Did the Acura TLX/MDX Type-S hesitant acceleration recall fix my car?

Short answer: If your Type-S hesitates or feels like it stalls between gears, check the VIN for Acura’s software recall first. If the hang remains after the update, push for a deeper SH-AWD diagnosis.

Symptom: Hesitation or a stall-like pause between 2nd and 3rd, especially under throttle, on TLX or MDX Type-S.

What to check first

1. Check your VIN on Acura’s recall site.
2. Book the software update and road-test afterward.
3. If the hang remains, ask for transfer-case/transmission module scans.
4. Keep written notes of dates and symptoms.

Likely causes

1. Transmission/engine software calibration. Acura issued a recall/software fix for hesitant acceleration and a stall-like feel on certain 2021–2025 TLX/MDX Type-S (and related) vehicles. Dealers update the programming.
2. Transfer-case hardware failure (different issue). A hard hang in neutral that keeps happening after the update may be the separate transfer-case problem—not just software.
3. Normal aggressive Sport programming. Mild low-speed clunk is not the same as the recall condition. Compare symptoms carefully.

What it usually costs

The recall update is free at the dealer. Hardware repairs are separate and can be expensive.

Is it safe to keep driving?

No if it feels like it may stall in traffic. Get the update and retest.

DIY or shop?

VIN checks are DIY. The update is a dealer job.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists 6 recall(s) for the Acura TLX MDX in these years, and none match this problem. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 146 keyword-matched complaints for Acura TLX MDX 2021–2025 (of 484 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-11-06; keywords: hesitat, stall, accelerat, software, recall). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 2021-2025 TLX/MDX Type S - Recall for hesitant acceleration, stalling on Reddit r/Acura, owners discussed a 2021–2025 TLX/MDX Type-S recall for hesitant acceleration and stalling between gears and asked whether the fix cured the feel. One related Honda Pilot owner said the update made the car drive properly after a scary drivability problem.
• In TLX type S transmission chronicles on Reddit r/Acura, a TLX Type-S owner living with a 2–3 hang under throttle shows why you should still document symptoms after any software update—hardware transfer-case failures are a separate path.

Quick tip

Do the software recall, then reassess—do not assume hardware is fine if the hang continues.

Vehicle focus: Acura TLX and MDX Type-S roughly 2021-2025 covered by the hesitant-acceleration campaign.

Safety / mechanic note

Hesitation into an intersection is dangerous. Verify with a mechanic.