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2021 Acura Tlx: Recalls, Complaints & California Lemon Law

Below are recalls and complaints reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Acura Tlx. This information is consumer-reported and provided for general informational purposes only. Vehicles like this may qualify under California lemon law depending on their individual repair history.

5
Recalls reported to NHTSA
60
Complaints filed with NHTSA
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Recalls Reported to NHTSA

The following recalls were reported to NHTSA. A recall does not by itself establish that any individual vehicle is defective.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

NHTSA #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.

Reported consequence: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

NHTSA #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."

Reported consequence: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

NHTSA #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.

Reported consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

NHTSA #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.

Reported consequence: An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EL1 and AL0.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

NHTSA #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.

Reported consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is JKX.

Complaints Filed with NHTSA

The following are consumer-reported complaints filed with NHTSA. These are unverified allegations and are not proof that any defect exists.

Power Train16 complaints

I am submitting this complaint in reference to NHTSA Defect Petition DP26001, opened March 6, 2026, investigating loss of all-wheel drive capability in 2021-2023 Acura TLX vehicles due to interfacing spline failure between the transmission and the power takeoff unit (transfer case). I am the owner of a 2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD with 55,300 miles. I purchased this vehicle on June 2nd, 2026. I have not yet experienced a failure, but I am registering as an affected vehicle owner given the known defect pattern documented in DP26001 and consistent with the 137,329-vehicle population identified in the NHTSA investigation. The failure mode as described in DP26001 involves stripping of splines at the transmission-to-PTU junction, resulting in sudden and complete loss of rear-wheel drive without warning lights or dashboard indication. Documented repair costs for this failure range from $5,000 to $19,000 depending on extent of damage. I am registering this complaint to be included in the documented owner population should the petition escalate to a formal defect investigation or recall. I request notification of any recall action, extended warranty coverage determination, or technical service bulletin issued for this failure pattern.

NHTSA #11741697

Transfer case failure. I was driving my 2021 Acura TLX Type S when I suddenly heard a loud pop from underneath the car. Right after that, the SH AWD system stopped working and the car was only driving in front wheel drive. There were no warning lights or signs before it happened, due to it being a mechanical failure and not an electrical one because the car does not have sensors for the transfer case. After getting it checked out, I was told the splines between the transfer case and transmission were stripped. I’ve also seen that a lot of other 2021 to 2023 TLX Type S owners have had the same problem. It’s concerning because the AWD system failed out of nowhere, especially since the car depends on it for traction and stability. The car now needs a new transfer case and possibly more drivetrain repairs. (Proof shown in pdf down below, only front wheels spinning)

NHTSA #11739426

Took my car for an oil change and found that the transfer case is leaking its fluid. Known to lead to tranfer case failure.

NHTSA #11736683

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2021 Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD. Total mechanical failure of PTU/transfer case spline interface at 29,800 miles within factory powertrain warranty. Vehicle operated silently in FWD-only with no warning lights, no fault codes, and no dashboard alerts — consistent with all complaints cited in NHTSA Defect Petition DP26001 (opened March 6, 2026, NHTSA #11712885). Failure confirmed by dealer via lift test: propeller shaft and rear wheels stationary while fronts spun. During actuator test, Check AWD System light illuminated for the first time — because the lift removed road-induced wheel rotation that had masked the failure from the ECU throughout normal driving. This is the only condition under which this failure mode is electronically detectable. Dealer replaced transmission (remanufactured ATR kit) and PTU under warranty. Repair took 38 days. CRITICAL-THIRD PTU REVISION: Replacement PTU installed was part #29000-5YK-070. Known revision history: -050 (original, confirmed failure part) → 060 (revised ~2022) → 070 (installed June 2026). The 070 does not appear in any public OEM parts database. Acura has now revised this component three times with zero TSBs, zero public disclosure of engineering changes, and no recall. The 070 revision appearing after DP26001 opened in March 2026 suggests a silent root cause fix while avoiding formal recall obligations. CRITICAL-DPSM GOODWILL CLAUSE: Acura required acceptance of "One Time Goodwill Authorized by DPSM" as condition of repair. This was a warranty obligation, not a goodwill gesture. This clause was imposed while DP26001 is under active federal review, before factory warranty expires, with no confirmed root cause fix. If the 070 part fails again, this clause may be used to deny future warranty coverage. Requesting: (1) complaint added to DP26001 record; (2) Acura compelled to disclose engineering changes between part numbers 050, 060, 070; (3) investigation of DPSM Goodwill clause as systematic pre-recall liability limiation

