2021 Acura TLX
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2015 | 341 |
| 2016 | 110 |
| 2017 | 71 |
| 2018 | 94 |
| 2019 | 92 |
| 2020 | 62 |
| 2021 | 68 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
38% of complaints: power train — 26 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Transmission and transfer case failure. Noticed a very small amount of fluid leaking and took to dealership. Dealer informed me that I was "lucky" to have noticed and that the transfer case spline failure had occurred.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260822
I'm losing power than normal all of a sudden. When I step on the gas after light hits green in sport and sport plus mode my car losses traction even when traction control is on, and I hear a loud clunck sound.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260804
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I took this vehicle to get serviced in the summer of 2025. I recently joined an Acura Type S (2021+) group on Facebook and learned that the issue is quite prevalent.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260713
15% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
15% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
My wife and I were on the first day of vacation, driving from Virginia to FL by way of SC. Around 1pm I was driving the car on interstate 20 West in South Carolina near Bishopville.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230107
13% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
How Acura Lost my Business The fact that no one from Acura will take responsibility for the ongoing issues has reaffirmed that my long-term commitment to owning Acuraâs is over.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240320
Also filed under AIR BAGS
10% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250610
SAFETY TIMELINE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid,...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 24V064000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 24V950000 — check if this car was fixed
No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 25V391000 — check if this car was fixed
All wheel drive allegation
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...
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 26V332000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Acura TLX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 24V064000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V950000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V391000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V332000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Acura TLX reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Acura TLX is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Acura TLX?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Acura TLX have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.