2016 Acura Tl Safety Report

2016 Acura TLX plagued by engine and transmission failures, recall parts unavailability, and unrated crash performance.

105Complaints
0Recalls
35/100Reliability Score
5Crash Reports
6Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (15)Engine And Engine Cooling (13)Power Train (10)Electrical System (7)Vehicle Speed Control (4)Fuel/Propulsion System (4)Visibility/Wiper (4)Tires (3)Seats (3)Unknown Or Other (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Acura Tl

The 2016 Acura TLX presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to significant engine and powertrain concerns despite a lack of formal NHTSA safety ratings. With 105 total complaints, including 5 crashes and 6 injuries, there are clear areas of concern. A major issue revolves around NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), which addresses lower rod bearing failure. Numerous complaints detail owners experiencing engine failure, loss of power, and stalling, often after significant mileage (e.g., 140k miles for an initial engine replacement, with a second failure 40k miles later). The recall itself is plagued by parts unavailability and lengthy wait times, with some owners being told they cannot get repairs until mid-2025 or even July 2026, leaving them with potentially unsafe vehicles or out-of-pocket repair costs for a known defect. Beyond the engine recall, the powertrain is another significant complaint area, with 10 complaints. Several reports describe the vehicle losing power, going into limp mode, or the transmission failing mid-drive on the freeway, posing serious collision risks. One complaint explicitly mentions an 'internal transmission error at 60,000 miles' requiring full replacement due to a factory defect. Electrical system issues (7 complaints) also contribute to safety concerns, with warning lights for Electric Parking Brake and Emissions System problems occurring simultaneously, sometimes leading to loss of power and limp mode. While there are no formal NHTSA crash test ratings available for the 2016 Acura TLX, the documented incidents of sudden power loss and engine/transmission failures highlight critical safety vulnerabilities that could lead to crashes, as evidenced by the 5 reported crashes and 6 injuries.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Acura Tl receives a reliability score of 35 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.

Known Issues for the 2016 Acura Tl

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Acura Tl:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Lower Rod Bearing Failure
Catastrophic engine failure due to lower rod bearing issues, often leading to loss of power or complete engine seizure. Linked to NHTSA recall 23V-751, but parts are frequently unavailable.		 High Common 60000-140000+ miles
Transmission Failure/Loss Of Power
Vehicle loses power, goes into limp mode, or transmission fails mid-drive, creating dangerous situations on highways. Often requires full transmission replacement.		 High Common 60000-100000 miles
Electrical System Warning Lights/Limp Mode
Simultaneous illumination of multiple warning lights (e.g., Electric Parking Brake, Emissions System), sometimes leading to vehicle entering limp mode or stalling.		 Medium Occasional any miles
Recall 23v-751 Parts Unavailability
Owners of vehicles affected by the engine recall (23V-751) face extreme delays and unavailability of parts, leaving them with unrepaired, potentially unsafe vehicles.		 High Common N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Acura Tl:

Engine 14% of complaints

Frequent reports of engine knocking, failure, and stalling, often related to lower rod bearing issues and recall 23V-751.

Engine And Engine Cooling 12% of complaints

Numerous complaints regarding the engine recall (23V-751) and the inability to get repairs due to parts shortages.

Power Train 10% of complaints

Issues include transmission failure, loss of power while driving, and vehicle going into limp mode.

Electrical System 7% of complaints

Warning lights illuminating, vehicle going into limp mode, and other electrical malfunctions.

Vehicle Speed Control 4% of complaints

Reports of the car not accelerating when pressing the gas pedal or going into ACC mode while parked.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Acura Tl

Is the 2016 Acura TLX safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Acura TLX has significant safety concerns, particularly related to engine and powertrain failures. With 105 total complaints, including 5 crashes and 6 injuries, and a major engine recall (23V-751) with widespread parts unavailability, its safety is compromised. There are no formal NHTSA crash test ratings available for this model year.

What are common problems with the 2016 Acura TLX?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Acura TLX are related to the ENGINE (15 complaints), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (13 complaints), and POWER TRAIN (10 complaints). These often involve catastrophic engine failure due to lower rod bearings, transmission failures leading to loss of power, and electrical system malfunctions causing warning lights and limp mode.

What is NHTSA recall 23V-751 about for the 2016 Acura TLX?

NHTSA recall 23V-751 addresses a defect in the engine's lower rod bearings that can lead to engine failure. However, a major problem is the widespread unavailability of parts, with many owners reporting extreme delays (up to years) in getting the recall repair completed by dealerships.

Are there any transmission issues with the 2016 Acura TLX?

Yes, the 2016 Acura TLX has reported transmission issues, accounting for 10 POWER TRAIN complaints. Owners describe sudden transmission failure, loss of engine power while driving, and the vehicle entering limp mode, sometimes requiring full transmission replacement due to factory defects.

Why are there no NHTSA safety ratings for the 2016 Acura TLX?

The NHTSA ratings for Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover are all listed as N/A for the 2016 Acura TLX, meaning the agency did not conduct crash tests or provide ratings for this specific model year.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high number of critical engine and transmission complaints, coupled with severe recall parts unavailability, exercise extreme caution; a pre-purchase inspection by an Acura specialist is essential, specifically checking for signs of engine rod bearing issues and transmission health.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Acura Tl

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Acura Tl. The data includes 105 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.