2021 Acura TLX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 Acura TLX ranks 3rd worst of 12 model years, with a complaint index of 82 and an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 69 complaints, 4 recalls, 3 crashes, and 3 injuries, with Transmission & Powertrain problems making up 38% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 82/100
- #3 of 12 TLX years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 69
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2021 Acura TLX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Rear differential fluid leaks at the driveshaft connection, reported at low mileage.
- Brake pedal emits a loud spring or clicking noise when pressed, especially at low speed, and parts for repair were sometimes unavailable.
- Sudden loss of power and a flashing check engine light while accelerating on the highway, with speed dropping sharply.
- Collision avoidance system triggers automatic braking with no vehicle ahead.
- Lane departure system reportedly steered the car into another lane, resulting in a crash.
- Electrical system misreads a closed door as open and blocks the car from shifting into drive.
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 data ranks the 2021 TLX 3rd worst out of 12 model years for the TLX, with a complaint index of 82 and an Avoid verdict. Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 38% of its 69 complaints.
- What problems does the 2021 Acura TLX have?
- Owners most often reported Transmission & Powertrain issues (26 complaints, median mileage 93,039), followed by Brakes (10 complaints) and Electrical System issues (9 complaints).
- Does the 2021 Acura TLX have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 TLX covering airbags, brakes, and the fuel system, including a fuel tank welding issue and a brake pedal pivot pin that could shift out of place. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- Which Acura TLX model years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2015, 2019, and 2021 are rated Avoid, with 2015 having the highest complaint index at 100. The 2024 model year has the lowest complaint index at 9 and is rated Best.
- How many complaints does the 2021 Acura TLX have?
- NHTSA lists 69 complaints for the 2021 Acura TLX, including 3 crashes and 3 injuries, with no reported fires.