NHTSA #11743423

I am reporting a transmission failure in my 2021 Acura TLX with approximately 84,300miles. While driving under normal conditions, after about 30 minutes on the road, I came to a stop at a red light. When I attempted to accelerate again, the vehicle would not shift out of first gear. The engine would rev, but the transmission failed to upshift. I also experienced a hard and abrupt engagement when shifting the vehicle into reverse. This issue occurred suddenly without warning and made the vehicle unsafe to operate in traffic, as I was unable to accelerate properly or maintain normal driving speed. The vehicle has been regularly serviced at an Acura dealership. At the time of the incident, the transmission fluid had not yet been replaced but had recently been recommended during a scheduled service visit. The vehicle is currently at an Acura dealership where I normally get the car serviced. The dealership has diagnosed the issue as an internal transmission failure and is recommending a transmission replacement.

NHTSA #11733596

} I am submitting an update to my previous complaint. In my original complaint, I stated that the vehicle had not received transmission service. After reviewing my records, I confirmed that a transmission fluid service (drain and refill with inspection) was performed at an Acura dealership in July 2024. Despite this maintenance, the transmission still failed at approximately 84,000 miles. I am providing this update to ensure the complaint is accurate

NHTSA #11733622

2021 Acura TLX A-Spec SH-AWD and my transmission is leaking from the seal between the transmission and the differential. Acura is not sure if they can cover it under warranty because I am slightly past the powertrain warranty even though they had my car about a week ago when it was just barely past that point and no one said anything about the leak on the transmission until I checked with a certified Acura mechanic somewhere else.This is not just some small problem because with fluid leaking and leaving it will eventually damage the transmission and the differential or even just make them completely give out. This can be gears grinding and overheating. It is not just a problem it is also a SAFETY HAZARD if this starts dripping onto the exhaust pipe or even on the road behind making traction a problem for someone behind. This needs to be under a recall not just warranty with how much I see this happening to these cars this is ridiculous we have to go through this.

NHTSA #11731669

My vehicle was performing as expected, but there was a smell of burning oil or rubber. When I took the car into the dealership the found that the transmission was slipping and the transfer box was failing. In the video they sent of the initial inspection there is obvious brown sludge leaking from the transmission. I was told that a complete transmission and transfer case was required.

NHTSA #11724400

I am submitting this complaint regarding a sudden and premature transfer case failure on my 2021 Acura TLX Type S equipped with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The failure occurred during normal driving conditions and without prior warning indicators. Based on my experience and numerous similar reports from other owners of this vehicle, this appears to be an ongoing and systemic issue that warrants formal investigation and recall consideration. While accelerating under normal road conditions, I heard a loud and distinct “pop” noise from underneath the vehicle. The sound was abrupt and mechanical in nature, as if an internal drivetrain component had failed. Immediately following the noise, the vehicle’s driving characteristics changed noticeably. Although the car continued to move forward and there were no immediate warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, the drivetrain behavior was clearly altered. After the incident, the vehicle began operating as though the majority of drivetrain load was being directed to the front wheels. The vehicle now feels significantly front-heavy during acceleration and general driving. There is a distinct change in weight transfer and torque delivery that was not present prior to the failure. The balance that is characteristic of a rear-biased SH-AWD performance system is no longer present. There were no grinding sounds, fluid leaks, or vibration at the time of failure. There were also no warning messages, check engine lights, AWD system warnings, or drivetrain alerts displayed to notify me of any malfunction. The failure occurred suddenly and without notice.I respectfully request that NHTSA open a formal investigation into premature transfer case failures on 2021–2023 Acura TLX Type S vehicles equipped with SH-AWD. This issue should be evaluated for recall eligibility or mandated corrective action to ensure driver safety. Thank you for reviewing this complaint.

NHTSA #11721123

Transfer case needs replacing

NHTSA #11725109

Transfer Case has gone out. No longer getting power to the rear wheels as it is a AWD car. Problem has not been checked by the dealer yet. There were no warning lights on the dashboard when it went out.

NHTSA #11729499

The all wheel drive failed do to transfer case splines being sheered off between the transmission and transfer case. No warning lights are on to warn of the rear wheel tires not receiving power to them. I was not aware of this problem and this could have contributed to and accident, as I though the AWD was working, but it wasn't.

