99CL

Keith Wiethe

akaushik

Hi,
just wanted to let you know that I am leasing an Acura TLX SH-AWD 2018. Just picked it up on september 21st and having the vibration issues. On my car they start at around 110 KM/hour or 65 miles/hour. I am in Ontario. Let me know if you made any progress?
Cheers!

Tardym

Good morning all,

The trial was held on October 9 and the judge will now deliberate. She says it could take up to 6 months to give her judgment. I will keep you posted.
Acura told her that I was the only one in Canada that complain about this issue. Incredible.

Thanks, Mickey

akaushik

Hi, i am a new member, how did it go in the court?
akaushik

akaushik

That's BS! cannot all these posts be used as evidence?
akaushik

Tardym

Hi Akaushik,

Nope, they can't, as Acura oppose to them as they are just "hearsay". This is why, I have asked forum members to send me their communications (copy of :emails, invoices, letters ) from Acura and Acura Clients Relation rep.
Unfortunately, I only received 2 answers and one of them was from US and not applicable for Canada. But we will see what the judge will say about all this.

Thanks, Mickey

akaushik

Hi Mickey,
I meet with my dealer on Friday, lets see what they have to say...
cheers!
akaushik

Saintor

What's even more incredible is ... 6 months to give a judgment for something like this! Should be 6 days.

nothome17

Hopefully you provided video evidence.

hadokenuh

Just want to tell you guys about my recent 2019 TLX loaner experience. It 's a FWD Advance model with 500 miles on it. And the car and steering wheel vibrates when I drive over 50 mph.

I personally thing it has something to do with one of the driving assistant technologies (Road Departure Mitigation??) where the steering wheels shakes a little when you go off your lane. I am thinking for some reason the part works a little "extra" and causes the steering wheel to shake even though the RDM isn't activated. Just my pure guess but the shaking is very similar and feels like the tires are off balanced. Maybe my loaner had the tires off balanced

Bottom like is this happens to a 2019 and FWD. And it is hard for Acura to fix for some reason, .e.g. would require a change of major component or programming logics or whatever.

Off topic: I really don't enjoy those extra driving assistant features. The only thing that's useful to me is the Blind Spot Information. The rest is useless and annoying. I drive about 20K miles per year for the last 18 years.

someguy11

OP, did you have any luck in court?

I purchased a CPO 2015 TLX V6 SH-AWD a couple months ago. I felt the distinct slight vibration between 68-80 mph and wrote it off as an imbalanced tire. That's exactly the sensation it resembles having driven dozens of cars over 20 years. For those who don't know - it's a high frequency, low amplitude shake. It's bad enough to vibrate the floorboard, steering wheel and passenger seat enough that the belt buckle rattles. I researched the Goodyear LS2s it had and concluded they were garbage tires that needed to be replaced soon anyway around 40k miles.

So I replace those with Michelin Premier A/S - a very good tire. Drove home and immediately realized that was not the problem. I researched more (including here) and learned about this chronic expressway vibration issue. I called the Acura dealer to describe the problem. They are completely aware and asked me to bring it in to perform the two TSBs. I hoped that would fix it. It did in fact get better. It's much smoother at 70-75, but the vibration between 75-80 still exists.

I don't blame the dealer for not being able to fix it; however, there is a design flaw with this car that Acura is aware of and cannot fix (otherwise they would have by now). These cars are about to come up as CPO and used off-leases that will anger a whole new group of people. I'm hoping they figure out the problem and issue a TSB soon.

It's definitely a mechanical problem, but what's strange is it comes and goes, meaning it's something dynamic. It's inconsistent. On the same highway within 2 miles, it starts, tapers off, then it gradually comes back, then disappears. It's not the roads. No other vehicles have issues on these roads. Forget about those who think it's VCM. It's not. It happens under acceleration, deceleration and coasting. It's definitely not the tires or forged rims, because imbalance would never pass the balancer. It's not the engine mounts or propeller shaft TSBs. It's not the transmission, because the vibration is consistent between gears and RPMs. I don't think it's the axles, because it's not a constant vibration for any given speed. For many of those guesses, the frequency and amplitude of the vibration would be proportional to something, whether it be speed (moving parts) or RPMs (engine/transmission).

All of my driving to date had been under Normal IDS. I tried an experiment on the expressway flipping through the IDS modes. Perhaps this was a placebo effect, but I found that Sport exhibited the least vibration amplitude. Eco and Normal were the worst. Sport was the best. Sport+ was no better than Sport except the engine downshifts two gears.

