Total Complaints
96 filings
ACURA TLX · model year
96 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2021ACURATLX carries 96 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 TLX is power train with 28 filings, followed by electrical system (10) and service brakes (8). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2021 TLX, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
96 filings
Crashes Reported
4 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 28 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 10 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8 |
| AIR BAGS | 7 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6 |
| ENGINE | 6 |
| SUSPENSION | 5 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 4 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3 |
| STEERING | 3 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 3 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY | 1 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1 |
| LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING | 1 |
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
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 Vehicl
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
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 RD
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. Iâm really hoping Acura does a recall for this issue. I really like this car and donât want to have to replace them again. Like I mentioned before. Iâm in a Facebook tlx group and people are constantly posting about theirs blowing.
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.
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.
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
This 2021 Acura TLX Type-S has experienced a complete failure of the transfer case after approximately 40,000 miles of use. This unfortunately is a known issue on the online forums for this vehicle in model years 2021-2023. I have a video inspection performed by the local dealership proving this. The only warning is a one-time loud boom when accelerating and a leaking from the transfer case of fluid thereafter. There is no safety issue best I can tell, however the car only performs in front drive mode once the transfer case quits working. The issue is due to weak splines within the transfer case that shear off and thus damage the 10-speed automatic transmission in the process. Acura has a 6 year 70,000 mile warranty, so a complete replacement is covered, however my concern is for whether the new transfer case part # 29000-5YK-060 which replaces the old 29000-5YK-050 part will do the same. This is a very expensive fix into the 5 figures (over $10,000) and really needs to have a recal
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
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
Problem with all safety feature sensors like Adas, lane assistance. Small car icon which always green turned orange, and none of those features working.
Problem with all safety feature sensors like Adas, lane assistance. Small car icon which always green turned orange, and none of those features working.
Problem with all safety feature sensors like Adas, lane assistance. Small car icon which always green turned orange, and none of those features working.
My 2021 TLX Type S front wheels started to spin upon acceleration at 44K miles. I immediately scheduled an appt for the dealership. Was informed I needed a new Transfer Case Unit, as the splines were shredded. With this, I also had to replace the transmission. All replaced and picked up today 12/2/2025
Was driving the car under normal acceleration when the transfer case failed. No power to the rear wheels. Acura dealer confirmed the problem. Will be fixed under warranty. No warning lamps or messages on the dash.
Transfer case blew. AWD was not working.
While driving my 2021 Acura TLX Type S, I began losing traction frequently during normal daily driving, especially when turning corners or accelerating from a stop sign or stop light. At first, I believed the issue was related to my tires, so I replaced them, but the same problem continued. After researching online, I discovered that transfer case failures are a known issue on these vehicles, affecting both new and used models. Currently, my vehicle is at the dealership, but they were unaware of this recurring transfer case problem and have no information about it. This is concerning because the failure of the transfer case directly affects traction and stability, creating a potential safety risk to myself and others on the road. It appears to be a systemic issue that Honda/Acura has not yet acknowledged.
While driving my 2021 Acura TLX Type S, I began losing traction frequently during normal daily driving, especially when turning corners or accelerating from a stop sign or stop light. At first, I believed the issue was related to my tires, so I replaced them, but the same problem continued. After researching online, I discovered that transfer case failures are a known issue on these vehicles, affecting both new and used models. Currently, my vehicle is at the dealership, but they were unaware of this recurring transfer case problem and have no information about it. This is concerning because the failure of the transfer case directly affects traction and stability, creating a potential safety risk to myself and others on the road. It appears to be a systemic issue that Honda/Acura has not yet acknowledged.
- The transfer case failed causing the AWD system to stop working -It is a safety concern because you may lose control since no power is going to rear wheels, especially in inclement weather that we receive in the northeast. -Yes the problem has been confirmed by dealership by putting car on lift and seeing that no power is being sent to the rear wheels. -There are no warning lights or any signs, you just hear a loud bang while driving and lost of traction while accelerating
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.
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.
While performing a right turn, under normal acceleration a loud "pop/clunk" occurred. I immediately pulled into a parking lot as the vehicle was still able to drive. The vehicle runs as normal, no leaks of any kind present. Nothing visibly broken. Afterwards, I was able to determine with the vehicle suspended off of the ground, I am getting power only to the front wheels. Utilizing google, it's easy to see that this has become a MASSIVE issue on this particular model TLX Type S. The vehicle will be taken to Acura on Monday Aug 18th 2025 for diagnostics, but it's quite obvious that the splines on the transfercase at the transmission mounting location have sheared completely, thus making the vehicle front wheel drive powered only. Given my current situation, my hope is that Acura will honor the power train warranty as it is my understanding that both the transmission and the transfercase are required to be replaced in this instance. Acura also needs to issue an updated transmission
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.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.