Acura TLX Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls β NHTSA data
Comparing used Acura TLX options? We analyzed 10 model years (2016β2025) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Found a Acura TLX? Check that exact car.
Model-year trends show patterns β they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
ACURA TLX 2016β2025 models have 532 NHTSA complaints, led by engine (137) and powertrain (97) issues, plus 33 recalls. Buyers should inspect these systems and verify recall completion. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- TLX
- Model years analyzed
- 2016β2025 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 532
- Safety recall campaigns
- 33
- Crash-related complaints
- 24
- Fire-related complaints
- 4
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2018 (93 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (4 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Average
By model year
Acura TLX: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used β lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
AverageBased on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016β2025 Acura TLX shows elevated engine (137 complaints) and powertrain (97 complaints) issues, along with 33 recalls. Buyers should prioritize inspecting these systems and verifying recall completion. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Engine complaints total 137, the highest of any component.
- Powertrain complaints number 97, second most reported.
- The 2016 model year has 110 complaints, the most of any year.
- ENGINE
- POWER TRAIN
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2016 and 2018 have the most complaints, driven by engine and powertrain issues.
2023β2025 show fewer than 10 complaints each, suggesting improved reliability, though sample sizes are small.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission.
- Have a mechanic inspect engine and powertrain before purchase.
- Check for any electrical system issues.
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
33 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
TIRES:BEAD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2016β2025. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 532 NHTSA complaints β these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
532 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
I was driving in heavy traffic when the steering on my 2025 Acura TLX AWD froze up. Several codes were displayed. I managed to direct the vehicle to the right shoulder where I turned the engine off. I restarted the engine but the steering was still inoperable and the codes were still displayed. I turned the engine off again. When I restarted it the second time the codes were gone and I was able to drive the car back home.
Description of Safety Defect: While starting car up, the digital instrument cluster (speedometer and all primary driver instrumentation) goes completely black with no warning. The infotainment system continues to operate normally. After driving a short distance (sometimes only a few miles), the vehicle then experiences a complete loss of power steering, making the car extremely difficult or impossible to control. This creates an immediate risk of a crash, especially at speed or during turning. In multiple instances, after this failure occurs, the vehicle also becomes difficult to shut off, remaining in accessory or powered states despite attempts to turn the vehicle off. This defect involves simultaneous failure of: β’Driver instrumentation display β’Electric power steering assistance β’Normal ignition shutdown behavior The loss of steering assist results in a sudden and unexpected loss of vehicle control. This appears to be an electronic or control-module failure affecting multiple safety-critical systems. Safety Impact: This defect poses a serious risk of crash, injury, or death due to sudden loss of steering assistance and lack of speed/vehicle status information while driving. Frequency: Has occurred twice - each time requiring roadside assistance to get the car to the dealer Warning Lights or Messages: None - just complete loss of instrumentation cluster Dealer Response (if applicable): Dealer initially claimed it had fixed, but it occurred again within 24 hours of retrieving from dealer. Dealer has now had car go over a week claiming that it needs to generate the fault state more than once before it will make any warranty repairs
We have three Acura vehicles at home and this is the newest one - 2025 TLX A-Spec. The vehicle is only a few months old and already suffered two INFORTAINMENT Screen failures. This is the primary screen on the dash that shows navigation and other information. The screen goes dark completely due to either an electronics/hardware issue or a software issue. This could be a safety issue if the driver is driving using the map app at a busy intersection, and the screen stops working. Once it is out of order, the only way to fix it is taking it back to dealer and do a battery level re-set. Not acceptable! Please investigate and start a recall if needed. Thanks so much for your time.
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 another vehicle just before entering a restricted-width construction zone, making the situation extremely hazardous. The complete loss of acceleration lasted for about a minute. Afterward, I was only able to maintain minimal speed by flooring the accelerator. I continued in this limited-power mode until I could safely exit the highway. After shutting off the vehicle for 10 minutes, I restarted it, and it operated normally. After researching this issue, I found active recalls and service bulletins describing this exact behavior, including: NHTSA Recall Number: 25V-031 Acura Campaign Number: EL1 Service Bulletin Number: 25-010 Additionally, an earlier bulletin describes identical symptoms: Service Bulletin Number: 20-053 (Version 4, dated March 12, 2024) Despite these matches, my VIN does not show any active recalls or bulletins. When I brought the car into the dealership to address this issue under the bulletin, they informed me they could not perform any service since my VIN was not listed. Given the severity of what occurred, I am requesting urgent assistance in updating or reviewing the recall eligibility for my vehicle. I would like to prevent this issue from recurring, especially in dangerous conditions. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to your prompt response.