I think this whole 70-80mph vibration has something to do with the suspension. I'd love to know if anyone who replaced the springs, struts and shocks, or any combination of those, still has the vibration.

Terdbath

I counted over 30 members on this thread having the vibration issue.

Just wanted to pool all the folks that have zero vibration and hopefully they can respond if anything has changed.


DML1213 / had an A-SPEC loaner "Smooth as Butter"
SebringSilver / is on his 3rd TLX with no vibration
JHB31
NeuronBob
HONDA430
CPR
DMSKI
ReddogTL
wlkeel

Then we have myself and 9SpeedTran that didn't notice any issues until after a recent Tire Rotation. I can guarantee you it was smooth as glass when I drive it home after leasing in July 2017. 90 mile drive on the freeway and being super sensitive to the new ride I would have surely noticed anything less than perfect.

9SpeedTran had his issue fixed by a Hunter Road Balance Machine.

99CL said what fixed it for him was to raise the car and re-torque the lugs.

If we have a mix of cars that have it where others do not then its not a sub-frame/design flaw right?

I have my original 17 inch rims and tires from my 2010 TSX that I use as winters on my TSX. I'm going to swap those on to my TLX since I know those are balanced and see if the TLX still vibrates at speed.

Pictures of those awesome 17's forthcoming!

Terdbath

First off Im going to be sore tomorrow! Jacking up and switching 8 wheels on and off isn't near as easy as it used to be!

I took off the 245 40 19's and replaced with 225 50 17's. Not exactly the same size tire. According to Tire size calculator that's 3% smaller in diameter meaning my original vibration range from 70 to 80 would equate to roughly 68 MPH to 78 MPH.

I took the car to a familiar 4 mile stretch of interstate.

Results? Mixed.

When riding with 245 40 19's there was a noticeable shake in my dash cam and passenger seat as well as feeling through my seat. Its never been a steering wheel shake.

When I first got on the interstate with the 225 50 17's I thought immediately the vibration was still there but as I sped up and slowed down 65 to 80ish I started doubting myself. My passenger seat wasn't shaking, neither was the dash cam. I even reached over with my right hand to make sure the passenger seat belt buckle was vibrating. It was but not any more than it would driving at 40 or 45. There was a slight vibration felt through the cabin but it was present at every speed. I was so unconvinced after my first 8 mile loop I had to do it once more. Conclusion? It was definitely way better with the other set of wheels. Part of me thinks the minimal vibration I felt was minor road imperfections vs chassis or wheel shake. Could it be that the 50 series tire soaked up the vibration that the 40 series tire couldn't? I'm not sure. For my car at least a different set of wheels made a noticeable difference however I'm not 100% convinced that is the end all be all solution.

Additional info:
The 245 40 19 wheels did'nt look to have any missing wheel weights. They are weighted with stick on weights inside the barrel near the face of the wheel and also each one had a clip on type of weight on the inside lip of the rim.
The 225 50 17 wheels had their tire pressures at 32 pounds. Same as the 245 40 19's.

Terdbath

Here's them 17's for those that are curious.





And Oooof that wheel tire combo is HEAVY!

seadooman

Been a while since I was on this thread. Sometimes I wonder if its just me but this thread (and the other one) reconfirm I am not alone. I too had the TSB done - helped a bit but didn't go away. I too spent many times going back to my Acura dealer and on the phone with Acura - its a "characteristic of the car" to vibrate like that. I too noticed that the vibration depends on road quality and not just speed - seems the smoother the road is the more I notice it. I too changed the GoodYear LS2 for Michelin Primacy A/S - helped a bit but didn't go away. Seems to be better with my winter Michelin Xice on 17" rims. I think the guy who switched to 17" rims is perhaps on to something - more rubber sidewall for absorption between car and road.

Acura dealer says its the transmission. Not sure about that. I tend to think the car is under engineered to absorb road feedback for the combination of engine/transmission/suspension and it can't stabilize on smooth surfaces at that speed of around 118 km/h to 125km/h. So you get stuck with that annoying vibration that you feel in the driver seat, notice in the passenger seat, and notice in the vibration of the passenger seat belt. Like everyone says - not what you expect from a $50K plus car.

Recently tried a 2019 SH-AWD A-Spec and a regular 2019 SH-AWD Elite as I'm at wits end. '19 A-Spec was a tad better but vibration was still there. '19 SH-AWD Elite was worse than my 2016! Looking around at other options - needless to say trade-in value is abysmal.

