2021 Acura Tlx problems
The Acura TLX is a four-door entry-level luxury sedan sold by Acura, a luxury division of Honda, since 2014. It is the successor to both the TL and TSX models. As of 2021, the discontinuation of the RLX leaves the TLX as the flagship sedan in Acura's lineup.
Design history
The Acura TLX was first shown as the "TLX Prototype", a sedan designed in Acura's Los Angeles Design Studio, as a replacement of the TL and TSX sedans. The production version was unveiled in April at the 2014 New York International Auto Show. Sales began in August, the TLX entered production during July at Marysville, Ohio, United States.
First generation (UB1/UB2/UB3/UB4; 2015)
Two powertrain options are available. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine with direct injection was offered with front-wheel drive only, mated to a dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel steering (P-AWS). This model's chassis code is UB1. The Honda designed dual clutch transmission is the first to use a torque converter, which absorbs transmission gear shift shock, thus reducing NVH. The engine is rated at 206 hp (154 kW; 209 PS) with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg‑US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg‑imp)/35 mpg‑US (6.7 L/100 km; 42 mpg‑imp)/28 mpg‑US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg‑imp) (city/highway/combined) compared to 22 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg‑imp)/31 mpg‑US (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg‑imp)/26 mpg‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg‑imp) (city/highway/combined) from the previous TSX. Honda estimates that the six-cylinder model is 1.5 seconds faster from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h).
A 3.5-liter direct injected SOHC VTEC V-6 with cylinder deactivation (VCM) is mated to Honda's first time use of a 9-speed automatic transmission (sourced from ZF), available with either P-AWS or all-wheel drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system uses hydraulic clutches instead of the electromagnetic clutch packs found on the previous TL which significantly cuts weight, size and cost. The engine is rated at 290 hp (216 kW; 294 PS) and front-wheel drive models deliver 21 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg‑imp)/34 mpg‑US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg‑imp)/25 mpg‑US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg‑imp) (city/highway/combined) while all-wheel drive models are rated at 21 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg‑imp)/31 mpg‑US (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg‑imp)/25 mpg‑US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg‑imp). Model codes are UB2 for the front-wheel drive and UB3 for the SH-AWD, which comes standard with a "Technology Package". TLX models configured with the V6 engine lose nearly 150 lb (68 kg) compared to the FWD TL, and over 225 lb (102 kg) compared to the SH-AWD TL.
Overall length compared to the previous TL was reduced by 3.8 inches (97 mm) while the wheelbase maintains the same length. As with the ninth-generation Accord, the TLX loses the front double wishbone suspension of the TSX and TL in favor of a MacPherson strut arrangement, and loses the TL's all-aluminum front subframe in favor of a lower cost friction stir welded aluminum and steel piece.
To significantly cut down on interior noise, triple door seals are used as well as additional sound insulation.
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Common 2021 Acura Tlx problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2021 Acura TLX, several common problems have been reported:
- Body Panel Alignment:
- Another common problem reported is related to body panel alignment. While this issue is well-known, it has caused inconvenience for owners, requiring adjustments by dealerships to rectify the misalignment.
- Wind/Road Noise:
- Many owners have complained about excessive wind and road noise, especially at speeds over 60 mph. This noise issue has been a cause of discomfort for some drivers, impacting the overall driving experience.
- Speaker Static Sound:
- Some owners have encountered speaker static sound problems, which can affect the audio quality and overall enjoyment of the sound system in the vehicle.
- Brake Issues:
- Reports indicate that some owners have faced problems with the brakes, including noise and the need for multiple replacements within a short period, raising concerns about the braking system's reliability.
- Noise from Steering Wheel:
- There have been complaints about nagging noises coming from the steering wheel, which have persisted despite attempts to fix the issue, causing frustration for owners.
- Suspension Problems:
- Certain owners have reported issues with the suspension system, leading to concerns about the car's stability and safety, particularly when driving on certain road surfaces.
