2021 Acura Tlx: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
The 2021 Acura TLX has 56 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls, with transmission and brake issues being the most reported problems. Current data includes 56 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2021 Acura Tlx Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2021 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. 4 trims analysed.
2021 Acura Tlx Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Acura TLX 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
ACURA TLX 2021 has 56 NHTSA complaints, with transmission (16) and brake (10) issues most common. Three recalls exist. Buyers should inspect these systems and verify recall completion. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- Tlx
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 56
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 31
- 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 2021 Acura Tlx Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Brake System
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Brake System, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Acura Tlx?
The 2021 TLX has a moderate number of complaints, but the low confidence level means these patterns may not be fully representative. Buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the transmission and brakes.
Transmission and brake issues can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. Electrical and airbag problems may affect reliability and occupant protection.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who are willing to perform diligent pre-purchase checks and are comfortable with some risk of component issues.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience or those unable to verify service history and open recalls should consider other model years.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Acura Tlx
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission for slipping, harsh shifting, or warning lights.
- Check brake pads, rotors, and fluid for wear or leaks.
- Test all electrical systems including infotainment, lights, and power accessories.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission for any signs of failure.
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and electrical system repairs.
- Test drive to check for transmission shudder or brake pulsation.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 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 2021 Acura TLX shows notable issues in the transmission/drivetrain (16 complaints) and brake system (10 complaints). Electrical faults (9) and airbag malfunctions (7) are also common. With only 3 crash-related complaints and low confidence due to a single model year, buyers should proceed with caution. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other TLX years, 2021 has a moderate complaint count, but without data on other years, a full comparison is not possible.
Recall context: Three recalls indicate that verifying all open recalls are completed is essential before purchase.
- Transmission/drivetrain accounts for 16 of 56 total complaints.
- Brake system has 10 complaints, the second most reported component.
- Electrical faults total 9 complaints, indicating potential reliability concerns.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues
- Brake System problems
- Electrical Faults
All 2021 Acura Tlx Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Acura Tlx. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 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 2021 Acura Tlx. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Dealers are investigating and need replacing rear shocks/solenoids, stroke sensors, and wiring harnesses. The issue is commonly identified as corrosion in the rear stroke sensor wiring harness or faulty damper make "Adaptive Damper System" (ADS) error light on and can't not make…
Took my car for an oil change and found that the transfer case is leaking its fluid. Known to lead to tranfer case failure.
I am reporting a transmission failure in my 2021 Acura TLX with approximately 84,300miles. While driving under normal conditions, after about 30 minutes on the road, I came to a stop at a red light. When I attempted to accelerate again, the vehicle would not shift out of first g…
} I am submitting an update to my previous complaint. In my original complaint, I stated that the vehicle had not received transmission service. After reviewing my records, I confirmed that a transmission fluid service (drain and refill with inspection) was performed at an Acura…
Sunroof exploded during drive on highway. No contact was made by any small or large objects
The awd transfer case failed and require replacement along with the transmission
2021 Acura TLX A-Spec SH-AWD and my transmission is leaking from the seal between the transmission and the differential. Acura is not sure if they can cover it under warranty because I am slightly past the powertrain warranty even though they had my car about a week ago when it w…
Transfer Case has gone out. No longer getting power to the rear wheels as it is a AWD car. Problem has not been checked by the dealer yet. There were no warning lights on the dashboard when it went out.
The All Wheel Drive (AWD) system of the vehicle became partially inoperable after hearing a loud bang under normal vehicle acceleration some time in early 2025. The vehicle did not trigger or display any warnings stored in the onboard computer or on the dash display that the AWD …
The all wheel drive failed do to transfer case splines being sheered off between the transmission and transfer case. No warning lights are on to warn of the rear wheel tires not receiving power to them. I was not aware of this problem and this could have contributed to and accide…
Transfer case needs replacing
My vehicle was performing as expected, but there was a smell of burning oil or rubber. When I took the car into the dealership the found that the transmission was slipping and the transfer box was failing. In the video they sent of the initial inspection there is obvious brown sl…
Driving towards the gas station, still at lows speeds while I was in the neighborhood so speed limit was 15mph. I can hear and feel the car struggle to move forward, about 2 minutes into the drive a hear a big TOON and check engine light is on for about a minute before going away…
I am submitting this complaint regarding a sudden and premature transfer case failure on my 2021 Acura TLX Type S equipped with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The failure occurred during normal driving conditions and without prior warning indicators. Base…
My car has suffered a well known issue in the 21-25 Acura TLX community. At 71,000 miles my transfer case splines stripped also with the transmission splines. Resulting in me having to pay out of pocket to replace both the transmission and transfer case. I’m really hoping Acura d…
Adaptive Damper System error on dashboard. Took the car to the dealer and they confirmed two issues. Codes C1646-14 and C1647-14 indicating the stroke sensor has lower limit abnormality. Dealer recommended replacing both rear shocks due to over extension. Once shocks were replace…
My gas tank is failing from the fuel seal, my safety is in danger since it throws a lot of gasoline, take the car to the dealer but they say it's not a factory problem
To Whom It May Concern: The purpose of my complaint is to bring to your attention reprehensible policies and misconduct displayed by the automaker, Acura, the premium subsidiary brand of the American Honda Motor Company. On 11/18/2025, I brought in my 2021 Acura TLX Tech w/SH-AWD…
Problem with all safety feature sensors like Adas, lane assistance. Small car icon which always green turned orange, and none of those features working.
While using the Air Conditioner in Comfort Mode Suspension settings on my Advanced SHAWD model, the front suspension intermittently squeaks and creaks. It is very audible in the colder months or after it rains.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Acura Tlx.
2021 Acura Tlx Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Acura Tlx. Three recalls indicate that verifying all open recalls are completed is essential before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Acura Tlx Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Acura Tlx reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 56 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 TLX has a moderate number of complaints, but the low confidence level means these patterns may not be fully representative. Buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the transmission and brakes. 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 2021 Acura Tlx?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (16 complaints). #2: Brake System (10 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (9 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Acura Tlx?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Acura Tlx?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Acura Tlx, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 56 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Acura Tlx have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Acura Tlx. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER. Three recalls indicate that verifying all open recalls are completed is essential before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Acura Tlx?▾
The 2021 TLX has a moderate number of complaints, but the low confidence level means these patterns may not be fully representative. Buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the transmission and brakes. Transmission and brake issues can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. Electrical and airbag problems may affect reliability and occupant protection. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain 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 2021 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.