I'm not going to bash all of Acura - we had a 2013 RDX, traded it in for a 2018 RDX - and we love it. Our Acura dealer is awesome. I have always liked the brand. Acura just seems to have really f*&#ed it up with the TLX this time - and specifically with that one issue as everything else about the car I love.

Good luck to the guy who took Acura to court. I hope you win something out of it!

And thanks to this thread for at least the therapy session....

someguy11

Ditto this! Update on my car. Like I said, I tried fixing the problem by replacing tires. Got better, but it didn't go away. I brought it to my dealer. They gave it the two TSB treatment. Got better, but it didn't go away. I thought I was really screwed over and stuck with this vibrator for the next 10 years. My dealer offered to road force balance. I doubted that would work, but to my delight, they returned it to me almost smooth as silk. There may be like 2-5% of the original shaking going on. Not enough to bother me or any passengers. I'm back to loving this car.

I still think it has something to do with the suspension. I've never had a car - including several cars with low profile tires - so sensitive to tire imperfections that it vibrated this way. Some part of this car is under designed. Subframe, struts, arms, shocks, springs, mounts, bushings, etc. Maybe the car is too heavy for it's components. No one seems to know the problem. If Acura does, they apparently will not admit the flaw and pay for the fix. But the resonance at 70-80 is real. And it's bad. I hope mine doesn't come back after a certain mileage, tire rotation or tire wear.

I feel for those who couldn't get it fixed. I'd recommend road force balancing, propeller shaft and engine mounts, new tires, road force balancing again, at a minimum, in that order. If it vibrates after that, spend the money at a tire specialist shop to road force balance again. Reading similar experiences of other owners is definitely therapeutic. That vibration is intolerable.

Terdbath

quantum7 mentioned on the first page of this thread Service Bulletin 16-057 which I now believe is the root of our vibration issues for all of our car.

From the TSB:

SYMPTOM: Vibration can be felt at certain highway speeds. The vibration creates an up and down or bouncing sensation felt in the front seats, floor, and accelerator pedal. You can feel the vibration most clearly when driving straight on a smooth road surface.

POSSIBLE CAUSE: The subframe bushing materials lacks absorption ability, causing the energy from the rear wheels to be transferred into the floor and seat.

CORRECTIVE ACTION: Replace the side engine bracket, the upper transmission mount, and the front bushings in the rear subframe.

Required parts listed in the TSB include 2 subframe mounting rubber bushings for the rear subframe. Part number 50360-TZ3-A02. When looking up that part number on Acuraparts.com I see it replaces part number 50360-TZ3-A01. I suspect the A01 part was original equipment for 2015-2016 models where 2017 and on have the A02 part number but just a guess.

Back to language straight from the TSB. Here is the last step.

31. Take another test drive on the same road course to estimate the speed range and intensity level compared to before the fix.
a.If the speed range was reduced (ie. originally 60-80mph after repair reduced to 70-75mph) and the subjective intensity level improved this repair is completed.
b.If the affected speed range is unchanged............continue with normal troubleshooting.

What I really don't like is that ACURA considers this a fix as long as the speed range of the vibration was reduced and subjective intensity has improved. They don't say it is fixed when it drives completely smooth. From the language used it appears that they admit there will continue to be some vibration between 70-75 and its acceptable.

I think I'm done worrying about this issue personally. Coincidentally enough when I replaced my A-SPEC wheels I rotated them back to how it came from the factory and the vibration is almost unnoticeable but is still evident between 70-78 MPH.

Best case for me personally is to always make sure I have the most balanced tires in the back. Will return this car as soon as lease is over and move on to some other brand. (unless the Type S comes out on a totally new platform that I can trust)

FYI I did look up the rear subframe for the I4 and its the same as the V6 and uses the same bushings as the V6 so would explain why all variations of this car can share this unfortunate characteristic.

jhb31

I have about 13k on the car now and have had two tires replaced due to road punctures. Also have had the tires rotated and taken it on two road trips recently where I was at highway speeds for over 500 miles each way and a lot of which the PSL was 70mph and the flow was 80 plus much of the time. Never experienced any vibration issues at any speeds (one of the things I like about the car is the super smooth ride on the highway). I know mine was manufactured in Canada but maybe they all are.

