2021 Acura TLX power train problems

“VEHICLE LOSING TRACTION WHILE DRIVING. CONFIRMED BY [XXX]'S ACURA IN [XXX]. CONFIRMED: TRANSFER CASE WITH BAD TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE NOW INOPERABLE.”

“I am submitting this complaint regarding a major drivetrain failure in my 2021 Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD with approximately 86,643 miles. My vehicle experienced a complete loss of AWD. The front two wheels are receiving power, but the rear wheels are no longer receiving power. An independent mechanic initially diagnosed a transfer-case/drivetrain failure and advised that the transmission may also be involved. I then took the vehicle to OH Acura of Temecula, where the Acura dealership independently diagnosed the vehicle with transmission and transfer-case failure. The service manager confirmed that my independent mechanic’s diagnosis was accurate. The dealership provided a repair estimate of approximately $16,000. I am concerned because NHTSA previously opened investigation DP26-001 regarding reported failures involving the transmission and transfer case in 2021–2023 Acura TLX SH-AWD vehicles. My vehicle is now experiencing a complete loss of AWD consistent with the issue described in that investigation. I also experienced an unusual grinding noise on September 21, 2026, which lasted approximately five minutes before stopping. I was subsequently told the noise was…”

“The transfer case and transmission splines have been stripped causing the car to be FWD only. The issue was confirmed by the dealer, and both the transfer case and transmission were replaced under warranty. The car shuddered, followed by a drivetrain noise for a few seconds. No warning lights or messages appeared when the incident occurred. The issue occurred at approximately 26,574 miles on the odometer.”

“Transmission and transfer case failure. Noticed a very small amount of fluid leaking and took to dealership. Dealer informed me that I was "lucky" to have noticed and that the transfer case spline failure had occurred. Notified that the problem could lead to sudden loss of all wheel drive and loss of vehicle control, vehicle slipping, and oversteer. DP26001 had indicated that these issues are a safety concern and could lead to an accident. I had noticed instability in certain issues where the rear of the car did not feel firmly planted when cornering (oversteer). Dealer indicated that both the transmission and transfer case need to be replaced. I was ~8000 miles within powertrain warranty. Parts are on a national backorder which indicates a widespread issue. No warning lamps or indication of seal failure that leads to stripped splines off the shaft due to the fluid leak. NHTSA does not understand how the Acura SH-AWD system interacts with vehicle dynamics and handling, and loss of the rear wheel drive and its impact on oversteer would be absolutely NO DIFFERENT than a rear sway bar breaking under load while cornering. I experienced this exact symptom on [XXX]…”

“I'm losing power than normal all of a sudden. When I step on the gas after light hits green in sport and sport plus mode my car losses traction even when traction control is on, and I hear a loud clunck sound. After the the loud clunck sound the car losses RPM while driving I step off the gas and step back on it and the RPM goes back to normal again.”

“I took this vehicle to get serviced in the summer of 2025. I recently joined an Acura Type S (2021+) group on Facebook and learned that the issue is quite prevalent. I had to have the transmission and transfer case replaced due to transmission issues and traction issues”