Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Acura TLX problems

Owners filed 75 complaints about the 2021 Acura TLX with NHTSA between Jul 2021 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is power train (30).

Complaints
75
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train30
  2. Electrical system10
  3. Service brakes10
  4. Suspension8
  5. Air bags8
  6. Forward collision avoidance8
  7. Engine6
  8. Fuel/propulsion system6
  9. Lane departure3
  10. Steering3
  11. Visibility/wiper1
  12. Service brakes, hydraulic1
  13. Structure1
  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 Nov 10, 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
20214
20228
20237
20248
202511
202637

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

Power train

30 reports
“I am submitting this complaint regarding a transmission failure involving my 2021 Acura TLX, which I believe presents a significant motor vehicle safety defect. The transmission experienced a premature and unexpected failure that resulted in a substantial reduction in vehicle performance, including a loss of power delivered to the rear wheels and a corresponding reduction in vehicle directional control. At the time of the failure, the vehicle's handling characteristics changed unexpectedly, creating a potentially hazardous operating condition. The loss of rear-wheel power adversely affected the vehicle's stability and responsiveness, particularly during acceleration, lane changes, and other driving maneuvers where predictable vehicle control is necessary for safe operation. This condition significantly increased the risk of a crash and exposed both the vehicle occupants and the motoring public to an unreasonable safety hazard. Upon researching this issue, I discovered that transmission failures and related drivetrain defects have been reported by other owners of 2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The existence of multiple similar complaints suggests that this may not be…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 6, 2026Power trainODI 11776228

Electrical system

10 reports1 crash
“On October 4, 2026, at approximately 6:55 PM, the 2021 Acura TLX suffered a catastrophic and sequential collapse of its primary safety and electronic control systems while in motion. Without warning, the vehicle's dashboard suddenly illuminated with a cascade of severe system malfunctions, beginning with a critical "Brake System Problem" warning, immediately followed by a "Power Steering System Problem," which caused the steering wheel to become dangerously heavy and difficult to maneuver. Simultaneously, a string of secondary critical alerts flashed across the information display, including a "Lane Assist System Problem," effectively disabling the vehicle's automated driver-assist, traction, and stability networks. This total electronic network blackout culminated moments later in a severe collision that caused significant structural damage, including a snapped front axle. Despite the force of the impact meeting the necessary physical criteria for severe crash deceleration, the vehicle’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) completely failed, and none of the airbags deployed”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11772571

Service brakes

10 reports1 crash
“Driving towards the gas station, still at lows speeds while I was in the neighborhood so speed limit was 15mph. I can hear and feel the car struggle to move forward, about 2 minutes into the drive a hear a big TOON and check engine light is on for about a minute before going away. I filled gas and headed back home and I heard a larger TOON but this time all the warning light came up. These are all errors reported by the car at the same time - Vehicle Stability System - Hill Start Assist Problem - Addictive Cruise Control System Problem - Collision Mitigation Braking System Problem - Road Departure Mitigation System Problem - Emission System Problem - All Wheel Drive System Problem - Brake System Problem These are all errors that appeared on the Acura app - Emission System Problem - Vehicle Stability System - Electric Parking Brake Problem - Electric Power Steering Problem - Adaptive Cruise Control Problem”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 10, 2026Power train, Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11723440

Suspension

8 reports
“While driving over a bump in the roadway, there was a squeaky metallic sound coming from the front passenger’s side suspension. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure and advised the to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed and the dealer was unsure what the issue was, and advised to wait until it worsens. The failure mileage was 91,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 6, 2026SuspensionODI 11776193

Air bags

8 reports2 crashes2 related recalls
“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 vehicle is 28,000+ miles UNDER the manufacturer's warranty, that by time, since purchase, it is outside the manufacturer's warranty by approximately 6 months. However, on…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 9, 2026Air bags, Service brakesODI 11710022

Forward collision avoidance

8 reports1 crash
“VEHICLE LOSING TRACTION WHILE DRIVING. CONFIRMED BY [XXX]'S ACURA IN [XXX]. CONFIRMED: TRANSFER CASE WITH BAD TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE NOW INOPERABLE.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 18, 2026Power train, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11771884
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

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