Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2020 Acura TLX, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine19
- Fuel system, gasoline12
- Electrical system10
- Engine and engine cooling8
- Power train7
- Unknown or other6
- Forward collision avoidance5
- Fuel/propulsion system5
- Service brakes4
- Air bags3
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 13 2020 TLX vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 7 people died inside them, and 2 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2020 Acura TLX failed the safety check 0.64% of the time — 45% less often than the average 2020 passenger car (1.18%). Median odometer at inspection: 28,658 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 2 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura TLX 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | 9.8 % |
| 2020 Acura TLX 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 9.8 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Standard
- Lane departure warning
- Standard
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 3 variants: combined 8.9–10.3 L/100 km (about 23–26 mpg US), CO₂ 209–240 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLX A-SPEC · Compact · Premium gasoline | 10.2 | 7.4 | 8.9 |
| TLX SH-AWD · Compact · Premium gasoline | 11.4 | 7.7 | 9.8 |
| TLX SH-AWD A-SPEC/Limited Edition · Compact · Premium gasoline | 12.0 | 8.2 | 10.3 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
6 Transport Canada recalls for the 2020 Acura TLX.
| 2026251 21 May 2026 | Seats And Restraints Issue: On certain vehicles, the weight sensor for the front passenger seat may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the passenger-front airbag an… |
| 2024262 6 May 2024 | Fuel System Issue: This recall is for low-pressure fuel pumps installed on certain vehicles or sold at dealerships as a replacement part. On certain vehicles, the low… |
| 2024059 1 Feb 2024 | Airbag Issue: On certain vehicles, the weight sensor for the front passenger seat may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the passenger-front airbag an… |
| 2023679 18 Dec 2023 | Fuel System This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2024-262. Issue: This recall is for low-pressure fuel pumps installed on certain vehicles or sold … |
| 2023603 8 Nov 2023 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a V6 engine, the connecting rod bearings could wear prematurely and become damaged. If this happens, the engine could… |
| 2021182 26 Mar 2021 | Fuel System Issue: On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, then engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may … |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Acura told its dealers about the 2020 Acura TLX: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11011046 | Service Bulletin - The AWD warning light is on potentially due to water intrusion into the rear differential pump motor connector area that corrodes the terminals. |
| 11000147 | Service News - Due to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) regulation change starting with 2019 vehicles, American Hondas Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) On-Board Diagnostic monitors are now included in the EGR/VVT OBD Monitor Readiness status group. Due to some customers driving patterns, they may not drive in the fashion needed to operate the VTEC (EGR/VVT) that only operates above 5,350 rpm to run the OBD monitoring. Therefore, the EGR/VVT OBD monitor group readiness status is not set to Complete when the customer presents their vehicle to a Smog Check station for inspection. |
| 10248978 | Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on during vehicle operation due to variations in the purge control solenoid valve spring, the valve wears unevenly and intermittently sticks. This may result in setting DTC P0441 (Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Purge Flow Malfunction). |
| 10247626 | Service Bulletin - Due to variations in the purge control solenoid valve spring, the valve wears unevenly and intermittently sticks. This may result in setting DTC P0441 (Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Purge Flow Malfunction). |
| 10239111 | Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Acura is providing a product update with new PGM-FI software update to fix this issue. |
| 10235126 | Service Bulletin - The engine will not crank on the initial startup attempt after the vehicle has been exposed to precipitation and then freezing temperatures. Water can enter the starter motor. In cold temperatures the water can freeze, preventing the starter motor from cranking the engine. |
| 10228203 | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 RDXs & TLX L4s with a client complaint of an oil leak or a dealer technician noticing an oil leak from the head cover gasket during a routine maintenance. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind. |
| 10227237 | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 RDXs & TLX L4s with a client complaint of an oil leak or a dealer technician noticing an oil leak from the head cover gasket during a routine maintenance. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind. |
| 10226204 | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 RDXs & TLX L4s with a client complaint of an oil leak or a dealer technician noticing an oil leak from the head cover gasket during a routine maintenance. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind. |
| 10224786 | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 RDXs & TLX L4s with a client complaint of an oil leak or a dealer technician noticing an oil leak from the head cover gasket during a routine maintenance. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind. |
| 10222821 | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 RDXs & TLX L4s with a client complaint of an oil leak or a dealer technician noticing an oil leak from the head cover gasket during a routine maintenance. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind. |
| 10222453 | Service Bulletin - (Repair Procedure Revision) Due to swelling of the fuel pump motor impeller, the fuel pump may seize and stop working. If this occurs, the check engine light may be displayed with DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low) stored, the engine may not start, or the engine could stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Replace the fuel pump motor. |
| 10222451 | Service Bulletin - (Repair Procedure Revision) Due to swelling of the fuel pump motor impeller, the fuel pump may seize and stop working. If this occurs, the check engine light may be displayed with DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low) stored, the engine may not start, or the engine could stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Replace the fuel pump motor. |
| 10215507 | Tech line summary article - Clients are experiencing multiple warning lights coming on with DTC C1600-94 Precision All Wheel Steer System Unexpected Operation. Do an all DTC check. If you can duplicate and related codes are present, follow the appropriate troubleshooting. If you cannot duplicate the contention after clearing the DTC, then follow up with the client and document the driving conditions needed to replicate the clients complaint. |
| 10215501 | "Customer letter - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. To ensure your confidence in your vehicle. Acura is extending the warranty coverage for starter and starter relays and a valve adjustment related to this condition to 10 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limitation. This warranty extension provides coverage for the original owner and any subsequent owners. No action is required on your part unless you experience a problem." |
| 10215500 | "Customer letter - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Acura is providing a product update with new PGM-FI software update to fix this issue. In addition, to ensure your confidence in your vehicle, Acura is extending the warranty coverage for valve adjustment and starter replacement related to this condition to 10 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limitation. This warranty extension provides coverage for the original owner and any subsequent owners. No action is required on you |
| 10213569 | American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RLXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or P219A&B (Air-Fuel Ratio Variation of Cylinder) stored. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind. |
| 10211608 | Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated. |
| 10211102 | Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or P219A&B (Air-Fuel Ratio Variation of Cylinder) stored. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind. |
| 10211083 | Tech line summary article - Clients are experiencing multiple warning lights coming on with DTC C1600-94 (Precision All Wheel Steer System Unexpected Operation). You need to do an all DTC check. If you can duplicate and related codes are present, follow the appropriate troubleshooting. If you cannot duplicate the contention after clearing the DTC then follow up with the client and document the driving conditions needed to replicate the complaint. |
| 10211082 | Service bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque. Typically, the client can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button. |
| 10211081 | Service bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button. |
| 10210101 | "Service bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque. Typically, the client can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button. Acura is extending the warranty coverage for valve adjustment and starter replacement related to this condition to 10 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limitation." |
| 10210100 | "Service bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button." |
| 10210096 | Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean), or P219A&B (Air-Fuel Ratio Variation of Cylinder) stored. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Engine failure
No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
Engine failure
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation