Been wondering what ever happened to our long-term 2021 Acura TLX A-Spec test car? Wonder no more, for we have answers to share with you in our long-term wrap-up.

Last we updated you on our bright Apex Blue sport sedan, it was experiencing electrical gremlins aplenty. We weathered odd issues — random shifts into Park while stopped, infotainment glitching — the car simply decided to not start one day. This led to it being flat-bedded to the Acura dealer where it stayed for an abnormally long time. It was just over two months to be exact. The problems were ultimately determined to be from water intrusion to the fuse box, and some of the wait was for parts that had become corroded due to water being where it absolutely shouldn’t be.

Of course, our first question was, how did water get into the fuse box? Acura didn’t have an obvious answer for us at first, but don’t worry, we eventually got one.



So, once the parts were in and installed, Acura gave the car a clean bill of health, and we took it back with only a month left in our year-long loan term. Unfortunately, our TLX would not make it that long. Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore took the TLX for this final stint. Two weeks of regular driving went by without any issue, but then the electrical gremlins returned. One afternoon he went out to the car and the dash lit up like a Christmas tree, sending the car into what Migliore said felt like a limp mode. The car technically ran, but it was not drivable.

This meant yet another trip on the flatbed to the Acura dealer for another diagnosis. The days came and went, and eventually our original year-long loan term with the TLX expired. Approximately a month after this, Acura finally had answers for what had befallen our poor TLX.

Why so long, you ask? Acura actually called in engineers to try and sort out what had happened with this particular car. The answer? Water in the fuse box, once again. Apparently, the water intrusion issue from before hadn’t been fully solved because the original source of leakage wasn’t found in the first go-round, and water was still making its way into the fuse box. Acura tells us that trying to find the source of the intrusion is quite challenging, and that’s why it took the dealer and engineers so long to diagnose and sort out.



Ultimately, the leak was determined to be via the A-pillar of the car due to a “manufacturing anomaly.” Engineers found condensation inside the A-pillar where it shouldn’t be, and they found that water traveled down the A-pillar via a wire into the fuse box area, where it then penetrated the fuse box. For those wondering, the TLX’s fuse box is located in a normal spot, under the dash, north of the dead pedal. Of course, water and sensitive electronics don’t mix well together, and it explains all of the random electric problems our car had over its time with us.

Unfortunately, by the time Acura sorted out the root of the issue, our originally scheduled time with the TLX had expired. And, no surprises here, but Acura did not extend our loan and deliver the car back to us. After it was flat-bedded to the dealer that final time, we did not see it again. Honestly, we’re not entirely shocked by that, either. Even after Acura believed it had been fixed once, the problem was most certainly not fixed.

As it stands now, we can simply tell you what happened and what Acura reported back to us. That includes the company’s engineers confirming to us that the water leak we experienced was “not a common issue.” Plus, they believe that there are no other TLXs out there like ours with the same issue. While we don’t have the ears of all new TLX owners, we’ve searched the internet high and far for those reporting similar things on forums, Facebook groups and elsewhere, and we couldn’t find anyone with the same problem. Obviously, even one owner having the experience that we had with a brand-new car is not good. And assuming our car is an anomaly, what luck for Acura that the one car with this problem just happens to be one it loaned out to media, inherently amplifying the issue.

Moving beyond the Problem

Yeah, we all have a little bit of a sour taste in our mouth about this one, but when it was running, we adored the TLX. It gained universal love from the staff on its handling and driving dynamics. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder grew on us during our time with it. The final overall fuel economy average was 23 mpg after about 9,000 miles of driving, which is only 1 mpg off the 24-mpg combined EPA figure. And while the 10-speed automatic wasn’t everybody’s cup of tea, it too was well received.

Acura’s new design continues to look striking and attractive well over a year since the car debuted, and the interior punches well above its price in both luxury and tech. Some of us have grown to enjoy Acura’s TrueTouch infotainment system, while others have … continued to dislike it. This is one you must try before you buy, for it’s one of the most divisive things about this car.

It’s a shame that our time with the TLX A-Spec had to end this way, and we genuinely hope that nobody else has to deal with similar issues. Though please let us know if you did. At the very least, know that Acura engineers at the highest level are now at least aware of the possibility and have taken steps to ensure it never happens again.

