Owners have reported 3 crashes and 3 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Acura TLX. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints38
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Acura TLX frequently report transfer case failures, particularly affecting the all-wheel-drive system, which results in the vehicle operating as front-wheel drive only. Typical symptoms include a loud bang or pop, loss of power to the rear wheels, and lack of dashboard warnings, with some owners noting occurrences around 40,000 to 71,000 miles. These failures can lead to issues with traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions, posing potential safety risks. Multiple complaints highlight the absence of warning lights or alerts prior to failure, and some owners express concerns about the cost and recurrence of the issue even after repair.
Owner complaints6
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2021 Acura TLX frequently report issues related to airbag recall repairs, with multiple accounts indicating parts are unavailable for extended periods. Complaints often describe a lack of communication from both dealerships and the manufacturer regarding the timeline for repair parts, leaving owners without a clear resolution. One report involves a crash where airbags failed to deploy, resulting in injuries, with the vehicle having approximately 20,000 miles. This pattern suggests potential safety implications due to unresolved airbag issues, which prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Acura TLX frequently report issues related to the vehicle's electrical system, notably involving the infotainment display and overall vehicle operation. Common symptoms include the infotainment screen randomly shutting off or freezing, particularly when reversing, which can obscure the rear view and pose a safety risk. Additionally, some owners mention the car not starting intermittently and the system preventing the car from shifting into drive due to incorrect door status detection. Complaints often arise at relatively low mileage, around or below 270 miles, with some incidents leading to hazardous situations, such as the vehicle shutting off at highway speeds or being unable to drive forward in traffic. These issues suggest potential safety implications, including the risk of accidents due to loss of control or impaired visibility.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints5
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2021 Acura TLX frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly noting noises and performance problems. Common symptoms include a spring release or clicking noise when the brakes are depressed, which some owners say becomes louder over time. Additionally, several owners describe the steering wheel shaking and the vehicle not responding properly when braking, often attributed to damaged front brake rotors. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 11 miles and others around 32,000 miles. While no crashes or loss of control incidents are reported, the described symptoms could potentially affect driving safety. Buyers considering a used 2021 Acura TLX should be aware of these brake-related complaints and may want to inquire about any repairs or inspections related to these issues.
Owner complaints5
SUSPENSION
Owners of the 2021 Acura TLX frequently report issues related to the suspension system, particularly involving the transfer case and adaptive damper system. Common symptoms include oversteer due to the vehicle switching from all-wheel to front-wheel drive after transfer case failure, as well as dashboard error codes C1646-14 and C1647-14 linked to the adaptive damper system, often attributed to a corroded stroke sensor wiring harness. Additionally, some owners describe audible squeaking and creaking sounds from the front suspension, especially noticeable in colder conditions or after rain. These complaints often arise at varying mileages, with one report mentioning a failure at 91,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with multiple reports indicating that the transfer case issue can lead to unpredictable handling, particularly at highway speeds.
Owner complaints5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners of the 2021 Acura TLX frequently report unexpected activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), often while driving at speeds between 35 and 75 mph with no vehicles directly in front. Symptoms include sudden hard braking and dashboard warnings, which have led to a crash in one instance. Some complaints also describe issues with safety feature sensors and obstruction warnings, particularly in inclement weather. These problems occur both in urban and highway settings. The reports suggest potential safety risks, including loss of vehicle control and collisions, making it a critical consideration for prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
STEERING
Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2021 Acura TLX. Multiple complaints indicate abrupt loss of power steering, often accompanied by an error message stating "Electric Power Steering Problem, assisted steering reduced," with one owner noting this occurred while driving on the freeway. Another common issue involves steering fluid leaks, specifically down to the brake pedal, along with clicking noises from the steering wheel during turns. Some reports also mention a broader electrical malfunction that affects multiple systems, including steering, potentially linked to water ingress due to improper weather sealant. These problems appear across various mileage ranges and present potential safety risks, such as reduced steering control, especially concerning for drivers who may have difficulty managing the vehicle under these conditions.
Owner complaints3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Acura TLX report issues primarily related to recall part availability, vehicle security vulnerabilities, and driver assist system malfunctions. One owner describes difficulty obtaining parts for a recall repair, resulting in a canceled service appointment. Another owner reports their vehicle was stolen due to a keyless entry vulnerability, which they claim has been known for years. Additionally, an owner experiences sudden deceleration on the highway due to driver assist system warnings, accompanied by persistent dashboard alerts and communication system malfunctions. These issues potentially impact vehicle safety, particularly in situations involving sudden loss of speed or theft.
Owner complaints2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Acura TLX report issues primarily with the fuel system, specifically the fuel seal and capless unit. Complaints frequently mention gasoline leakage from the fuel seal, which is noted as a safety concern due to potential fuel spillage. Additionally, the capless fuel unit has been adjusted and replaced multiple times, with some owners indicating the problem persists despite these efforts. These issues are reported within the first year of ownership, with mileage not explicitly mentioned. While there are no direct reports of crashes or fires, the potential for fuel leakage is highlighted as a safety risk by owners.
Owner complaints2
ENGINE
Owners of the 2021 Acura TLX report engine-related issues, primarily involving acceleration and power loss. One complaint describes front wheels spinning and the need for a new transfer case unit and transmission replacement at 44,000 miles. Another owner reports a check engine light and significant power loss during acceleration at 2,000 miles, which is attributed to water entering the intercooler, leading to a misfire and the vehicle entering a "safe mode." This issue is addressed by a software update. Both complaints highlight safety implications, particularly the risk of losing power at high speeds, which could be hazardous in traffic situations. These problems occur at varying mileages, indicating potential concerns for both new and moderately used vehicles.
