2018 Acura TLX Electrical System
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was purchased on September 10th, 2025, as a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 76,410. At the time of registration, when the title was received, it was discovered that the mileage was 176,410. The title read, "Not Actual Mileage, Mileage Tampering," which indicated odometer fraud had been detected. After ordering the Carfax Report, the report indicated that the mileage 176,000 miles at the time of purchase. The contact had not reported the odometer fraud to any other parties.
I have had, for years, Idle Stop/restart failures on my 2018 Acura TLX, too many times to count. One time, I heard the screeching tires of a car behind me stopping to avoid rear-ending me, when the driver thought I was going to proceed through an intersection, only to have the car die. Another time, with my infant in the car, I was nearly T-Boned when the car died failing to get through an intersection after a stop. I've taken the car in for service numerous times. Each time, they either couldn't find the problem, or told me I didn't drive it enough, or needed to keep it on a trickle charger, or that I needed a new Battery. In June of 2022, I received a letter from Acura informing me to get a PGM-FI software update. I did. Last night, the car died attempting to restart on a freeway off ramp (which it has done previously as well I should add). I shouldn't have to explain how dangerous it is having a car die on a freeway off ramp. Acura - FAIL.
When I press the start button with my key fob in range and with a new battery, the car won't start, but makes a rapid "ticking" noise while all of the dashboard lights flicker and other interior and exterior lights turn on. Despite repeated attempts over several hours, the car will not start.
I WENT TO THE GROCERY STORE AND PARKED MY CAR ON THE STORES SURFACE LOT. WHEN I RETURNED TO MY CAR AND TURNED MY CAR ON ALL ERROR MESSAGES APPEARED - EMISSION LIGHTS ON AND THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE.
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Quick Summary
The 2018 Acura TLX has 4 Electrical System complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.