Hi everyone,

Is the transmission problems that plagued the 2nd gen TL still around for the 4th gen TLX? What are the most common repairs and issues that occurred for the 4th gen? Is there a steep learning curve in performing DIY routine maintenance work on the 4th gen? By routine maintenance I meant oil change, transmission fluid flush/exchange, front and rear brake/rotor disc change, cabin air filter change, etc.

Thanks in advance

 

Also is there a model year that I should avoid?

 

The TLX is 5th Gen car. This is a 4th GEN TL forum.
The transmission issues are not really a problem in the 4th GEN TL's (2009-2014). The 2015 TLX's have had their own type of tranny issues. You can always check that forum.

 

the torque converter, which you can find throughout the 4g section, other than that some members have said that the shift between gears are juddering , rough, i did do a software update while back on the trans so far so good the car overall is solid and smooth FYI i have a FWD i cannot speak for AWD... I had a tlx as a loaner for a few months i noticed when i put it park it would run back a little more than the norm ..anyone can chime in if they experience this...

 

Maintenance is fairly easy, easier than the 3G TL as there's a tad more room to work in the engine bay. No learning curve, and a lot of the info is easy to find on acurazine as far as maintenance and repairs go.

The 4G TL has had a few common issues:

1. AWD 3.7L V6 engines burning oil, acura is doing oil consumption tests and replacing engines for folks.
2. Torque Converter shudder, RPM oscillation or jerky shifts. More prevalent on the 2009-2011 models, warranty was extended to 8yrs/100K miles. Acura is working on a software update to prevent the issue from arising in the future, and as well the torque converter was redesigned during the 2012 model year production so some 2012's have the new, updated torque converter while some have the old design.
3. Road noise - 4G TL is a tad louder than my 3G, fixed with a little foam and 3 types of weatherstripping from amazon (under $40).
4. Gurgling noise - the External Automatic transmission filter tends to break apart around 50K miles and cause a gurgling noise. Replacing it is a tad hard because of it's location (under the battery) but it's not rocket science and can be done at home.

I would honestly recommend a 2013 or 2014 as you are getting the updated torque converter and have warranty coverage! If you do get an older model, make sure it shifts good and the fluid for the trans is a bright pinkish red. Best of luck!