Is the Acura TLX more reliable than the Lexus IS?

Based on our data, the Lexus IS is more reliable with an average score of 82/100 compared to 75/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Acura TLX or the Lexus IS?

The Acura TLX has more recalls (22) compared to the Lexus IS (6). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Acura TLX or the Lexus IS?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Lexus IS has a lower complaint rate at 0.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 12.6 for the Acura TLX. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Acura TLX vs Lexus IS: Reliability Compared

Acura TLX

Good

More Reliable

Lexus IS

Excellent

Choosing between the Acura TLX and the Lexus IS? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Lexus IS currently leads with an average score of 82/100 compared to 75/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Acura TLX and Lexus IS Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Lexus IS is in its third generation (XE30), which was launched in 2014, with a significant facelift in 2020. This generation's longevity suggests a mature platform that is likely to have had most early issues resolved, enhancing its reliability reputation. The Acura TLX, on the other hand, is in its second generation (UB5/UB6/UB7), introduced in 2021, with a facelift in 2024. This places the TLX relatively early in its generation cycle, where first-year issues are more common, but the recent facelift might have addressed initial concerns. The IS's established platform may offer more predictable reliability compared to the newer TLX.

Verdict

The Lexus IS is more reliable than the Acura TLX, scoring 82/100 vs 75/100.

The Lexus IS outperforms the Acura TLX in terms of reliability, with a higher average reliability score of 82/100 compared to the TLX's 75/100. The Lexus IS also boasts significantly fewer recalls, with only 6 over nine years, while the TLX has experienced 22 recalls in eight years. Owner complaints further highlight the disparity; the IS records just 0.7 complaints per 10,000 units sold versus the TLX's 12.6. Although the Acura TLX has a lower estimated annual repair cost of $440, the Lexus IS's superior reliability scores and lower complaint rate make it the more dependable choice.

Key Differences

1Lexus IS has 16 fewer total recalls
2Lexus IS has 11.9 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Lexus IS scores 7 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

0Acura TLX

—

3Lexus IS

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Acura TLX vs Lexus IS: Which Is More Reliable?

Acura TLX vs Lexus IS at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Acura TLX	Lexus IS
Reliability Score	75/100	82/100
Years Tracked	8	9
Total Recalls	22	6
Complaints per 10k Sold	12.6	0.7
Year Wins	0	8

What Are the Common Problems With the Acura TLX and Lexus IS?

The Lexus IS exhibits a relatively low number of total complaints, with issues primarily related to general structure, tires, and unspecified categories, including one crash-linked tire complaint. In contrast, the Acura TLX has a significantly higher volume of complaints, particularly in critical areas such as the power train, engine, and electrical system, with multiple incidents linked to crashes across these categories. Notably, the TLX's power train and engine issues, each with crash-linked complaints, suggest potential areas of concern for safety and reliability. The disparity in complaint profiles indicates that the TLX faces more severe and diverse reliability challenges compared to the more limited scope of issues reported for the Lexus IS.

Acura TLX vs Lexus IS common problem areas comparison
Component	Acura TLX	Lexus IS
POWER TRAIN	2.7Low	—None
ENGINE	1.7Low	—None
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1.6Low	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	1Very Low	—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.7Very Low	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.6Very Low	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	0.6Very Low	—None
SERVICE BRAKES	0.6Very Low	—None
STEERING	0.5Very Low	—None
SUSPENSION	0.4Very Low	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.3Very Low	—None
AIR BAGS	0.3Very Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	0.1Very Low	—None
STRUCTURE	0.1Very Low	—None
TIRES	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Acura TLX or Lexus IS?

Independent repair cost data for the Acura TLX indicates an annual repair cost of $440, with an average of 0.2 visits per year to the mechanic and a 6% risk of requiring major repairs. Unfortunately, specific data for the Lexus IS is unavailable, making direct comparisons challenging. However, industry estimates suggest that Lexus vehicles generally have higher repair costs and similar repair frequencies compared to Acura. Considering the available data, the Acura TLX appears to be a more cost-effective choice for budget-conscious buyers due to its predictable repair costs and relatively low risk of major repairs. Over five years, this translates to a consistent expense of about $2,200, providing peace of mind and financial predictability.

How Does Acura TLX vs Lexus IS Reliability Compare by Year?

Acura TLX vs Lexus IS year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Acura TLX	Lexus IS	Edge
2025	80/1001R / 3C	83/1000R / 1C	Lexus IS
2024	80/1001R / 4C	83/1000R / 3C	Lexus IS
2023	79/1002R / 13C	83/1000R / 9C	Lexus IS
2022	75/1003R / 26C	83/1000R / 13C	Lexus IS
2021	71/1003R / 79C	83/1000R / 1C	Lexus IS
2020	71/1004R / 59C	83/1000R / 3C	Lexus IS
2019	69/1005R / 87C	79/1004R / 8C	Lexus IS
2018	71/1003R / 90C	81/1002R / 6C	Lexus IS

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Acura TLX scored 80/100 and the 2025 Lexus IS scored 83/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Acura TLX vs the Lexus IS?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Lexus IS is your best choice. With a strong reliability score of 82/100, it stands out for its minimal owner complaints (0.7 per 10,000 sold) and fewer recalls (6 total) compared to its competitor. Although specific repair cost data isn't available, the low complaint rate suggests fewer issues over time, making it ideal for those who want to avoid frequent trips to the repair shop. On the other hand, if you are more budget-conscious with repair costs, the Acura TLX might appeal to you. Though it has a lower reliability score of 75/100 and a higher number of recalls (22), its estimated annual repair cost of $440 and relatively low repair frequency (0.2/year) are worth considering. However, be mindful of its higher risk for major repairs (6%) and more prevalent issues with the power train and engine. Choose the TLX if you can manage occasional maintenance in exchange for upfront savings.

Acura TLX vs Lexus IS: Common Questions

Is the Acura TLX more reliable than the Lexus IS?: Based on our data, the Lexus IS is more reliable with an average score of 82/100 compared to 75/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Acura TLX or the Lexus IS?: The Acura TLX has more recalls (22) compared to the Lexus IS (6). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Acura TLX or the Lexus IS?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Lexus IS has a lower complaint rate at 0.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 12.6 for the Acura TLX. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Acura TLX comparisons

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More Lexus IS comparisons

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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.

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