Vehicles / Acura / TLX / 2021

2021 Acura TLXUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

70 federal complaints (101 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 110 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 12 model years of the Acura TLX →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium
Drive
AWD
EPA economy
21 city / 29 hwy
Federal complaints
70
Recall campaigns
4
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Power train
27
Driver assistance
13
Other
10
Brakes
10
Electrical system
9
Air bags
7
Suspension
6
Fuel system
6
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 8 complaints01 years old: 8 complaints2 years old: 4 complaints3 years old: 9 complaints4 years old: 15 complaints5 years old: 25 complaints56 years old: 0 complaints7 years old: 0 complaints8 years old: 0 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 0 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 69 of 70 complaints with a usable failure date.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Power train

27 complaint records
"Took my car for an oil change and found that the transfer case is leaking its fluid. Known to lead to tranfer case failure...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Driver assistance

13 complaint records3 crash reports
"Problem with all safety feature sensors like Adas, lane assistance. Small car icon which always green turned orange, and none of those features working...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse driver assistance parts in the directory →

Brakes

10 complaint records
"WHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED, THERE IS A SPRING RELEASE/CLICKING NOISE. AS WE HAVE PUT MILAGE ON CAR IT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA25004
opened Mar 2025
OPENEngine And Engine CoolingNo Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles.
DP26001
opened Mar 2026
closed Aug 2026Power TrainAll wheel drive allegation
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has completed its review of a Petition dated January 9, 2026, requesting an investigation into the loss of the optional all-wheel drive capability in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Acura TLX and MY 2022-2023 Acura MDX...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
26V332000Air BagsHonda (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,...Normally free
25V391000Service Brakes, HydraulicHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles.Normally free
24V950000Fuel System, GasolineAcura (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.Normally free
24V064000Air BagsHonda (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,...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2026251
2026-05-21
Seats And Restraints12,371Issue: On certain vehicles, the weight sensor for the front passenger seat may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the passenger-front airbag and knee airbag could deploy in a crash that doesn't require them to.
2025318
2025-06-12
Brakes15,574Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake pedal assembly may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the brake pedal could move and cause you not to be able to apply the brakes properly, or to apply the brakes unexpectedly.
2025029
2025-01-23
Fuel System16,977Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem in the fuel injection electronic control unit could cause the engine to stall while driving. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash.
2024059
2024-02-01
Airbag66,846Issue: On certain vehicles, the weight sensor for the front passenger seat may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the passenger-front airbag and knee airbag could deploy in a crash that doesn't require them to.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
B21674
May 2026
SOFTWARE UPDATEElectrical SystemOver The Air Update - Vehicles equipped with the System Updates application are capable of downloading and installing Over the Air System Updates. System Updates contain upgrades that fix a variety of operational errors and/or enhancements that add new functionality.
B25-048
Sep 2025
EngineService Bulletin - Oil leak at the cam chain tensioner inspection cover due to and insufficient sealant adhesion on the inspection cover.
BTI&04092025901
Apr 2025
Visibility/WiperDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2022- 2024 MDXs & 2021-2025 TLXs with a client complaint of a loose or detached rearview mirror bracket.
BTI&02112025901
Feb 2025
SuspensionDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2023 TLX ADV’s and 2021-2025 TLX Type S’s with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display).
BTI&01242025901
Jan 2025
SuspensionDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2023 TLX ADV’s and 2021-2025 TLX Type S’s with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display).
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
BTI&01172025901
Jan 2025
SuspensionDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2023 TLX ADV’s and 2021-2025 TLX Type S’s with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display).
BTI&01022025901
Jan 2025
SuspensionDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2023 TLX ADV’s and 2021-2025 TLX Type S’s with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display).
B24-046
Dec 2024
Electrical SystemService Bulletin - A coaxial cable terminal was not manufactured to proper specifications. An improperly manufactured terminal may lead to poor communication in the media-oriented system (MOST) bus network which can potentially affect the audio sound quality.
BTI&12022024902
Dec 2024
SuspensionDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2023 TLX ADV’s and 2021-2025 TLX Type S’s with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display).
BTI&11142024901
Nov 2024
SuspensionDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2023 TLX ADV’s and 2021-2025 TLX Type S’s with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display).
BTI&10302024901
Oct 2024
SuspensionDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2023 TLX ADV’s and 2021-2025 TLX Type S’s with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display).
BTI&10112024901
Oct 2024
SuspensionDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2023 TLX ADV’s and 2021-2025 TLX Type S’s with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display).
BTI&09202024901
Sep 2024
SuspensionDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2022-2025 MDX Type S's & 2021-2025 TLX ADV's or Type S's with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display).
ONL6M309172024
Sep 2024
Electrical SystemOwner Notification Letter - A coaxial cable terminal was not manufactured to proper specifications. An improperly manufactured terminal may lead to poor communication in the media-oriented system (MOST) bus network which can potentially affect the audio sound quality.
BTI&09102024901
Sep 2024
SuspensionDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2022-2025 MDX Type S's & 2021-2025 TLX ADV's or Type S's with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display).
BTI&09062024901
Sep 2024
SuspensionDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2022-2025 MDX Type S's & 2021-2025 TLX ADV's or Type S's with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display).
BTI&08262024901
Aug 2024
SuspensionDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2023 TLX ADV’s and 2021-2025 TLX Type S’s with a client complaint of the “Adaptive Damper System Problem” (ADS) error message on the MID (Multi Information Display).
BBOM07302024902
Jul 2024
Electrical SystemDealer Message - A coaxial cable terminal was not manufactured to proper specifications. An improperly manufactured terminal may lead to poor communication in the Media Oriented System Transport (MOST) bus network which can potentially affect the audio sound quality.
B24-046
Jul 2024
Electrical SystemService Bulletin - A coaxial cable terminal was not manufactured to proper specifications. An improperly manufactured terminal may lead to poor communication in the media-oriented system transport (MOST) bus network which can potentially affect the audio sound quality.
B23-010
Mar 2024
Power TrainService Bulletin - During engine start in cold conditions, a miscalculation in the PCM causes the air-fuel ratio to exceed DTC rich criteria.
B20-053
Mar 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingService Bulletin - The MIL is flashing with a loss of power. This is most common in hot, humid regions, or after a period of rainfall.
B23100A
Oct 2023
Service BrakesService Bulletin - The vehicle's brakes may exhibit a groan, squeal, or squeak noise, most commonly after the vehicle sits for a prolonged period and the brakes are cold. This noise will typically disappear after the first few brake applications.
B23-030
Sep 2023
EquipmentService Bulletin - The client may experience a popping or crackling noise from the speakers, a blank display, or no sound from the audio system. They may also see a Network Loss message.
ONL6WU04282023
Apr 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingOwner Notification Letter - An owner's notification that the owner has not completed the emissions recall for an improperly functioning on-board emission-related diagnostic system.
BTI&03242023903
Mar 2023
EquipmentDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below. Qualifiers AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following requirements: 1.
B23-010
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingService Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, the vehicle may experience driveability concerns. This may result in the following DTC’s to set: • P0300 (Random Misfire Detected), • P0301 (No. 1 Cylinder Misfire Detected), • P0302 (No.
BTI&03102023908
Mar 2023
Parking BrakeDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below. Qualifiers AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following requirements: 1.
BTI&02232023903
Feb 2023
Parking BrakeDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below. Qualifiers AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following requirements: 1.
BTI&02072023901
Feb 2023
Parking BrakeDealer Message- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below. AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following requirements: 1.
BTI&01182023903
Jan 2023
Parking BrakeDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below.
BTI&01032023901
Jan 2023
Parking BrakeDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below.
BTI&12132022901
Dec 2022
Parking BrakeDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below. Qualifiers AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following requirements: 1.
BTI&12132022904
Dec 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 RDXs & TLX L4s with a client complaint of an oil leak or a dealer technician noticing an oil leak from the head cover gasket during a routine maintenance.
BTI&11282022903
Nov 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 RDXs & TLX L4s with a client complaint of an oil leak or a dealer technician noticing an oil leak from the head cover gasket during a routine maintenance.
BTI&11282022908
Nov 2022
EquipmentDealer Message - Background American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below. Qualifiers AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following requirements: 1.
BTI&11122022907
Nov 2022
Parking BrakeDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below. Qualifiers AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following requirements: 1.
BTI&11082022902
Nov 2022
Parking Brake"Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below. Qualifiers AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following requirements: 1.
