9AT Hard Shift 1-2 and 2-3
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 82
Likes: 13
That Kind of Thrill
rgpolson - there are a few of us who feel the same way. I sent a letter to honda today stating that my wife and I owned 10 honda products (Honda + Acura) over the past 20+ years and after this experience (and a 2012 honda pilot engine rebuild @ 44,000 miles) I'm ready to walk away.
However, I love the car... I really do. the trans issue just brings it down. I'm sure there will be a fix unless they only fix the ones where people complain. The question is how do you fix the problem if its a design issue - replace transmissions (that's expensive for Honda... really expensive), buy the 'broken' cars back (again, really, really, really super expensive), give current TLX owners sweetheart deals on the TLX MMC (could be a possibility), keep fixing with s/w updates (very likely) or just wait it out (again, likely).
The biggest thing Honda has to worry about is their reputation since there has been enough talk about it in the mainstream media where the average person will read about the issue, not just enthusiasts on the car forums. As you stated, Honda needs to get out in front, admin they have a problem and promise to resolve it in a way that satisfies its current and future customers.
I know this sounds like a broken record but sometimes we need to vent. My wife is upset but not as angry as I am. I love how Acura says 'Its that kind of thrill' They must mean when the tranny hesitates as you're pulling into traffic.
However, I love the car... I really do. the trans issue just brings it down. I'm sure there will be a fix unless they only fix the ones where people complain. The question is how do you fix the problem if its a design issue - replace transmissions (that's expensive for Honda... really expensive), buy the 'broken' cars back (again, really, really, really super expensive), give current TLX owners sweetheart deals on the TLX MMC (could be a possibility), keep fixing with s/w updates (very likely) or just wait it out (again, likely).
The biggest thing Honda has to worry about is their reputation since there has been enough talk about it in the mainstream media where the average person will read about the issue, not just enthusiasts on the car forums. As you stated, Honda needs to get out in front, admin they have a problem and promise to resolve it in a way that satisfies its current and future customers.
I know this sounds like a broken record but sometimes we need to vent. My wife is upset but not as angry as I am. I love how Acura says 'Its that kind of thrill' They must mean when the tranny hesitates as you're pulling into traffic.
#FixMyTLX9speed
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 890
Likes: 164
On a serious note, did acura provide you a service receipt detailing all that was done? Would be nice if everyone here can provide a copy to our service reps and pressure them to give us the same "fix".
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 169
Likes: 11
From: Phoenix
For the current owners of a TLX even if they are not experiencing this issue and are happy with the car the time will come when they might sell, trade in, or the lease comes to an end what has happened to the "residual value"(also known as holding cost)with all these issues and bad press. Try and sell a car that is 3+ years old that made CRs worst reliability list. I bet even if you trade it in to where you bought it they will give you the lower value.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 56
Likes: 11
Hi. I haven't posted here in a while. I do monitor the posts every couple of days. I have a TLX 3.5L SH-AWD. I had the latest updates applied and I think it improved the situation by 40-50%.
I don't know if you remember the earlier posts but around pages 3-7 of this tread, we were discussing letting up on the throttle a little bit when the car is shifting from 2 to 3 to mitigate the situation.
Well, I've been doing this subconsciously and I think I've figured out how to accelerate in different traffic situations without having the hard shift or just having a minimal hard shift.
I know someone asked earlier in this thread why we have to do this to a 35-45 thousand dollar car. I know, right! However, over the weeks, my right foot just automatically does this maneuver without me even thinking about it. It's almost effortless.
Don't get me wrong, if Acura starts replacing transmissions, then I will be the first in line! But in the meantime, I will just try to enjoy this otherwise awesome car.
I don't know if you remember the earlier posts but around pages 3-7 of this tread, we were discussing letting up on the throttle a little bit when the car is shifting from 2 to 3 to mitigate the situation.
Well, I've been doing this subconsciously and I think I've figured out how to accelerate in different traffic situations without having the hard shift or just having a minimal hard shift.
