2016 Acura Tlx Safety Report

2016 Acura TLX: Excellent Crash Ratings Undermined by Persistent Engine and Fuel System Recalls and Complaints

105Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability 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 Tlx

The 2016 Acura TLX presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance, achieving a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, including 5 stars in frontal, side, and rollover tests, its complaint and recall history reveal significant mechanical concerns. With 105 total complaints, 5 crashes, and 6 injuries reported, there are patterns of serious issues that could compromise safety. The most prominent concerns revolve around the engine and fuel system, which are also the subject of multiple recalls. Common complaint patterns indicate a high frequency of engine-related problems, accounting for 15 complaints under 'ENGINE' and 13 under 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING'. These complaints often describe engine stalling, loss of power, and internal engine damage, directly correlating with a major recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000) concerning manufacturing defects in the engine's internal components. Power train issues, with 10 complaints, also suggest potential transmission failures, with some owners reporting complete transmission shutdowns while driving. Three recalls have been issued for the 2016 Acura TLX. Two of these, NHTSA Campaign Numbers 19V060000 and 23V751000, address fuel pump failures and engine internal component defects, respectively. The fuel pump issues can lead to engine stalls, increasing crash risk, while the engine defect can cause improper running, stalling, or even fire. A third recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V060000) also pertains to fuel pump performance. A significant concern highlighted in owner complaints is the prolonged unavailability of parts for these critical recall repairs, leaving owners with potentially unsafe vehicles for extended periods. Despite its strong crash test ratings, the recurring and severe mechanical issues, particularly those related to the engine and fuel system, warrant careful consideration.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Acura Tlx receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Acura Tlx

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

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Internal Component Failure
Manufacturing defect in engine internal components (e.g., lower rod bearing) leading to engine damage, stalling, and potential fire risk. Subject of recall 23V751000. Owners report engine replacement and parts unavailability.		 High Common 100000-150000 miles
Fuel Pump Failure
Fuel pump failure or reduced performance due to particulates, causing engine stalls while driving. Subject of recalls 19V060000 and 23V751000.		 High Occasional variable miles
Transmission Failure/Limp Mode
Vehicle loses power, enters limp mode, or transmission fails mid-drive, with warning lights illuminated. Some owners report complete transmission replacement.		 High Occasional 60000-100000 miles
Electrical System Warning Lights
Multiple warning lights (e.g., Electric Parking Brake, Emissions System, EBS) illuminate simultaneously, sometimes causing loss of power or limp mode. Can sometimes be cleared by battery reset but reoccur.		 Medium Occasional variable 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 Tlx:

Engine 14% of complaints

Reports of engine knocking, stalling, and internal component failures, often linked to recall 23V751000.

Engine And Engine Cooling 12% of complaints

Issues related to engine performance, stalling, and the unavailability of parts for engine-related recalls.

Power Train 9% of complaints

Problems with transmission failure, vehicle losing power, and entering limp mode.

Electrical System 7% of complaints

Illumination of various warning lights, sometimes leading to vehicle malfunction or limp mode.

Fuel/Propulsion System 4% of complaints

Concerns about fuel pump issues and related engine stalls, aligning with fuel pump recalls.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Acura Tlx

Is the 2016 Acura TLX safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Acura TLX received excellent 5-star crash safety ratings across all categories (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover). However, its safety record is significantly impacted by 105 owner complaints, 5 crashes, and 6 injuries, primarily due to severe mechanical issues like engine failure and fuel pump problems, which are also subjects of multiple recalls. The safety is compromised by these recurring mechanical defects and the reported delays in recall repairs.

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) and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (13 complaints), often involving internal engine component failures and stalling. POWER TRAIN issues (10 complaints), including transmission failures, are also common. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM problems (7 complaints) frequently involve multiple warning lights illuminating.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 Acura TLX?

Yes, the 2016 Acura TLX has three recalls. Two relate to the FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP (NHTSA Campaign Numbers 19V060000 and 23V751000), which can cause engine stalls. The third, NHTSA Campaign Number 23V751000, addresses a manufacturing defect in the ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL, which can lead to engine damage, stalling, or fire.

How does the 2016 Acura TLX perform in crash tests?

The 2016 Acura TLX performed exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a perfect 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for Frontal Crash, 5 stars for Side Crash, and 5 stars for Rollover safety.

What should I know about the engine recall for the 2016 Acura TLX?

The engine recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 23V751000) for the 2016 Acura TLX addresses a manufacturing defect that can lead to internal engine damage, causing the engine to run improperly or stall, increasing the risk of a crash or fire. Many owners have reported significant delays and unavailability of parts for this critical repair, with some waiting over a year or being quoted repair dates years in the future.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of significant engine and fuel system recall issues, and verify that all recalls, especially the engine recall (23V751000), have been completed with proof of repair before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Acura Tlx

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Acura Tlx. The data includes 105 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Acura Tlx an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

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.