Last updated: 2026-10-10

Acura TLX

Acura TLX Years to Avoid

8 scored model years (2018–2025) · model average 75/100

Skip the 2019 model year. Its engines are the problem: connecting rod bearings wear out, the engine knocks, and it can seize while driving. Recall repairs were slow to arrive as well. The 2024 is the year to buy instead.

Verdict

Avoid
2019 69/100
Buy
2024 80/100
Model average
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

Owners report connecting rod bearings failing, with knocking or ticking that can end in a seized engine and a stall while driving. Some engines failed again after a replacement. Auto idle stop also left drivers stuck at lights with traffic behind them, and recall parts were slow to arrive.

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?

POWER TRAIN

79 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2018

2021: The transfer case fails when its internal splines strip, and the transmission splines often go with it.

ENGINE

49 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: Connecting rod bearings wear out and fail.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

46 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: The engine stalls at intersections when auto idle stop fails to restart, and the car shifts itself into neutral.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

30 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: Most of these complaints are about recall parts shortages, not breakdowns.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

27 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: These reports vary.

SERVICE BRAKES

16 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2019, 2023

2021: Pressing the brake pedal at low speeds, around 1 to 3 mph, makes a loud spring or clicking sound that grows louder as miles add up.

Best Acura TLX Year to Buy Instead

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent

2024 Acura TLX

The 2024 has far fewer owner complaints than the 2019 and only one recall, and its reliability rates excellent. The 2019 is tied to rod bearing failure and slow recall repairs. Newer cars have had less time to collect complaints, so check one thing: two 2024 owners report dashboard screens shutting off while driving.

Score: 80/100 (Excellent)1 recalls4 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Acura TLX has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Acura TLX Years by Generation

Acura TLX Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Acura TLX years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2019. Site analysis puts it well below the model's own average because of connecting rod bearing failures, auto idle stop stalls, and slow recall repairs. The 2021 is also among the lowest rated years, but it is not flagged to avoid.
Which Acura TLX years have transmission problems?
Power train complaints cluster in the 2021, with 38 filed, and the 2022, with 11. Owners across all years describe a hard bang into second gear and rough shifting. The data does not tie those symptoms to one year, so test drive any car carefully.
Which Acura TLX year is the best to buy?
The 2024 is the site pick. It rates excellent and has one recall with very few owner complaints. One caution: two owners report dashboard and infotainment screens going dark while driving, taking the speedometer with them. Test that on any 2024 you look at.
Are the 2018 and 2020 Acura TLX safe to buy?
Both rate good, so they are reasonable used buys with checks. The 2018 has 90 owner complaints, mostly engine and electrical. The 2020 has 59, with engine and fuel system reports. Confirm that all recall repairs are done and ask about any engine knocking.
Were 2019 Acura TLX recall repairs easy to get?
No. Owners report parts unavailable, long waiting lists, and dealers refusing to inspect a car until it actually fails. Many received engine recall notices and could not get the repair. Nearly all of those owners reported no failure at the time.

How we score every Acura TLX model year

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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