NHTSA (USA)Critical
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
This page covers 5 recalls, 61 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Acura TLX.
23–27 mpg combined
8.7–10.2 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
Complaints about the 2020 TLX center heavily on engine and fuel system issues, with drivetrain problems making up a third significant thread. On the engine side, owners frequently report internal failures, spun rod bearings and connecting rod bearing damage are mentioned across multiple reports, in some cases occurring even after prior engine work. The fuel system complaints, while numerous, overlap with engine and emissions-related warning lights that owners describe coming on without a clear diagnosis, including the parking brake warning illuminating unexpectedly. Powertrain complaints describe transmission behavior including harsh or delayed gear engagement, uncommanded shifts to neutral during acceleration, and situations where the transmission would not respond without manually forcing a gear change at high engine speed. A recurring front camera failure affecting adaptive cruise, lane assist, and automatic emergency braking also appears across multiple reports, with owners noting the system stops functioning well before high mileage.
61
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Acura TLX has 5 recalls, the most serious being a connecting rod bearing inside the engine that can seize and stall the vehicle while driving, raising the risk of a fire or crash.
The front passenger airbag sensor also has a defect that can cause the airbag to deploy unexpectedly during a crash rather than in a controlled sequence, which raises the risk of injury to the front passenger. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, which is why it appears across more than one recall campaign.
On the fuel system side, the low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank can fail and cut off fuel delivery, stalling the engine without warning while the vehicle is in motion. This defect is also covered across two separate recalls, as the issue was identified in multiple overlapping groups of vehicles and the earlier filing did not fully address all affected cars. In either case, the result is the same: an unexpected engine stall that leaves the driver without normal power or braking assist 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
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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 →
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which could prevent the front passenger air bag from deactivating when it should.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensors at no cost to you.
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
The low-pressure 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 assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.