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
- 72
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2021
Opened by NHTSA
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 72 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2015 | 344 |
| 2016 | 111 |
| 2017 | 71 |
| 2018 | 97 |
| 2019 | 93 |
| 2020 | 63 |
| 2021 | 72 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
39% · 28 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I am submitting this complaint regarding a major drivetrain failure in my 2021 Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD with approximately 86,643 miles. My vehicle experienced a complete loss of AWD.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-01
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, 2026-08-22
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, 2026-08-04
Service brakes
15% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
On October 4, 2026, at approximately 6:55 PM, the 2021 Acura TLX suffered a catastrophic and sequential collapse of its primary safety and electronic control systems while in motion.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-20
Also filed under Electrical system and air bags
Forward collision avoidance
15% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
Show 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, 2023-01-07
Electrical system
14% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show 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, 2024-03-20
Also filed under Air bags
Air bags
11% · 8 reportsShow 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, 2025-06-10
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2024-03-28Air bags24V064000 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.
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2025-02-03Fuel system, gasoline24V950000 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.
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2025-03-26Engineering analysisOpen No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
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2025-07-28Service brakes, hydraulic25V391000 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.
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2026-03-06Defect petitionOpen All wheel drive allegation
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2026-07-06Air bags26V332000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Acura TLX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 28 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Forward collision avoidance: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 24V064000 · Air bags
- Recall 24V950000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 25V391000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 26V332000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Acura TLX have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.