I know someone asked earlier in this thread why we have to do this to a 35-45 thousand dollar car. I know, right! However, over the weeks, my right foot just automatically does this maneuver without me even thinking about it. It's almost effortless.
Don't get me wrong, if Acura starts replacing transmissions, then I will be the first in line! But in the meantime, I will just try to enjoy this otherwise awesome car.
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 16,973
Likes: 7,362
From: Seattle, WA
For the current owners of a TLX even if they are not experiencing this issue and are happy with the car the time will come when they might sell, trade in, or the lease comes to an end what has happened to the "residual value"(also known as holding cost)with all these issues and bad press. Try and sell a car that is 3+ years old that made CRs worst reliability list. I bet even if you trade it in to where you bought it they will give you the lower value.
When a friend of mine had a Focus that had a REALLY bad transmission (lemon law candidate), Ford kept telling him that the transmission was working "as designed" over and over again (sound familiar?
) So he got fed up and took it to the dealership he'd been dealing with. When they tried to low-ball him on the trade because of the transmission, he demanded they put that in writing. He also produced the paperwork where the dealer has gone on record as the transmission operating "as designed". In the end, the dealership gave him fair value trade rather than go on record that the transmission was bad. I know that trading in a TLX at an Acura dealership limits the options, but it is one way to get a better trade value. Either they have to admit, in writing, there is a problem with the transmission impacting resale value, or they have to give you fair trade value. They'll choose the latter.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 77
Likes: 2
A few posts above, "Chrisrayala" commented:
"I don't know if you remember the earlier posts but around pages 3-7 of this tread, we were discussing letting up on the throttle a little bit when the car is shifting from 2 to 3 to mitigate the situation.
Well, I've been doing this subconsciously and I think I've figured out how to accelerate in different traffic situations without having the hard shift or just having a minimal hard shift."
I agree totally with these words...
My TLX Tech 2WD-6 dates from September 10, 2014 and carries a VIN that falls in the reference group for possible transmission anomalies.
Initially, I felt the vehicle behaved rather oddly at stops, exiting a rather cool underground garage, and mild accelerations.
I had the initial "park" recall and "transmission flush" performed... along with a lengthy "re-learning" to complete after leaving Acura's service shop.
Not much change was noted: But what I feel is important (alluded to by Chisrayala) is that "I" adjusted to the car's behavior!
I'm a careful driver and never try to "push" a car to do anything beyond getting me from here to there as safely and expeditiously as possible!
Right now... my 2015 TLX Tech and I are great friends... fingers crossed... but I can't imagine a more delightful vehicle. We both had to accommodate each other... and all now seems quite normal!
"I don't know if you remember the earlier posts but around pages 3-7 of this tread, we were discussing letting up on the throttle a little bit when the car is shifting from 2 to 3 to mitigate the situation.
Well, I've been doing this subconsciously and I think I've figured out how to accelerate in different traffic situations without having the hard shift or just having a minimal hard shift."
I agree totally with these words...
My TLX Tech 2WD-6 dates from September 10, 2014 and carries a VIN that falls in the reference group for possible transmission anomalies.
Initially, I felt the vehicle behaved rather oddly at stops, exiting a rather cool underground garage, and mild accelerations.
I had the initial "park" recall and "transmission flush" performed... along with a lengthy "re-learning" to complete after leaving Acura's service shop.
Not much change was noted: But what I feel is important (alluded to by Chisrayala) is that "I" adjusted to the car's behavior!
I'm a careful driver and never try to "push" a car to do anything beyond getting me from here to there as safely and expeditiously as possible!
Right now... my 2015 TLX Tech and I are great friends... fingers crossed... but I can't imagine a more delightful vehicle. We both had to accommodate each other... and all now seems quite normal!
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 129
Likes: 20
Can someone describe the 1-2 & 2-3 jerkiness? Does it feel like your driving with the parking brake on? I noticed something this morning/yesterday afternoon for the 1st time and I wasn't sure if this is what i'm experiencing.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 166
Likes: 52
Stew is spot on. The car would hesitate, like it was preparing to shift. Then it would throw the car into 3rd, along with your head into the headrest.