NHTSA #11725554

The All Wheel Drive (AWD) system of the vehicle became partially inoperable after hearing a loud bang under normal vehicle acceleration some time in early 2025. The vehicle did not trigger or display any warnings stored in the onboard computer or on the dash display that the AWD system had any faults or issues. Had this system failed during an emergency situation involving hazardous or dangerous driving conditions like snow, ice, heavy rain, it could have caused me to not have improved capable vehicle handling. The vehicle's ability to distribute power evenly to all 4 wheels was hindered and operating as front wheel drive only after the loud noise was observed. Additionally, transmission gear oil began leaking underneath the vehicle around the transmission casing. The issue has been reproduced, confirmed, and validated by technicians of a local Acura dealership. The dealership was approved to completely replace the following two components of the AWD system under the manufacturer's 6 year / 60K mileage powertrain warranty: 1. Transmission 2. Transfer case - also known as power transfer unit or PTU

NHTSA #11728955

My car has suffered a well known issue in the 21-25 Acura TLX community. At 71,000 miles my transfer case splines stripped also with the transmission splines. Resulting in me having to pay out of pocket to replace both the transmission and transfer case. I’m really hoping Acura does a recall for this issue. I really like this car and don’t want to have to replace them again. Like I mentioned before. I’m in a Facebook tlx group and people are constantly posting about theirs blowing.

NHTSA #11718081

Transfer case broken; no longer sending power to the rear wheels. Car loses traction when accelerating from a stop.

NHTSA #11654456

Noticed my 2021 Acura TLX A-SPEC SH-AWD has fluid leaking from the rear differential where the driveshaft connects. The vehicle has 16,531 miles on the odometer. Honda is releasing a recall for leaking rear differential on the Honda CRV as well Accords. Honda may want to include the Acura TLX's as well in the recall as they are reporting the drivesshaft may cause serious damage at high speeds if the differential is leaking.

NHTSA #11496965

Air Bags5 complaints

The contact owned a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, she was struck by another vehicle driving at 55 MPH on the front passenger side. The vehicle spun around due to the impact and came to a stop facing oncoming traffic. The contact lost consciousness. No air bags were deployed. The contact sought medical care for a brain trauma, whiplash, loss of hearing in the left ear, headaches, blurry vision, loss of hand motor skills in her left arm, and injuries to their neck and spine. A police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance provider. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot for further investigation. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

Allegedly reported: 1 injury (as reported to NHTSA). NHTSA #11665968

In February 2024 I became aware of a recall impacting my 2021 Acura TLX. When I called Acura, I was told more information would become available-- I did not hear back. Then In April 2024 I took my vehicle in for servicing and asked my dealership Radley Acura if they could also repair the recall, and the dealership informed me they did not have a part nor an estimate as to when it would become available. In response, I called Acura corporate. They too did not have an update. Fast forward to September 18, 2024, I once again called the dealership and was told the same thing I was told earlier this year. No part available and no estimate as to when one will become available. I then called Acura corporate. Corporate Acura contacted the dealership on a threeway and asked the same question, and were told by the dealership they were waiting on corporate to make parts available. The threeway call signaled to me, that corporate Acura has not kept their own network of dealerships adequately informed, much less their customers. I then contacted Acura Customer Care and the representative informed me because my airbag light is not actively on, there is no available part nor an estimate as to when one will become available. Acura and Honda have known about this recall for at least 7 seven months and have failed to keep their consumers apprised of updates (leaving the onus on the vehicle owners) and more frustratingly, cannot manage to provide estimates as to when parts will become available. Given Acura's lack of timeliness in remedying the recall, I kindly request NHTSA look into their mishandling of this longstanding recall. Thank you for your consideration.

NHTSA #11615658

The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #11591782

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The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #11629335

The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and another dealer, Park Ave Acura (247 W Passaic St, Maywood, NJ 07607); were made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #11627471

Forward Collision Avoidance4 complaints

On a slightly snowing evening driving on the highway, a warning was displayed indicating "Some Driver Assist Systems Cannot Operate, Radar Obstructed" and the green icon turned orange. Traveling about 45 mph, I slowed down to get over and the car drastically slowed down without me pressing the brake. After about 10 more minutes of driving the icon turned green again. This has happened on more than one occasion creating a serious safety risk, typically during inclement weather.

NHTSA #11640171

My wife and I were on the first day of vacation, driving from Virginia to FL by way of SC. Around 1pm I was driving the car on interstate 20 West in South Carolina near Bishopville. There were no cars in my lane in front of me and the car suddenly activated what Acura refers to as the CMBS system. The purpose of this is to stop us if it thinks we are going to run into another vehicle. I'm not 100% sure but I think this is related to the adaptive cruise control. We had not used cruise control that day because traffic on rt 95 South was extremely heavy. We had finally turned off on Rt 20 and traffic wasn't as heavy so we felt we could safely use the cruise control. We were traveling at about 73 mph and the car suddenly started hard braking. It was flashing BRAKE in big letters in the dash. There was another vehicle behind so I kept pushing on the gas pedal to keep going but the car literally would not release the brakes. The vehicle from behind hit us. There is a video cam in my car so I have a video that shows the car traveling smoothly then all at once bouncing and jerking as it keeps applying the brakes. We also have photos of the front of the car showing that the cameras that this system uses were clear and unobstructed. The other driver was charged but it was absolutely the fault of the Acura for this malfunction. Acura Roadside Assistance tried to tell us how to disable this system but the info they provided was for another year model and didn't work. We went on YouTube and found the correct information and have disabled this system. There were other videos on YouTube describing this exact issue with this system failure with Acura vehicles. We have also filed a report with Acura Customer Care. It is case #[XXX]. We have also reported this to our insurance company (Travelers) and to State Farm, the company that is handling the claim for repair. The State Farm Claim # is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11500621

