Head-to-head reliability
Acura MDX vs Acura TLX
How the Acura MDX and Acura TLX compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Acura MDX vs Acura TLX: The MDX has 1180 complaints and 45 recalls over 10 years, while the TLX has 546 complaints and 33 recalls. The TLX averages fewer complaints per year (54.6 vs. 118.0). Both have 0 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura MDX or Acura TLX more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX is a three-row luxury SUV that has averaged 118 complaints per year over the past decade, with 45 recalls and 29 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe sudden power loss, transmission failures, and electrical glitches that can trigger limp mode. The high complaint volume suggests that while many MDX models serve reliably, a notable number experience serious drivetrain and electrical problems that require attention.
Acura TLX
The Acura TLX is a sport sedan with a lower complaint rate of 54.6 per year, 33 recalls, and 24 crash-related reports. Reported issues include engine misfires, transmission leaks, and electrical failures like blank instrument clusters. The TLX appears to have fewer overall complaints, but the problems owners do report can still be safety-relevant and costly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura MDX | Acura TLX |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,180 | 546 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 45 | 33 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 | 24 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 118.0 | 54.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 27 | 16 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Acura MDX
- 01ENGINE325
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM243
- 03POWER TRAIN222
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER177
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE151
Owners report sudden total power loss while driving, with all dashboard warning lights illuminating and the vehicle reducing speed to 20 mph. This can leave a driver stranded or unable to accelerate in traffic, posing a serious safety risk.
Complaints describe multiple warning lights coming on, including the brake light, and the vehicle entering limp mode on rough roads. These electrical faults can disable safety features and make the car unpredictable to drive.
Transmission failures occur without warning, such as not engaging after a stop or causing abrupt deceleration at highway speeds. Such failures can lead to loss of control and expensive repairs.
This system is a top complaint area, though specific failure details are not provided in the sample. Buyers should be aware that advanced driver aids may malfunction, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
“VIN: [XXX]: 2024 Acura MDXComponents: Engine, Electrical System, Powertrain (Auto Idle-Stop)Ref Investigation: NHTSA EA25-004 (Upgraded from PE22-005) Dealer: Acura Carland ([XXX])SAFETY DEFECT SUMMARY:Severe safety hazard involving the Auto Idle-Stop system.…”
“My 2023 Acura (VIN# [XXX] ) has experienced two separate incidents of sudden, total power loss while driving. In both cases, all dashboard warning lights came on, including the brake light, and the vehicle reduced speed to 20 mph and would not accelerate. The…”
Acura TLX
- 01ENGINE140
- 02POWER TRAIN103
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM94
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER75
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM61
Owners report sudden loss of acceleration in humid or rainy conditions, often accompanied by a flashing check engine light and misfire. This can happen while overtaking, creating a dangerous situation.
Complaints include transmission fluid leaks and loss of drive modes shortly after purchase. Leaks can lead to transmission damage, while loss of sport mode may indicate electronic or mechanical issues.
The digital instrument cluster can go completely black while driving, leaving the driver without speed or warning information. This defect compromises basic driving safety.
This is a top complaint area, though sample details are limited. Buyers should check for fuel system recalls and any signs of leaks or performance issues.
“While driving in humid, rainy conditions for over five hours, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of acceleration. Moisture appears to have built up, resulting in a misfire and a flashing MIL/Check Engine light. This occurred while I was overtaking anot…”
“- The engine system failed and it is available for inspection -While driving on the highway at normal traffic speed, my vehicle suddenly developed a loud knocking noise and the check engine light lit up. Within moments, the engine lost power and became inoper…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Acura MDX — 45 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehic…
The risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehic…
The risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
Acura TLX — 33 recalls
The defect: Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2023 TLX vehicles. The fuel filler neck and fuel tank may have been improperly welded, which can result in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is JKX.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehic…
The risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehic…
The risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
Buyer analysis
Acura MDX or Acura TLX: which should you buy?
The Acura TLX has fewer issues per year (54.6 complaints) compared to the MDX (118.0 complaints), suggesting it may be the more reliable choice. However, both vehicles have significant safety-related complaints, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential regardless of model.
Key differences
- The MDX has more than double the annual complaint rate of the TLX, with engine and electrical problems being the most common.
- MDX owners frequently report sudden power loss and transmission failures, while TLX complaints more often involve engine misfires and electrical cluster failures.
- Both vehicles share recalls for brake pedals and air bag sensors, but the MDX also has recalls for occupant classification sensors.
- The TLX has a lower number of crash-related reports (24 vs. 29) and injuries (16 vs. 27) despite being a smaller vehicle.
- During a test drive, watch for any hesitation, warning lights, or limp mode engagement, especially after stopping or turning.
- Check for transmission fluid leaks or unusual noises when shifting, and ask if the auto idle-stop system has been updated per recall EA25-004.
- Test the digital instrument cluster for any flickering or blanking, and verify that all warning lights illuminate and then go off as expected.
- Inspect for transmission fluid leaks around the transfer case and listen for engine knocking or misfires, especially after driving in humid conditions.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm that all open recalls have been performed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or loss of power.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and software updates.
- Verify that the vehicle has not been in any unrepaired accidents by checking the VIN with NHTSA.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Acura MDX | Acura TLX |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 107 | 4 |
| 2024 | 40 | 5 |
| 2023 | 39 | 11 |
| 2022 | 153 | 26 |
| 2021 | 0 | 70 |
| 2020 | 222 | 63 |
| 2019 | 188 | 92 |
| 2018 | 168 | 94 |
| 2017 | 256 | 71 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Acura MDX or Acura TLX in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura MDX vs Acura TLX
- Acura MDX total complaints
- 1,180
- Acura TLX total complaints
- 546
- Acura MDX total recalls
- 45
- Acura TLX total recalls
- 33
- Acura MDX avg complaints/year
- 118.0
- Acura TLX avg complaints/year
- 54.6
- More reliable overall
- Acura TLX
- Acura MDX top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Acura TLX top complaint area
- ENGINE