Acura TLX Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Acura TLX options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) 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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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Acura TLX has 417 owner complaints and 30 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2018 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- TLX
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 417
- Safety recall campaigns
- 30
- Crash-related complaints
- 19
- Fire-related complaints
- 4
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2018 (93 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (3 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
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 — 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 — 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
PoorThe ACURA TLX has 417 NHTSA complaints and 30 recalls on record. 19 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 417 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 30 federal recall campaigns
- 19 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
30 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
TIRES:BEAD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
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
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. 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 417 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
417 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.
We have a 2022 Acura TLX Type S and it has started to show an errors - Adaptive Damper System Problem. From what I can gather from reviewing articles on the Internet is that this problem is caused because of poor wiring design by Honda / Acura, which is causing speed sensors electronics to erode. There are also articles that Honda /Acura is aware of this problem and is currently gathering data. Our concern is that in Michigan, if you have these problems, specially during winter when the roads are icy - if your drive type is stuck in the wrong mode - That can be a safety hazard. Example -The adaptive damper system can cause the automobile to be stuck in sports mode on an icy road, making it dangerous to drive............ Further, consumers are aware that this is a fault of the manufacturer, in the way the wiring harness is routed within the automobiles chassis. This poor design exposes the electronics to unwanted elements from road, snow, salt, dirt etc. It is also reported that this wiring harness is an expensive item to fix, hence Acura is reluctant in taking the necessary effort in resolving this very known issue. Consumers pay a lot for these vehicles for their quality - If this is a known issue , Acura should take care of it and not force the consumers to drive acuras with potential safety issues.
Went to the Acura dealer for an oil change. Was told I have a leak in the transmission and transfer case and that both will need to be replaced.
The transfer case spines have stripped and I no longer have all wheel drive only front wheel drive. This is a huge safety hazard for me .
Accelerated and heard a loud noise and felt like I had driven through wood and one got stocked to the whelle. There was a lot of traffic so I was driving slow. The noice I heard was like something was stuck inside the wheel, like it was grinding. Dealer diagnosed a bad transfer case and transmission and they replaced both under warranty.
Was changing the oil on my car and noticed grease running out from between the transfer case and transmission and also fluid build up on the transfer case higher up a little below the driveshaft. The car has 41k miles on it, there should be no leaks. My concern is the transfer case/transmission spline failure issue.
The contact owns a 2022 Acura TLX. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the lower control arms needed to be replaced. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned that the control arms might fracture. The contact stated that the part to repair the vehicle was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 72,845.
Read 14 more owner reports
Subject: Vehicle Data Submission for Investigation DP26001 To the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), I am submitting maintenance data for my Acura TLX Type S (VIN: [ВСТАВ ТУТ VIN]) to assist with the ongoing DP26001 investigation regarding the AWD Transfer Case (PTO) splines. The vehicle is a US-specification model currently operated in [XXX] . Maintenance Facts: At 29,000 km (18,000 miles): PTO fluid was changed. Metallic debris was observed in the fluid. At 43,000 km (26,700 miles): PTO fluid was changed again. Silver metallic shavings and "glitter" were clearly present. A magnetic drain plug was installed during this service to capture further debris. Symptoms: The vehicle experiences harsh downshifts and mechanical clunking at low speeds in traffic. I am providing this to ensure the failure rate is accurately tracked globally. Please add this VIN and data to the DP26001 file. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My vehicle has less then 35000 miles, I was doing a oil change when I noticed that my transfer cases has a slight oil residue from the bottom, which I suppose it’s just gonna get worse overtime, at this mileage I don’t think this is right that’s why I’m submitting this complaint.
While accelerating from 0 to 40 miles per hour, I experienced a loud bang come from the car. Turns out the splines were stripped between my transmission and transfer case. This was due to the drive shaft spinning while in park mode, as well as an opening between the transmission and transfer case that was spooling. My powertrain system was severely compromised; who knows what could've happened if I had kept driving the car in this condition? Something was waiting to inevitably fail beyond what had happened. Thankfully, this happened on an empty road close to home, but it could have happened anywhere. There were no warnings, lights, or anything, which was the strangest part. Thankfully, this $10k+ bill was covered under the manufacturer's powertrain warranty, but it seems to be a common issue with many newer Acuras. Acura is well aware of the issue (spline failure) and should issue a recall to correct this design flaw within the powertrain.
Loss of brake power with “brake” light and “brake service” light on. I was backing out of my driveway and lost almost all braking power almost pushing the pedal to the floor. Once I came to a stop, I turned the car off and turned it back on, brake pedal felt fine and lights went away at that point.
Last week, the right lower ball joint began producing a noticeable squeaking noise. I brought the vehicle to Irvine Acura in Irvine, California, where two technicians confirmed that the right lower ball joint boot is intact with no grease leakage; however, the ball-and-socket joint displays excessive play. The dealership recommended replacing both lower control arms, despite the left side currently being in acceptable condition. If the right lower ball joint were to fail, it could result in a loss of vehicle control.