On two occasions the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) has improperly activated with HARD braking leaving me fighting for control. On one occasion, I was driving at 35 MPH on a divided boulevard in my home subdivision with no vehicles in sight. The second occasion occurred on the Florida Turnpike at 75 MPH while in the outside lane. There was no vehicle in front of me or to the side at that time. That was a scary moment. I want to emphasize that the CMBS employed HARD braking along with the flashing dash warning. After each instance I took the vehicle to an Acura dealer. First to Fountain Acura in Orlando who could find no DTC codes and blew me off by telling me it was my E-Pass transponder and window tint that caused the problem. That was utter nonsense. The second time I took the vehicle to AutoNation Acura North Orlando where I had purchased the vehicle as Certified Pre-owned (CPO) in April of 2022. They took my concern seriously, provided a loaner and kept the vehicle for four days. They also were unable to duplicate the issue and could find no DTC codes. They called Honda’s “tech line” and told me that same nonsense about tint and transponders. This “washing of hands” rather than taking ownership of this life-threatening problem made me start looking for others with the same issue. No surprise, I found 103 other Acura 2021 TLXs as well as RDXs and Honda models with NHTSA complaints for the same exact experience I had. Is AHM’s “tech line” telling all owners it is their fault for the improper activation of the CMBS? It seems to me that a change in the CMBS triggering algorithm needs to be made otherwise the more vehicles with the defective algorithm the more crashes will occur. This improper activation seems unique to 2021 vehicles. NHTSA records currently show no similar complaints for 2020, 2022, or 2023 model year vehicles.

NHTSA #11507643

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In many instances while driving about 40-60 MPH and with no vehicles in front the car would suddenly brake.

NHTSA #11467646

Fuel/Propulsion System3 complaints

My gas tank is failing from the fuel seal, my safety is in danger since it throws a lot of gasoline, take the car to the dealer but they say it's not a factory problem

NHTSA #11716343

El problema es exactamente en el tanque de la gasolina, se está saliendo la gasolina en la unión de la manguera de llenado con el tanque de gasolina. Esto representa un riesgo no solo para mi seguridad sino también para cualquier persona.

NHTSA #11741431

Purchased new 2021 Acura TLX in April 2021 from Leith Acura Raleigh. On 5/22, 7/6, 7/23, & 11/2/21, the fuel capless unit was adjusted once replaced 3 times. American Honda is aware of the problems with the part & sent service bulletins to every Acura service dept. American Honda stated this & the 2 dealerships did also. On 8/4, there was an issue. Steering column began dripping grease. Grease dripping from steering shaft bolts "due to extreme heat". 12/7/21, extremely loud, high pitch squeal from brakes due to issue known by American Honda. Service bulletin sent to Acura service dept. Rotor rubs against another part on these cars. They explained there's no fix as of yet. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, & is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel capless unit (already replaced 3 times), steering column (steering shaft bolts), & brakes. Available for inspection whenever you all need for me to take it to the dealership again. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? American Honda has advised all Acura dealerships that these are known issues. They will not label them as recalls because they do not put Acura owners at risk, according to them. But, they send service bulletins to the dealerships advising all Acura service departments that they know about these problems. The steps to fix the issue may or may not work per dealers. As for the brakes, they've explained that they currently do not know the fix for the issue. They're still trying to figure it out, according to both Acura dealerships. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes it has on at least 6 occasions by Acura dealerships. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, there have been warning indicators & messages.

NHTSA #11448912

Service Brakes3 complaints

Hotspot on rotors.Brake pads are good. There has been a recall on this year,but not this model..

NHTSA #11635015

WHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED, THERE IS A SPRING RELEASE/CLICKING NOISE. AS WE HAVE PUT MILAGE ON CAR IT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER.

NHTSA #11474679

Whenever i press the brake pedal at low speeds(1-3 mph) i hear a loud spring/clicking sound. This is happening to multiple acura tlx owners i know.

