Filson

Hey guys,

so I've sold my 2010 TL and now I'm looking to buy the 2015 tlx shawd with tech package.

is there anything I need to know prior to buying? I hear some cars have a vibration problem is that a concern? Are there other issues for me to worry about?

cheers,
filson

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

yes, there was the whole tranny hunting fiasco..
you should test drive the car on your commute, especially the condition where you slow down for a right hand turn and then accelerate

Filson

if the car does do that what steps do I take? Will Acura replace the transmission or is it just an update?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

that's why you should go test drive the car and test out that specific condition...slowing down for a right hand turn, not fully stopping, then gas....
if you are okay with how the car reacts, buy it.
if you arent okay with how the car reacts...DONT buy it. very simple as that. and why it's imparative to test drive vehicles in all conditions to figure out if this is a deal breaker to you.

Shadow2056

I've been seeing some problems about the TLX transmission. Is it just a "urks my nerve" type thing where there isn't actually a problem but people don't like how it reacts in that situation? Or is there an actual problem with the transmission where they need to replace it?

My wife wants one badly and I keep trying to get her to go out and test drive one before she gets her heart set on getting one.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I have never driven one.
Acura says the transmission works as designed....it's the customers that arent used to how the tranny acts....
again, I have never driven one...but from the multiple reports from acurazine...it's a certain condition where the tranny "hesitates"....Normal operation according to Acura...just people didnt like it and deemed it "dangerous" because it wasn't like other Acura's.

the exact condition is slowing down for a right turn, not a complete stop but more of a yield, look both ways and then go. on GO, the tranny hesitates a bit, or doesn't GO!

Robs252

ZipSpeed

It's a bit of both. The early 2015 ZF9 transmissions definitely had some issues that either required a software update, or a complete replacement. The ZF9 issues by the 2016 MY were largely resolved. With that said, the ZF9 will always behave a bit differently compared to other ATs due to the use of dog clutches. Personally, I've gotten used to it and it serves the purpose just fine. For others, the weird shift points between 4-5 and 7-8 feel odd and is something they cannot get used to. Give this video a watch, does a pretty good job explaining how the ZF9 works to layfolks.

9SpeedTran

I had my transmission replaced and I love the new one. In addition to the lag on the right turn mentioned above, it had a very rough shift between 2nd and 3rd. The new one totally eliminated the latter problem and largely corrected the former, and downshifts from 8 or 9 down to 4 or 5 are almost immediate.

The other thing is, get rid of the tires. Put a high-performance all season tire (like my personal fave, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+) if you want to feel what the car can do. If you do this one thing, you will have a car that handles almost as well as the new A-Spec. I added 19" wheels as well but the 18s should be fine.

Filson

Geezus man seems like the transmissions are terrible on these cars, kind of scary...

did you guys pay for your transmission or did Acura replace it free of charge..

since I'm buying a used car I think it' best for me to extend the warranty.

ZipSpeed

Personally, I wouldn't take any chances and would just avoid the 2015 MY completely, and start looking at 2016+.

catbert430

Acura has granted a 10-year unlimited powertrain warranty on all 2015 and 2016 TLX models with the ZF 9-speed transmission so, no worries.

TAG18

I own a 2018 but have driven the 2015 and I have to say that the 2018 is substantially improved. I'm not sure about 2016 or 2017 MY since I've never driven those but I agree that it's probably better to avoid the 2015 MY if possible

BEAR-AvHistory

Its a known issue with Acura issued TSB's listed for it. I would write off a 2015 as a really bad plan for a used car & look for a 2016 or higher the better.

Greekjim

pyrodan007

If you can find a 2016 V6 for not too much more, would be money very wisely spent. Even though some 15s were fixed, issue may still be present with refurbished transmissions.

Robs252

Drei

iTrader: (2)

TBH OP, I would look for a 2012 TL SH-AWD or a 2G RL

The TLX looks modern and cool on the outside but it'll be a let down inside the cabin...

The fit and finish on my 09 TL SH-AWD was much better and the ELS system sounds way better on the 4G TL than the TLX

And there's always a lag in acceleration on the TLX vs the TL

Good luck on the next car!