Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2025
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owners generally regard the TLX as a reliable, comfortable, and well-rounded car, with the 2.4L four-cylinder earning especially strong praise as "bulletproof" and capable of very high mileage with basic maintenance.
14 problems reported (2 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 8 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentTiming belt service required on V6 (approximately 100,000 miles or 7-10 years)
- Very frequentBrake rotor warping and juddering, especially on 2021+ models
- RecurrentPuddle lights on side mirrors failing
+ 11 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentInfotainment and tech glitches (Apple CarPlay
Touchpad, wireless charging, backup camera) on 2021+ models.
- RecurrentTransmission clunky or jerky shifts, particularly 2-3
- RecurrentRattles and creaks from dashboard, trim, and seatbelt
- IsolatedBattery issues causing auto start/stop to disable
- IsolatedSpun bearings on V6 leading to engine failure
- IsolatedSteering rack issues on early 2021 models
- IsolatedRust behind front mudguard in salt-belt areas
- IsolatedHVAC blower motor failure
- IsolatedBackup camera seal failure
- IsolatedPaint peeling and overspray from prior repaint
- IsolatedArmrest plastic breaking
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. The 2.4L four-cylinder receives the most consistent praise for reliability and longevity, while the V6 is favored by owners who prioritize power. No single trim or year is clearly identified as the best across discussions.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW 3 Series, Lexus, Honda Accord, Toyota 4Runner and BMW M3.
Is the TLX right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Owners generally regard the TLX as a reliable, comfortable, and well-rounded car, with the 2.4L four-cylinder earning especially strong praise as "bulletproof" and capable of very high mileage with basic maintenance. The V6 is respected for its power and smoothness but is criticized for requiring a timing belt service and, in some cases, being prone to spun bearings. Newer 2021+ models draw complaints about brake rotors, puddle lights, and infotainment/tech glitches, though owners still describe the car as mechanically solid. Several owners note the TLX feels more like a grand tourer than a sport sedan due to its weight, and some express disappointment that Acura's quality and brand positioning have slipped over the years.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the TLX as a reliable, lower-cost alternative to German luxury sedans, with several noting it is less engaging to drive than a BMW 3 Series but more comfortable and cheaper to maintain. Some owners view Acura as a "premium" brand rather than a true luxury brand, placing Lexus above it in interior refinement. The TLX is frequently cross-shopped against the Honda Accord, with owners preferring the TLX for its DCT (in the 2.4) and traditional automatic (in the V6) over the Accord's CVT. A few owners consider the TLX a spiritual successor to the Honda Accord V6 coupe.
Recommended configurations
Owners frequently recommend the 2.4L four-cylinder for its timing chain (no belt service required) and bulletproof reputation, and suggest it will run indefinitely with basic oil changes. For the V6, owners advise budgeting for a timing belt, water pump, and tensioner service around 100,000 miles or 7-10 years, and recommend confirming this service was done before purchase. SH-AWD is strongly recommended by owners who have it, with several stating it transforms the car's handling and confidence. Owners also suggest regular (87 octane) fuel is acceptable in the 2.4L, while premium is recommended for the V6.
General recommendations
Owners recommend the TLX for buyers seeking a reliable, comfortable daily driver or highway cruiser with low maintenance costs, particularly the 2.4L. Those wanting more power should consider the V6 but must budget for timing belt service. Buyers in snowy regions are advised to keep up with weekly car washes to prevent rust. Owners strongly recommend verifying service history, especially timing belt/chain, spark plugs, and transmission fluid, before purchase. The 2015-2016 V6 models may fall under an extended 10-year engine/transmission warranty. Owners advise following the maintenance minder, changing oil on time or earlier, and getting transmission fluid changes every 30,000 miles. Some owners caution against expecting BMW 3 Series-level driving engagement.
Remarks
Several owners note the TLX is a popular target for theft and recommend kill switches, GPS trackers, and Faraday pouches. Owners describe the 2.4L as "bulletproof" and the V6 as powerful but requiring more maintenance. Some owners express that Acura's brand quality has declined over the years. The TLX is often described as a grand tourer rather than a sport sedan due to its weight. Analysis based on approximately 62 substantive owner discussions.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2015. Years to avoid: 2015Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Acura TLX years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2024 | 5 | 1 | power train |
| 2023 | 19 | 4 | power train |
| 2022 | 34 | 4 | power train |
| 2021 | 102 | 5 | power train |
| 2020 | 63 | 5 | engine |
| 2019 | 92 | 6 | engine |
| 2018 | 95 | 4 | engine |
| 2017 | 71 | 3 | engine |
| 2016 | 111 | 3 | engine |
| 2015 | 343 | 6 | power train |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices42 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2025 · service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagescampaign 25V391000
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."
2024 · service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagescampaign 25V391000
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."
2023 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblycampaign 24V950000
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.
2023 · service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagescampaign 25V391000
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."
2023 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000
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.
2023 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemcampaign 25V031000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
2022 · tires:beadcampaign 22V950000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022 Acura TLX vehicles. The tires may have sustained cuts and tears during the sorting process, which can result in tire damage.
2022 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblycampaign 24V950000
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.
2022 · service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagescampaign 25V391000
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."
2022 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemcampaign 25V031000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
2021 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V064000
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, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
2021 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblycampaign 24V950000
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.
2021 · service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagescampaign 25V391000
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."
2021 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 26V332000
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.
2021 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemcampaign 25V031000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
27 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Type S 3.0 Turbo V6 SH
3.0L 6-cylinder · 355 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2023–2026