When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Does anyone have a '16 AWD? Are the quirks worked out?
I've liked the TLX since I saw pics of the red one when they introduced it. After reading and researching, I don't want to buy a car with inherit problems that require multiple trips to the dealer for fixing or "that's normal". For $40K +, you should get a quality car!
Does Anyone have a 2016 that can honestly say that hard shifts, VCM vibrations and any other quirks are actually resolved. I've been putting off buying until the 16s have been out a while.
I've liked the TLX since I saw pics of the red one when they introduced it. After reading and researching, I don't want to buy a car with inherit problems that require multiple trips to the dealer for fixing or "that's normal". For $40K +, you should get a quality car!
Does Anyone have a 2016 that can honestly say that hard shifts, VCM vibrations and any other quirks are actually resolved. I've been putting off buying until the 16s have been out a while.
I just bought a 2015 TLX v6 AWD Tech that was an early build. It's new but was kicking around a dealer for about a year. The deal is what drove me to buy, versus a comparable 2016, but I also drove to be sure there were no serious issues jumping out.
My transmission has had the software updates, and at this point, I don't see a significant issue. When the IDS is in SPORT, and I drive it hard, there are some rough shifts, but I do not see them with ECON or NORMAL. I have not used SPORT+ yet.
I have not experienced any vibrations or noises. The ride is very smooth up to the 80 mph that I've driven.
My commute to work is about 25 miles each way on the highway, so if the car vibrates at highway speeds, I'd be pissed! I was also thinking about the 16 RDX as well to avoid the transmission issues. Either way.....I'm having a hard time "pulling the trigger" but, if they did the RDX in white with black leather, I'd own it already. I like the TLX in white with espresso or graphite luster and black.
I'm picking up my 2016 SH-AWD on Dec 24. I'll let you know, but the other 2016 they had on the lot for test drives had no issues.
My advice is if you really want one, wait until they have a 2016 SH-AWD on the lot, tell them you're going to pull the trigger but you need to verify there are no vibration issues on the highway before you take delivery (ie: do a quick test of the specific one you're going to buy).
I've not heard of any 2016's with the issue yet. The transmission problem appears to be solved though from what I've heard and what I felt during the drive of their 2016 demo.
slightly off topic, the leftover '15 TLX is selling for dirt cheap nowadays. just saw a certified preowned '15 SH-AWD Advance in my area is selling for $34,999 with only 3k miles.
slightly off topic, the leftover '15 TLX is selling for dirt cheap nowadays. just saw a certified preowned '15 SH-AWD Advance in my area is selling for $34,999 with only 3k miles.
Got my 2015 SH-AWD brand new (300 miles on the odometer) with 35% tint, the small dealer installed items like wheel locks and trunk tray, winter mats, etc., for $36,500. That's why I bought the 2015, instead of the 2016.
Got my 2015 SH-AWD brand new (300 miles on the odometer) with 35% tint, the small dealer installed items like wheel locks and trunk tray, winter mats, etc., for $36,500. That's why I bought the 2015, instead of the 2016.
And does it have the issues that are talked about so frequently on this board?
And does it have the issues that are talked about so frequently on this board?
The only thing I've seen is a slight rough shift from 2nd to 3rd gear, mainly when IDS is in sport mode. Otherwise, have not seen any issues. I'm not even sure I'd call the shifts a big issue, but I do plan to discuss with the service guys to see if they can do the software update and reprogram (if not already done).
For $6K off sticker and the exact model and color I wanted, I'll deal with it. Worst case they have to replace the transmission under warranty if it gets worse.
I got my TLX SH-AWD in October 2014. So far, I have not had any issue and I love my car. I could be just be lucky, and I don't want to diminish any of the concerns and issues that people have listed, but I also suspect that there are many out there who are just enjoying the car without any issue and are not visiting these forums.
I also have a 2015 TLX SH-AWD Advance and have had no issues at all. My build date was 06/2015 and purchased at the end of June. I would pay attention to the build date. I'm assuming some of the earlier issues were worked out by June. I have not noticed any vibrations or the bad shift. I had a loaner 2015 TLX V6 when my MDX was in for service that had a build date of 10/2014 and I must say I would be very irate if mine vibrated and had the hard shift that it did. Good Luck!