I got new tires and an alignment performed and ever since the car has pulled to the right. The car has been to the dealer for 6 alignments due to the car veering to the right. They swapped the wheels from another car to ensure it wasn’t the new tires and the problem still occurred. As soon as I let go of the wheel it pulls to the right no matter if it’s a crowned road or not. Each time the alignment is completely off from the last time it had it performed. I took it to 3 different dealers and they all suggested throwing parts at it (replacing the rear subframe for $3000 or a front driver strut for $1400) telling me that they don’t know if it’d fix it or not.
My husband and I have a 2022 Acura TLX (purchased new) that was issued a safety recall. We brought the car into the dealership in April to fix the problem. Two weeks later, the car completely malfunctioned- every warning light went off at the same time, and the car completely lost control. Steering, brakes, power/gas, everything went out. During this second visit, the dealership replaced the PCM. Last night, the exact same issue happened. My husband was thankfully near home, but if he was on a highway, he could've easily been killed. Again, everything in the car went out- steering, brakes, power- and he had zero control of the car. The car was towed a couple hours ago to the dealership (third time since initial visit in April), and the service manager said, "This has never happened before..." and had no answers. This is an extremely high risk situation, and we do not feel safe getting into this car when the dealership/manufacturer is clearly not able to fix their own safety recall.
When I was driving as low speed, all the dashboard lights began blinking on the dashboard while I was driving. The steering wheel began to get stiff and I had a hard time turning it. I pulled into a parking lot, with much difficulty trying to steer into it and the steering wheel locked completely. I turned the car off and back on and all the lights went off and the dashboard looked normal. I then drove home without any other incident. I wish I had taken a picture of the dashboard to show the dealer. Hopefully it won't happen again.
My vehicle was stolen from apartment parking structure. Car was locked and both keys were with me. Thieves were still able to get in my car and start the vehicle without the keys in less than 5 minutes. This problem has been happening all over the country try with Acura specifically. Just the other day at work another 2023 Acura TLX was stolen. I tried to speak with Acura and they said theft has increased and thieves can steal the car in seconds. This is a huge issue and Acura refuses to do anything about it such as updating their security hardware/firmware. The issue is all over the United States. Now for my new vehicle I need to install a 2000 dollar security system because acuras vehicle security is horrible.
All the dashboard lights began blinking on the dashboard while I was driving about 30mph. The steering wheel began to get stif. I pulled over immediately and the steering wheel locked completely. I turned the car off and back after about 10 min and I was able to drive home. Luckily I was only 5 minutes away. I took it to the Acura dealer and after it was inspected they said it had to do with the steering however nothing was replaced or fixed. They advised me to let them know if it happens again. This is the first time it occurs however I’m afraid to drive this car especially on the freeway if the same incident occurs it can cause a major accident.
Transmission jerks at low speeds, Car jerks when it is downshifting. The car only has 14,000 miles. Dealership refusing to do any work due to car not having any codes. The car feels like it is having a misfire.
My vehicle is a 2022 Acura TLX A-Spec with 20,000 miles on it. I bought it certified from an Acura dealer October of 2022 at 7,600 miles. I started to have an issue with the driving experience recently. I took it in to my closet dealer and they stated that the problem was the rotors being warped from driving and braking then that I would have to pay for the replacement rotors and brakes, but it’s impossible and the mileage shows. This is an manufacturer issue that has affected many owners and hasn’t been resolved.
255/R40 Passenger Front and Rear tires sustained cuts/slashes on the inside walls. Front was more severe and went flat immediately. The other went flat the following day. Subsequently, saw that my TLX may have had tire issues from the manufacturer. I didn’t know this at the time and when I called the dealer, they offered no assistance. Repairs cost almost $900 for two new tires at Firestone.
This is the four time this happened to me in this vehicle. I was driving down Ellsworth street in south Philadelphia. I had a baby in the back with a car seat and a 8 year old in the front seat. And all of a sudden the warning light started flashing BREAK BREAK And than the breaks slammed on. This happened for about 3-5 seconds, until the car stop. Thank God no cars were driving behind me or they would have ran into the back of my vehicle.
Showing 20 of 417 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 — here’s 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 — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Acura TLX has 417 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 30 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. 19 of the Acura TLX's 417 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) 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 — 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 — 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 — 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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By state
Check a Acura TLX by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Acura TLX.
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Acura TLX reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Acura TLX reliable?
Poor. The Acura TLX has 417 NHTSA owner complaints and 30 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 (90 complaints), 2017 (68 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 (109 complaints); POWER TRAIN (80 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (67 complaints).
Does the Acura TLX have recalls?
Yes — 30 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.