2021 Acura TLX Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
82/100
#3 most-complained of 12 TLX years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2021 Acura TLX has 69 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 82, and ranks 3rd worst out of 12 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Transmission & Powertrain issues drive 38% of complaints, with 4 recalls covering airbags, brakes, and fuel system.
- Complaints
- 69
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 29 hwy
Top 2021 Acura TLX problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain26 (38%)
- Other11 (16%)
- Brakes10 (14%)
- Electrical System9 (13%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras8 (12%)
- Airbags7 (10%)
- Fuel System6 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (9%)
- Engine5 (7%)
- Steering3 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report the rear differential leaking fluid where the driveshaft connects, noticed around 16,531 miles on the odometer.
- Some describe the brake pedal emitting a loud spring or clicking sound at low speeds, with the noise getting louder as mileage increases.
- One owner reported the vehicle would not start, with the dealer unable to duplicate the failure before it started again days later.
- Several drivers said the collision avoidance system suddenly applied the brakes at 40-60 MPH with no vehicle ahead.
- One owner said the lane departure system steered the car left into another vehicle on a narrow road, resulting in a crash and injury.
- A reported engine failure caused the check engine light to flash and power loss on the freeway while attempting to accelerate to pass another car.
2021 Acura TLX recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V332000May 21, 2026Airbags98,892 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
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 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
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. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
- NHTSA 25V391000Jun 12, 2025Brakes259,033 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.
- NHTSA 24V950000Dec 19, 2024Fuel System167 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
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.
2021 Acura TLX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other TLX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Acura TLX reliable?
- NHTSA lists 69 complaints for the 2021 TLX with a complaint index of 82, ranking it 3rd worst among 12 model years of the TLX, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other TLX years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Acura TLX?
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints make up 38% of all reported issues, the largest share of any problem area for this year, including reports of rear differential fluid leaks.
- Does the 2021 Acura TLX have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 TLX, covering airbags (seat weight sensors), brakes (pedal pivot pin), and the fuel system (fuel tank welding).
- How does the 2021 TLX compare to other TLX years?
- The 2021 TLX's complaint index of 82 is worse than the 2022 (36), 2023 (27), and 2024 (9) model years, but better than the 2015 TLX, which has a complaint index of 100.