2018 Acura Tlx: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
The 2018 Acura TLX has 90 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls, with engine problems dominating the reports. Current data includes 90 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2018 Acura Tlx Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2018 Acura Tlx trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2018 Acura Tlx Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 Acura TLX 4 DR FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
ACURA TLX 2018 has 90 NHTSA complaints, with engine problems (39) and electrical faults (18) most common. Three recalls were issued. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- Tlx
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 90
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 30
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Acura Tlx Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Acura Tlx?
The 2018 TLX has a high number of engine complaints relative to its single model year, making it a risky choice. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection.
Engine problems are the top complaint, which can lead to costly repairs. Electrical and fuel system issues also appear frequently, affecting reliability.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who are willing to accept higher risk for a lower purchase price and plan to have an extended warranty.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking maximum reliability and minimal service visits should avoid the 2018 TLX.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Acura Tlx
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for unusual noises, stalling, or check engine light.
- Check electrical system for battery, alternator, and wiring issues.
- Examine fuel system for leaks or pressure problems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, electrical, and fuel system repairs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Acura Tlx, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Acura TLX shows 90 complaints, with engine problems accounting for 39 of them. Electrical faults (18) and fuel/propulsion issues (13) are also notable. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2018 TLX has a high complaint count, but data for other years is not provided.
Recall context: Three recalls indicate that some safety or compliance issues were identified, so verifying all recall repairs is essential before purchase.
- Engine problems account for 39 of the 90 total complaints.
- Electrical faults are the second most common issue with 18 complaints.
- Fuel/propulsion system complaints total 13.
- Engine Problems (39 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (18 complaints)
- Fuel/Propulsion System (13 complaints)
All 2018 Acura Tlx Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Acura Tlx. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 39 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Acura Tlx. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I was rolling up to a stop light at approximately 20 mph when the frontal crash mitigation feature suddenly slammed the brakes on fully to a complete stop. I searched the web and found that there are other owners of this model that have had similar occurrences. I could easily hav…
The vehicle experienced vibration symptoms and stalled on the road. The day before it stalled, there were rattling noises which prompted me to take the car to the dealership the next day. I had just received the letter about the recall so I knew it was likely related. The car w…
While performing routine maintenance on my 2018 Acura TLX, I discovered a critical structural failure in the front right (passenger side) lower control arm. The factory weld connecting the stamped steel control arm to the compliance bushing housing has failed and separated. Visua…
The engine has been making rattling noises when you start the vehicle from a long rest, mostly over night, since it has about 24k miles on it, when I purchased it used. I noticed it some time after I purchased it. Took it to Honda dealer in Hickory, NC, but they couldn't hear i…
The contact owns a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling, there was a valve tap coming from t…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was purchased on September 10th, 2025, as a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 76,410. At the time of reg…
I got 5 lights on my dash stating that I have an auto high beam problem, road departure mitigation system problem, collision mitigation system problem, lane keeping assist problem, and adaptive cruise control problem. I got these lights on my dash at the exact same time and this …
Date of incident : August 31,2025 Around 9pm on August 31, I was fixing to accelerate at a green light. I pressed the gas pedal, my car went up to 40 mph and then the engine failed. This is due to a recall on the bearing rods for 2015-2020 Acura TLX. The incident occurred a mont…
While I was driving in the fwy I tried changed lanes and needed to speed so that incoming car wouldn’t hit me but my car was stalling. It has happened 3 times!!! I took it to the dealership and they said it’s the camera and that they don’t have the part on stock. I asked for a re…
I am from Philadelphia PA and I was driving my car on a highway in rural WV and the engine stalled while driving. I was lucky enough that no other cars were around and I was able to veer the car off the road into a parking lot. The car would not re-start. I had to tow my vehicle …
The contact owns a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), for a possible failure with the connecting rod, and the vehicle was repaired. Approximately 2-3 years after the recall repair, while dri…
While driving, my vehicle has randomly shut off mid-drive on multiple occasions without warning. This has happened both at low speeds and on city roads, creating a serious safety risk as the engine cuts out without any dashboard lights, alerts, or codes. I lose power steering and…
I am getting a U129D-00 code, my vehicle isn't passing 50mph. Says lane keep assist problem, vehicle stability problem, precision steering problem, i am experiencing all the characteristics of specific service bulletin 15-050. What are my options
The contact owned a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire while parked in the driveway. The origin of the fire was unknown. The vehicle was unoccupied during the fire. The location of the fire was between and underneath the shifter and the cup holder.…
I had the same Issue as [XXX] . I do see there are many others effected by this and some have overpaid due to inaccurate diagnostics by dealerships. We would really appreciate if NHTSA looks into this issue and help us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO…
The contact owns a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster. Additionally, the contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was hesitated before r…
The contact owns a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Acura Watch warning light illuminated. The Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), and Collision Mitigation warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was take…
I have had several incidents where I have been unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle does not recognize the keyless remote even though it is present and has a good battery. We have been stranded several times because the car would not start. I have taken it to the dealer and s…
Car experiences intermittent hesitation and jerking during acceleration. When car is driven in "economy" mode the jerking begins at 20 mph. When the car is driven in "normal" mode the When accelerating and merging onto highway car was almost rear-ended twice due to sluggish acce…
My car shakes really bad when driving at 75 mph on smooth highway. Others have experienced the same problem online and most users pointed the problem to the cv axle
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Acura Tlx.
2018 Acura Tlx Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Acura Tlx. Three recalls indicate that some safety or compliance issues were identified, so verifying all recall repairs is essential before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Acura Tlx Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Acura Tlx reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 90 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 TLX has a high number of engine complaints relative to its single model year, making it a risky choice. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Acura Tlx?▾
#1: Engine Problems (39 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (18 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (13 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Acura Tlx?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Acura Tlx?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Acura Tlx, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 90 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Acura Tlx have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Acura Tlx. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Three recalls indicate that some safety or compliance issues were identified, so verifying all recall repairs is essential before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Acura Tlx?▾
The 2018 TLX has a high number of engine complaints relative to its single model year, making it a risky choice. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection. Engine problems are the top complaint, which can lead to costly repairs. Electrical and fuel system issues also appear frequently, affecting reliability. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Acura Tlx reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Acura Tlx based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.