- Electrical Problems:
- Electrical issues, such as faulty wiring harnesses for display units, have been highlighted by some owners, indicating potential weaknesses in the car's electrical system that may require attention.
These problems with the 2021 Acura TLX, as reported by owners, highlight various issues ranging from minor nuisances to more significant concerns that impact the vehicle's performance, comfort, and overall driving experience.
What is the common problem with Acura TLX?
Transmission super bad on downshifts, when going uphill low throttle you can feel grinding like the engine is going to stall out.
How reliable is the 2021 Acura TLX?
The 2021 TLX has a predicted reliability score of 75 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Is there a recall on the 2021 Acura TLX?
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury. What You Should Do: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 18, 2024.
Which TLX model is best?
2024 Acura TLX Type S: $57,000
The Type S is the best equipped TLX and the fastest. You can attribute its speed to its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. Generating 355 hp, it also delivers 354 lb-ft of torque. Using the same 10-speed automatic transmission, the Type S also sports the SH-AWD system.
2021 Acura Tlx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Acura Tlx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Service brakes problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Acura Tlx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2021 Acura Tlx
The NHTSA has received 27 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Acura Tlx. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2021 Acura Tlx vehicles.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-25
- VIN: 19UUB7F02MA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Transfer case splines sheared, causing the awd system to fail. This eliminates power output to the rear wheels and could cause a loss of control while driving in sub par road conditions. This appears to be a very common issue among the Type-S trim.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-18
- VIN: 19UUB6F49MA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: In February 2024 I became aware of a recall impacting my 2021 Acura TLX. When I called Acura, I was told more information would become available-- I did not hear back. Then In April 2024 I took my vehicle in for servicing and asked my dealership Radley Acura if they could also repair the recall, and the dealership informed me they did not have a part nor an estimate as to when it would become available. In response, I called Acura corporate. They too did not have an update. Fast forward to September 18, 2024, I once again called the dealership and was told the same thing I was told earlier this year. No part available and no estimate as to when one will become available. I then called Acura corporate. Corporate Acura contacted the dealership on a threeway and asked the same question, and were told by the dealership they were waiting on corporate to make parts available. The threeway call signaled to me, that corporate Acura has not kept their own network of dealerships adequately informed, much less their customers. I then contacted Acura Customer Care and the representative informed me because my airbag light is not actively on, there is no available part nor an estimate as to when one will become available. Acura and Honda have known about this recall for at least 7 seven months and have failed to keep their consumers apprised of updates (leaving the onus on the vehicle owners) and more frustratingly, cannot manage to provide estimates as to when parts will become available. Given Acura's lack of timeliness in remedying the recall, I kindly request NHTSA look into their mishandling of this longstanding recall. Thank you for your consideration.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-15
- VIN: 19UUB7F0XMA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: I am reporting a critical safety issue with my 2021 Acura TLX (VIN: [XXX] ), specifically related to the transmission and transfer case. The problem is centered around the transmission’s spline splitting into the transfer case, which causes severe jerking while driving. The car moves forward erratically, jumping up and down, and on multiple occasions, the vehicle has shut off while driving at highway speeds. This is extremely dangerous and poses a significant risk to my life and others on the road. This issue is widely reported by other Acura owners online, and it appears to be a common defect with the transmission, specifically the remanufactured transmission part number 06200-6T2-A02RM. The cost of repairing this issue exceeds $5,000, and since the vehicle is no longer under warranty, I am deeply concerned about having to replace both the transmission and transfer case, only for the same problem to recur. The vehicle is still drivable, but the issue is worsening, and I fear for my safety. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter and press Honda/Acura to address this defect immediately, as it is a severe safety hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-10
- VIN: 19UUB5F64MA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Per the note on this website that says "If the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, please contact the NHTSA ..." Regarding Manufacturer Recall Number YHG / NHTSA Recall Number24V-064, when I made an appointment with my local Acura dealer, they told me "The manufacturer does not have the parts and the remedy available for that recall, so we will not be ble to take care of it. If that was what you were coming in for, I will have to cancel the appointment. They have not given us an ETA as far as when the parts will be available, and normally when they are available, they send their clients a letter stating that they have become available."