I have one of the last 15's. A 9/15 SH-AWD and while the tranny may not be as bad as early build cars this 9 speed is junk! clearly the ZF tranny is th biggest drag on this car and clearly the press, word of mouth, forums will deter some buyers. I risked it, do not regret it, but clearly not "loving" it the way I had hoped.
slightly off topic, the leftover '15 TLX is selling for dirt cheap nowadays. just saw a certified preowned '15 SH-AWD Advance in my area is selling for $34,999 with only 3k miles.
My TLX V6 SH AWD 2016 is $28825 US.
Well that is the Canadian MSRP convered to USD. I got mine for less, of course.
Any American who buys their car from Canada? *They probably should*, specially if you are not far from the borders.
I have one of the last 15's. A 9/15 SH-AWD and while the tranny may not be as bad as early build cars this 9 speed is junk! clearly the ZF tranny is th biggest drag on this car and clearly the press, word of mouth, forums will deter some buyers. I risked it, do not regret it, but clearly not "loving" it the way I had hoped.
Wow, went from an A6 Prestige to TLX? That A6 Prestige is a $60k car. Out of curiosity, what did you think of the A6? How many miles did you have and how reliable was it? Audi's have very strong resales these days....did they trade you even on the Acura?
I have one of the last 15's. A 9/15 SH-AWD and while the tranny may not be as bad as early build cars this 9 speed is junk! clearly the ZF tranny is th biggest drag on this car and clearly the press, word of mouth, forums will deter some buyers. I risked it, do not regret it, but clearly not "loving" it the way I had hoped.
I'd agree, I don't regret getting my TLX but it has not been what I hoped it would be. Luckily I still have my 2010 TL for when I want to drive a car that wants to be driven. While this transmission is comfortable and smooth, it is so boring and really limits the TLX. Will only buy the refreshed TLX in a couple years if it doesn't have the 9spd, no VCM, and is a little sportier. Otherwise I will purchase something other than an Acura for once and go the Audi or BMW route
slightly off topic, the leftover '15 TLX is selling for dirt cheap nowadays. just saw a certified preowned '15 SH-AWD Advance in my area is selling for $34,999 with only 3k miles.
This is true. I've had two dealers tell me that they are getting $3000 back from Acura for TLX sales through the end of the month. Take the invoice price, deduct $3k from it, and start negotiations from there.
Wow, went from an A6 Prestige to TLX? That A6 Prestige is a $60k car. Out of curiosity, what did you think of the A6? How many miles did you have and how reliable was it? Audi's have very strong resales these days....did they trade you even on the Acura?
Tx
Loved the A6, strictly was tired of the car payment, I saved $330 a month in car payment by coming back to Acura. I had 20K miles on the A6 and it was flawless and the power train was amazing. They use a 8 speed ZF and it is the total opposite of the 9 speed. The 8 speed never missed or hunted for a shit and you never knew it was there. Honestly if Acura does not get their act together at MMC then when my TLX lease is up I may check out the new A4 and see how it is. The A6's weakness was the seats were firm and flat, and the sound system was crappy Bose.
Loved the A6, strictly was tired of the car payment, I saved $330 a month in car payment by coming back to Acura. I had 20K miles on the A6 and it was flawless and the power train was amazing. They use a 8 speed ZF and it is the total opposite of the 9 speed. The 8 speed never missed or hunted for a shit and you never knew it was there. Honestly if Acura does not get their act together at MMC then when my TLX lease is up I may check out the new A4 and see how it is. The A6's weakness was the seats were firm and flat, and the sound system was crappy Bose.
I currently have a '13 Audi S4. Love the size/power/looks of the Audi, but like you, the monthly car payments are very high. I'm also considering going back to Acura (for the value/technology/comfort). But I know I'll miss the fun driving the S4.
Well here's my update. I have 4800 km's on my SH-AWD Elite model so far, and I have had to take it in for only one warranty issue: a defective rear door speaker (they said it was a supplier defect). They ordered a new one and swapped the part, no questions asked.
Everything else has been wonderful. Especially the gas mileage. Holy shit.
