2021 Acura TLX: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Acura TLX has 92 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. Owners most often flag jerky rough transmission shifting, both 2.4l 8-speed dct and v6 9-speed automatic exhibit harsh shifts particularly 1st-4th gears, bucking sensation at low speeds, abrupt downshifts, not fixable through software updates or fluid changes (inherent transmission characteristic), transmission fluid drain-and-fill every 15,000-30,000 miles critical preventing catastrophic failure, extended warranties available covering transmission repairs through 70,000 miles in some cases, very frequent.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

92
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
3
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Acura TLX vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
48
electrical system
11
service brakes
10
engine
8
air bags
7

Recalls affecting the 2021 TLX

air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger

Campaign 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, Passpo…

fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly

Campaign 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.

service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages

Campaign 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 o…

air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger

Campaign 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, 201…

What owners say across generations

Mixed to positive sentiment for competent luxury sedan regarded as safe conservative choice offering Honda reliability and value proposition, praised for comfortable plush seats sinking driver into cushioning, spacious trunk and adequate rear seat space (contr

  • Jerky rough transmission shifting, both 2.4L 8-speed DCT and V6 9-speed automatic exhibit harsh shifts particularly 1st-4th gears, bucking sensation at low speeds, abrupt downshifts, not fixable through software updates or fluid changes (inherent transmission characteristic), transmission fluid drain-and-fill every 15,000-30,000 miles critical preventing catastrophic failure, extended warranties available covering transmission repairs through 70,000 miles in some cases, very frequent
  • Cascading electrical warning lights, weak battery voltage triggers simultaneous transmission, brake system, airbag, parking brake warnings creating false alarm cascade, battery testing at AutoZone inadequate (dealer-level voltage testing required), corroded battery terminal connectors common causing voltage drops, disconnecting battery temporarily clears warnings though returns if root cause unaddressed, purge valve failures also trigger cascading warnings, very frequent
  • AC compressor whining noise and failures, compressor develops bearing whine resembling wheel bearing noise, typical 50,000-80,000 miles, replacement cost $1,200-$2,000, distinct from AC fan bearing failures also common, recurrent
  • Excessive torque steer (FWD models only), 290 hp V6 through front wheels creates severe torque steer under hard acceleration pulling dangerously, SH-AWD models eliminate issue entirely, FWD driving characteristic not fixable, very frequent (FWD models only)
  • Fuel pump recall delays, Honda issued recall for fuel pump failures though parts backordered creating 6+ month delays leaving vehicles vulnerable to stalling, dealer inability to complete recall frustrating owners, affects 2018-2020 models primarily, recurrent

Owner insights cover all generations of the TLX.

Typical used price

Used TLX listings typically run $15,725–$28,500 across 2015 to 2025 model years.

Other TLX model years

2023 TLX2020 TLX2017 TLX2014 TLX
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