Last updated: 2026-04-20

Acura TLX

1 Acura TLX Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Acura TLX average of 75/100

The Acura TLX years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 69/100. The best Acura TLX year to buy is 2025 80/100.

Verdict

The 2019 Acura TLX scores significantly below the model average of 75/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 69/100 due to engine (20) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2022 75/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Acura TLX Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Acura TLX average of 75/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201969/100Good587Engine (20)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Acura TLX

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).

5 recalls87 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (20), Electrical System (12), Engine And Engine Cooling (11), Power Train (9), Fuel System, Gasoline (8), Unknown Or Other (7)

View full 2019reliability report →

What Are Common Acura TLX Problems?

Top reported issues across all Acura TLX model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

79 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

49 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

46 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

30 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

20 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

17 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Acura TLX Year to Buy Instead

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Acura TLX

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).

Score: 75/100 (Good)3 recalls26 complaints
View full 2022reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Acura TLX year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Acura TLX Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Acura TLX Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Acura TLX years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Acura TLX years: 2019 (score: 69/100). These model years score significantly below the Acura TLX average of 75/100.
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 ("Excellent"). It has 1 recalls and 3 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Acura TLX have?
Across all years in our database, the Acura TLX has a total of 22 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Acura TLX worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 80/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 75/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Acura TLX problems?
The most common Acura TLX problems are power train (79 complaints), engine (49 complaints), electrical system (46 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Acura TLX reliable long-term?
The Acura TLX has an average reliability score of 75/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Acura TLX generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Acura TLX generation is the Second generation (UB5/UB6/UB7) with an average score of 77/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Acura TLX?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Acura TLX is $440 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Acura TLX a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Acura TLX is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 80/100 ("Excellent"). It has 1 recalls and 3 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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