19132dtn

Hey guys,

I am thinking of pulling the trigger and get a 2015 TLX Advance Package Auto 9Speed @ 2.5k Miles for $29,350.
It's practically a new car, so it's hard to tell if this car will have the transmission issue that have been reading about. Even if it does, this car is certified so Acura will probably replace it for free right?
What do you guys think? Looking for advice from other owners. Thank you.

Crashmaster

I also own a 2015 TLX Advance with the 9 speed. I've already been in once for the software upgrade, but it made little difference. I'll be back in again to hopefully get my new transmission ordered.

The base Acura warranty is 4 years 50,000 miles and their powertrain warranty is 6 years / 70,000 miles. So you would definately be covered.

As for the Acura Used Car Certified Warranty, I'm showing is 5 years 62,000 miles and powertrain warranty is 7 years / 100,000 miles.

Not to mention that the majority of TLXs (advance) were sold with an extended warranty that are transferrable. You should double check to see if the car you want to purchase was sold with an Acura extended warranty. Keep in mind that some Acura dealership sell aftermarket extended warranties for more profit.

19132dtn

Did Acura take care of the new transmission for you? ordering it and such. Also, what issues did you experience with your TLX? and if you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for your vehicle? Thank you.

CheeseyPoofs McNut

You can read through the LONG thread on the ZF issues. It's not so much related to the car being under warranty - but rather trying to convince Acura the issue exists to the degree that they need to fix it.

Personally - I wouldn't touch a 2015 with a ZF - life is too short to deal with the possible aggravation.

Crashmaster

The difference between a 2015, 2016 or 2017 are not much, except the transmission. The fix for the 2015 transmission problem is to do a software update and then to replace the transmission with a 2016 transmission. Once you have the newer 2016 transmission in your vehicle, you then have a very similar vehicle as the later models. Just for the resale value, I would highly recommend getting this new transmission.

BeezleTL85

I had 1 transmission issue with my 2015 advance. Took them 2 days to update the software and I haven't had an issue since.

I had more issues with the garbage brake pads they put on these cars more than the transmission.

Jayellin

My 2015 9 speed runs fine after one update. Most do some just don't and need to be replaced. I don't think anyone has every explained why this is . Ask to see the service records on the car to see how many times it was in for transmission problems

pyrodan007

I would say don't take the risk, not worth it. Pay the slight difference for a 2016 and enjoy it with your eyes closed!
If you sale a 2015 in the future, people will for sure ask about the transmission, taking a hit on value for no reason.

atl7

I personally would not chance getting a bad transmission in a '15. I would never buy another '15 unless it's had its transmission replaced. I think Acura got better about replacing many 2015 trannys, not sure how they're currently dealing with it though. But after having a '15 with a bad transmission, I hated the car and wanted to get rid of it everyday I drove it until it got replaced. Was mad I was paying good money to have a transmission like that. But all is good as it was replaced and now I love my car! Just be careful, while a small bump in shifting might not be aggravating during a test drive, imagine feeling that time and time again while driving it daily. Gets really annoying.

Rocket_man

I have a late build 2015 TLX Advance. There are some nice features in the car, but the transmission is a deal breaker. I wouldn't touch one with a 100 foot pole. I've had the software updated each time and it doesn't seem to make much difference. After the last update it seemed better but you have to wait for the transmission to 'learn' and it has a learning disability. The hesitation is now worse than before the last update. Just stay away. Find a 16 or 17. Pay more, enjoy more.

Acura will only replace earlier 2015 transmissions. They won't replace later builds like mine. And even if you have an earlier build there is still a challenge to get them to replace it. Just don't take a chance. I'm pretty much stuck with this car for awhile. I don't want to take a bath on it. But when I can dump it I will and will be happy to do so.

kurtatx

That sucks Rocket_man. Sorry you had a bad experience.

spoiler900

Its a hit or miss. I have a 2015 TLX Advance SH-AWD and my tranny is fine. No complaints for the most part.

ALSO, I work in Sales at an Acura dealer in southern California and we have a Certified 15 Advance pkg with 4,500 miles for $30,395 so your sounds like a good deal if its certified.

