Problems · NHTSA complaints

2020 Acura TLX problems

Owners filed 63 complaints about the 2020 Acura TLX with NHTSA between Aug 2020 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is engine (19).

Complaints
63
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Lane departure3
  11. Wheels2
  12. Suspension2
  13. Steering1
  14. Back over prevention1

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20201
20215
20224
20235
202425
202515
20268

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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 reports2 related recalls
“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

Engine and engine cooling

8 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle lost power. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the engine was not replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to help with the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was 98,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11696140

Power train

7 reports
“Transmission harsh and delayed gear engagement, sometimes it won’t shift unless it’s done manually, few times it didn’t shift even though I shifted manually, I had to increase engine speed to about 5000 RPM so it shifts, transmission goes into neutral when trying to to accelerate while it’s in drive and intermittent vibration caused by hydraulic circuit pressure issues, I’ve had the vehicle since it had 7900 miles and all these issues been present in the car since then, the car now have 29000 miles and it’s only getting worse. These issues have been reported by a lot of Honda/Acura vehicles owner with the 9 speed transmission”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 8, 2026Power trainODI 11722849

Forward collision avoidance

5 reports
“The front camera that operates the cruise control, lane assist, automatic braking, automatic high beam has stopped working. After further research it seems to be a popular problem with this car in a short amount of time. This car is a 2020 with 61,000 miles. The camera costs approximately $2000 to fix and should have a longer life span.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 30, 2026Forward collision avoidance, Lane departureODI 11714405
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026

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