NHTSA #11428292

Suspension2 complaints

Dealers are investigating and need replacing rear shocks/solenoids, stroke sensors, and wiring harnesses. The issue is commonly identified as corrosion in the rear stroke sensor wiring harness or faulty damper make "Adaptive Damper System" (ADS) error light on and can't not make change for the setting as acura design issue !

NHTSA #11738440

The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving over a bump in the roadway, there was a squeaky metallic sound coming from the front passenger’s side suspension. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed. The failure mileage was 91,000.

NHTSA #11659887

Other2 complaints

Sunroof exploded during drive on highway. No contact was made by any small or large objects

NHTSA #11732359

Per the note on this website that says "If the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, please contact the NHTSA ..." Regarding Manufacturer Recall Number YHG / NHTSA Recall Number24V-064, when I made an appointment with my local Acura dealer, they told me "The manufacturer does not have the parts and the remedy available for that recall, so we will not be ble to take care of it. If that was what you were coming in for, I will have to cancel the appointment. They have not given us an ETA as far as when the parts will be available, and normally when they are available, they send their clients a letter stating that they have become available."

NHTSA #11614003

Power Train,Engine1 complaint

I drive a 2021 Acura TLX 2.0 L turbo 4 cylinder. I was driving to work on [XXX] on a busy street in Boyle Heights, Ca. When all of sudden I get a warning indicator “engine temp is high do not drive”. Pulled over immediately. Good thing I was in the far right lane and was able to pull over and not stall or get rear ended by another vehicle behind me. There were no warning, symptoms and indicators of the engine's overheating. My vehicle has been in great condition prior with no major or minor issues with my vehicle. We took it to two dealerships for diagnostics. The head gasket blown, empty coolant reservoir, cracked engine block, and other parts of the engine were affected. What if I was on a highway and the car stalled. I could’ve been seriously injured or seriously injured someone else on the road. Acura corporate is aware of our situation and refuse to own their engine safety defects. They want us to pay out of pocket to repair our vehicle. My car is 5 years old there is no way out of nowhere my vehicle should have this type of engine issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11739131

Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes1 complaint

Driving towards the gas station, still at lows speeds while I was in the neighborhood so speed limit was 15mph. I can hear and feel the car struggle to move forward, about 2 minutes into the drive a hear a big TOON and check engine light is on for about a minute before going away. I filled gas and headed back home and I heard a larger TOON but this time all the warning light came up. These are all errors reported by the car at the same time - Vehicle Stability System - Hill Start Assist Problem - Addictive Cruise Control System Problem - Collision Mitigation Braking System Problem - Road Departure Mitigation System Problem - Emission System Problem - All Wheel Drive System Problem - Brake System Problem These are all errors that appeared on the Acura app - Emission System Problem - Vehicle Stability System - Electric Parking Brake Problem - Electric Power Steering Problem - Adaptive Cruise Control Problem

NHTSA #11723440

Forward Collision Avoidance,Lane Departure1 complaint

Problem with all safety feature sensors like Adas, lane assistance. Small car icon which always green turned orange, and none of those features working.

NHTSA #11707420

Suspension,Service Brakes1 complaint

Adaptive Damper System error on dashboard. Took the car to the dealer and they confirmed two issues. Codes C1646-14 and C1647-14 indicating the stroke sensor has lower limit abnormality. Dealer recommended replacing both rear shocks due to over extension. Once shocks were replaced, codes returned. During further investigation, corrosion was found in the stroke sensor wiring harness. Harness is the root cause of the issue. Car is available at the dealer for inspection if necessary. From a safety perspective, if I continued to drive the car I could have experienced a malfunction in the braking system which could have led to brake failure, failure of safety features, or a car stall.

NHTSA #11717853

Air Bags,Service Brakes1 complaint

To Whom It May Concern: The purpose of my complaint is to bring to your attention reprehensible policies and misconduct displayed by the automaker, Acura, the premium subsidiary brand of the American Honda Motor Company. On 11/18/2025, I brought in my 2021 Acura TLX Tech w/SH-AWD in for a problem related to the brakes. The front brakes were and continue to make a jarring, very loud, high-pitched squeaking noise at low speeds. After 4 hours at Radley Acura of Falls Church, VA, the technician stated "could not duplicate" the concern. The problem persisted and I again returned on 12/18/2025 for the same issue. My vehicle has been at the dealership awaiting a response from Acura Client Relations on a claim that I submitted on 12/19/2025. Radley Acura diagnosed the issue as a well-known defect of 2021 TLX models, as evidenced by Acura's own service bulletin describing the very issue I continue to experience (and yet were unable to diagnose on 11/18). Radley Acura is stating that although my vehicle is 28,000+ miles UNDER the manufacturer's warranty, that by time, since purchase, it is outside the manufacturer's warranty by approximately 6 months. However, on 1/27/2025 (when my car was within manufacturer warranty and only had 17,215 miles on the odometer), I completed a lease buyout of my car. In addition, I paid to have it Acura Precision Certified. As part of this paid certification, Radley had my car for over a day to allegedly perform a 182-point inspection, and address a recall open for over a year (with a remedy from Acura - but allegedly no available repair parts to fix my car, until I requested to CPO my at the time of lease buyout). During their CPO inspection, the dealership failed to address the open service bulletin on the front brakes--a documented issue Acura has been aware of since before 2/15/2022, as established by their service bulletin. Now the dealership is stating the manufacturer's defect that they failed to address is $500 out of pocket expense.

