2018
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015

Acura TLX

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Poised to compete with segment heavy hitters, the Acura TLX doesn't have what it takes to play in the big leagues. While it is a good overall performer, the TLX lacks the engaging performance and panache found in other upscale sedans. Measured against its European and Japanese rivals, the TLX's handling falls short and its ride isn't as comfortable.
Alerts
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.
2018
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015

Acura TLX

Reliability

We expect the 2022 TLX will be much more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2021 models. Select the used car model year to see reported issues with those similar past models.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2018 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2018 Acura TLX has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
Engine Minor
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
Transmission Major
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
Drive System
NA
Fuel System
NA
Electric System
NA
Climate System
NA
Suspension
NA
Brakes
NA
Exhaust
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
Body Integrity
NA
Body Hardware
NA
Power Equipment
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2021 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Acura TLX owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Apple CarPlay

"While listening to anything that is already on the iPhone it will just cut out the audio randomly. Even when talking on the iPhone it will cut out. This happens with three different iPhones and I changed the cable three times Nothing worked. It must be wiring in the care."

Anonymous, NY (2018 Acura TLX SH-AWD 3.5-L V6)
Backup or other camera/sensors

"Sensors did not recognize post behind me which resulted in impact with the post."

Brad S., OR (2018 Acura TLX A-Spec 3.5-L V6)
External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"periodically the media center will not recognize an item is connected. You have to restart the car for it to eventually find it."

Kevin C., FL (2018 Acura TLX A-Spec 3.5-L V6)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Does not know where I am about 25% of the time."

Anonymous, GA (2018 Acura TLX Unsure Unsure)

"Navigation must be updated with a CD, which I had to purchase. The CD was not able to update the system. When I spoke to my Acura dealer about it, he said he could make it work but he would charge me $300. I did not have it fixed."

Anonymous, (2018 Acura TLX Unsure Unsure)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"loses pairing"

Anonymous, GA (2018 Acura TLX Unsure Unsure)

"Could not download my address book and Acura just blamed Apple. Would not take responsibility for a know problem Lasted 4 months before Apple had a update"

Jodi P., ON (2018 Acura TLX A-Spec 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
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Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"At times the vehicle lurches into the next higher gear. It also jumps into a lower gear"

Anonymous, FL (2018 Acura TLX 2.4L 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Transmission pauses, or throttle fails to respond, usually in mid-throttle. This has occurred when in traffic and must be immediately corrected by removing the footfrom the accelerator, then pressing it again. It can lead to a serious delay in situations in which one must move out another car's way It's nearly caused accidents. This issue makes the car unpleasant to drive. No dealer visits for this yet becaues Acura has no answer for this. Well known problem with this car. Awful transmission and throttle design."

Anonymous, OH (2018 Acura TLX A-Spec 3.5-L V6)

"While shifting between second and third gears the transmission will sometimes lag for a second and then kick in with too much torque. We have had it to the dealer twice for this and it has not been fixed yet."

Jeff S., CA (2018 Acura TLX A-Spec 3.5-L V6)

"Problem started to show after about 15000 miles. Problem sometimes occurs when the automatic transmission begins to shift at about 1200 rpm into 3rd gear. The dealership has not been able to duplicate the problem."

Anonymous, NJ (2018 Acura TLX V6 3.5-L V6)
Transmission computer

"When turning right, when there is a structure close to the road, the throttle deactivates or the transmission does not shift where it normally would otherwise. It must be reset by taking the foot off the accelerator and pressing again, or by changing gears with the paddle shifters. It is a significant annoyance but has never stranded me."

Anonymous, OH (2018 Acura TLX A-Spec 3.5-L V6)

"intermittent problem that took several attempts to fix. The last time with it being in the shop 12 days.... with no guarantee is will not act back up. The transmission may eventually need to be replaced."

Kevin C., FL (2018 Acura TLX A-Spec 3.5-L V6)
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Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose interior trim or moldings

"Although we bought the top of the line Advance option the right passenger door sill came with the lower model A-Spec door sill. Acura Client Relations was absolutely the worst as far as customer treatment. The car has never been fixed due to Acura Client Relations terrible service. I even spoke with two supervisors or managers. Due entirely to Acura Client Relations unprofessional conduct with this and other contacts we will NEVER buy another Honda or Acura automobile. In my life I have spent more than a quarter of a million dollars on Acura or Honda automobiles. Almost all of the cars were absolutely wonderful cars. But great cars can't make up for corporate unprofessional treatment of its customers."

John C., NY (2018 Acura TLX SH-AWD 3.5-L V6)

"The passenger door sill is for the new model, the A-Spec TLX but I don't have an A-Spec TLX. My mode is the Advanced edition. Clearly Acura quality control is not too good."

Anonymous, NY (2018 Acura TLX SH-AWD 3.5-L V6)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"A new car should not rattle like an older car does after time. My Honda Accord never rattled like this vehicle and I had that car for 11 years. Rattling started about a year or so ago."

Anonymous, NY (2018 Acura TLX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The driver door is home to many components the are attached by clips and fasteners and harnesses. It seems that any music with bass it in causes many components in the drivers door to rattle. It is only this door and it is a problem the dealer attempted to fix but was unsuccessful."

Devin G., ME (2018 Acura TLX 2.4L 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Fuel gauge/sender

"faulty sender caused fuel gauge to stop working on intermittent basis and so had no working fuel gauge. Took Acura 7 weeks to fix problem including replacing wiring harness, instrument panel and fuel pump. Vehicle was off road in dealer for 7 weeks resulting in loss of use of vehicle for entire period"

John P., TX (2018 Acura TLX SH-AWD 3.5-L V6)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"Cold air blows out of the defrost area unless set on maximum heat"

Anonymous, KS (2018 Acura TLX SH-AWD 3.5-L V6)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"The car will stall when you brake to almost a stop then want to accelerate again. It just won't move for a couple seconds, our 2015 TLX did the same thing no satisfaction in getting it fixed. It's not a good feeling if you need to move fast because of on coming traffic and can't."

John P., CA (2018 Acura TLX 2.4L 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Gauges

"The electric features in the dashboard failed after going over a bump. The electric came back on after a short stop, but failed again, without cause, a few days later. Dealer was unable to resolve, but problem resolved itself and has not reoccurred."

Anonymous, NY (2018 Acura TLX)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Braking will engage when there is no threat pf front impact"

Brad S., OR (2018 Acura TLX A-Spec 3.5-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Compare 2018 Models

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This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all 17 trouble spots.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
Jan 29, 2019
Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
What should you do:
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's recall number for this recall is P3W. Honda's recall number for this recall is N3X.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V060000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 437032
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