BTI&11072022905
Nov 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 RDXs & TLX L4s with a client complaint of an oil leak or a dealer technician noticing an oil leak from the head cover gasket during a routine maintenance.
BTI&10252022901
Oct 2022
Parking BrakeDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022-2023 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below. Qualifiers AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following requirements: 1.
BTI&10212022903
Oct 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 RDXs & TLX L4s with a client complaint of an oil leak or a dealer technician noticing an oil leak from the head cover gasket during a routine maintenance.
BTI&10062022907
Oct 2022
Parking BrakeDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022-2023 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below. AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following requirements: 1.
BTI&10062022908
Oct 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 RDXs & TLX L4s with a client complaint of an oil leak or a dealer technician noticing an oil leak from the head cover gasket during a routine maintenance.
B21-007
Sep 2022
Fuel System"Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on with DTC P0455 (Evaporative Emission [EVAP] System Very Large Leak Detected) stored. The fuel main flap unit may have stuck open, causing a DTC to set."
BTI&08162022902
Aug 2022
Service BrakesDealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLX Type S with a client complaint of a front brake noise. The noise can be described as a squeal/moan/groan/rubbing noise. The noise can also occur while turning.
BTI&07262022902
Jul 2022
Service Brakes"Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLX Type S with a client complaint of a front brake noise. The noise can be described as a squeal/moan/groan/rubbing noise. The noise can also occur while turning.
BTI&07152022901
Jul 2022
Service BrakesDealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLX Type S with a client complaint of a front brake noise. The noise can be described as a squeal/moan/groan/rubbing noise. The noise can also occur while turning.
BTI&07052022903
Jul 2022
Service BrakesDealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLXs (non-Type S) with a client complaint of a judder from the front brakes when applying the brakes.
B22-002
Jun 2022
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility"Service bulletin - The front brakes make a high-pitched squeal when lightly applied at 15 mph or less. NOTE: The front brakes stop squealing once they’re warmed up. There is insufficient damping between the front brake pads and shims."
BTS220601A
Jun 2022
Service Brakes"Tech line summary article - American Honda Motor Co., Inc (AHM) is searching for certain 2021ꟷ22 TLX Non-Type S with a client complaint of Front Brake Judder. The brake judder/vibration/pulsation happens when braking often from highway speeds.
BTI&06162022903
Jun 2022
Service BrakesDealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLXs (non-Type S) with a client complaint of a judder from the front brakes when applying the brakes.
BTI&06022022901
Jun 2022
Service BrakesDealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLX Type S with a client complaint of a front brake noise. The noise can be described as a squeal/moan/groan/rubbing noise. The noise can also occur while turning.
BTI&05312022901
May 2022
Service BrakesDealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLXs (non-Type S) with a client complaint of a judder from the front brakes when applying the brakes.
BTI&05172022901
May 2022
Service BrakesDealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLX Type S with a client complaint of a front brake noise. The noise can be described as a squeal/moan/groan/rubbing noise. The noise can also occur while turning.
BTI&05162022901
May 2022
Service BrakesDealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLXs (non-Type S) with a client complaint of a judder from the front brakes when applying the brakes.
BTI&05062022903
May 2022
Service BrakesDealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLX Type S with a client complaint of a front brake noise. The noise can be described as a squeal/moan/groan/rubbing noise. The noise can also occur while turning.
BTI&04222022901
Apr 2022
Service BrakesDealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLX Type S with a client complaint of a front brake noise. The noise can be described as a squeal/moan/groan/rubbing noise. The noise can also occur while turning.
Emissions Recall
Apr 2022
Engine And Engine Cooling"Customer letter - Your vehicle may be equipped with an improperly functioning on-board emission-related diagnostic system that violates California and Federal standards and regulations."
BTI&04052022903
Apr 2022
Service BrakesDealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLX Type S with a client complaint of a front brake noise. The noise can be described as a squeal/moan/groan/rubbing noise. The noise can also occur while turning.
BTI&03302022901
Mar 2022
EquipmentDealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLX Type S with a client complaint of a front brake noise. The noise can be described as a squeal/moan/groan/rubbing noise. The noise can also occur while turning.
BTIS03092022
Mar 2022
Service BrakesDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLX Type S with a client complaint of a front brake noise. The noise can be described as a squeal/moan/groan/rubbing noise. The noise can also occur while turning.

Showing 60 of 110 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  2. Try the camera, sensors, and any driver-assist features in a parking lot.A blank or frozen backup camera image and phantom sensor alerts are this vehicle's driver-assistance complaints.
  3. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Acura TLX →