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-31
- VIN: 19UUB6F69MA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-18
- VIN: 19UUB6F51MA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: My vehicle was stolen due to a jammer that copied my car keys information. I have it on video. It was addressed to acura and honda about the vulnerability for past 3 years and they ignored it. I now am a victim of a stolen vehicle because of this vulnerability that was not acknowledged
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 19UUB5F48MA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: How Acura Lost my Business The fact that no one from Acura will take responsibility for the ongoing issues has reaffirmed that my long-term commitment to owning Acura’s is over. Honda will only communicate via the phone and say "if the dealership can't fix it, neither can Honda." I decided, after months of difficulties with things not working correctly in my car, to trade it in. The last straw was when I looked up the Acura TLX Blue Book value; the car had a safety recall I knew nothing about from Acura. The passenger front seat airbag can deploy prematurely in an accident, and cause an injury. The professionals at the local Acura dealership cautioned me not to let passengers sit in the front seat; therefore the car was no longer usable for two people upfront. Acura can't fix the recall safety issue because there are no parts. This follows months of attempts to address other issues with the upgraded technology package not working correctly. Honda/Acura headquarters, and the Florida Attorney General, provide no written responses despite following the Lemon Law protocol. After owning my fifth Acura, a 2021 TLX, I recognized I could no longer count on the safety I’d come to expect. My daughter had come out of totaling my first Acura, a TSX, without even a bruise or scratch more than twenty years ago. This had secured my loyalty to the brand, I had thought for life. [XXX] Lakewood Ranch, Florida [XXX] -cell [XXX] -landline [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-14
- VIN: 19UUB6F34MA
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: While I was driving on the highway I heard a loud pop over head and when I open my roof shade I saw the my sunroof was shattered. Then glasses started flying everywhere. The shattered pieces of sunroof glasses put me at risk and other motor vehicles on the road. I looked up online and found out that this is an ongoing issue with Acura/Honda sunroof exploding. Acura hasn't made a recall yet.
BACK OVER PREVENTION,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-18
- VIN: 19UUB6F67MA
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact stated that whenever the radio was turned on and occasionally randomly, there was a crackling and popping sound heard in the speakers. The contact then stated that while shifted in reverse, the rear-view camera screen intermittently displayed a blank screen or delayed displaying an image. The contact then stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a loose connection in the bus network. The contact was informed that the FAKRA connector set needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the FAKRA connector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was denied service due to the vehicle having a Salvaged Title. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-22
- VIN: 19UUB5F38MA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I was traveling on the highway (on a very rainy day), when my car's green signal lights and orange engine light began blinking. Immediately, an orange warning sign on the dash read, "Some Driver Assist Systems Cannot Operate, Radar Obstructed". A few seconds after that occurred, I accelerated to pass a vehicle & as soon as I switched lanes to get over, my car went from speeds of about 85 MPH, abruptly down to 15-20 MPH. My safety was immediately put at risk as the driver I passed began tailgating me as if my actions were intentional. I attempted repeatedly to speed up, but my car just wouldn't go any faster. Once, I proceeded to get in the right line, I was almost hit by a group of tractor trailers. I called my spouse in a panic, who advised me to get off at the next exit. I followed his advice, pulled over, turned off my car & started it again. The lights turned off & proceeded to get back on the highway. About 3 minutes later, the orange light flashed the same message, "Some Driver Assists...." I immediately called Leith Acura & tried explaining what was occurring. Once hanging up with Leith, the dash continued to display "call ended" with Leith's number flashing every few seconds. The radio also turned off with a "No audio connection for FM Radio". Too afraid to accelerate, I drove minimal speed all the way to VA. Also afraid to drive back in the same condition, I contacted Crown Acura, who set an appointment for June 23, cancelling Leith. Service advisor [XXX] informed me that the technicians were unable to duplicate what occurred and placed me in a rental vehicle until my car was assessed and diagnosed. The next day I was informed my vehicle was ready and told the technology was reset. Before & after this, my phone calls are stuck in a limbo state where it will ring through Bluetooth, the number will display, but there is no way to pick up the call via phone or car display. "Brake" warning also blinks when there are no objects in front of me. *I have videos* INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-15
