Last updated: 2026-04-20
Acura TLX Reliability by Year
The Acura TLX averages 75/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Acura TLX Reliability Overview
The Acura TLX, covering model years 2018 to 2025, holds an average reliability score of 75/100, categorized as "Good" on the Auto Reliability Index. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the engine, powertrain, and electrical system, particularly in earlier models, while later years show improvement in complaint rates and reliability scores, reaching 80/100 by 2024 and 2025. With an estimated annual repair cost of $440, significantly lower than the luxury midsize car average of $739, the TLX is well-suited for those seeking a reliable vehicle with moderate maintenance expenses.
Current generation: 2nd gen (2021–present), facelifted 2024.
Best & Worst Acura TLX Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Acura TLX Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Acura TLX year is 2025 with a reliability score of 80/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (80/100) and 2023 (79/100).
Acura TLX Years to Avoid
The worst Acura TLX year is 2019 with a score of 69/100, primarily due to engine (20) issues.
Acura TLX Reliability Score Trend
Acura TLX reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 79/100 compared to 71/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 80/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2025 Acura TLX
1 recalls · 3 complaints
The 2025 Acura TLX has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 3 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Acura TLX. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (1), Electrical System (1), Engine (1).
2024 Acura TLX
1 recalls · 4 complaints
The 2024 Acura TLX has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 4 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Acura TLX. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (2), Power Train (1), Wheels (1).
2023 Acura TLX
2 recalls · 13 complaints
The 2023 Acura TLX has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 13 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Acura TLX. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (4), Unknown Or Other (3), Electrical System (2).
2022 Acura TLX
3 recalls · 26 complaints
The 2022 Acura TLX has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 26 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Acura TLX. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (11), Steering (5), Suspension (2).
2021 Acura TLX
3 recalls · 79 complaints
The 2021 Acura TLX has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 79 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Acura TLX. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (38), Air Bags (6), Electrical System (6).
2020 Acura TLX
4 recalls · 59 complaints
The 2020 Acura TLX has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 59 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Acura TLX. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (10), Engine And Engine Cooling (8), Fuel System, Gasoline (8).
2019 Acura TLX
5 recalls · 87 complaints
The 2019 Acura TLX has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 87 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Acura TLX. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (20), Electrical System (12), Engine And Engine Cooling (11).
2018 Acura TLX
3 recalls · 90 complaints
The 2018 Acura TLX has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 90 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Acura TLX. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (17), Electrical System (15), Engine And Engine Cooling (11).
Found Your Acura TLX? Check Its History
Every Acura TLX has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Acura TLX Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$440
Repair Frequency
0.2/yr
Major Repair Risk
6%
$299 below the luxury midsize cars average of $739/yr.
Ranked #1 of 31 among luxury midsize cars.
Acura TLX Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Acura Models
Compare all Acura models by reliability
Compare Acura TLX With Similar Sedans
The Acura TLX competes with other midsize sedans such as BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4.
BMW 3-Series reliability
9 years tracked · 183 complaints
Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
8 years tracked · 2186 complaints
Audi A4 reliability
6 years tracked · 180 complaints
Volvo S60 reliability
6 years tracked · 65 complaints
Lexus IS reliability
9 years tracked · 44 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Acura TLX reliable?
- The Acura TLX has good reliability with an average score of 75/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Acura TLX?
- The best year for the Acura TLX is 2025 with a reliability score of 80/100, rated excellent. It has 1 recalls and 3 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Acura TLXanalysis →
- What are the Acura TLX years to avoid?
- The Acura TLX years to avoid include 2019 (69/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Acura TLX?
- The Acura TLX has an estimated annual repair cost of $440, which is $299 below the luxury midsize cars average of $739. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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