The AWD components fail and turns the car into front wheel drive only. Yes itβs available. This puts mine and others after at risk due to expecting the car to accelerate at a full stop instead, it causes me to slowly accelerate <5 mph until the system recognizes itβs in FWD only. I fear that someone will rear end me expecting the car to go faster than it can in that moment. Yes, this has been reported to a reputable dealer and was told they could not create the issue once clears after turning car off and back on again. This car has not been inspected by anyone other than the local Acura dealership. There were no prior warnings other than when it was cuts out. This pops up on the dash and is effective immediately putting the car into a limp state. This is happening one a week and has been occurring for once the car hit ~40k miles.
Purchased a 2023 TLX Aspec with Telecommunication package from Carvana. When I as unable to connect my device to the vehicle, I took it to my local Acura dealer per the limited warranty instructions. It was there after they removed the dash, we discovered the control device was missing and the bracket was missing and the coaxial connector that attaches it to the dashboard is broken. The cellular device was removed as well to avoid tracking. With the harness damage, the correct repair to the car with the low miles it has is to replace the harness and then replace the missing part and the bracket. None of this was disclosed at the time of purchase. I have tried reaching out to Carvana and the only answer I receive is to email their fraud department, which I have twice.
Read 14 more owner reports
Carβs advertised anti-theft features are faulty. They have two tracking features with also both failed. When I contacted Acura they said this was a known issue and highly prevalent in NY, DC, FL, MD. Cars computer is cloneable and it takes less than 3 minutes to enter and steal without keys or breaking windows or enabling alarms.
If you don't turn the car off and you drop a passenger off from the front seat the seatbelt not fastened alarm will go off until you fasten it or turn the car off then restart the car to clear the alarm taking it to the dealership.
Car was stolen unreasonably easily. Car alarm did not sound, Acuralink tracking was immediately disabled. Car started and drove away despite keys being secured in a faraday box. Acura has a fatal design flaw in their hardware/software that makes theft of the TLX extremely easy. Evidenced by numerous online complaints from owners like myself, as well as by IIHS study on most stolen cars. TLX appears as both the second and fifth most stolen car relative to average:[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ALL FOUR BRAKE ROTORS ARE BENT ON 30K MILES
I had an awful noise that accompanied a sticky/ inconsistent brake pedal feel and braking concerns. Upon contacting multiple dealerships and honda corporate is was told everything is working as designed. I filed a claim with NCDS and was awarded a repair. When contacting the dealership and manufacturer they did another inspection and said it's working as designed and there was nothing to repair. Now in the news they are recalling approximately 250,000 Hondas/Acura vehicles for a safety issue with the brake pedal. There is no information on what the recall is supposed to entail. My vin is still not associated with the recall. This is a safety issue that the manufacturer has been ignoring for a long time now.
My TLX Tech 2023 lost complete power while I pulled up to a busy intersection on a dark and rainy day. As a puled to stop and my idle stop enabled the car was fine. Once I tried to accelerate the car immediately went into Park from Drive. All of the controls started to blink and the car powered down like a computer system who was on 0%. I completely lost power, so that I could not even put my hazard lights on to indicate to the busy oncoming traffic that I was in danger. When the police arrived, he even tried to shift to neutral to help me roll out of the street, but the car was inoperable. I had to remain in the car due to the freezing rain and sleet. The emergency services called an emergency tow to get me out of the street and I was then towed to the nearest Acura dealership to get it reviewed. The service department indicated that they had known about the idle start/stop issue, but not on my specific model. I had my car inspected just the day before at the same dealership and there were no issues that had come up. I am concerned that this is very dangerous and leaves me in a vulnerable state.
Well, since i purchased the 2023 Acura Tlx TECH PCKG, "It's a nightmare" everytime i drive it , i'm not enjoying it at all! I can't keep the car to go between the 2 lines! It just keeps going zigzag, i keep telling myself that maybe because "it's a brand new car" give it more time for adjustment...! But it's getting worse and worse to the point that when it's raining, i have to pray to get home safely!
Please see attached document, as my whole description would not fit in the box.