The problems were ultimately determined to be from water intrusion to the fuse box

While the entire fan base is waiting for the announcement about a possible, feistier 2023 Integra, Acura's other performance-oriented models are doing great, especially the Type S versions.
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Reviewers think the 2023 Acura Integra has more power than advertised (based on dyno runs) and that the company’s 2022 MDX Type S looks unexpectedly great at night and sounds good too. So, why not double up on the hype with something cool?

Sure, not as cool as a new Integra dressed up in racing drabs and ready to take on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb but something both along the performance and styling line. Well, Acura is certainly hoping that its newly “handcrafted” TLX Type S PMC Edition will be worth the hype as it is getting an official preview in “three stunning paint colors.”

Since it is labeled as a PMC Edition, the TLX Type S will naturally sport the bespoke touches of the specialists residing with Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center. Plus, without further ado, the cool, “NSX derived colors” are Curva Red, 130R White, and Long Beach Blue. They are also doubled by some bespoke details, such as the Berlina Black rooftop or the 20-inch Copper lightweight wheels.

This will be the fifth vehicle series touched by “a healthy dose of tech, materials, and craftsmanship” from the “same master technicians who build the NSX Type S at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Ohio.” Unfortunately, we do not know the exact pricing details just yet – only that production will kick off later this year and probably around the same time it will become available for ordering.

Instead, the official preview spilled the beans on both the looks of the TLX Type S PMC Edition as well as the complete list of details, which include the hand assembly at PMC, a choice of Ebony, Red, and Orchid interiors, plus the addition of some neat carbon fiber elements (decklid spoiler, rear diffuser, interior trim panels) and a flurry of fashionable styling accents and trim parts.

Acura will open the reservation books for the TLX Type S PMC Edition tomorrow, October 6, 2022. The automaker has plans to produce just 300 examples of the limited edition performance sedan for the American market, all hand-assembled at the firm’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio where it will be manufactured by the same technicians who also build the NSX Type S sports car.

Acura will assemble 100 units in each of the three available colors – Curva Red, 130R White, and Long Beach Blue. The reservation books will first open for the Curva Red hue and will be followed by the 130R White on November 9, and Long Beach Blue on December 8. There’s no detailed pricing information, though Acura says the MSRP is expected to be in the low-to-mid $60,000 price range.
Regardless of the paint choice, the buyers will receive 20-inch wheels as standard, featuring a Y-spoke design inspired by the NSX and a copper-colored finish. Wrapped around the alloys are Pirelli P-Zero tires in 255/35 size. Other subtle exterior tweaks include a carbon fiber decklid lip spoiler, a carbon fiber rear diffuser, lower-side sill garnish, and gloss-black exterior badging.

The Acura TLX Type S PMC Edition shares its powertrain with the TLX Type S, which means there’s a standard 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine under the hood. Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the mill sends 355 horsepower (265 kilowatts) and 354 pound-feet (480 Newton-meters) of torque to all four wheels.
Stopping power is provided by Brembo brakes, while a modified double-wishbone suspension helps the car stay on track during spirited driving. The fast sedan also has a Type S-exclusive Sport+ driving mode that sharpens the responses of the engine, transmission, and steering for “even greater performance and driver enjoyment.”

Onboard, you’ll find luxury goodies such as 16-way adjustable driver and passenger seats, a 17-speaker premium audio system, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The safety and assist suite of systems includes the AcuraWatch family of technologies, including the world’s first front passenger airbag designed to reduce head rotation in the case of an accident.

Acura revealed an extensive refresh of the 2024 TLX lineup that raises its sports sedan game, including styling enhancements front and rear, improved in-car technology, more standard features and a quieter cabin. The 2024 Acura TLX Type S, already the quickest, best-handling all-wheel drive sedan in the brand's 35-year history, advances with improved throttle response and additional tech features.

The 2024 TLX will begin arriving at Acura dealers nationwide in late November 2023 featuring a streamlined trim structure with Technology Package now standard; available A-Spec adding additional sport appearance, premium features and standard torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™; as well as the top-trim, high-performance Type S, which accounts for nearly 25% of all TLX sales. The previously optional Technology Package equips the 2024 TLX with premium styling and innovative technology features, including 19-inch wheels, Milano Leather seating, ELS STUDIO Premium Audio and Iconic Drive™ ambient LED cabin lighting.

"The new 2024 Acura TLX has reached new heights, demonstrating our commitment to advancing Precision Crafted Performance throughout the Acura lineup," said Emile Korkor, assistant vice president of Acura National Sales. "It comes hard on the heels of the red-hot new Integra and Integra Type S, as Acura continues to deliver exciting premium performance products for people who love to drive."

