Last updated: 2026-10-10
2022 Acura TLX Reliability Report
The 2022 Acura TLX has good reliability and low repair costs, but owners report sudden all-wheel-drive failures around 35,000 to 45,000 miles.
Recalls
3
Complaints
26
Complaint Rate
22.6per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$440
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,750–$3,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mid-pack among TLX years, with far fewer complaints than 2021 but a cluster of sudden all-wheel-drive failures.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (11)
- STEERING (5)
- SUSPENSION (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is year 2 of the Second generation (UB5/UB6/UB7).
- Redesigned for the 2021 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2024.
- 2nd generation TLX (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2021 (redesign year) vs 2022+ pricing and recalls.
2021: Second generation (UB5/UB6/UB7) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2022: This Model Year
2022 is year 2 of the Second generation (UB5/UB6/UB7).
2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2022 Acura TLX?
This is a solid used sedan with one serious weak spot. Reliability is good, and it sits above average among 2022 sedans. Within the TLX line it lands in the middle of eight scored years. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repair costs at $440, well under $739 for the class. The 2021 rates worse and has far more complaints. The 2023 rates better, though it has had less time to collect complaints.
The problem to know about is the all-wheel-drive system. Owners report a sudden bang or thud under acceleration, then the car drives as front-wheel drive only. Most say no warning light came first. Failures cluster around 35,000 to 45,000 miles, and several involve Type S cars. A few owners also describe steering that cuts out at low speed and a brake pedal that sinks toward the floor until the car is restarted. Federal records list three recalls, covering service brakes, the fuel system, and tires.
Ask for service records showing any transfer case or transmission work, and confirm all three recalls were completed. Look at a 2023 as well.
Compared to the 2023 Acura TLX, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2021 Acura TLX for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$299 cheaper to maintain than avg luxury midsize cars
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (6%)
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
- −POWER TRAIN: All-wheel-drive system fails suddenly, usually with a loud bang or thud under... (11 complaints)
Compare 2022 Acura TLX With
2022 Audi A4
Reliability: 72/100
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Reliability: 47/100
2022 BMW 3 Series
Reliability: 70/100
2022 Volvo S60
Reliability: 70/100
2022 Lexus IS
Reliability: 83/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (11)
- STEERING (5)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2022 Acura TLX. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
22.6
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.8
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Acura TLX Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Acura TLX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
TIRES
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022 Acura TLX vehicles. The tires may have sustained cuts and tears during the sorting process, which can result in tire damage.
Consequence
Damaged tires can lead to a sudden loss of air pressure and loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2023. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is GCW.
Buying a used 2022 Acura TLX? Check its history first
Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2022 Acura TLX, and 3 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2022 Acura TLX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.0%
Safety Technologies
Acura TLXRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$440
vs $739 avg for luxury midsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
6%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
21–25 MPG
Running cost: $3,200–$3,750/yr
Fuel + repair
19–22 city / 24–31 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2022 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TLX FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,750 |
| TLX FWD A-SPEC 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,750 |
| TLX AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,900 |
| TLX AWD A-SPEC 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,900 |
| TLX Type-S 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,300 |
| TLX Type-S Perf Tire 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 Acura TLX.
Accelerate hard from a stop and listen for a bang, thud, or whine from the drivetrain.
Look under the car for oil residue on the transfer case.
Ask for transfer case fluid service records and whether metal debris was found.
Check service records for transfer case or transmission replacement, especially on a Type S.
Steer through slow turns and parking lots and watch for flashing dash lights or a stiffening wheel.
Drive at 20 to 40 mph on a busy road and watch for false automatic braking.
Drive over bumps with the windows down and listen for squeaks from the front lower ball joints.
Let go of the wheel briefly on a straight road and check whether the car pulls right.
