CarsApp
DP26001DP · Defect PetitionOpen

All wheel drive allegation

NHTSA is actively investigating this potential safety issue.

Manufacturer
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Component
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:SHAFT:OUTPUT, POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
Opened
Mar 6, 2026
Closed
Still open
Model years
2021–2023
Type
Defect Petition

Summary

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated January 9, 2026, requesting an investigation into the loss of the optional all-wheel drive capability in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Acura TLX and MY 2022-2023 Acura MDX vehicles. The Petition contends that the interfacing splines between the transmission and the rear wheel drive power take off unit are failing. Failure of these splines prevents the transfer of drive power to the rear axle, making the vehicle front wheel drive only. The Petition further alleges that this failure results in a reduction of vehicle directional control. The Petitioner cites 48 complaints received by ODI alleging the same failure. ODI will evaluate these complaints to determine if they are related to the failure cited in the Petition and will conduct a technical review under 49 CFR Part 552. This Defect Petition is being opened to evaluate whether to grant or deny the Petition.  The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11712885. The VOQ numbers referenced in the Petition are listed below. 11615217, 11619288, 11633510, 11634618, 11634979, 11636677, 11637484, 11638577, 11638902, 11640757, 11642028, 11642839, 11644661, 11652130, 11652239, 11654456, 11664265, 11662805, 11662895, 11664344, 11664848, 11665162, 11665179, 11665477, 11666444, 11667007, 11667060, 11681206, 11689393, 11693166, 11693788, 11696489, 11696739, 11702530, 11557993, 11551829, 11635395, 11644548, 11647519, 11647996, 11661340, 11671314, 11682637, 11691842, 11693280, 11700591, 11700964, 11702881,

Vehicles under investigation (5)

  • ACURA MDX2022
  • ACURA MDX2023
  • ACURA TLX2021
  • ACURA TLX2022
  • ACURA TLX2023

Source: NHTSA investigation DP26001. Investigations are NHTSA's review of a potential safety issue and may or may not result in a recall.