I am currently in a loaner car while my 2010 TSX is in for the VTC repair. Anyhow my thoughts on the 2016 TLX SH-AWD Advance. It is really nice to drive, handling wise, the transmission is like it's on crack. It shifts really hard from 1-2 2-3 half the time and is easily confused ALL THE TIME it's unbelievably slow to downshift, you mash the pedal to the floor and it just sits and considers, hmmm, does he really want to go faster? Maybe? Not sure, OK fine I'll downshift. The fit and finish is a big miss on this one, there is some sort of headliner issue going on, looks really weird, the sunroof plastic doesn't line up with the headliner more so on the passenger side, the trim right next to where your knee is is broken and loose, the subwoofer is apparently blown. (good to see in the last 6 years Acura finally got a grip on the ELS sound system issues NOT) Kinda disappointing in a car that costs upwards of 44K MSRP...
^^ The way you described the transmission is excatly what I feel about it! I test drove it and compared to my old 6 speed, the throttle was so responsive, and in paddle mode, it would snap your neck backward on how crisp and twitchy the car felt.
This 9 speed wasn't MY cup of tea....I am hoping their new in-house unit will be more fun and responsive.
I am not going to touch the Quality Control issue as I don't wanna get flamed too much, but you have good evidence to document what you are claiming
I was just shocked, and with only this many miles, it's just surprising. It feels like a very solid car, not a squeak, but yes a rattle (that loose trim piece) I noticed it would come and go depending on if my knee was resting against it or not. But the fit and finish is not very Honda/Acura like at all. I would like to drive the DTC version on the 4 cylinder, just to compare shift logic.
briq46, I've been test driving some '16 SH-AWD TLX Tech vehicles and checking some of the threads and it seems driving in Econ produces the worst ride re: shift points. Has that been your experience?
I was just shocked, and with only this many miles, it's just surprising. It feels like a very solid car, not a squeak, but yes a rattle (that loose trim piece) I noticed it would come and go depending on if my knee was resting against it or not. But the fit and finish is not very Honda/Acura like at all. I would like to drive the DTC version on the 4 cylinder, just to compare shift logic.
Wow, my 2016 has none of those issues. Are you certain that's not a 2015 because nobody who's driven a 2016 transmission has described any hard shifts. That headliner thing is pretty bad and so is the loose trim piece. It looks like you got a lemon loaner. My fit and finish is absolutely perfect, no notable panel gaps, nothing loose, perfect alignment.
My 9AT doesn't behave like you describe at all. The only thing that takes a long time is a 9 to 4 downshift due to having to go through 2 dog clutch shifts and engage another clutch and release a brake.
Try driving it in NOT econ mode. Econ mode sucks the fun out of the car and it has terrible throttle response in that mode. Try sport and sport+ for more response. Sport+ does aggressive downshifts as you approach lights though, so the best way to drive that mode is with the paddle shifters. I drive in Sport mode 90% of the time. The transmission will always try to upshift to the highest gear ASAP in Econ and Normal. It will still upshift fast in Sport, but at least it'll hold the RPM to 3k or so unless your foot is further down.
I can't say it enough, Econ fucking sucks. Worst mode ever.
In Sport since I picked it up, it's definitely a 2016, and the transmission is abysmally slow to respond to anything, tap the paddle shifters then it shifts up or down with quite a lag, I have to admit I am used to driving a manual, but even still, this is noticeably slow. It can't figure out what it wants to do.
The ACC with low speed follow is pretty amusing. I will give it that, also I'm not so sure the subwoofer is actually blown, seems more like something in the parcel shelf itself is broken/loose as the same sound can happen on some bumps.
In Sport since I picked it up, it's definitely a 2016, and the transmission is abysmally slow to respond to anything, tap the paddle shifters then it shifts up or down with quite a lag, I have to admit I am used to driving a manual, but even still, this is noticeably slow. It can't figure out what it wants to do.
The ACC with low speed follow is pretty amusing. I will give it that, also I'm not so sure the subwoofer is actually blown, seems more like something in the parcel shelf itself is broken/loose as the same sound can happen on some bumps.
Glad you lucked out with yours tho.
For me the shift time is about 0.5 seconds or so. Faster than I could do in my manual Type-S that I just came from. A triple tap on the paddle shifters gets mine to shift down 3 gears, skipping the 2 between, but only in Sport+.
I barely use the paddle shifters in Sport (only on rare occasion do I), and I find that they react slowly in Sport, but Sport+ is more than fine (which is where they should be used anyway).
It sounds like something is wrong with that one if it's really slow.
