Owners have filed 163 complaints
about the 2016 Acura TLX with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 55
Against the median year of the Acura TLX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 48
9.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 70
41% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
56.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1113.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
810.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2430.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1417.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1012.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
78.8%
150,000+ miles
11.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2016peak 9Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Acura TLX
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA25004Opened 26 Mar 2025Still openENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, Honda released service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009. These service bulletins address the failure to r...
EA19001Opened 19 Apr 2019Closed 19 Sep 2024AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mount...
Recalls on the 2016 Acura TLX
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
23V858000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
23V751000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
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.
Risk: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
19V060000
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
Risk: Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202360329,601 units in Canada
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 make abnormal noises and a warning light may turn on. If you continue to drive the vehicle with these symptoms, the engine could fail. Safety Risk: An engine failure could cause a sudden loss of power and/or increase the risk of a vehicle fire. Both issues could increase the risk of a crash or injury. Corrective actions: Honda will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the engine. If damage is found, the dealer will replace the necessary parts.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Angier, NCCrash1 injured
ENGINE
While braking and attempting a left turn at an intersection, my vehicle completely shut down with no braking or steering control. Fortunately there were no damages and the vehicle started up again and I was able to clear the intersection. I took the vehicle to an authorized dealer for repair. They indicated that this was a known issue and they were familiar with it. They installed a battery sensor and did brake work as they said there was air in the system. I paid for the repair and approximately a month later, while slowing down for a red signal, the same thing occurred, only this time my vehicle impacted another vehicle, causing damage to both vehicles. I had my vehicle towed to the shop that did the initial repair, but they said they could not find any codes that would indicate that their repairs were faulty.
NHTSA complaint #11707054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Angier, NCCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
While braking and attempting a left turn at an intersection, my vehicle completely shut down with no braking or steering control. Fortunately there were no damages and the vehicle started up again and I was able to clear the intersection. I took the vehicle to an authorized dealer for repair. They indicated that this was a known issue and they were familiar with it. They installed a battery sensor and did brake work as they said there was air in the system. I paid for the repair and approximately a month later, while slowing down for a red signal, the same thing occurred, only this time my vehicle impacted another vehicle, causing damage to both vehicles. I had my vehicle towed to the shop that did the initial repair, but they said they could not find any codes that would indicate that their repairs were faulty.
NHTSA complaint #11707054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Due to the deployment of the airbags, I sustained fractured sternum, right foot and left hand. Had surgery on left hand to repair fractured fingers. Laceration on right leg.
NHTSA complaint #11689877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesCincinnati, OHCrash
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
The contact owns a 2016 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V060000(Fuel System, Other) which the contact linked to the vehicle failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was made for service. Before the vehicle was serviced, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while making a left turn; as a result, another vehicle into the rear passenger side door. The air bags deployed upon impact, and no injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed to an independent mechanic and was later towed to an Acura collision center where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11558312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Worcester, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Engine light would come on if I drove 65 MPH check engine emission system problem I would try drive press on gas peddle & car would slow down I almost got rear ended by 18 wheeler semi truck
NHTSA complaint #11450365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Worcester, MACrash
ENGINE
Engine light would come on if I drove 65 MPH check engine emission system problem I would try drive press on gas peddle & car would slow down I almost got rear ended by 18 wheeler semi truck
NHTSA complaint #11450365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Piedmont, SC
STEERING
PAWS system component failure causing the steering angle to misalign, throttle response to decrease, and drivability to decrease severely
NHTSA complaint #11751261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piedmont, SC
SUSPENSION
PAWS system component failure causing the steering angle to misalign, throttle response to decrease, and drivability to decrease severely
NHTSA complaint #11751261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piedmont, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PAWS system component failure causing the steering angle to misalign, throttle response to decrease, and drivability to decrease severely
NHTSA complaint #11751261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesCarmel, IN
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Acura TLX. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image was cloudy and was not functioning because there was water inside the camera. While reversing, the driver was unable to see an image behind the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V423000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
NHTSA complaint #11749995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montrose, CO
ENGINE
This vehicle was sold to me on July 18, 2025 with Campaign CH7 open and unperformed. The dealer's disclosure form falsely stated that I had been informed of all recalls with the vehicle. No specific mention of Campaign CH7 was ever made. Separately, Acura manufacturer records (eVRM/Techline) confirm that this vehicle's original engine was previously replaced under warranty following a seizure (Defect Code: SEIZED) — directly related to the defect type covered by the CH7 recall. The replacement engine subsequently seized approximately eight months after I purchased the vehicle. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether the open Campaign CH7 recall contributed to the engine failure, and whether FSL Motors' practice of selling vehicles with open recalls while falsely certifying recall disclosure warrants further review.
