ACURA MDX

COMMON PROBLEMS: Transmission Failures, VTM-4 Rear Differential Issues, Power Tailgate Faults, Oil Leaks, Idle Vibration

MDX problems depend a lot on the year. The 2003 to 2006 models had real transmission trouble and we’ve replaced a lot of them. The VTM-4 rear diff on the AWD models can shudder during slow turns in parking lots, and the fix is usually a fluid service if you catch it early. Power tailgates on later models get stuck open or won’t close. Oil leaks at the VTEC solenoid and rear timing cover show up as miles add up. Idle shake on the V6 usually traces back to motor mounts or worn ignition parts.

ACURA TLX

COMMON PROBLEMS: 9-Speed Transmission Concerns, Start-Stop System Faults, Brake Vibration, Oil Leaks, Infotainment Glitches

TLX issues usually center on that 9-speed automatic in the 2015 to 2020 cars. Hard shifts. Hesitation. A clunk going from drive to reverse. It’s a known headache. Start-stop systems can stop working right, leaving the engine off at a light when it should restart, or throwing messages on the dash. Brake vibration shows up as a pulse in the pedal on freeway stops. Almost always, the front rotors. Oil leaks at the valve cover gasket are normal on the V6 past 80,000 or so. Infotainment with that dual-screen setup can freeze, reboot, or refuse to show the backup camera.

ACURA RDX

COMMON PROBLEMS: Carbon Buildup, Turbo Wastegate Issues, Oil Dilution, Infotainment Problems, Brake Wear

RDX problems mostly come back to the direct injection engine. Carbon builds up on the intake valves, and somewhere between 60,000 and 90,000 miles, you start feeling it. Rough idle. Hesitation. Less pull than the car used to have. The 2019 and newer 2.0T can rattle at the turbo wastegate and throw codes for it. Oil dilution is a real thing on the newer turbo models, especially for owners doing short trips in cold weather. Fuel gets into the oil and the level climbs instead of dropping. Touchpad infotainment freezes up or just won’t respond. Brake wear comes faster than people expect because the truck is heavy. We confirm before we quote.

ACURA TSX

COMMON PROBLEMS: Valve Cover Gasket Leaks, VTC Actuator Rattle, AC Compressor Failures, Power Steering Hose Leaks, Door Lock Actuator Issues

TSX issues are well known by now. These cars have been around long enough. The valve cover gasket on the K24 will leak. It’s almost guaranteed past 100,000 miles, and the oil drips down onto the exhaust and gives off that burnt smell at a stoplight. VTC actuator rattle on cold starts is another known one and gets louder over time. The 2004 to 2008 AC compressors can fail and send metal through the whole system, which turns it into a bigger job. Power steering hoses leak onto the exhaust. Door lock actuators give out one at a time as the car ages.

ACURA ILX

COMMON PROBLEMS: Starter Failures, Oil Leaks, Brake Wear, Bluetooth And Infotainment Faults, Suspension Noise

ILX problems show up once the car has some miles on it. Starters fail on the 2.4L cars. Slow crank, then a click, then nothing. Oil leaks at the valve cover gasket are normal past 80,000. Brake wear comes early on ILXs that live in stop-and-go traffic. Bluetooth and infotainment drop calls, freeze, or won’t load the backup camera. Suspension noise from worn sway bar end links or strut mounts shows up as clunks over speed bumps.