no report yet
Steering: electric power assist system
NewRisk. A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
2021 Acura TLXProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 75 owner complaints about the 2021 Acura TLX, most often about the power train. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-064 the manufacturer reports only 55% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 6, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Acura TLX has problems
75 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
30Power train
10Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
10Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
8Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
8Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
8Suspension
6Fuel/propulsion system
6Engine
3Steering
108 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 30 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 10 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 10 | 1 |
| Air bags | 8 | 3 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 8 | 1 |
| Suspension | 8 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 10 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2021 Acura TLX recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Occupant classification: front passenger
NewRisk. Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Storage: tank assembly
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2026 Q3
Occupant classification: front passenger
Risk. An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Acura.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other TLX year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the TLX median. How we score
'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Acura TLX safety ratings
2021 Acura TLX 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.0% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Acura TLX, and the recalls they led to.
- All wheel drive allegationNo recall
- No Restart After Auto Start/Stop EngagesOpen
In owners' words
What TLX owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
My car shakes and rocks like a boat over every bump and when i make turns the car dips really bad and bounces around. It’s been doing this since i got the car and purchase a warranty i could not use from sports Mazda. Its unsafe at high speeds and jerks when switching lanes. I continuously do the…
VEHICLE LOSING TRACTION WHILE DRIVING. CONFIRMED BY [XXX]'S ACURA IN [XXX]. CONFIRMED: TRANSFER CASE WITH BAD TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE NOW INOPERABLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Own a 2021 TLX?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.