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 16,973
Likes: 7,362
From: Seattle, WA
Same here. For me, the car actually stops accelerating for a brief moment - RPMs hold, acceleration stops while it "pauses" to shift. Then it goes into 3rd gear pretty hard, and you start accelerating again. Depending on how updated the car is, you may get something similar between 1-2 as well.
It all just takes a fraction of a second, but it puts a break in acceleration that is very noticeable.
It all just takes a fraction of a second, but it puts a break in acceleration that is very noticeable.
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
Yeah all that and the downshift surging. Occasionally, as the car was downshifting to slow itself down and control speed (ie when heading down a hill with light breaking), the car would shift and briefly surge in speed, resulting in the need for heavy breaking.
It's been a few hundred miles now since I've had TSB 15-40 reapplied. It made no difference while driving in Sport (which is what I use 99% of the time). It actually made Normal mode far worse. I feel almost every gear transition now.
It's been a few hundred miles now since I've had TSB 15-40 reapplied. It made no difference while driving in Sport (which is what I use 99% of the time). It actually made Normal mode far worse. I feel almost every gear transition now.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,607
Likes: 536
ATXTLX,
I live in the DFW area and there are tons of TLX's running around here lately. I also found out recently the first Acura dealership in the US is here. Can't believe I never knew that. To fix your problem you had to get a new tranny, didn't you? If so, this is what I was afraid of...
Anywho, to all of you stating you love everything about the car other than the transmission, I pretty much agree with you. Well, ok, the sluggishness at times of the infotainment system can be a pain, but other than that, this is pretty much the car I wanted. But crud, that transmission.
I live in the DFW area and there are tons of TLX's running around here lately. I also found out recently the first Acura dealership in the US is here. Can't believe I never knew that. To fix your problem you had to get a new tranny, didn't you? If so, this is what I was afraid of...
Anywho, to all of you stating you love everything about the car other than the transmission, I pretty much agree with you. Well, ok, the sluggishness at times of the infotainment system can be a pain, but other than that, this is pretty much the car I wanted. But crud, that transmission.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 166
Likes: 52
ATXTLX,
I live in the DFW area and there are tons of TLX's running around here lately. I also found out recently the first Acura dealership in the US is here. Can't believe I never knew that. To fix your problem you had to get a new tranny, didn't you? If so, this is what I was afraid of...
Anywho, to all of you stating you love everything about the car other than the transmission, I pretty much agree with you. Well, ok, the sluggishness at times of the infotainment system can be a pain, but other than that, this is pretty much the car I wanted. But crud, that transmission.
I live in the DFW area and there are tons of TLX's running around here lately. I also found out recently the first Acura dealership in the US is here. Can't believe I never knew that. To fix your problem you had to get a new tranny, didn't you? If so, this is what I was afraid of...
Anywho, to all of you stating you love everything about the car other than the transmission, I pretty much agree with you. Well, ok, the sluggishness at times of the infotainment system can be a pain, but other than that, this is pretty much the car I wanted. But crud, that transmission.
I did love everything about the car, minus the transmission. I hope that Acura offers a permanent software fix, or replaces those transmissions that can't be fixed with software.
Rocketsfan: if you have a road trip down to Austin planned, let me know.
We can meet up and trade cars for a bit. I am curious to see how other forums user's cars drive. I would love for you to test the replacement tranny.
Cruisin'
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 9
Loaner 2016 TLX doesn't have the shifting issue
ZF fans--
I took my 2015 TLX in (yet again -- I think this is visit 6 or 7 since I started complaining back in April) this morning to have the dealership look at the vibration issue (in the steering wheel and accelerator--although you can feel it in the passenger seat--when you aren't pushing on the accelerator). They gave me a 2016 TLX as a loaner.
Here's the rub: THE 2016 TLX DOES NOT HAVE THE SHIFTING PROBLEM. I apologize for the all caps, but really: IT DOES NOT HAVE THE SHIFTING PROBLEM. There is going to be a serious talk with the dealership when they call me later today to discuss my car.