Try driving it around in Sport+ with you controlling all the shifts for your whole drive sometime. Granted, most people with an automatic won't do this, but I do it often enough since you don't need anything higher than 6th in the city (even Sport mode tries to go to 8th on roads where the speed limit is 80km/hr - I prefer to be in 6th at that speed since city roads have more lane changes and on/off ramps). At least in Sport+ I can control it and keep it from using the top 3 or 4 gears in the city. This transmission is tuned for fuel economy even in Sport mode. Sport+ in automatic mode is much better although it holds gears longer than I would, which is why I prefer manually controlling the shifts in Sport+.
Sounds like a lemon that is being used for a loaner. It seems odd to me that a 2016 would be used as a loaner. The comment that Young TL "lucked out" suggests there may be an agenda here. I I have a 2015 with excellent fit, finish, handling, and quietness. The acceleration is excellent, and I have made my peace with the transmission. The second shift can be slightly notched between 2-3k rpms, but really isn't an issue - especially once I stopped reading forum posts and got out of hyper-focus mode to just enjoy driving the car.
Sounds like a lemon that is being used for a loaner. It seems odd to me that a 2016 would be used as a loaner. The comment that Young TL "lucked out" suggests there may be an agenda here. I I have a 2015 with excellent fit, finish, handling, and quietness. The acceleration is excellent, and I have made my peace with the transmission. The second shift can be slightly notched between 2-3k rpms, but really isn't an issue - especially once I stopped reading forum posts and got out of hyper-focus mode to just enjoy driving the car.
There is absolutely NO agenda here, I had it as a loner vehicle, while mine was having a VTC actuator replaced. This was what I experienced and I had high hopes for this car. While you are happy with yours, that's wonderful, and the dealership I use has always used brand new cars as loaners. I have no idea why, but sometimes they are so new the floor mats haven't even been installed and the marks from where the protective plastic were still evident on the doors. There wasn't one rattle (except the blown and/or loose subwoofer/rear parcel shelf area) perhaps the broken trim piece was from abuse, I'm just stating what I found. Agenda. what a bizarre thing to say.
There is absolutely NO agenda here, I had it as a loner vehicle, while mine was having a VTC actuator replaced. This was what I experienced and I had high hopes for this car. While you are happy with yours, that's wonderful, and the dealership I use has always used brand new cars as loaners. I have no idea why, but sometimes they are so new the floor mats haven't even been installed and the marks from where the protective plastic were still evident on the doors. There wasn't one rattle (except the blown and/or loose subwoofer/rear parcel shelf area) perhaps the broken trim piece was from abuse, I'm just stating what I found. Agenda. what a bizarre thing to say.
Perhaps it was, but I find too many folks that post negatively about the car that don't actually own one…thus the agenda comment. I was essentially reacting to your "lucked out" phrase that based on your sample of one wasn't particularly appropriate. Without that, I had no issue with your post.
I suspect the trim issue was the result of abuse. As for the transmission, the issue seems more in line with early build 9 speeds, and completely inconsistent with 2016s, of which I have test driven several. It does take some getting used to coming from a 5 speed, to be sure, but it does a lot of things well. The first two shifts are smooth but do hold the revs longer than the other 6 shifts. There can be a little delay when down slowing and then mashing the pedal, but then it more than makes up for it with rapid acceleration. I generally do not have the need to mash and find normal acceleration to be very quick. All of that being said, it is my humble opinion after extensively test driving various 2.4 models, that the 8 speed DCT is a superior transmission.
As for your comments about ELS, I suspect you listen to a lot of base heavy music. The ELS is highly regarded by every reviewer I have read, and is one of the features that draws me to Acura. I don't listen to rap, but for all other music types, it is a very crisp and clear sound stage. DTS CDs take it to another level, if you can find them. It may be your perfectly valid opinion (and others) that there is something to fix, but it is a small minority and not shared by the vast majority of owners or reviewers, perhaps explaining why Acura hasn't "got a grip on ELS issues".
I had a 1993 Honda Accord EX with the factory 4 speaker stereo. Nothing special at all, the bass was nothing to write home about but it moved the mirrors, I don't listen to rap, but do wind up with electronic from time to time, I'm sorry but a 40,000 plus car should be able to handle whatever you throw at it, as the 1993 accord was able to. I currently now a 2010 TSX with the ELS system, numerous speakers later, these ones seem to have a voice coil that can withstand the terrible amp and not wind up failing. Panasonic is to blame for the ELS being a weak link. Also bass heavy isn't even what causes the failing, there was one guy who had two blown door speakers and all he ever listened to was talk radio and sometimes his wife put on jazz when she was in the car. IT's not what you listen to it's the components. and since this problem was across the TSX as well as the TL that's why I said hopefully they got a grip on the ELS system. The RL we had never had a problem but it was by Bose so it's a totally different animal.
