2021 Acura TLX problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
67 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
32,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 7 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 26 of 67 complaints (38.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 18 | 26.9% |
| Transmission and shifting | 15 | 22.4% |
| Steering behavior | 6 | 9.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 5 | 7.5% |
| Engine operation | 3 | 4.5% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 1.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 26 |
| Unknown Or Other | 10 |
| Service Brakes | 9 |
| Electrical System | 8 |
| Air Bags | 7 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 |
| Suspension | 5 |
| Engine | 4 |
Power Train: 26; Unknown Or Other: 10; Service Brakes: 9; Electrical System: 8; Air Bags: 7; Fuel/Propulsion System: 5; Suspension: 5; Engine: 4
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 2 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 60 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 29 |
2021: 4; 2022: 8; 2023: 7; 2024: 8; 2025: 11; 2026: 29
Pattern summary
Power Train leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 18 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 15 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11428292 · 2021-08-09 (August 9, 2021)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11428292 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11430462 · 2021-08-25 (August 25, 2021)
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 c…
Owner-reported narrative. 270 miles reported. Look up ODI 11430462 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11679424 · 2025-08-08 (August 8, 2025)
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 du…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11679424 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11718081 · 2026-02-15 (February 15, 2026)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11718081 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11448912 · 2022-01-25 (January 25, 2022)
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. S…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11448912 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11486148 · 2022-09-24 (September 24, 2022)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11486148 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11425874 · 2021-07-21 (July 21, 2021)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11425874 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11455498 · 2022-03-07 (March 7, 2022)
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 di…
Owner-reported narrative. 11 miles reported. Look up ODI 11455498 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11717853 · 2026-02-13 (February 13, 2026)
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 co…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11717853 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11739131 · 2026-05-20 (May 20, 2026)
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 …
Owner-reported narrative. 93,039 miles reported. Look up ODI 11739131 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11716343 · 2026-02-06 (February 6, 2026)
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
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11716343 at NHTSA ↗