Research · Compact Cars

2020 Acura TLXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 63 owner complaints for the 2020 Acura TLX. Most complaints involve engine (19) and fuel system, gasoline (12). The EPA rates it 23–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
23–27mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest May 2026
Owner complaints
63
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: front passenger

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported May 21, 2026NHTSA 26V332000

Air bags: front passenger

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Feb 1, 2024NHTSA 24V064000

Fuel system

Free remedy

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Dec 18, 2023NHTSA 23V858000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

63 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2020 – Sep 2026
  1. Engine19
  2. Fuel system, gasoline12
  3. Electrical system10
  4. Engine and engine cooling8
  5. Power train7
  6. Forward collision avoidance5
  7. Fuel/propulsion system5
  8. Service brakes4
  9. Air bags3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each TLX model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2015344
2016111
201771
201895
201993
202063
202172
202226
202311
20245
20254
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

19 reports1 crash
“- The engine system failed and it is available for inspection -While driving on the highway at normal traffic speed, my vehicle suddenly developed a loud knocking noise and the check engine light lit up. Within moments, the engine lost power and became inoperable, leaving me unable to continue driving while being 300 miles away from home. This incident occurred at about 5-6AM, having to maneuver through traffic before the sunrise. This created a serious safety risk because surrounding vehicles were traveling at full speed increasing the risk of collision. There were no warning signs of this failure and I was unfortunately stranded on the highway in an unfamiliar town for hours with minors in the vehicle. -Yes, the vehicle was towed to a local dealeriship, Hahira Automotive Services, where the engine failure occurred and they confirmed that they were unable to start the car and the knocking sound was indicative of engine failure. I towed the car to an Acura dealership local to my home and they confirmed the same vehicle condition and that a takedown is required to fully inspect the engine. -The engine has not been inspected by anyone only the vehicle condition…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2026EngineODI 11754884

Fuel system, gasoline

12 reports
“The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that an appointment was scheduled with the local dealer for the recall repairs; however, the contact was informed by the dealer while in the repair bay, that parts were still unavailable. The recall repairs were not performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 30, 2025Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, gasolineODI 11639635

Electrical system

10 reports
“My Acura TLX was stolen on from my driveway in Chicago, IL. The vehicle was locked, and the only key fob was about 200 feet away inside home at the time. The thief was able to unlock, start, and drive away the vehicle without the authorized key fob. Component that failed: The vehicle's anti-theft and keyless entry/ignition security system smart key/immobilizer failed to prevent unauthorized entry and engine start. The vehicle and component are not available for inspection yet but the vehicle was recovered and located. Safety risk: The security flaw allowed an unauthorized person to take control of and operate a vehicle on public roads. This puts the public at risk from reckless driving by the thief and from the car's possible use in other crimes. It also shows that any owner's vehicle can be taken with no key present, which puts owners at risk of confrontation and financial harm.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2026Electrical systemODI 11768032
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AM-S8) · Automatic (S9)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
TLX FWD
Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233327$2,950330
TLX FWD A-SPEC
Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233226$3,050336
TLX FWD
Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
203124$3,300374
TLX AWD
Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
202923$3,450384
TLX AWD A-SPEC
Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
202923$3,450387
TLX FWD A-SPEC
Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
203023$3,450382
  • TLX FWD
    Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    23 city · 33 hwy · $2,950/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • TLX FWD A-SPEC
    Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    23 city · 32 hwy · $3,050/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • TLX FWD
    Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 31 hwy · $3,300/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • TLX AWD
    Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 29 hwy · $3,450/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • TLX AWD A-SPEC
    Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 29 hwy · $3,450/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • TLX FWD A-SPEC
    Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 30 hwy · $3,450/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Acura TLX 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.8%
Overall
5 / 5
Acura TLX 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.8%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 14114Vehicle 14113
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2020 TLX questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Acura TLX have?

5 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2020 Acura TLX problems?

Owners filed 63 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (19), fuel system, gasoline (12), electrical system (10). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Acura TLX get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Acura TLX at 23–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

How safe is the 2020 Acura TLX?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Acura TLX 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026