NHTSA #11710022

Steering,Electrical System,Visibility/Wiper1 complaint

The wipers come on by themselves and do not turn off. The engine may or may not start with the key fob nearby. All the dash warning lights come on with warnings about the brake system, the transmission, the steering, the adaptive cruise control all reporting a problem. The vehicle goes to limp mode and throttle response is severely reduced. There is some sort of water leak which is shorting out or causing the BCM or body control module to act erratically due to water from rain getting into the area because of improper weather sealant placed during manufacturing. There is a service bulletin that was put out in roughly April of 2024 that describes this issue affecting the 2021 TLX models.

NHTSA #11679424

Service Brakes, Hydraulic1 complaint

The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the steering wheel started to shake, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. A dealer was contacted, and the contact was able to schedule an appointment to have the vehicle repaired. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front brake rotors were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.

NHTSA #11648315

Steering1 complaint

When Driving my vehicle I abruptly lost power steering on the freeway. I received an error on the screen " Electric Power Steering Problem, assisted steering reduced". I was able to safely drive my car off the freeway. However, I feel like this problem can cause someone else with not enough strength such as an elderly person to loose control of the vehicle if they encounter the same issue. I took my car to the Acura Dealer, and they advised they needed to replace the Rack and Pinon due to a " Steering Position Sensor" Issue.

NHTSA #11647306

Other1 complaint

My vehicle was stolen due to a jammer that copied my car keys information. I have it on video. It was addressed to acura and honda about the vulnerability for past 3 years and they ignored it. I now am a victim of a stolen vehicle because of this vulnerability that was not acknowledged

NHTSA #11578434

Suspension,Unknown Or Other1 complaint

The transfer case blows up and which causes the all-wheel-drive system of the car to go away and the car becomes from wheel drive which changes the way the car drives and makes it very dangerous. The car has a lot of oversteer and this is very dangerous to highway roads.

NHTSA #11633510

Structure1 complaint

While I was driving on the highway I heard a loud pop over head and when I open my roof shade I saw the my sunroof was shattered. Then glasses started flying everywhere. The shattered pieces of sunroof glasses put me at risk and other motor vehicles on the road. I looked up online and found out that this is an ongoing issue with Acura/Honda sunroof exploding. Acura hasn't made a recall yet.

NHTSA #11565496

Back Over Prevention,Equipment1 complaint

The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact stated that whenever the radio was turned on and occasionally randomly, there was a crackling and popping sound heard in the speakers. The contact then stated that while shifted in reverse, the rear-view camera screen intermittently displayed a blank screen or delayed displaying an image. The contact then stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a loose connection in the bus network. The contact was informed that the FAKRA connector set needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the FAKRA connector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was denied service due to the vehicle having a Salvaged Title. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

NHTSA #11546363

Other1 complaint

I was traveling on the highway (on a very rainy day), when my car's green signal lights and orange engine light began blinking. Immediately, an orange warning sign on the dash read, "Some Driver Assist Systems Cannot Operate, Radar Obstructed". A few seconds after that occurred, I accelerated to pass a vehicle & as soon as I switched lanes to get over, my car went from speeds of about 85 MPH, abruptly down to 15-20 MPH. My safety was immediately put at risk as the driver I passed began tailgating me as if my actions were intentional. I attempted repeatedly to speed up, but my car just wouldn't go any faster. Once, I proceeded to get in the right line, I was almost hit by a group of tractor trailers. I called my spouse in a panic, who advised me to get off at the next exit. I followed his advice, pulled over, turned off my car & started it again. The lights turned off & proceeded to get back on the highway. About 3 minutes later, the orange light flashed the same message, "Some Driver Assists...." I immediately called Leith Acura & tried explaining what was occurring. Once hanging up with Leith, the dash continued to display "call ended" with Leith's number flashing every few seconds. The radio also turned off with a "No audio connection for FM Radio". Too afraid to accelerate, I drove minimal speed all the way to VA. Also afraid to drive back in the same condition, I contacted Crown Acura, who set an appointment for June 23, cancelling Leith. Service advisor [XXX] informed me that the technicians were unable to duplicate what occurred and placed me in a rental vehicle until my car was assessed and diagnosed. The next day I was informed my vehicle was ready and told the technology was reset. Before & after this, my phone calls are stuck in a limbo state where it will ring through Bluetooth, the number will display, but there is no way to pick up the call via phone or car display. "Brake" warning also blinks when there are no objects in front of me. *I have videos* INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11541773

