Is the Acura TLX more reliable than the Tesla Model 3?

Based on our data, the Acura TLX is more reliable with an average score of 75/100 compared to 54/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Acura TLX or the Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 has more recalls (113) compared to the Acura TLX (22). 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 Tesla Model 3?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Acura TLX has a lower complaint rate at 12.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 28.7 for the Tesla Model 3. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Acura TLX vs Tesla Model 3: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Acura TLX

Good

Tesla Model 3

Mixed

Choosing between the Acura TLX and the Tesla Model 3? 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 Acura TLX currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 54/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Acura TLX and Tesla Model 3 Generations Compare?

As of April 2026, the Tesla Model 3 is in its second generation, which started in 2024 following a redesign from the first generation that spanned 2017 to 2023. The Model 3 received a notable facelift in 2024, which refreshed its styling and features. Being relatively early in its generation cycle, the Model 3 might still encounter typical first-year issues as new technologies and design updates are integrated. On the other hand, the Acura TLX is in its second generation, which began in 2021. It underwent a facelift in 2024, updating its design and possibly addressing earlier issues. As the TLX is further along in its generation, it benefits from improved reliability due to the maturation of its platform, with many initial bugs likely ironed out over the years. This history suggests that the TLX might offer more consistent reliability compared to the newer Model 3.

Verdict

The Acura TLX is more reliable than the Tesla Model 3, scoring 75/100 vs 54/100.

The Acura TLX demonstrates stronger reliability than the Tesla Model 3, with an average reliability score of 75/100 compared to the Model 3's 54/100. The TLX also has a significantly lower recall count of 22 over eight years, whereas the Model 3 has experienced 113 recalls in nine years. Owner complaints per 10,000 sold further highlight the TLX's advantage, with just 12.6 compared to the Model 3's 28.7. Additionally, the TLX benefits from a clear repair cost estimate of $440 annually, which is not available for the Model 3.

Key Differences

1Acura TLX has 91 fewer total recalls
2Acura TLX scores 21 points higher in reliability
3Acura TLX has 16.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

3Acura TLX

—

0Tesla Model 3

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Acura TLX vs Tesla Model 3: Which Is More Reliable?

Acura TLX vs Tesla Model 3 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Acura TLX	Tesla Model 3
Reliability Score	75/100	54/100
Years Tracked	8	9
Total Recalls	22	113
Complaints per 10k Sold	12.6	28.7
Year Wins	8	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Acura TLX and Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 exhibits a higher volume of complaints in several key areas, notably forward collision avoidance, vehicle speed control, and the electrical system, with a significant number of these linked to crashes, especially in forward collision avoidance and steering. In contrast, the Acura TLX has a much lower total complaint count, with the highest concentration in the power train and engine categories, but with minimal crash linkage. The Model 3's issues are more frequently associated with critical safety systems, indicating potential reliability concerns in these areas. Meanwhile, the TLX's complaints are more evenly distributed across less severe systems, suggesting a different reliability profile focused less on safety-critical components.

Acura TLX vs Tesla Model 3 common problem areas comparison
Component	Acura TLX	Tesla Model 3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.6Very Low	6.1Average
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1.6Low	3Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	3.7Average
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.7Very Low	2.8Low
POWER TRAIN	2.7Low	0.6Very Low
STEERING	0.5Very Low	2.6Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.6Very Low	2.1Low
SUSPENSION	0.4Very Low	1.6Low
AIR BAGS	0.3Very Low	1.7Low
ENGINE	1.7Low	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	1Very Low	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	0.6Very Low	—None
STRUCTURE	0.1Very Low	0.5Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.3Very Low	—None
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.3Very Low
SEAT BELTS	0.1Very Low	0.1Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	0.2Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—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 Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3, with its electric powertrain, often boasts lower maintenance needs and repair costs than traditional vehicles, though exact figures can be elusive. In contrast, the Acura TLX has an annual repair cost of $440, with a repair frequency of 0.2 visits per year and a 6% risk of major repairs. Over five years, Acura owners might spend around $2,200 on repairs. Given the Model 3's likely lower repair frequency and reduced risk of major issues due to fewer moving parts, it emerges as a potentially better value for cost-conscious buyers prioritizing long-term savings and reliability.

How Does Acura TLX vs Tesla Model 3 Reliability Compare by Year?

Acura TLX vs Tesla Model 3 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Acura TLX	Tesla Model 3	Edge
2025	80/1001R / 3C	67/1003R / 87C	Acura TLX
2024	80/1001R / 4C	62/1004R / 183C	Acura TLX
2023	79/1002R / 13C	57/10010R / 386C	Acura TLX
2022	75/1003R / 26C	50/10016R / 729C	Acura TLX
2021	71/1003R / 79C	48/10020R / 626C	Acura TLX
2020	71/1004R / 59C	54/10020R / 416C	Acura TLX
2019	69/1005R / 87C	49/10021R / 569C	Acura TLX
2018	71/1003R / 90C	46/10018R / 951C	Acura TLX

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Acura TLX scored 80/100 and the 2025 Tesla Model 3 scored 67/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Acura TLX vs the Tesla Model 3?

If you prioritize reliability and lower maintenance costs, the Acura TLX is a strong choice. With a reliability score of 75/100, it outperforms the Tesla Model 3's 54/100. The TLX also has fewer recalls, only 22 compared to the Model 3's 113, and fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold, at 12.6 versus 28.7. Independent repair cost estimates suggest the TLX's annual repair costs are about $440, with a low repair frequency of 0.2 times per year and a 6% risk of major repairs. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the innovative technology and electric powertrain of the Tesla Model 3, be mindful of its higher recall and complaint rates. The Model 3 has notable issues with forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, which might impact your driving experience. While annual repair costs and frequencies aren't specified, the higher number of complaints and recalls should be considered if reliability is a key factor for you.

Acura TLX vs Tesla Model 3: Common Questions

Is the Acura TLX more reliable than the Tesla Model 3?: Based on our data, the Acura TLX is more reliable with an average score of 75/100 compared to 54/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Acura TLX or the Tesla Model 3?: The Tesla Model 3 has more recalls (113) compared to the Acura TLX (22). 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 Tesla Model 3?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Acura TLX has a lower complaint rate at 12.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 28.7 for the Tesla Model 3. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Acura TLX 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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