This page covers 6 recalls, 55 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Acura TLX.
24–25 mpg combined
9.4–9.8 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 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Powertrain complaints dominate what 2021 TLX owners report, with transmission and transfer case issues making up the bulk of that category. Owners describe transmissions that refuse to upshift under normal driving conditions, typically after the vehicle has been running for a while, with the engine revving but the vehicle not accelerating as expected. Transfer case fluid leaks also appear across multiple reports. The adaptive damper system draws a separate cluster of complaints, with owners reporting a persistent warning light and loss of the ability to change suspension settings, often traced to corrosion in the rear stroke sensor wiring. Forward collision avoidance is the second-most-reported named system, with owners flagging unwanted or unexpected interventions. A smaller group of airbag complaints rounds out the pattern. Among the more isolated reports is a sunroof that shattered spontaneously at highway speed with no object contact reported.
55
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Acura TLX has 6 recalls, with several serious issues including a brake pedal that can shift out of position and prevent normal braking, a fuel leak that raises the risk of fire, and a front passenger airbag sensor that can cause unintended airbag deployment in a crash.
The brake pedal concern stems from a pivot pin that was not properly secured, which can cause the pedal to move out of position, reducing braking ability or triggering unexpected braking; brake lights can also activate without pressing the pedal. On the fuel side, the filler neck and tank may have been improperly welded, allowing fuel to leak near potential ignition sources. The passenger seat sensor that determines whether the front seat is occupied by an adult or child can misfire and deploy the airbag at the wrong time during a collision. There is also a software fault in the fuel injection control unit that can cause the engine to stall without warning while driving, cutting power to the wheels.
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 brake pedal pivot pin wasn't secured properly, allowing the pedal to shift out of position during use.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake pedal assembly may be improperly manufactured, allowing the pedal to move unexpectedly. This could prevent you from applying brakes properly, cause unintended braking, or turn on brake lights without pedal pressure.
What the fix does
A dealership will inspect your brake pedal assembly and replace it if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue in the fuel injection control unit may cause the engine to stop running while you're driving.
What the fix does
Honda will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will update the fuel injection control unit software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel filler neck and fuel tank may have been improperly welded, which can cause fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly 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.