Tires1 complaint

I currently have Kumho Ecsta PS91 tires on my 2021 Acura TLX that was purchased brand new and 3 out of 4 tires have cracks/splits all the way around the inside and outside sidewall. My vehicle currently has 30k miles and still has plenty of tread left on them as they are rated for 45k miles. Car has always had its routine maintenance done at Acura and tires are always checked and rotation is done also. Please look into this immediately I was traveling on an Interstate at 70 mph and this could have been a tragedy for myself and others traveling. Also have pictures to show if needed

NHTSA #11511810

Lane Departure1 complaint

While traveling on a narrow road and a narrow bridge, the lane departure system caused the car to veer left into another car. The road had no dividing lane marker. The car was totaled and my wife injured

Allegedly reported: 1 injury (as reported to NHTSA). NHTSA #11480142

Steering,Electrical System,Service Brakes1 complaint

Rotors warped and changed through warranty but loud humming and vibration is back after 2,000 miles on new rotors. Steering column is leaking fluid down to brake pedal. Steering wheel is making a clicking noise when turning. Speakers are crackling after Fakra replacement under acceleration or going over bumps.

NHTSA #11486148

Electrical System,Exterior Lighting1 complaint

The infotainment system glitches or goes static after a bump of any sort. Sometimes it would restart entirely. Or just not work until I stop and restart the car.

NHTSA #11507240

Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System1 complaint

I was driving down the freeway, in a new 2021 Acura TLX with 2000 miles on it. It was raining when I went to switch lanes and floor it to pass another car and the check engine light came on and the power dies and speed dramatically slows down and I’m unable to accelerate. The check engine light is flashing and the car will not reach 40mph. Again I’m on the freeway. This was a very dangerous situation. There were no warnings leading up to this catastrophic fuel/engine issue. I took the car to the Acura dealer who said there had been reports of issues related to water getting into the car’s intercooler for the turbo causing the car to misfire and then going into “safe mode” with a flashing check engine light. They installed Acura SB 20-053 PGM-FI update. I’m picking the car up on 2/6/22 and hoping the issue is resolved. Again this was a serious fuel engine issue that if I’d been passing a car on a two lane road into oncoming traffic could have been deadly

NHTSA #11450633

Power Train,Electrical System,Unknown Or Other1 complaint

The vehicle VIN - [XXX] The vehicle, 2021 Acura TLX, was purchased on June 8, 2021, from the showroom floor of Metro Acura Dealership. The vehicle was sold as being compatible with iPhone, Bluetooth HandsFree Link, and Apple CarPlay. Not to mention the innovative technology, Automatic Lighting Control, and Auto-Idle Stop System. The vehicle was purchased with a full 4 year/50,000-mile warranty. I have dealt with Metro Acura in Montclair, CA, Spreen Acura in Riverside, CA, and Wittmeier Honda in Chico, CA. I have attached the service reports from the said dealerships for your review. This does not include the three times I have called for roadside assistance due to being stranded by the 2021 Acura TLX. September 6- The vehicle would not unlock, even with the key. Stranded in a parking lot. Called Roadside assistance by the time some came, the car unlocked. September 8- the warning light Auto Idle Stop came on while driving September 10 – I took the vehicle to Spreen Honda and spoke with [XXX]. The vehicle had 3,275 miles. I was told that if lights are not on now, there is nothing they can do. I also explained that the Bluetooth is sporadic, and the vehicle will ring even after the phone call has been answered. I insisted they keep the vehicle and try. Later the same day, after I picked up the vehicle, warning lights came on again about 40 minutes later -Auto Idle Stop, Automatic Lighting Control- light while driving During this time, the warning lights would continue to come on intermittently while driving. September 15- I took the vehicle to Metro Acura and dealt with [XXX]. The vehicle had 3910 miles. I explained to them about the vehicle not unlocking and warning lights. They stated something occurred when they put the wrap on the car, which caused the vehicle to not open; they said it was fixed. Unable to find a reason for warning lights. September 20 -Auto Idle Stop, Automatic Lighting Control- l INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA #11445287

