2021 Acura TLX

▲ Better than typical
2021 Acura TLX
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:47:26.539Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Acura TLX Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2021 highlighted. 2012: 1 complaints 2012 2015: 339 complaints 2016: 108 complaints 2016 2017: 68 complaints 2018: 94 complaints 2018 2019: 90 complaints 2020: 61 complaints 2020 2021: 62 complaints 2021 2022: 22 complaints 2022 2023: 12 complaints 2024: 5 complaints 2024 2025: 3 complaints 2025
2021: 62 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20121
2015339
2016108
201768
201894
201990
202061
202162
202222
202312
20245
20253

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 34%

34% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES 15%

15% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
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 Acura’s is over.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240320

AIR BAGS 11%

11% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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

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 Acura’s is over.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240320

SUSPENSION 8%

8% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20240328 — air bags

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

R 20250203 — fuel system, gasoline

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

I 20250326 — EA (open)

No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages

R 20250728 — service brakes, hydraulic

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

I 20260306 — DP (open)

All wheel drive allegation

R 20260706 — air bags

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 (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 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

▲ 2020 ● 2017 ● 2019

WORST YEARS

■ 2015 ◆ 2016 ● 2018

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 "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Acura TLX?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Acura TLX have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.