The transmission has a HUGE delay from when you hit the pedal to when it decides to downshift, and I didn't even mean when slowing down. I mean when you are driving along and then stomp it the delay is laughable.
In a 30K car, totally acceptable, but 44,000? No. And while you say don't need the immediate response, have you ever driven in NYC and you need to get moving quick? This car would be a nightmare. By the time it decides to move and you wait for the "rapid acceleration" that will make up for the delayed downshift, you've missed your opportunity.
The shifts are VERY firm 1-2 2 -3 and then very smooth going onward. The stop start system is abysmal. It's abrupt, and not well executed at all. Again maybe you can live with that for the life of the vehicle, but I wouldn't be happy at all, especially at that price point.
Best way to test any car is to drive a used version, I don't really think 2,743 miles you could destroy a car especially when you can't do anything manually to it.
I find too many folks that post negatively about the car that don't actually own one
I understand your point, but I don't think that you have to own a car to have an intelligent opinion about it. In fact, that is why I do not own one. After numerous substantial test drives I knew that the 2015 TLX was not for me. I am glad that you like your TLX, and also happy that the 2016s seem to be heading in the right direction. I only hope that I am interested in Acura again after 2016
2016 V6 SH-AWD Elite owner here. I am loving the car so far since I took the delivery on the 29th of January. I specifically waited for the 2016s due to the transmission issues of the 15s. Only thing I do not like is that you cannot turn off the auto-idle stop for good. Other than that, I cannot wait for summer to get more spirited driving.
PThe ELS is highly regarded by every reviewer I have read, and is one of the features that draws me to Acura. I don't listen to rap, but for all other music types, it is a very crisp and clear sound stage. DTS CDs take it to another level, if you can find them. It may be your perfectly valid opinion (and others) that there is something to fix, but it is a small minority and not shared by the vast majority of owners or reviewers, perhaps explaining why Acura hasn't "got a grip on ELS issues".
I have to agree with you on the ELS system. I find the system delivers an amazing and well balanced sound. I have yet to take a test drive in a vehicle that provided me such a good audio quality. As you said, it depends on the type of music you listen but for my taste, settings and such, it is one of the best. My 2012 TL was just incredible in the audio department and the ILX is almost as solid, maybe a bit less.....but compared to our IS350, the ILX far trumps the IS!
Now totally unrelated, if you like home audio and self powered speakers, this Canadian company puts out an amazing product for the price:
I understand your point, but I don't think that you have to own a car to have an intelligent opinion about it. In fact, that is why I do not own one. After numerous substantial test drives I knew that the 2015 TLX was not for me. I am glad that you like your TLX, and also happy that the 2016s seem to be heading in the right direction. I only hope that I am interested in Acura again after 2016
My point spoke more to those folks who pan Acura (and many other things) without any real product knowledge. I would not include someone who has extensively test driven a vehicle(s) in that category. Making an informed decision that a product is not suitable to your needs/wants, as you did, is the smart approach.
Although some folks feel the need to trash the cars they didn't choose, IMHO it's more about making a choice from an ever increasing number of more than competent options.
I understand your point, but I don't think that you have to own a car to have an intelligent opinion about it. In fact, that is why I do not own one. After numerous substantial test drives I knew that the 2015 TLX was not for me. I am glad that you like your TLX, and also happy that the 2016s seem to be heading in the right direction. I only hope that I am interested in Acura again after 2016
This is exactly how I feel, I don't own a TLX but was planning to. I have owned Acura's since 2004, the current 2011 TL that's in the family will probably be kept for another 10+ years. We wanted so much to purchase another Acura but took our business elsewhere because of an underwhelming extended test drive in the TLX back in Nov.
Not meaning to knock the TSX, but I still feel that the TLX was a great "step-up" from the previous TSX, but not so much for someone coming from a 4G TL. Sure it's more refined and quiet than the 4G, but IMO (and I know this probably makes no sense) it's just lacking something.
Well at least I'm still in the Acura family since I have the TL. And for me, hopefully around 2017 Acura will have something that brings me back..
12-14-2015, 09:31 AM
