2021 Acura Tlx Safety Report
2021 Acura TLX Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Acura Tlx
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Acura Tlx. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (77) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 3 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2024 | Compare against the 2024 Acura Tlx with 4 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Acura Tlx before buying across this generation. |
Acura Tlx Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Acura Tlx years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Acura Tlx | 23 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Acura Tlx | 59 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Acura Tlx | 13 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Acura Tlx | 87 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Acura Tlx | 4 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Acura Tlx | 90 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Acura Tlx Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Acura Tlx, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
32 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Acura onlyAir Bags
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Acura onlyForward Collision Avoidance
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Acura onlyService Brakes
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Acura onlyFuel/Propulsion System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Acura onlyPower Train,Unknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Unknown Or Other issues Acura onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Acura Tlx
Reliability Score
The 2021 Acura Tlx receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Acura Tlx
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Acura Tlx
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Acura Tlx:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Case Failure The transfer case has failed due to stripped splines, causing AWD loss and requiring full replacement. This issue is frequent between 30,000 to 60,000 miles. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel Tank Assembly Fuel tank assembly issues have been reported, including a failing fuel seal that can lead to gasoline leakage. |
Medium | Common | 30k-50k miles |
| Air Bag Sensor Malfunction Air bag sensor malfunctions, particularly in the front passenger seat, have been reported, affecting safety features. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes Recall Hydraulic pedal and linkages issues have led to a recall, affecting service brakes in certain models. |
Low | Rare | 30k-60k 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 Tlx:
Transfer case issues are the most common problem, with 32% of reported issues.
Fuel system issues, including tank assembly, are the second most common problem.
Air bag sensor malfunctions are a significant issue, affecting safety features.
Service brakes have been recalled due to hydraulic pedal and linkages issues.
Recall Details for the 2021 Acura Tlx
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Acura Tlx by NHTSA:
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.
Summary: Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2023 TLX vehicles. The fuel filler neck and fuel tank may have been improperly welded, which can result in a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is JKX.
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Acura Tlx
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Acura Tlx with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
The all wheel drive failed do to transfer case splines being sheered off between the transmission and transfer case. No warning lights are on to warn of the rear wheel tires not receiving power to them. I was not aware of this problem and this could have contributed to and accident, as I though the AWD was working, but it wasn't.
Transfer case needs replacing
My vehicle was performing as expected, but there was a smell of burning oil or rubber. When I took the car into the dealership the found that the transmission was slipping and the transfer box was failing. In the video they sent of the initial inspection there is obvious brown sludge leaking from the transmission. I was told that a complete transmission and transfer case was required.
Driving towards the gas station, still at lows speeds while I was in the neighborhood so speed limit was 15mph. I can hear and feel the car struggle to move forward, about 2 minutes into the drive a hear a big TOON and check engine light is on for about a minute before going away. I filled gas and headed back home and I heard a larger TOON but this time all the warning light came up. These are al...
Short Description Transmission-to-PTU splines, causing AWD loss and requiring full transfer case and transmission replacement. Summary This drivetrain failure poses an unreasonable safety risk due to the sudden loss of AWD capability, lack of alerts, and resulting instability. My experience is consistent with dozens of documented cases and matches the mechanical fault pattern already under federa...
The transfer case in my Acura TLX Type S failed due to the internal splines stripping at approximately 57,600 miles. I heard a loud bang while attempting to maneuver out of a parking spot that was covered in snow. When this occurred, the transfer case was no longer able to transfer power to the rear wheels, causing the all-wheel-drive system to stop functioning. As a result, the vehicle effectivel...
I am submitting this complaint regarding a sudden and premature transfer case failure on my 2021 Acura TLX Type S equipped with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The failure occurred during normal driving conditions and without prior warning indicators. Based on my experience and numerous similar reports from other owners of this vehicle, this appears to be an ongoing and sys...
My car has suffered a well known issue in the 21-25 Acura TLX community. At 71,000 miles my transfer case splines stripped also with the transmission splines. Resulting in me having to pay out of pocket to replace both the transmission and transfer case. I’m really hoping Acura does a recall for this issue. I really like this car and don’t want to have to replace them again. Like I mentioned befor...
Adaptive Damper System error on dashboard. Took the car to the dealer and they confirmed two issues. Codes C1646-14 and C1647-14 indicating the stroke sensor has lower limit abnormality. Dealer recommended replacing both rear shocks due to over extension. Once shocks were replaced, codes returned. During further investigation, corrosion was found in the stroke sensor wiring harness. Harness is the...
