2021 Acura TLX: complaints, problems and recalls
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.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
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 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 11445287 · 2021-12-28 (December 28, 2021)
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…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11445287 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 11450633 · 2022-02-06 (February 6, 2022)
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 …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11450633 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 11467646 · 2022-06-05 (June 5, 2022)
In many instances while driving about 40-60 MPH and with no vehicles in front the car would suddenly brake.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11467646 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
24V064000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
Reported: 2024-02-01 (February 1, 2024)
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.
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. 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V950000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
Reported: 2024-12-19 (December 19, 2024)
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.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V391000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And Linkages
Reported: 2025-06-12 (June 12, 2025)
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."
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V332000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
Reported: 2026-05-21 (May 21, 2026)
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.
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 were mailed July 7, 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