- VIN: 19UUB6F65MA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Hi there, My car has been to the Acura dealer multiple times for the same issue, and I'm hearing that alot of other Acura TLX owners are having the same issue. My car screen will randomly short, and can just shut off. Sometimes when I'm backing up, the screen will freeze and i wont realize that someone is walking behind the car, almost causing me to hit them. The audio system also can make weird crackling noises as well. There are definitely some safety features that shut off with the screen, though i cant pinpoint them exactly.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-13
- VIN: 19UUB5F5XMA
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I currently have Kumho Ecsta PS91 tires on my 2021 Acura TLX that was purchased brand new and 3 out of 4 tires have cracks/splits all the way around the inside and outside sidewall. My vehicle currently has 30k miles and still has plenty of tread left on them as they are rated for 45k miles. Car has always had its routine maintenance done at Acura and tires are always checked and rotation is done also. Please look into this immediately I was traveling on an Interstate at 70 mph and this could have been a tragedy for myself and others traveling. Also have pictures to show if needed
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-19
- VIN: 19UUB5F67MA
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: On two occasions the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) has improperly activated with HARD braking leaving me fighting for control. On one occasion, I was driving at 35 MPH on a divided boulevard in my home subdivision with no vehicles in sight. The second occasion occurred on the Florida Turnpike at 75 MPH while in the outside lane. There was no vehicle in front of me or to the side at that time. That was a scary moment. I want to emphasize that the CMBS employed HARD braking along with the flashing dash warning. After each instance I took the vehicle to an Acura dealer. First to Fountain Acura in Orlando who could find no DTC codes and blew me off by telling me it was my E-Pass transponder and window tint that caused the problem. That was utter nonsense. The second time I took the vehicle to AutoNation Acura North Orlando where I had purchased the vehicle as Certified Pre-owned (CPO) in April of 2022. They took my concern seriously, provided a loaner and kept the vehicle for four days. They also were unable to duplicate the issue and could find no DTC codes. They called Honda’s “tech line” and told me that same nonsense about tint and transponders. This “washing of hands” rather than taking ownership of this life-threatening problem made me start looking for others with the same issue. No surprise, I found 103 other Acura 2021 TLXs as well as RDXs and Honda models with NHTSA complaints for the same exact experience I had. Is AHM’s “tech line” telling all owners it is their fault for the improper activation of the CMBS? It seems to me that a change in the CMBS triggering algorithm needs to be made otherwise the more vehicles with the defective algorithm the more crashes will occur. This improper activation seems unique to 2021 vehicles. NHTSA records currently show no similar complaints for 2020, 2022, or 2023 model year vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-13
- VIN: 19UUB6F55MA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The infotainment system glitches or goes static after a bump of any sort. Sometimes it would restart entirely. Or just not work until I stop and restart the car.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 19UUB5F60MA
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: My wife and I were on the first day of vacation, driving from Virginia to FL by way of SC. Around 1pm I was driving the car on interstate 20 West in South Carolina near Bishopville. There were no cars in my lane in front of me and the car suddenly activated what Acura refers to as the CMBS system. The purpose of this is to stop us if it thinks we are going to run into another vehicle. I'm not 100% sure but I think this is related to the adaptive cruise control. We had not used cruise control that day because traffic on rt 95 South was extremely heavy. We had finally turned off on Rt 20 and traffic wasn't as heavy so we felt we could safely use the cruise control. We were traveling at about 73 mph and the car suddenly started hard braking. It was flashing BRAKE in big letters in the dash. There was another vehicle behind so I kept pushing on the gas pedal to keep going but the car literally would not release the brakes. The vehicle from behind hit us. There is a video cam in my car so I have a video that shows the car traveling smoothly then all at once bouncing and jerking as it keeps applying the brakes. We also have photos of the front of the car showing that the cameras that this system uses were clear and unobstructed. The other driver was charged but it was absolutely the fault of the Acura for this malfunction. Acura Roadside Assistance tried to tell us how to disable this system but the info they provided was for another year model and didn't work. We went on YouTube and found the correct information and have disabled this system. There were other videos on YouTube describing this exact issue with this system failure with Acura vehicles. We have also filed a report with Acura Customer Care. It is case #[XXX]. We have also reported this to our insurance company (Travelers) and to State Farm, the company that is handling the claim for repair. The State Farm Claim # is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-09
- VIN: 19UUB6F54MA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Noticed my 2021 Acura TLX A-SPEC SH-AWD has fluid leaking from the rear differential where the driveshaft connects. The vehicle has 16,531 miles on the odometer. Honda is releasing a recall for leaking rear differential on the Honda CRV as well Accords. Honda may want to include the Acura TLX's as well in the recall as they are reporting the drivesshaft may cause serious damage at high speeds if the differential is leaking.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-15
- VIN: 19UUB6F54MA
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Rotors warped and changed through warranty but loud humming and vibration is back after 2,000 miles on new rotors. Steering column is leaking fluid down to brake pedal. Steering wheel is making a clicking noise when turning. Speakers are crackling after Fakra replacement under acceleration or going over bumps.
LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-25
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 19UUB5F40MA
- Components: LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: While traveling on a narrow road and a narrow bridge, the lane departure system caused the car to veer left into another car. The road had no dividing lane marker. The car was totaled and my wife injured
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-10
- VIN: 19UUB5F42MA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: WHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED, THERE IS A SPRING RELEASE/CLICKING NOISE. AS WE HAVE PUT MILAGE ON CAR IT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-12
- VIN: 19UUB5F34MA
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: In many instances while driving about 40-60 MPH and with no vehicles in front the car would suddenly brake.
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-01
- VIN: 19UUB5F45MA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The contact leased a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, a loud abnormal, squealing noise would emit from the brake pedal upon depression without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the dealer where they acknowledged the failure but stated that the parts for the repair were not yet available. The contact was given a loaner vehicle of the same model; however, the same failure occurred with the loaner vehicle. The contact returned to the dealer for the third time and was given a loaner vehicle of a different model. Upon return of the original vehicle, the brake noise had stopped; however, the forward collision avoidance brake warning light would intermittently illuminate on the instrument panel without incident. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where she was informed that the electrical system needed to be reset; however, once the system was reset, the original brake noise failure returned. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 11.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-04
- VIN: 19UUB6F5XMA
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I was driving down the freeway, in a new 2021 Acura TLX with 2000 miles on it. It was raining when I went to switch lanes and floor it to pass another car and the check engine light came on and the power dies and speed dramatically slows down and I’m unable to accelerate. The check engine light is flashing and the car will not reach 40mph. Again I’m on the freeway. This was a very dangerous situation. There were no warnings leading up to this catastrophic fuel/engine issue. I took the car to the Acura dealer who said there had been reports of issues related to water getting into the car’s intercooler for the turbo causing the car to misfire and then going into “safe mode” with a flashing check engine light. They installed Acura SB 20-053 PGM-FI update. I’m picking the car up on 2/6/22 and hoping the issue is resolved. Again this was a serious fuel engine issue that if I’d been passing a car on a two lane road into oncoming traffic could have been deadly
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-22
- VIN: 19UUB5F47MA
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Purchased new 2021 Acura TLX in April 2021 from Leith Acura Raleigh. On 5/22, 7/6, 7/23, & 11/2/21, the fuel capless unit was adjusted once replaced 3 times. American Honda is aware of the problems with the part & sent service bulletins to every Acura service dept. American Honda stated this & the 2 dealerships did also. On 8/4, there was an issue. Steering column began dripping grease. Grease dripping from steering shaft bolts "due to extreme heat". 12/7/21, extremely loud, high pitch squeal from brakes due to issue known by American Honda. Service bulletin sent to Acura service dept. Rotor rubs against another part on these cars. They explained there's no fix as of yet. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, & is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel capless unit (already replaced 3 times), steering column (steering shaft bolts), & brakes. Available for inspection whenever you all need for me to take it to the dealership again. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? American Honda has advised all Acura dealerships that these are known issues. They will not label them as recalls because they do not put Acura owners at risk, according to them. But, they send service bulletins to the dealerships advising all Acura service departments that they know about these problems. The steps to fix the issue may or may not work per dealers. As for the brakes, they've explained that they currently do not know the fix for the issue. They're still trying to figure it out, according to both Acura dealerships. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes it has on at least 6 occasions by Acura dealerships. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, there have been warning indicators & messages.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-06
- VIN: 19UUB5F44MA
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The vehicle VIN - [XXX] The vehicle, 2021 Acura TLX, was purchased on June 8, 2021, from the showroom floor of Metro Acura Dealership. The vehicle was sold as being compatible with iPhone, Bluetooth HandsFree Link, and Apple CarPlay. Not to mention the innovative technology, Automatic Lighting Control, and Auto-Idle Stop System. The vehicle was purchased with a full 4 year/50,000-mile warranty. I have dealt with Metro Acura in Montclair, CA, Spreen Acura in Riverside, CA, and Wittmeier Honda in Chico, CA. I have attached the service reports from the said dealerships for your review. This does not include the three times I have called for roadside assistance due to being stranded by the 2021 Acura TLX. September 6- The vehicle would not unlock, even with the key. Stranded in a parking lot. Called Roadside assistance by the time some came, the car unlocked. September 8- the warning light Auto Idle Stop came on while driving September 10 – I took the vehicle to Spreen Honda and spoke with [XXX]. The vehicle had 3,275 miles. I was told that if lights are not on now, there is nothing they can do. I also explained that the Bluetooth is sporadic, and the vehicle will ring even after the phone call has been answered. I insisted they keep the vehicle and try. Later the same day, after I picked up the vehicle, warning lights came on again about 40 minutes later -Auto Idle Stop, Automatic Lighting Control- light while driving During this time, the warning lights would continue to come on intermittently while driving. September 15- I took the vehicle to Metro Acura and dealt with [XXX]. The vehicle had 3910 miles. I explained to them about the vehicle not unlocking and warning lights. They stated something occurred when they put the wrap on the car, which caused the vehicle to not open; they said it was fixed. Unable to find a reason for warning lights. September 20 -Auto Idle Stop, Automatic Lighting Control- l INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-07
- VIN: 19uub5f51ma
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle on one occasion, the vehicle would not start-up. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be inspected. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was started and driven back to the residence. A few days after taking the vehicle to the dealer, the contact noticed that while driving at undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and there was a loud cranking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer to perform a diagnostic test on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270.
2021 Acura Tlx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2021 Acura Tlx.
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- 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, and October 18, 2024. 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.
Negative 2021 Acura Tlx car reviews
Positive 2021 Acura Tlx car reviews
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This is my third Acura and it is the best one yet. Although there are a few features that could be improved, they do not detract from the overall quality of the car. The touch pad for controlling vehicle navigation and functions may take some getting used to, but it is a highly effective tool once you become familiar with it. Additionally, the fixed daytime map color scheme and small white text outlined in black on a light background may not be ideal, but they are still readable and functional. While the street route numbers may be difficult to read, the car's excellent handling and sound system more than make up for this minor inconvenience. Although the car's mileage could be better, it still has plenty of pep for a heavy car with its four cylinder turbo. Furthermore, the car's excellent design and comfortable interior make it a great value compared to more expensive brands like BMW and Lexus. Overall, this is a fantastic car that is sure to impress anyone who drives it.I cannot justify spending an additional $5,000 as it is not within my budget. Acura, please provide updates to the navigation color choice schemes as they are currently inadequate.
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Acura has done an amazing job with their latest TLX model redesign! The clean lines, sporty front grill, extra spacious leather interior, and stellar performance make it a dream sedan. I'm thrilled with my purchase!
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Great car!
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Great car! It's unfortunate that you've been experiencing some issues with charging and Hands Free use with your iPhone 12. However, I'm glad to hear that your phone charges okay. It sounds like the Hands Free feature may have some compatibility issues with the iPhone 12, but our dealer has advised that a simple 'Hard Reset' of the phone can quickly resolve these issues. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
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The TLX is not trying to be a German sports car, but it is a comfortable, reliable, and great handling car. The steering feedback is awesome, especially with the lowdown torque. Additionally, the interior has so much style.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Acura Tlx problems:
2021 TLX ISSUES : r/Acura
Aug 4, 2023 ... Transmission super bad on downshifts, when going uphill low throttle you can feel grinding like the engine is going to stall out. Also bad ...
Resolved all my 2021 TLX issues! | Acura TLX Forum
Dec 28, 2021 ... I feel most of the issues are at the plant where it was assembled (for example my rear seat latches were left underneath the seat and I had to ...
2021 Acura TLX Consumer Reviews | Cars.com
Issues with vehicle since purchase. Car 18 months old on needs its THIRD set of brakes. Very noisy car on highway. Rubber hood trim is peeling. Poor ...
2021 TLX Type-S Problems After 8 Months | Acura TLX Forum
Apr 13, 2022 ... I don't blame my dealer; after all, the TLX 2021 is kind of a new thing. However, I find the frequent puddle light damage to be inexcusable and ...
2021 TLX Advance SH-AWD (some issues) - AcuraZine - Acura ...
Dec 24, 2020 ... It works intermittently now. I also noticed oil around the oil cap and dip stick and that doesn't seem normal to me. The engine also (to me) ...
Other years of Acura Tlx
Are you having problems with your 2021 Acura Tlx?
Lonzo Feest 2024-09-25
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that I've come across an issue with the iPhone 12 (all models) not working on a wireless charger. I noticed that Acura is aware of this issue, but unfortunately, they haven't taken any steps to fix it. Additionally, I wasn't made aware of this when I made my purchase. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Lonny Bahringer 2024-01-12
As many others have pointed out, the TLX's styling is much sportier than its predecessor. However, the transmission doesn't quite live up to those lofty standards. While the off-the-line pep seemed adequate, I recently drove a neighbor's Accord Sport and it definitely had more get-up-and-go than the TLX. The TLX shifts quickly to redline in lower gears and gets underway, but the gears are spaced too far apart (or there are just too many) for highway passing. On the bright side, the interior is nicely laid out and the ELs system is good for a $50k car. However, for those who think this is a premium sound system, I would suggest hopping in a Lexus with the Mark Levinson system or a BMW with a Harman Kardon - there's no comparison. While this car may not be a straight-line burner, the new suspension and SH-AWD do wonders in keeping the car flat in corners. In my opinion, the TLX is a great entry-level sedan, but I don't think it's fair to market it as a sports sedan. A BMW 340i or even an Alfa Giulia are true sports sedans in this class. I give the TLX 3 stars because it doesn't meet my expectations as a sports sedan. It's important to note that my review is based on Acura marketing this car as a sports sedan, which I believe is a mistake. If you market a car to me as something else, I'm going to grade you based on how it was described to me. On a side note, after driving my TLX for 10k miles, I have to mention that the seats are not comfortable for long trips. The side bolstering is too prominent for an average-sized individual. Additionally, the wireless charging pad is useless as it doesn't stay connected. I've tried it on both my iPhone and Android devices.