Has anyone else drove a 2016 TLX yet? If not, you might just want to....But if you have anger issues, I'd recommend against it.
I took my 2015 TLX in (yet again -- I think this is visit 6 or 7 since I started complaining back in April) this morning to have the dealership look at the vibration issue (in the steering wheel and accelerator--although you can feel it in the passenger seat--when you aren't pushing on the accelerator). They gave me a 2016 TLX as a loaner.
Here's the rub: THE 2016 TLX DOES NOT HAVE THE SHIFTING PROBLEM. I apologize for the all caps, but really: IT DOES NOT HAVE THE SHIFTING PROBLEM. There is going to be a serious talk with the dealership when they call me later today to discuss my car.
Has anyone else drove a 2016 TLX yet? If not, you might just want to....But if you have anger issues, I'd recommend against it.
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
I had a TLX loaner recently that bucked like a bull. It was built a few months after mine (late 2014).
I was told this morning by my service manager that there was nothing else they could do until the The Great Software Update 2.0 is released early next year.
I am now contemplating my next move, including waiting with baited breath for a transmission replacement campaign.
I was told this morning by my service manager that there was nothing else they could do until the The Great Software Update 2.0 is released early next year.
I am now contemplating my next move, including waiting with baited breath for a transmission replacement campaign.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 166
Likes: 52
ZF fans--
I took my 2015 TLX in (yet again -- I think this is visit 6 or 7 since I started complaining back in April) this morning to have the dealership look at the vibration issue (in the steering wheel and accelerator--although you can feel it in the passenger seat--when you aren't pushing on the accelerator). They gave me a 2016 TLX as a loaner.
Here's the rub: THE 2016 TLX DOES NOT HAVE THE SHIFTING PROBLEM. I apologize for the all caps, but really: IT DOES NOT HAVE THE SHIFTING PROBLEM. There is going to be a serious talk with the dealership when they call me later today to discuss my car.
Has anyone else drove a 2016 TLX yet? If not, you might just want to....But if you have anger issues, I'd recommend against it.
I took my 2015 TLX in (yet again -- I think this is visit 6 or 7 since I started complaining back in April) this morning to have the dealership look at the vibration issue (in the steering wheel and accelerator--although you can feel it in the passenger seat--when you aren't pushing on the accelerator). They gave me a 2016 TLX as a loaner.
Here's the rub: THE 2016 TLX DOES NOT HAVE THE SHIFTING PROBLEM. I apologize for the all caps, but really: IT DOES NOT HAVE THE SHIFTING PROBLEM. There is going to be a serious talk with the dealership when they call me later today to discuss my car.
Has anyone else drove a 2016 TLX yet? If not, you might just want to....But if you have anger issues, I'd recommend against it.
I am so very curious what they are going to tell you when you bring this up.
Tell them that you know there are some mechanical differences between the 2015 and the 2016. (That's what I was told when my tranny was replaced 2 weeks ago.) Mine is performing perfectly. I have been really curious about the 2016 models. I am happy to hear they don't have the issues.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 129
Likes: 20
For those of you bring the car back to the dealer multiple times I would suggest you ask the dealer to put in writing the car is operating as normal/expected. 
I did open a request with the NHTSA re the transmission since the surging/hesitation does/can pose a safety issue. Might be extreme but since Honda/Acura are so 'quiet' on the issue I figured what the he!!. One of thing that burns me the most is what this 'could/may' do to resale value.
I did open a request with the NHTSA re the transmission since the surging/hesitation does/can pose a safety issue. Might be extreme but since Honda/Acura are so 'quiet' on the issue I figured what the he!!. One of thing that burns me the most is what this 'could/may' do to resale value.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 890
Likes: 164
I am so very curious what they are going to tell you when you bring this up. Tell them that you know there are some mechanical differences between the 2015 and the 2016. (That's what I was told when my tranny was replaced 2 weeks ago.) Mine is performing perfectly.
I have been really curious about the 2016 models. I am happy to hear they don't have the issues.
