This page covers 4 recalls, 91 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Acura TLX.
24–27 mpg combined
8.7–9.8 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2018 Acura TLX complaints centers on engine and powertrain concerns. Owners most frequently report engine-related issues, including rattling or tapping noises, particularly noticeable at startup after the vehicle has sat overnight, along with stalling while driving or at idle. Some owners describe the noise as a valve tap from the engine compartment, sometimes accompanied by a failure to restart. A smaller but notable group of complaints involves the fuel and propulsion system, with owners reporting rough running and vibration before stalls. A few owners mention the automatic emergency braking system activating unexpectedly at low speeds, bringing the vehicle to a sudden stop without an apparent obstacle. One isolated report describes a weld failure on a front suspension control arm discovered during routine maintenance.
91
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Acura TLX has 4 recalls, the most serious being an engine connecting rod bearing that can wear and seize, causing the engine to stall or catch fire while driving.
A separate airbag concern involves the front passenger seat sensor, which can misread the occupant and cause the airbag to deploy unexpectedly in a crash, raising the risk of injury. Two recalls address fuel pump failures, both of which can stall the engine while driving. One affects vehicles with the 3.5L V6 engine, where particulates can build up inside the fuel pump and reduce its ability to deliver fuel. The other covers a broader range of Honda and Acura models and involves a fuel pump that can fail outright, cutting fuel delivery and killing the engine without warning. Both conditions leave the vehicle vulnerable to a loss of power in traffic.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and create an electrical short, potentially causing airbags to deploy unexpectedly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensor at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing error may cause the connecting rod bearing in the engine to wear and seize, which damages the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and repair or replace it as necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Fuel particles can build up inside the fuel pump, reducing how well it works.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control software and replace the fuel pump if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
