2019 Acura Tlx Safety Report

2019 Acura TLX: Excellent Crash Safety, but Persistent Engine and Fuel System Mechanical Issues and Recalls

87Complaints
5Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
7Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (15)Fuel System, Gasoline (8)Fuel/Propulsion System (6)Unknown Or Other (6)Engine And Engine Cooling (6)Engine And Engine Cooling,Fuel System, Gasoline (5)Power Train (4)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (4)Electrical System (4)Electrical System,Engine (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Acura Tlx

The 2019 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 data reveal significant underlying mechanical issues. There are 87 total complaints, with 7 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries reported. A major concern revolves around the engine and fuel system, which are the subject of multiple recalls and a high volume of complaints. The most common complaint patterns are directly linked to critical components. The 'ENGINE' category alone accounts for 15 complaints, with 'FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE' having 8, and 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING' having 6. These complaints frequently describe engine stalling, loss of power, and even complete engine failure, often related to connecting rod bearing issues or fuel pump malfunctions. Several complaints detail multiple engine replacements, even after recall repairs were performed, indicating persistent problems. The vehicle has been subject to 5 recalls, with a strong emphasis on the fuel system and engine. Three recalls (23V858000, 23V858000, 23V858000) address fuel pump failures that can lead to engine stalls and increased crash risk. Two other recalls (23V751000, 23V751000) target engine issues, specifically connecting rod bearing wear and timing belt separation, both of which can cause engine stalling or damage. The high number of complaints about these very issues, even post-recall, suggests that the fixes may not always be fully effective or that the underlying design flaws are significant. Buyers should be aware of these mechanical vulnerabilities despite the strong crash test scores.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Acura Tlx receives a reliability score of 55 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 2019 Acura Tlx

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Acura Tlx:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Connecting Rod Bearing Failure
Premature wear of connecting rod bearings leading to engine knocking, stalling, or complete engine failure, often requiring engine replacement. Subject of recall 23V751000.
High Common 40000-95000 miles
Fuel Pump Failure
Fuel pump malfunction causing engine stall while driving or failure to start. Subject of multiple recalls (e.g., 23V858000).
High Common unknown miles
Timing Belt Separation
Timing belt teeth separation can lead to engine stall, increasing crash risk. Subject of recall 23V751000.
High Occasional unknown miles
Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle suddenly accelerates unexpectedly, as reported in one complaint leading to a crash and injury.
High Rare unknown miles
Electronic Parking Brake/Emissions System Problems
Warning lights for Electronic Parking Brake and Emissions System appearing, indicating potential electrical or sensor issues.
Medium Occasional 70000+ miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Acura Tlx:

Engine 17% of complaints

Frequent complaints about engine stalling, knocking noises, and complete engine failure, often linked to connecting rod bearings.

Fuel System, Gasoline 9% of complaints

Issues with fuel pump performance, leading to engine stalls or failure to start, despite multiple recalls.

Fuel/Propulsion System 7% of complaints

General complaints related to the vehicle's ability to move, including hesitation and stalling at stops.

Engine And Engine Cooling 7% of complaints

Problems specifically related to the engine's cooling system or overall engine health, including recall-related issues.

Power Train 5% of complaints

Complaints indicating issues with the transmission or drivetrain, affecting vehicle acceleration and movement.

Electrical System 5% of complaints

Reports of various electrical malfunctions, including warning lights and issues with vehicle starting.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Acura Tlx

Is the 2019 Acura TLX safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Acura TLX received a perfect 5-star overall safety rating in crash tests, indicating excellent protection in collisions. However, it has 87 total complaints, 7 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries reported, largely due to significant mechanical issues with the engine and fuel system that can lead to stalls or loss of power while driving. These mechanical reliability concerns temper its otherwise strong crash safety performance.

What are common problems with the 2019 Acura TLX?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Acura TLX are related to the ENGINE (15 complaints) and FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (8 complaints). Common problems include connecting rod bearing failures leading to engine damage or replacement, fuel pump failures causing engine stalls, and timing belt issues. Several owners have reported multiple engine replacements even after recall repairs.

Has the 2019 Acura TLX been recalled?

Yes, the 2019 Acura TLX has been subject to 5 recalls. These recalls primarily address critical issues with the fuel system (fuel pump failure, e.g., NHTSA Campaign Number 23V858000) and the engine (connecting rod bearing wear and timing belt separation, e.g., NHTSA Campaign Number 23V751000), both of which can cause engine stalls and increase crash risk.

How does the 2019 Acura TLX perform in crash tests?

The 2019 Acura TLX performs exceptionally well in crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It received 5 stars in frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance tests, indicating a high level of occupant protection in the event of a collision.

Are there issues with the engine in the 2019 Acura TLX?

Yes, there are significant and recurring issues with the engine in the 2019 Acura TLX. 'ENGINE' is the top complaint category with 15 reports, and 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING' has 6. These often involve connecting rod bearing failures, leading to engine knocking, stalling, and even requiring full engine replacement. There is a specific recall (23V751000) for this issue, but complaints indicate problems persist even after repairs.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the significant and recurring engine and fuel system mechanical issues, which have led to multiple recalls and numerous complaints about stalling and engine failure. Thoroughly check service history for recall compliance and engine work before purchasing.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Acura Tlx

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Acura Tlx. The data includes 87 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 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.