I discovered an active fluid leak from the transmission/transfer case area of my 2024 Acura TLX Type S. Fluid was visibly running down the drivetrain case, collecting around the mating area between the transmission and transfer case, and accumulating on the underbody splash shield. I bought the vehicle to an Acura dealer for inspection and they stated that this appears to be a known issue. They suspected the leak may be from the seal between the transmission and transfer case. However, instead of repairing or replacing the suspected seal or the conditions of the splines, I was advised to continue driving the vehicle for approximately 3,000 additional miles to see if more fluid leakage develops. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This creates a safety concern because continued fluid loss from the transmission and transfer case could lead to drive drain damage, abnormal shifting, transfer case failure, sudden loss of propulsion, or possible loss of vehicle control while driving. Leaking fluid could also drip onto the roadway or nearby hot components. There were no warning lights or dashboards messages before I discovered the leak from my driveway.
Infotainment system shuts down while driving and ultimately causes the power to drain from the vehicle leaving the vehicle inoperative. This is the second time this has happened. Acura has already repaired once with less than 1000 miles on the car. Now itβs happening again.
Was driving in the car for a while and the dashboard just turned off. Could not see speed or any other safety controls.
I understand Honda isn't doing soo well so I hope this is added to the list of the feds research we just bought this tlx aspec don't understand how these cars need to be 4000lbs but anyway the gas mileage advertised is not what you get I've seen on multiple forms people are saying they experience 13 mpg and on a cylinder engine that is just not acceptable 2 hear grinding noises in our drive train that the dealership doesn't hear unless it shows up in a scan tool 3 the engine has very loud valve tapping sound the tail tips have alot of black soot on them also evident of too lean gas mixture 200 dollars in gas in 8 days of owning this NEW car the transmission also has a mind of its own in sport mode reving the motor to 2 and 3k rpm all by itself and staying there till I tap on the gas pedal a few times and no the rug is not interference with the pedal it's all these companies going to electrical sensors instead of a cable that goes from the pedal to the throttle body like it should have always stayed. Getting rid of this thing as soon as possible soo the fed should also look at the newer ones ....
Ok I purchased this vehicle in march of 2024 by May I started getting a vibration at highway speeds in front of vehicle...I brought to dealer and they told me there is a plastic peice broken on both front wheels it's inside you can not see it when tire is on ...the dealer told me they were using my rim and tire coverage I purchased extra when I bought the car ...I told them that's road hazzard I didn't hit anything they used it anyway ...I get the car back 3 weeks later vibration again this time in the back I bring it back in they tell me same issue as the front the sound deadner broke in bother wheels again no damage on outside of rim and I never hit anything I told them go through warranty they told me there rep said use the road hazzard ....I argued and called corporate....honda Corp made a claim number said they would call my dealership but instead just called the rep and of course he said use road hazzard ....so they did now I have 4 brand new wheels same ones ....not sure if this will happen again with new 1s but I have met few other people on the internet with same exact prob ...my opinion is its a manufacturer defect in the wheels or some of the wheels and acura/honda is trying to bury it to avoid a safety recall ....the more people they get to use rim and tire the more this goes away and this is a serious safety issue as the rims when they break destroy the inside of the tire and if causes a blowout on the highway could end up in severe injury or death....someone needs to go after them ....
Transfer case failure, leakage, discovered after warranty expired. Took vehicle in describing seeming loss of AWD and tech informed me it was βnormalβ I Later discovered, during an oil change, a leak From the transmission or transfer case that covered the lower skid plate, which looking up, was directly related to a known failure of the Type Sβs transfer case/Transmission causing a loss of traction to the rear wheels.
Showing 20 of 532 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Acura TLX
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations β hereβs what each number actually tells you about a used Acura TLX, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Acura TLX has 532 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Acura TLX has 33 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 24 of the Acura TLX's 532 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Acura TLX vehicles on the road β not any specific car. Two Acura TLX vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Acura TLX has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Acura TLX reliability β frequently asked questions
Is the Acura TLX reliable?
Average. The Acura TLX has 532 NHTSA owner complaints and 33 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Acura TLX years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2018 (93 complaints), 2019 (91 complaints), 2017 (69 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Acura TLX problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (137 complaints); POWER TRAIN (97 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (92 complaints).
Does the Acura TLX have recalls?
Yes β 33 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Acura TLX. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.