As far as the tranny issue goes, I would just take that one one like a 45 minute extended test drive and tell the guy if it drives well you'll take it but you want to see if it thumps on the tranny.

mcaley15

For those who had the tranny replaced, how long of a process is that? And if Acura pays for it, I'm assuming they would loan a vehicle to you?

19132dtn

Thank you for the replies everyone.
As of now, i might take an extended test drive and see how it goes. I have also been looking at a 2016 V6 base too. We'll shall see how this will play out.

F23A4

Im nearing the 12k mark on my 16 V6 base and it's been trouble free for me. The 12k in my case includes two road trips between Central NJ and Nashville. Love this car.

But I will confess that you're probably better served getting the SH-AWD model as the V6 has a tendency to overpower the front wheels if throttle application is aggressive between 0-40mph.

dezymond

I think I'm close to 25k miles on my 2015 Advance, love the car. It's been trouble free

nothome17

Search 2016 Honda or Acura problems on YOUTUBE, you can see the problems people are having.

atl7

That is the same person each video with problems with a '16, looks like 1 person has a lemon. It's been established here that 2016's are pretty rock solid in terms of reliability. Even my '15 has been reliable, given I bought a first model year car there are some expected issues to have, luckily they've been ironed out.

Rocketsfan

This thread is pretty indicative of what you may encounter... lol.

"Mine is great!"
"I want to burn mine!"

lol. As a 2015 Advance TLX driver, and early-adopter having bought mine in August 2014, I wouldn't buy it again. The first 1.5-2 years of ownership with the junky transmission was terrible. The last 1/2-year-to-year has been bearable. I still think this transmission sucks and at times can be dangerous. Initial quality with the car wasn't very good, but the past year or so has been better. It's actually been pretty reliable after the initial batch of problems. They've fixed numerous problems along the way.

If you want to see examples of stuff that may or may not go wrong, check out the Problems forum. Whatever you do, don't buy the car without an extended drive that includes hard accelerations, driving the car in the mornings when it may be cold, etc. This car behaves differently at different times of the week for different people.
If you find the transmission/shifting is not up-to-par or what you want, DO NOT BUY THE CAR. Don't let them tell you software patches will fix it nor let them tell you it can be fixed as part of the warranty. Some people have gotten transmission replacements and it fixed the shifting issues, some have gotten transmission replacements that resulted in still-poor shifting, and others like me can't get a transmission replacement. There is no guarantee your problem will be fixed.

My personal opinion... buy something else. Good luck!

Mr Hyde

Mine has been fine, but as you can see there are different experiences for many.

You have an advantage over most though. The car you want is sitting right there, so go and take it on a nice, long test drive!!!

With only 2.5k on the clock, what is this car's story? Was it traded in already? That sets off warning flags for me. This could be a 2017 with 2.5k on the clock, and I would still say the same thing. Drive it, drive it, drive it!! That should be the biggest factor in whatever you decide.

boe_d

This is not meant to be mean but I don't think I'd pay more than $22,000 for that car.

nike284

OP, I got mine 2015 TLX Advance 4 months ago, everything is fine, if you are purchasing from the dealer, the transmission should be already replaced.
Just check the records, to make sure there isn't any open recalls. I believe all 2015 V6 transmission had been recalled already.
You got a good deal, mine was 2015 TLX Advanced 5500 miles (Loaner and first owner) for 329XX.
I didn't need to deal with the transmission issue, so my experience is positive.

Rocketsfan

The transmission has not been recalled for replacement. There have been numerous attempts at software patching that may or may not work. If you get one with a replaced transmission, you may be in luck. If it has not been replaced, there's no guarantee it will be.

Rocktman1

Used cars to avoid buying: Used Cars to Avoid Buying - Consumer Reports. Since it's alphabetical, the first car on the list is the 2015-2016 Acura TLX.

A few weeks ago, we took my wife's TLX to the dealer to have the tranny updated. Since she had a loaner, the car was left for week so they wouldn't be rushed. We picked it up 2 weeks ago. According to the service mgr., her tranny didn't fall under the TSB even though when we brought it in & described the issues, they said it sounded like it was candidate. Consequently they did nothing. In the past my wife was very happy with this service dept. Now she's waiting for a survey so can blast them. We'll likely take it to another dealer when she's ready. We have 2 other Acura dealers that we've gotten cars from that are a "reasonable" distance from us.