Purchasers of the award-winning Acura TLX sport sedan can take advantage of the Acura Maintenance Package, a complimentary maintenance plan for the first two years or 24,000 miles, adding peace of mind and lowering the cost of ownership.

What's New:

• New front fascia with frameless Diamond Pentagon grille with new mesh pattern (standard)
• Standard equipment now includes 19-inch wheels (+1 inch), Milano leather seating, ELS Studio Premium Audio, Iconic Drive™ ambient lighting and more (previously optional Technology Package)
• TLX with Technology Package's 19-inch wheels now feature a Shark Gray finish with machined accents (standard)
• New 12.3-inch HD Dual Content Display, 20-percent larger than before (standard)
• New configurable 12.3-inch Precision Cockpit™ Digital Instrument Cluster (standard)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, wireless charging pad (standard)
• Key fob activated remote engine start with vehicle feedback (standard)
• Expanded functions of the AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver assistive systems improve collision prevention performance via improved ability to recognize attributes of detected objects
• New front millimeter-wave radar packaged behind Acura logo (standard)
• Expanded Blind Spot Information (BSI) function with increased radar field of view enabling Lane Change Alert (standard)
• New rear seatbelt reminder system (standard)
• Two new colors available colors - Urban Gray Pearl (TLX A-Spec, TLX Type S) and Liquid Carbon Metallic (TLX with Technology Package)
• New split-spoke 19-inch wheel design, Shark Gray finish (TLX A-Spec)
• New large, dual round exhaust finishers (TLX A-Spec)
• New gloss black rear spoiler (TLX A-Spec)
• Extensive refinement updates, including a quieter cabin, and enhanced Active Sound Control systems (TLX A-Spec)
• New split-spoke 20-inch wheel design, new Berlina Black finish (TLX Type S)
• Available lightweight Y-spoke 20-inch wheels in new Copper finish (TLX Type S)
• Available high-performance summer tires (TLX Type S)
• New high-resolution Surround View Camera standard on TLX Type S
• New 10.5-inch Head-Up Display (HUD) with user-selectable content standard on TLX Type S
• Improved throttle response in Sport+ for better acceleration feel (TLX Type S)

Styling Enhancements from Type S Concept Model

The TLX premium sport sedan's performance intentions are conveyed through its low and wide stance, long dash-to-axle ratio, expansive hood, and a combination of sheer and angular surfaces and muscular curves.

All 2024 TLX models feature a new, more sophisticated front fascia with a frameless version of Acura's Diamond Pentagon grille first seen on the Acura Type S Concept. The sleek new design is framed by four JewelEye® LED headlight elements and "Chicane" LED daytime running lights. For a more aggressive look, the styling of every TLX also is enhanced with a new diamond pattern grille mesh, and larger 19-inch wheels with a machined finish are now standard.

TLX A-Spec receives new split-spoke 19-inch Shark Gray wheels, as well as large, dual round exhaust finishers and a new gloss-black rear spoiler, in addition to its blacked-out exterior treatment and A-Spec badges. With standard torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, the TLX A-Spec is for buyers who desire enhanced performance and an even sportier appearance.

The styling of the more powerful TLX Type S is enhanced with a new open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille mesh, which provides airflow to its exclusive Type S Turbo V6 engine, and new Berlina Black 20-inch split-spoke wheels with Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-season tires. For drivers looking for maximum handling and performance, TLX Type S is available with high-performance summer tires, as well as lightweight Copper-finish Y-spoke 20-inch wheels first seen on the TLX Type S PMC Edition.

TLX Type S visually builds upon the appearance of the TLX with even more aggression and purpose. Distinct from any angle, the performance variant features an exclusive front splitter, rear decklid spoiler, rear diffuser, large quad exhaust outlets and red Brembo® 4-piston front brake calipers.

Two exciting new paint colors are available: The all-new Urban Gray Pearl, which is available on TLX A-Spec and TLX Type S, and Liquid Carbon Metallic, which is available on TLX with Technology Package and first debuted on MDX.

More Standard Tech

Inside, more advanced tech has been smartly integrated to enhance TLX's cabin experience. All 2024 TLX models now feature a 12.3-inch center screen-20% larger than before-powered by a faster processor. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, a wireless charging pad, and TLX's first application of Amazon Alexa Built-In are all standard. Two USB-C charging ports also have been added to the rear of the center console for back-seat passengers.

