing turbo lag with software tweaks, upgrading brake components, and staying vigilant with service schedules, owners can enjoy its blend of luxury and performance worry-free. While not flawless, the Type S remains a compelling alternative to European rivals—provided you’re prepared for its nuances.
Our team is creating outdoor-gear relevant articles with passion. If our articles can help you to find the correct solutions for your questions, we will be happy about that. In the content creation process, we usually collect accurate and useful information online or offline to compile our content in an organized way. Consequently, we can guarantee that you can discover some expected answers to your questions. We appreciate your time on our site.