NHTSA complaint #11745218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The alarm on my car would intermittently and randomly go off at any time while car was parked and locked. After much research I deduced that it is the Smart Power Control Unit located behind the glove box. The epoxy clear covering on the circuit board is not fully covering the entire board allowing for dendritic growth and random surges. These surges can cause the alarm to go on and off, the head lights to turn on and off, and instrument panels to go haywire. I haven't experienced this issue while driving but it could certainly happen, which would obviously be very dangerous. I did not take it in to a mechanic or dealer to reproduce the problem, however I have confirmed with others with various honda models having the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11741149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase the mileage was 86,000. At the time of the registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 259,000.
NHTSA complaint #11731304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardners, PA
ENGINE
I have a 2016 Acura TLX 3.5L j35Y6 AWD that initially Had the safety recall XG1 and the engine was replaced at roughly 140k miles, 40k miles later the replacement engine suffered the same problem, and I am aware that I am not the only person this has happened to as there is currently a NHTSA investigation PE25008 that is related to these replacement engines failing. I have pushed the dealership for full replacement as this is not right and they have not budged as to the replacement. there were no warning lamps as to before the failure. the engine just threw me into limp mode.
NHTSA complaint #11726785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hutchinson, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Warning lights for Electric Parking Brake Problem and Emissions System Problem simultaneously occurring with no definitive solution. Codes can be cleared by disconnecting battery and reconnecting but warning lights eventually come back on sometimes in a matter or days, weeks or month. There are no other issues that coincide with these warning lights coming on.
NHTSA complaint #11716957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hutchinson, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Warning lights for Electric Parking Brake Problem and Emissions System Problem simultaneously occurring with no definitive solution. Codes can be cleared by disconnecting battery and reconnecting but warning lights eventually come back on sometimes in a matter or days, weeks or month. There are no other issues that coincide with these warning lights coming on.
NHTSA complaint #11716957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hutchinson, KS
SERVICE BRAKES
Warning lights for Electric Parking Brake Problem and Emissions System Problem simultaneously occurring with no definitive solution. Codes can be cleared by disconnecting battery and reconnecting but warning lights eventually come back on sometimes in a matter or days, weeks or month. There are no other issues that coincide with these warning lights coming on.
NHTSA complaint #11716957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Angier, NCCrash1 injured
ENGINE
While braking and attempting a left turn at an intersection, my vehicle completely shut down with no braking or steering control. Fortunately there were no damages and the vehicle started up again and I was able to clear the intersection. I took the vehicle to an authorized dealer for repair. They indicated that this was a known issue and they were familiar with it. They installed a battery sensor and did brake work as they said there was air in the system. I paid for the repair and approximately a month later, while slowing down for a red signal, the same thing occurred, only this time my vehicle impacted another vehicle, causing damage to both vehicles. I had my vehicle towed to the shop that did the initial repair, but they said they could not find any codes that would indicate that their repairs were faulty.
NHTSA complaint #11707054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Angier, NCCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
While braking and attempting a left turn at an intersection, my vehicle completely shut down with no braking or steering control. Fortunately there were no damages and the vehicle started up again and I was able to clear the intersection. I took the vehicle to an authorized dealer for repair. They indicated that this was a known issue and they were familiar with it. They installed a battery sensor and did brake work as they said there was air in the system. I paid for the repair and approximately a month later, while slowing down for a red signal, the same thing occurred, only this time my vehicle impacted another vehicle, causing damage to both vehicles. I had my vehicle towed to the shop that did the initial repair, but they said they could not find any codes that would indicate that their repairs were faulty.
NHTSA complaint #11707054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allentown, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unknown: EBS comes on as well as the break system problem lights and many more. