Last updated: 2026-04-20
2023 Acura TLX Reliability Report
The 2023 Acura TLX scores 79/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 13 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
13
Complaint Rate
7.8per 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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (4)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is year 3 of the Second generation (UB5/UB6/UB7).
- Redesigned for the 2021 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2024.
- 2nd generation TLX (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2021: Second generation (UB5/UB6/UB7) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is year 3 of the Second generation (UB5/UB6/UB7).
2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2023 Acura TLX?
At 79/100, the 2023 Acura TLX lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2023 is year 3 of the Second generation (UB5/UB6/UB7).
Owners log 13 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train (4). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2024 Acura TLX, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2022 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
- −POWER TRAIN: Issues with the 2023 Acura TLX's power train, particularly concerning the... (4 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2023 Acura TLX report several issues related to vehicle... (3 complaints)
Compare 2023 Acura TLX With
2023 BMW 3-Series
Reliability: 70/100
2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Reliability: 53/100
2023 Audi A4
Reliability: 77/100
2023 Volvo S60
Reliability: 70/100
2023 Lexus IS
Reliability: 83/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (4)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2023 Acura TLX carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
7.8
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 14.6
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.
2023 Acura TLX Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2023 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.
Buying a used 2023 Acura TLX? Check its history first
Every 2023 Acura TLX has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2023 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 2023 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 2023 Acura TLX.
Inspect transfer case for leaks or AWD functionality
Test anti-theft features and verify tracking system functionality
Check for bent brake rotors and unusual brake pedal feel
Verify telecommunication components are intact and functional
Test for erratic steering behavior, especially in adverse weather
2023 Acura TLX Common Problems by Component
13 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2023 Acura TLX's power train, particularly concerning the transfer case and AWD system. Complaints frequently mention AWD failure leading to the vehicle operating in front-wheel drive, with some owners describing jerking in low gear and noticeable leaks from the transfer case. Multiple owners note that these issues are identified around regular maintenance or oil changes, with one specific report indicating a mileage of 35,846. Safety implications are highlighted as the loss of AWD can impact steering and control, especially in adverse weather conditions. Used car buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider inspecting the transfer case for leaks or AWD functionality before purchase.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Acura TLX report several issues related to vehicle electronics and safety features. A common problem involves missing or damaged telecommunication components, such as control devices and wiring harnesses, which can affect connectivity and tracking capabilities. Another issue highlighted is the ease of theft, with reports of car alarms not activating and tracking systems being disabled, even when keys are secured. Additionally, some owners describe difficulty maintaining lane position, experiencing erratic steering behavior exacerbated by adverse weather conditions. These issues are noted in vehicles with low mileage, and safety concerns arise from potential loss of control and theft vulnerability.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2023 Acura TLX's electrical system, particularly with anti-theft features and power loss. One complaint highlights that the vehicle's anti-theft system is easily bypassed, with the car's computer being cloneable, making it vulnerable to theft in less than three minutes. Another owner describes a complete power loss while at an intersection, with the vehicle unexpectedly shifting to Park and all controls blinking, rendering the car inoperable and unable to activate hazard lights. This incident suggests a potential safety risk, as the vehicle was stuck in traffic and required emergency towing. These issues appear to occur without any specific mileage range indicated in the complaints.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Acura TLX report issues with the service brakes, particularly noting bent brake rotors at around 30,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as a sticky or inconsistent brake pedal feel and an unusual noise during braking. Some owners express concerns about safety, as one mentions a recall involving other Honda/Acura vehicles for brake pedal issues, though their vehicle is not included. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, particularly if the brake system does not perform as expected. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these reported issues and verify if any repairs or recalls have been addressed.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintIf you don't turn the car off and you drop a passenger off from the front seat the seatbelt not fastened alarm will go off until you fasten it or turn the car off then restart the car to clear the alarm taking it to the dealership.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintPlease see attached document, as my whole description would not fit in the box.
When Do 2023 Acura TLX Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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).
2025
2024
2023
(Current Model)
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. 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 2023 Acura TLX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Acura TLX?
How many recalls does the 2023 Acura TLX have?
Is the 2023 Acura TLX expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2023 Acura TLX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Acura TLX.
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