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2012-2025 · 12 model years

Acura TLX Problems by year

Owners have filed 903 complaints about the Acura TLX across 12 model years, and it has 14 recalls. The 2015 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (344), while 2012, 2024, 2025 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling, followed by the transmission & drivetrain.

Share your TLX experienceCompare years14 recalls
Most complaints for its age2015344 complaints · 6 recallsSee the 2015
Complaints
903
Recalls
14
Crashes
37
Fires
5
Injuries
25
Deaths
0

TLX complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20254200Electrical systemA
20245200Electrical systemA
202312400BrakesB
202226400Transmission & drivetrainB
202175540Transmission & drivetrainD
202063540Engine & coolingC
201993671Engine & coolingD
201898431Engine & coolingC
201771323Engine & coolingC
2016111350Engine & coolingC
20153446120Transmission & drivetrainF
20121000AirbagsA

Most common TLX problems

Acura TLX recalls 14

Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal / mechanical

23V751000248,999 vehicles affected

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear...

Covers2015 Acura TLX2016 Acura TLX2017 Acura TLX2018 Acura TLX2019 Acura TLX2020 Acura TLX+12 more

Latest TLX complaints

2021 Acura TLXTransmission & drivetrain

I am submitting this complaint regarding a transmission failure involving my 2021 Acura TLX, which I believe presents a significant motor vehicle safety defect. The transmission experienced a premature and unexpected failure that resulted in a substantial reduction in vehicle performance, including a loss of power delivered to the rear wheels and a corresponding reduction in vehicle directional control. At the time of the failure, the vehicle's handling characteristics changed unexpectedly, creating a potentially...

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hazardous operating condition. The loss of rear-wheel power adversely affected the vehicle's stability and responsiveness, particularly during acceleration, lane changes, and other driving maneuvers where predictable vehicle control is necessary for safe operation. This condition significantly increased the risk of a crash and exposed both the vehicle occupants and the motoring public to an unreasonable safety hazard. Upon researching this issue, I discovered that transmission failures and related drivetrain defects have been reported by other owners of 2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The existence of multiple similar complaints suggests that this may not be an isolated incident but rather a recurring defect affecting this vehicle model and year. The failure occurred despite the vehicle being maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and without any misuse or modification that would reasonably contribute to such a catastrophic drivetrain failure. A transmission component that affects vehicle propulsion and directional control should not fail under normal operating conditions. Given the nature of the defect and its direct impact on vehicle safety, I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this issue to determine whether a broader safety-related defect exists within the 2021 Acura TLX population. If such a defect is confirmed, Acura/Honda should be required to provide an appropriate remedy.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11776228
2021 Acura TLXSuspension

While driving over a bump in the roadway, there was a squeaky metallic sound coming from the front passenger's side suspension. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure and advised the to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed and the dealer was unsure what the issue was, and advised to wait until it worsens. The failure mileage was 91,000.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11776193
2018 Acura TLXEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. Upon inspection, the contact became aware of an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11775248
2023 Acura TLXOther & unknown

The transfer case blew, whenever I accelerated fast when starting from slow speeds i would experience slippage with the wheels of my car as it was now a front wheel car instead of all wheel drive. I took it to Acura on September 14 and they did reproduce the problem, they changed the transmission and transfer case, and no there were no warning lights or check engine lights and the cars 4 wheel drive system on the dash told me all of my tires were working when they were not.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11774595
2021 Acura TLXSuspensionTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

My car shakes and rocks like a boat over every bump and when i make turns the car dips really bad and bounces around. It's been doing this since i got the car and purchase a warranty i could not use from sports Mazda. Its unsafe at high speeds and jerks when switching lanes. I continuously do the alignment every 2-4 weeks. And the toe gets adjusted and it goes right back to the issue. Acura told me this is how their cars drive and it feels unsafe to drive

Filed Incident Suspension · Power train · EngineNHTSA 11774579
2018 Acura TLXEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, there was an engine knocking sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to accelerate properly and decelerated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed and the engine short block was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that there were metal shavings inside the engine oil pan. The cause of the...

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failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the repair for the recall was revised to include replacement of the engine long block. The failure mileage was 40,600.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11774389

Questions about the Acura TLX

Which Acura TLX years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2015 (344), 2016 (111), 2018 (98). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2015 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Acura TLX years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2012, 2023, 2022 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other TLX years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Acura TLX problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the engine & cooling (298), transmission & drivetrain (267), electrical system (159) most often.

How many recalls does the Acura TLX have?

NHTSA lists 14 recalls across all Acura TLX model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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