Electrical System,Air Bags1 complaint

How Acura Lost my Business The fact that no one from Acura will take responsibility for the ongoing issues has reaffirmed that my long-term commitment to owning Acura’s is over. Honda will only communicate via the phone and say "if the dealership can't fix it, neither can Honda." I decided, after months of difficulties with things not working correctly in my car, to trade it in. The last straw was when I looked up the Acura TLX Blue Book value; the car had a safety recall I knew nothing about from Acura. The passenger front seat airbag can deploy prematurely in an accident, and cause an injury. The professionals at the local Acura dealership cautioned me not to let passengers sit in the front seat; therefore the car was no longer usable for two people upfront. Acura can't fix the recall safety issue because there are no parts. This follows months of attempts to address other issues with the upgraded technology package not working correctly. Honda/Acura headquarters, and the Florida Attorney General, provide no written responses despite following the Lemon Law protocol. After owning my fifth Acura, a 2021 TLX, I recognized I could no longer count on the safety I’d come to expect. My daughter had come out of totaling my first Acura, a TSX, without even a bruise or scratch more than twenty years ago. This had secured my loyalty to the brand, I had thought for life. [XXX] Lakewood Ranch, Florida [XXX] -cell [XXX] -landline [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Allegedly reported: 1 injury (as reported to NHTSA). NHTSA #11578542

Electrical System1 complaint

If the car thinks the door is not fully closed, it will not allow the car to go into drive. My husband put the car into reverse and backed out onto a busy highway. He tried to put the car into drive and it would not go because the car's electrical system thought the door was not fully shut (it was). He had to shut the car off completely and open/close the door again. This put him in a very dangerous situation and he could have been killed by oncoming traffic.

NHTSA #11425874

Electrical System,Unknown Or Other1 complaint

Hi there, My car has been to the Acura dealer multiple times for the same issue, and I'm hearing that alot of other Acura TLX owners are having the same issue. My car screen will randomly short, and can just shut off. Sometimes when I'm backing up, the screen will freeze and i wont realize that someone is walking behind the car, almost causing me to hit them. The audio system also can make weird crackling noises as well. There are definitely some safety features that shut off with the screen, though i cant pinpoint them exactly.

NHTSA #11530116

Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance1 complaint

The contact leased a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, a loud abnormal, squealing noise would emit from the brake pedal upon depression without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the dealer where they acknowledged the failure but stated that the parts for the repair were not yet available. The contact was given a loaner vehicle of the same model; however, the same failure occurred with the loaner vehicle. The contact returned to the dealer for the third time and was given a loaner vehicle of a different model. Upon return of the original vehicle, the brake noise had stopped; however, the forward collision avoidance brake warning light would intermittently illuminate on the instrument panel without incident. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where she was informed that the electrical system needed to be reset; however, once the system was reset, the original brake noise failure returned. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 11.

NHTSA #11455498

Electrical System,Service Brakes1 complaint

The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle on one occasion, the vehicle would not start-up. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be inspected. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was started and driven back to the residence. A few days after taking the vehicle to the dealer, the contact noticed that while driving at undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and there was a loud cranking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer to perform a diagnostic test on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270.

NHTSA #11430462

Suspension,Electrical System1 complaint

While using the Air Conditioner in Comfort Mode Suspension settings on my Advanced SHAWD model, the front suspension intermittently squeaks and creaks. It is very audible in the colder months or after it rains.

NHTSA #11688974

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If your 2021 Acura Tlx has had repeated repairs for the same problem, you may have rights under California lemon law. Tell us about it and we will review your situation at no cost and no obligation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2021 Acura Tlx have any recalls?
There are 5 recalls reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Acura Tlx. Recalls are issued by the manufacturer or NHTSA and do not by themselves establish that any individual vehicle is defective.
How do I know if my vehicle might qualify under California lemon law?
California lemon law generally applies when a substantial defect covered by the warranty is not repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, or the vehicle is out of service for repairs for an extended period. Whether any individual vehicle qualifies depends on its own repair history. We offer a free review to evaluate your specific situation.
Are these complaints proof that the vehicle is defective?
No. Complaints are consumer-reported allegations filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, do not establish that any defect exists, and are provided here for informational purposes only.
Does a case cost me anything?
In qualifying California lemon law cases, attorney fees are typically recoverable from the manufacturer. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact us for a free, no-obligation review of your situation.

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The recalls and complaints shown here are reported to NHTSA and are consumer-reported, unverified allegations. They do not establish that any defect exists in any individual vehicle, and nothing on this page should be read as asserting that the 2021 Acura Tlx is defective. Counts reflect items filed with NHTSA and may not be current. “May qualify” statements are general and do not mean any particular vehicle or owner qualifies.

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