• Federal probe targets Acura TLX and MDX AWD faults.
  • Fault may leave TLX and MDX in front-wheel drive.
  • Petition cites 48 complaints on AWD spline failure.

A potential fault in the all-wheel-drive system of certain Acura models has caught the attention of federal investigators in the US. The issue could effectively turn the cars into front-wheel-drive, removing power from a key part of the drivetrain without the driver necessarily realizing it at first.

The probe, officially dubbed a ‘Defect Petition’ by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), comes in response to a petition filed on January 9 with the Office of Defects Investigation, urging the agency to investigate 48 customer complaints involving the all-wheel-drive system in 2021-2023 Acura TLX and 2022-2023 Acura MDX models.

Read: Government Probes Honda And Acura Engine Failures After Shocking Surge In Complaints

According to the petition, the interfacing splines between the transmission and transfer case in these models are failing. When that happens, power can no longer reach the rear axle, leaving the TLX and MDX operating solely in front-wheel drive. Beyond the inconvenience, the petitioner argues the issue results in a “reduction of vehicle directional control.”

Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough

The NHTSA will evaluate owner complaints submitted to the ODI to determine whether they are related to the failure cited in the petition, and carry out a technical review of the issue. An estimated 137,329 vehicles could be affected.

Investigations of this type are often among the first steps the NHTSA takes before deciding whether a recall is warranted. At this stage, however, the probe does not guarantee that a recall will follow.

A quick scan of social media shows Acura TLX and MDX owners have been complaining about transfer case problems for several years. Those experiencing the issue often describe loud powertrain noises when accelerating. One straightforward way some owners check for the fault is by switching off traction control and applying full throttle. If only the front wheels spin, there is a strong chance the vehicle may need a new transfer case.

Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough
Dozens Of Acura Drivers Say Their Fancy AWD Decides Two Wheels Are Enough