My gas tank is failing from the fuel seal, my safety is in danger since it throws a lot of gasoline, take the car to the dealer but they say it's not a factory problem
See Attached Letter
This 2021 Acura TLX Type-S has experienced a complete failure of the transfer case after approximately 40,000 miles of use. This unfortunately is a known issue on the online forums for this vehicle in model years 2021-2023. I have a video inspection performed by the local dealership proving this. The only warning is a one-time loud boom when accelerating and a leaking from the transfer case of fl...
To Whom It May Concern: The purpose of my complaint is to bring to your attention reprehensible policies and misconduct displayed by the automaker, Acura, the premium subsidiary brand of the American Honda Motor Company. On 11/18/2025, I brought in my 2021 Acura TLX Tech w/SH-AWD in for a problem related to the brakes. The front brakes were and continue to make a jarring, very loud, high-pitched s...
Problem with all safety feature sensors like Adas, lane assistance. Small car icon which always green turned orange, and none of those features working.
My 2021 TLX Type S front wheels started to spin upon acceleration at 44K miles. I immediately scheduled an appt for the dealership. Was informed I needed a new Transfer Case Unit, as the splines were shredded. With this, I also had to replace the transmission. All replaced and picked up today 12/2/2025
Was driving the car under normal acceleration when the transfer case failed. No power to the rear wheels. Acura dealer confirmed the problem. Will be fixed under warranty. No warning lamps or messages on the dash.
Transfer case blew. AWD was not working.
While driving my 2021 Acura TLX Type S, I began losing traction frequently during normal daily driving, especially when turning corners or accelerating from a stop sign or stop light. At first, I believed the issue was related to my tires, so I replaced them, but the same problem continued. After researching online, I discovered that transfer case failures are a known issue on these vehicles, affe...
- The transfer case failed causing the AWD system to stop working -It is a safety concern because you may lose control since no power is going to rear wheels, especially in inclement weather that we receive in the northeast. -Yes the problem has been confirmed by dealership by putting car on lift and seeing that no power is being sent to the rear wheels. -There are no warning lights or any signs...
While using the Air Conditioner in Comfort Mode Suspension settings on my Advanced SHAWD model, the front suspension intermittently squeaks and creaks. It is very audible in the colder months or after it rains.
Showing 20 of 77 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2021 Acura Tlx
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor
Opened 2025-03-26
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, ...
Component: Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Opened 2026-03-06
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated January 9, 2026, requesting an investigation into the loss of the optional all-wheel drive capability in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Acura TLX and MY 2022-2023 Acura MDX vehicles. The Petition contends that the interfacing splines between the transmission and the rear wheel drive power take off unit are failing. Failure of these splines prevents the transfer of drive power to the rear axle, making the vehicle front wheel drive onl...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Acura Tlx
Has the 2021 ACURA TLX been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 ACURA TLX has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 ACURA TLX have?
The 2021 ACURA TLX has 77 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 3 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 ACURA TLX?
The 2021 ACURA TLX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 ACURA TLX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 ACURA TLX involve power train (32 complaints), air bags (5 complaints), forward collision avoidance (4 complaints). Other affected components include service brakes, fuel/propulsion system, power train,unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2021 ACURA TLX have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2021 ACURA TLX out of 77 total complaints (3.9% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 ACURA TLX have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 ACURA TLX in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 ACURA TLX?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 ACURA TLX.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 ACURA TLX?
3 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 ACURA TLX. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 ACURA TLX?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 ACURA TLX is acceptable with caveats. It has 77 complaints, 3 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 ACURA TLX?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 ACURA TLX are: 1. POWER TRAIN (32 complaints), 2. AIR BAGS (5 complaints), 3. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4 complaints), 4. SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints), 5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 32 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 ACURA TLX?
Be cautious of transfer case failures and air bag sensor malfunctions, especially between 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Check for recalls and service your vehicle regularly. The 2021 ACURA TLX has 77 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 ACURA TLX?
The 2021 ACURA TLX receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 77 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 3 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Transfer Case Failure and Fuel Tank Assembly.
What are the known issues with the 2021 ACURA TLX?
Known issues with the 2021 ACURA TLX include: Transfer Case Failure, Fuel Tank Assembly, Air Bag Sensor Malfunction, Service Brakes Recall. These are based on patterns found across 77 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2021 Acura TLX?
The most common issues are transfer case failures and air bag sensor malfunctions.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Acura TLX?
Yes, there is a recall for service brakes due to hydraulic pedal and linkages issues.
What should I do if I experience transfer case issues?
Take your vehicle to a dealership for a full transfer case and transmission replacement.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of transfer case failures and air bag sensor malfunctions, especially between 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Check for recalls and service your vehicle regularly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Acura Tlx
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Acura Tlx. The data includes 77 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13