2022 Acura TLX Common Problems by Component
26 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
11 complaintsThe all-wheel-drive system fails suddenly, usually with a loud bang or thud under acceleration. Splines between the transmission and transfer case strip, and the car drives as front-wheel drive only, with torque steer and stability control kicking in on wet roads. Most reports say no warning light comes on first. Other complaints describe transfer case oil leaks, whining, vibration, hard downshifts, and low-speed jerking. Failures cluster around 35,000 to 45,000 miles, and several are Type S cars. Some needed a tow, and some had both the transfer case and transmission replaced under warranty.
STEERING
5 complaintsPower steering cuts out at low speed. Every dashboard light flashes, the wheel stiffens, and then it locks. Restarting the car usually clears it, and dealers often find nothing to fix. One report describes steering, brakes, and power all quitting at once, more than one time, even after a dealer replaced the PCM. Other complaints describe a car that keeps pulling right after several alignments, and metal shavings in transfer case fluid at 18,000 and 26,700 miles. Losing steering in traffic creates a real crash risk.
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsLower control arms wear early. Owners hear squeaking or other abnormal noises, and dealers find too much play in the lower ball joint even when the boot is intact. Dealers recommend replacing both lower control arms. One report puts the failure near 72,845 miles. In at least one case the part was on back order and the car went unrepaired. No warning light comes on. Owners worry that a failed ball joint or broken arm could cause loss of control.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsThe brakes lose most of their power without warning. The pedal sinks nearly to the floor while the brake and brake service lights come on. Restarting the car restores a normal pedal and clears the lights. Other complaints describe warped rotors at about 20,000 miles that change how the car drives, with dealers charging for the rotors and brakes. The sudden pedal drop is the more serious problem because it leaves the driver with almost no stopping power.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsAutomatic emergency braking fires with nothing in the way. The BRAKE warning flashes and the car brakes hard for several seconds until it stops, which risks a rear-end crash from following traffic. One owner reports it happening four times. Another report describes the car stopping during a slow turn at 3,600 miles while the warnings for power steering, collision avoidance, road departure, cruise control, and stability control all lit up together. That car was towed to a dealer and not repaired.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsThe car fails to start or loses power while every dashboard light blinks. One report says this began at 130 miles. The dealer blamed moisture on the MICU connector from aftermarket windshield tint and refused warranty coverage. Another complaint describes a flashing check engine light and limp mode while passing on the highway in light rain, which cleared after a restart. Losing power at highway speed carries a crash risk, and the moisture link makes the fault hard to predict.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintMy vehicle was stolen from apartment parking structure. Car was locked and both keys were with me. Thieves were still able to get in my car and start the vehicle without the keys in less than 5 minutes. This problem has been happening all over the country try with Acura specifically. Just the other day at work another 2023 Acura TLX was stolen. I tried to speak with Acura and they said theft has increased and thieves can steal the car in seconds. This is a huge issue and Acura refuses to do anything about it such as updating their security hardware/firmware. The issue is all over the United States. Now for my new vehicle I need to install a 2000 dollar security system because acuras vehicle security is horrible.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaint255/R40 Passenger Front and Rear tires sustained cuts/slashes on the inside walls. Front was more severe and went flat immediately. The other went flat the following day. Subsequently, saw that my TLX may have had tire issues from the manufacturer. I didn’t know this at the time and when I called the dealer, they offered no assistance. Repairs cost almost $900 for two new tires at Firestone.
When Do 2022 Acura TLX Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Acura TLX Years
Best Acura TLX Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2024
2023
2022
(Current Model)
Acura TLX Years to Avoid
Acura TLX Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Acura TLX Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Acura TLX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Acura TLX?
Does the 2022 Acura TLX have all-wheel-drive problems?
Has the 2022 Acura TLX been recalled?
Is the 2022 Acura TLX better than the 2021 or 2023?
Don’t buy a 2022 Acura TLX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2022 Acura TLX
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2022 Acura TLX does best on repair costs (90/100) and worst on complaint severity (59/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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