A new configurable 12.3-inch Acura Precision Cockpit™ Digital Instrument Cluster features clean, easy-to-read graphics and an extensive selection of displays. The cluster features two available gauge layouts-Advanced or Crafted-and gear-position display, plus a multi-information display that includes user-selectable functions such as AcuraWatch™ settings, vehicle information and more.

In the 2024 TLX Type S, the new 12.3-inch Acura Precision Cockpit™ Digital Instrument Cluster also features a new Sport+ driving mode-exclusive meter design that allows the driver to obtain necessary information instantly, with the engine rpm placed at the top. In this configuration, the system also displays turbocharger boost in pounds per square inch (psi) and includes a graphical g-meter that provides a representation of acceleration, braking and cornering forces.

The high-performance TLX Type S also receives a standard higher resolution Surround View Camera and configurable 10.5-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) with multiple display modes, including vehicle speed, navigation, AcuraWatch™ mode and function, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Takes Driving Experience to a New Level

For an even more premium experience, the 2024 Acura TLX A-Spec receives extensive updates to reduce road noise in the cabin, including thicker carpet, new front fender liners, wheel insulators, B-pillar and door insulators. To further reduce wind noise, the front doors feature acoustic glass. In addition, the Active Sound Control (ASC) system has been enhanced to further cancel exterior sounds from polluting the interior ambiance.

At the heart of the TLX Type S is the Type S Turbo V6, a 24-valve, dual overhead cam 3.0-liter engine with direct-injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger, producing 355 horsepower (SAE Net @ 5,500 rpm) and 354 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE Net @ 1,400 - 5,000 rpm). Exclusive to Type S models, the engine was developed by some of the company's most experienced powertrain engineers, including members of championship winning motorsports programs. Acura engineers retuned the 2024 TLX Type S' Sport+ mode to deliver quicker throttle response.

The best performing all-wheel drive Acura sedan ever, TLX Type S also features a sport-tuned 10-speed automatic transmission, double-wishbone front suspension, Brembo® front brakes and Type S-exclusive Sport+ driving mode. Power is distributed through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system with true torque vectoring. The rear-biased system is capable of sending up to 70% of torque to the rear axle, and 100% of that to the outside rear wheel.

Enhanced Safety & Driver Assistive Features

The Acura TLX sets the benchmark for both active and passive safety performance in the premium sedan class with Acura's ACE™ body structure, next-generation front passenger airbag technology and the AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies - all standard.

For 2024, TLX adds enhanced safety performance with expanded functions of the AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies with a new front single-lens sensor camera with a wider 90-degree field of view (up from 50-degrees) and a new grille mounted millimeter-wave radar with a wider 120-degree field of view (up from 50-degrees). The significantly widened detection angles improve collision prevention performance via improved ability to recognize attributes of objects, such as vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians, as well as white lines and road boundaries like curbs and road signs.

In the rear, the blind spot information (BSI) system's radar warning range increased to 82 feet, enabling Lane Change Alert, which can help alert the driver to vehicles approaching from behind in adjacent lanes.

Also standard on TLX for 2024 is a new rear seatbelt reminder system, which uses visual and audible cues to notify the driver whether rear seat occupants have buckled, or then unbuckled, their seatbelts.

On TLX, the AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) incorporating Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and the Traffic Sign Recognition System.

Made in America

The 2024 TLX and TLX Type S are built in Marysville, Ohio, on the same production line as the Acura Integra and Integra Type S. TLX engines are made exclusively at the Anna Engine Plant in Ohio, which also produces the Type S Turbo V6 for the MDX Type S.

A premium-oriented sedan with a similar footprint to the reasonably priced Honda Accord, the Acura TLX has entered the 2024 model year with a number of technological and stylistic upgrades. The switch from 2023 to 2024 further entails a considerable MSRP increase, making the mid-size model a bit pricy.

Technology Package is what Acura calls the most basic of specifications, followed by the A-Spec and Type S. Excluding the $1,195 destination charge, said trims retail at $45,000, $50,000, and $57,000.

The main reason for the aforementioned MSRP increase comes in the form of a deletion. Simply put, Acura discontinued the TLX grade from the lineup in favor of the Technology, which stickers at $44,050 for the 2023 model year. In other words, we're actually dealing with an effective increase of $950.