Tell them that you know there are some mechanical differences between the 2015 and the 2016. (That's what I was told when my tranny was replaced 2 weeks ago.) Mine is performing perfectly. I have been really curious about the 2016 models. I am happy to hear they don't have the issues.
Do you have documentation on what was done? Would be nice if we could show our service reps and force them to provide the same fix you got. Thanks
Styl1n
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 998
Likes: 159
From: NYC-Hollis, Queens
Hey everyone brought my car in for rough shifts and they did an update didn't ask which one but now my car shifts smooth no more hard downshifts and its picks up pretty good. im use to all the rough shifting since my 2002 TL 
if there is a major issue with the tranny i guess they will start replacing them.
if there is a major issue with the tranny i guess they will start replacing them.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 166
Likes: 52
Here is the invoice. I especially like the typo in "Shifts".
Interestingly, when you search these, you get older SBs, but from previous replacements.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 945
Likes: 262
At $3000 each, I wonder what criteria Acura may use if they offer replacements to current owners....and do the 2016s already have this part vs the old.
Hopefully this is the magic bullet.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 95
Likes: 22
From: OHIO
10AT incoming eventually as I mentioned a while back.
Technology Preview: We Drive Honda's 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
Technology Preview: We Drive Honda's 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 940
Likes: 305
From: Brooklyn, NY
Anyone know who to contact at Acura Corporate, above & beyond the "puppet" Case Managers, who are useless gibberish, & liars
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Names, Phone #'s, Email?
Thanks
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Names, Phone #'s, Email?
Thanks
Cruisin'
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: California
10AT incoming eventually as I mentioned a while back.
Technology Preview: We Drive Honda's 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
Technology Preview: We Drive Honda's 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
"Both when accelerating from a stop and when fluctuating speeds, the transmission executed smooth shifts without delay. There was none of the shift shock that you get with the ZF nine-speed."
and the waiting game continues..
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 1,405
From: Ohio
Exciting news for the future models! I specifically enjoyed this comment in the article.
"Both when accelerating from a stop and when fluctuating speeds, the transmission executed smooth shifts without delay. There was none of the shift shock that you get with the ZF nine-speed."
and the waiting game continues..
"Both when accelerating from a stop and when fluctuating speeds, the transmission executed smooth shifts without delay. There was none of the shift shock that you get with the ZF nine-speed."
and the waiting game continues..
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 129
Likes: 20
@CPR - I emailed Acura the same letter I mailed to the Honda USA corporate office outlining my frustration with the transmission issues in the TLX. To my surprise Acura actually emailed me back and asked if they could contact me for a further discussion. It may lead to nothing but I peppered @Acura and @Honda on twitter on a daily basis, opened a case with NHTSA and kept after them. I also emailed my salesman, telling him i'm fed up and asked he pass my info on to the DSM. I have yet to hear from both. I don't have a contact @Acura but if I get someone other than a phone monkey I will pass along the info. As I said before, Honda/Acura can't afford the bad press right now and the longer they wait, the worse it could get.
Last edited by jswift2000; Nov 11, 2015 at 02:17 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 129
Likes: 20
I sent the email to acr@ahm.acura.com but sent the letter to the below address:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
1919 Torrance Boulevard
Mail Stop: 500 - 2N - 7A
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
1919 Torrance Boulevard
Mail Stop: 500 - 2N - 7A
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 433
Likes: 115
From: So California
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
I sent the email to acr@ahm.acura.com but sent the letter to the below address:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
1919 Torrance Boulevard
Mail Stop: 500 - 2N - 7A
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
1919 Torrance Boulevard
Mail Stop: 500 - 2N - 7A
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 940
Likes: 305
From: Brooklyn, NY
UPDATE: Waiting for Michael Bogan; ACR/Supervisor to call me; he's Kyle Green's boss
Not expecting miracles, but............................................... you never know.
I'd love a replacement 2016 ZF transmission; not holding my breath. Will keep you posted, ASAP
Not expecting miracles, but............................................... you never know.
I'd love a replacement 2016 ZF transmission; not holding my breath. Will keep you posted, ASAP