2017 Acura TLX: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Reliable, comfortable luxury sedan with low ownership costs. The 9-speed automatic (V6) still shifts with some hesitation, but the dangerous early-build neutral fault was addressed by recall. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2017 Acura TLX ranged from $32,000 to $42,700 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

7/10
Strong track record

Reliable, comfortable luxury sedan with low ownership costs. The 9-speed automatic (V6) still shifts with some hesitation, but the dangerous early-build neutral fault was addressed by recall.

Sources (3)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=acura&model=tlx&mod…
  • automotonation.comhttps://automotonation.com/acuratlx2015-2020/
  • carcomplaints.comhttps://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2017/acura-tlx-recalled-transmission-probl…

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (5)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=acura&model=tlx&mod…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=acura&model=tlx&mod…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=acura&model=tlx&mod…
  • automotonation.comhttps://automotonation.com/acuratlx2015-2020/
  • carcomplaints.comhttps://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2017/acura-tlx-recalled-transmission-probl…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Available smooth 3.5L V6 with SH-AWD for confident all-weather grip.
  • Excellent long-term reliability and low repair costs; rated at or near the top of the luxury midsize class.
  • Comprehensive standard safety tech (AcuraWatch) and strong crash-test performance.
  • Comfortable, well-built interior that undercuts European rivals on price.

Cons

  • The 9-speed automatic on V6 cars can shift harshly and hesitantly, worst on 2015-2016 models.
  • Fuel-pump and rod-bearing recalls affect 2018-2020 cars; confirm the work was completed.
  • Tight rear-seat room and a modest trunk for the class.
  • Dual-screen infotainment is dated and can be slow or glitchy.

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
Base $32,000 discontinued — —
V6 $35,450 discontinued — —
Technology $36,050 $45,400 — —
Advance $42,700 discontinued — —

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (2)

Depreciation

$12k $25k $37k $49k 2017201920212023202520272029
2017 entry trim from new typical floor (assumed, past curve data) same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($32,000). Higher trims started higher (up to $42,700), and options added more.

The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/acura-tlx/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)≈ $400–450/yr
Insurance (medium tier)≈ $2,500–2,600/yr
Expected lifespan~250k miles

Requires premium fuel

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (3)

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2017 Acura TLX have?

Documented issue patterns include: The 9-speed ZF automatic on V6 trims is prone to harsh, hesitant and delayed shifts and, on early build cars, a control fault that can drop the transmission into a failsafe neutral; addressed by recall. Inspect shift quality and recall completion; Engine complaints including intermittent stalling, rough idle and fluctuating RPM, most often reported on 2015 four-cylinder cars; Infotainment and electrical glitches: freezing screens, Bluetooth dropouts and random system reboots on the dual-screen system. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2017 Acura TLX reliable?

Reliable, comfortable luxury sedan with low ownership costs. The 9-speed automatic (V6) still shifts with some hesitation, but the dangerous early-build neutral fault was addressed by recall.

How much did the 2017 Acura TLX cost new?

Between $32,000 and $42,700 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Acura TLX expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $400–450/year as mileage climbs. Note: it requires premium fuel.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.