TSXV6Guy

I thought all TLXs are assembled in the US.

jhb31

My bad, thought I had decoded the VIN on it a while back and it had a region code of Canada. Must have confused this with another car. I just checked my TLX VIN and it does indicate US.

akaushik

Mickey,
i just sent you some of my communication with my dealer on this issue. Good luck and keep us posted. I agree that if all of who are experiencing this vibration issue team up and hire a lawyer maybe then Acura will listen.

kuzdu

Damnnn that wheel is to heavy, I figured this since i had my 15 and went to my aspec and noticed a slight difference in acceleration. How did you find the car starting off the line with the lighter wheels? I'm tempted to put my ILX wheels on my aspec and take it for a drive.

kuzdu

OtownPSU

I'm accepting of the fact that my car will always have a vibration at high speed. Pitiful and disgraceful for any car, much less a near-luxury car from Acura. I'm annoyed whenever I have it on the interstate. Fortunately it is a lease and I can get out of it in about 2 years.

Tardym

Hi Everybody,

To JHB31: All TLX are built in USA

To AKAUSHIK: Thanks a lot, Hope everyone will continue their battle with Acura/Honda. My case is now under the hands of the judge, waiting for her decision, too bad I did not get this info before the trial.

To OtownPSU: Mine was bought,and paid for... too bad for me. This ended a 35 years relationship with Honda/Acura. Never again, So for those who thought that Japanese car were perfect, like Acura said " Precision crafted" , They should consider changing their branding.

Thanks, Mickey

jhb31

Yep, I got corrected on that. I think I got it confused with another car I had looked up the VIN on a few years back to see where it was built. Memory must be a little fuzzy, need to put the crack pipe away. Thanks

ncelk

We were looking to get an A-spec TLX SH-AWD but have decided that we are going to remove it from our shopping list based on the ongoing unresolved issues with this vibration. Shame that Acura does not and cannot resolve this.

akaushik

No issues Mickey keep us posted on your trial with Acura. They took my car back into the shop and now it's been over a week. I have called Acura Canada and informed my CR Rep that i will not take the car back until it's fixed and ZERO Vibrations at any speeds.
Cheers!
akaushik

Tardym

Hi Everybody,

For everyone in Canada, who spoke with an Acura client relation specialist, is it possible to send me the name of that person.
My Client Relation Specialist at Acura mentioned to the judge that I was the only client that complained to Acura about this issue in Canada.
His name is Kar Lun Wong. So if you talked or have email from a CRS , please send me their name.

Thanks, Mickey

akaushik

Mickey,
CRS reps name is Joel don't know his last name but his ext is 3219......if it helps.
cheers!
akaushik

Mak P

I'm curious, I just got a 2019 tlx I don't feel vibration. I push it every now and then but I haven't been pushing it hard yet

Has anybody tried this post

SpecTro

iTrader: (2)

Got a new 2019 TLX Aspec SH-AWD back in june and have recently started noticing the vibrations on the passenger side seat. that thing was shaking like a hula girl lol. almost looked like a massage chair. this happens most noticeably on rough highways, above 70MPH. only 4k miles on it. Thankfully it's a lease, so we'll see how it goes with Acura dealing with the issue.

kwalchicago

Hmmm. I've been reading this thread since I joined the forum and have yet to notice any type of vibration when I get up to those speeds on the highway.. I have a '15 SH AWD 3.5 unless I'm just not noticing? How rough is this vibration.. And is it possible for me to simply just not have the issue? I'm not aware if it's every car or just some.

someguy11

Some owners experience it. Some don't. You will know it if your car does exhibit the vibration. It feels like an imbalanced tire or like a wheel weights fell off. In my case, it was bad enough that I could see the dashboard and tach/speedometer needles shaking, I could feel it in the floorboard, and I could see my passenger seat and passenger seat buckle vibrating. I tolerated it because I knew I had to replace tires soon, but to my chagrin, replacing tires didn't ultimately fix my vibration. For me, two TSBs and a road force balance of all four new tires reduced the vibration to about 5-10% of the original. My passenger buckle still shakes.

Set the cruise between 70-80mph and watch the passenger seat belt buckle. Mine vibrates with a low amplitude, high frequency resonance (back and forth a small amount but very fast). The theory is that the buckle is a symptom of frame vibration because the buckle is mounted to the frame via a long arm, so it amplifies any degree of frame vibration. I've never driven a car like this that looks and/or feels like it vibrates, unless it were due to the tires. It's clearly a problem due to owners' consistent experiences and Acura issuing TSBs. Dealer attempts to balance, road force balance and replace tires has proven it's not the tires.

At least my vibration has been minimized enough to almost entirely ignore the problem.

F23A4

a35tl

How does the '19 compare to the '16? Are there noticeable differences in driving dynamics? Comfort? Etc...?

F23A4

Tardym

Hi,

The vibration issue was never a problem with the 3.5 PAWS. It was only on the 3.5 SH-AWD.

Thanks,Mickey

F23A4