2021 Acura Tl Safety Report

2021 Acura TLX plagued by widespread, un-recalled transfer case and transmission failures, posing significant safety risks.

77Complaints
0Recalls
30/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (32)Air Bags (5)Forward Collision Avoidance (4)Service Brakes (3)Fuel/Propulsion System (2)Power Train,Unknown Or Other (1)Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes (1)Suspension,Service Brakes (1)Air Bags,Service Brakes (1)Forward Collision Avoidance,Lane Departure (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Acura Tl

The 2021 Acura TLX exhibits a concerning safety profile primarily due to a significant pattern of power train failures, specifically involving the transfer case and transmission. Out of 77 total NHTSA complaints, a substantial 32 complaints (41.6%) are related to the POWER TRAIN, with many detailing sudden loss of all-wheel drive (AWD) capability due to stripped splines between the transmission and transfer case. This issue, often occurring without warning lights, poses a high safety risk, especially in adverse weather conditions, as drivers may unexpectedly lose traction and control. Several complaints explicitly mention a 'loud bang' or 'clunk' followed by the vehicle becoming front-wheel drive only, with 3 reported crashes and 3 injuries linked to the vehicle's overall issues, though not directly attributed to this specific failure in all cases. Beyond the dominant power train issues, other components like AIR BAGS (5 complaints) and FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4 complaints) also show up in the complaint data, indicating potential concerns with these critical safety systems. One complaint mentions an airbag recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000) where the part was unavailable, leading to a crash. The vehicle currently has no open recalls, which is notable given the widespread nature of the power train complaints. NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for the 2021 Acura TLX, making it difficult to assess its structural crashworthiness. The overall safety picture is concerning due to the high frequency and severity of the power train failures, which can lead to sudden loss of control. The lack of warning indicators for these failures exacerbates the risk. While other issues are present, the power train problem stands out as a critical safety defect that has not yet resulted in a recall, despite numerous reports from owners experiencing identical failures at similar mileages.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Acura Tl receives a reliability score of 30 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 2021 Acura Tl

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Acura Tl:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Transfer Case And Transmission Spline Failure
Splines between the transmission and transfer case strip, leading to sudden loss of all-wheel drive (AWD) capability, often without warning. Requires costly replacement of both components.		 High Common 30000-71000 miles
Adaptive Damper System Error
Dashboard error codes C1646-14 and C1647-14 indicating stroke sensor abnormality, often requiring replacement of rear shocks, with codes sometimes returning.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Fuel Tank Seal Failure
Fuel seal failing, causing significant gasoline leaks and posing a fire hazard.		 High Rare unknown miles
Safety Feature Sensor Malfunction
ADAS, lane assistance, and other safety features stop working, indicated by a change in the car icon from green to orange.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Intermittent Electrical/Limp Mode Issues
Wipers activate spontaneously, engine may not start, multiple dash warning lights (brakes, transmission, steering, adaptive cruise) illuminate, and vehicle enters limp mode.		 High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Acura Tl:

Power Train 41% of complaints

Dominant issue is the failure of the transfer case and transmission splines, leading to loss of AWD and requiring extensive repairs.

Air Bags 6% of complaints

Complaints related to airbag system, including one instance where a recall part was unavailable during a crash.

Forward Collision Avoidance 5% of complaints

Issues reported with the forward collision avoidance system, potentially impacting active safety.

Service Brakes 3% of complaints

Complaints regarding the service brakes, though less frequent than power train issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Acura Tl

Is the 2021 Acura TLX safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Acura TLX has significant safety concerns, primarily due to a high number of power train failures (32 complaints out of 77 total) involving the transfer case and transmission. These failures can lead to sudden loss of AWD and control, with 3 crashes and 3 injuries reported. While there are no open recalls for these specific power train issues, the pattern is concerning.

What are common problems with the 2021 Acura TLX?

The most reported issues for the 2021 Acura TLX are related to the POWER TRAIN, accounting for 41.6% of all complaints. Specifically, owners frequently report transfer case and transmission spline failures, resulting in loss of AWD. Other reported problems include issues with AIR BAGS (6.5%) and FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE systems (5.2%).

Has the 2021 Acura TLX been recalled?

As of the provided data, the 2021 Acura TLX has 0 open recalls. However, one complaint mentions a past airbag recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000) where the repair part was unavailable at the time of a crash.

How does the 2021 Acura TLX perform in crash tests?

NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2021 Acura TLX are not available (Overall=N/A, Frontal=N/A, Side=N/A, Rollover=N/A), making it impossible to assess its performance in official government crash tests based on this data.

What is the severity of the power train issues?

The power train issues, specifically the transfer case and transmission spline failures, are considered high severity. They can lead to sudden and unexpected loss of AWD, potentially causing loss of control, especially in challenging driving conditions. Several complaints describe a 'loud bang' and immediate loss of power to the rear wheels, with no prior warning.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the widespread and severe power train issues, particularly the un-recalled transfer case and transmission failures, potential buyers should exercise extreme caution and thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history for these specific repairs.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Acura Tl

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Acura Tl. The data includes 77 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 3 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.