Rough Shifts and Hesitation in my 2017 TLX 9-Speed

ClearTheCode guidance (Acura · Buying & ownership)

Summary: For Rough Shifts and Hesitation in my 2017 TLX 9-Speed, work through these steps on your 2016+ vehicle:

1. Confirm the symptom — note when it happens (cold start, highway, after fuel fill, etc.).
2. Scan codes — save all pending/stored DTCs; don't clear until you've recorded them.
3. Check TSBs & recalls — look up your VIN for open campaigns and known fixes.
4. Inspect the obvious — related fuses, connectors, fluid level, and recent repairs.
5. Test the common fix — follow model-specific service procedures; one change at a time.
6. Escalate if needed — burning smell, no brakes, overheating, or stalling in traffic → shop visit.

Owner reported: Hey everyone,

I've got a 2017 Acura TLX V6 Advance with about 70,000 miles on it, and lately, the 9-speed automatic transmission has been acting really strange. I'm experiencing harsh shifts, especially between 2nd and 3rd gear, and sometimes it feels like it hesitates before engaging a gear.

It's particularly noticeable when I'm accelerating from a stop or trying to pass on the highway. It just…

This is educational guidance, not a substitute for hands-on diagnosis.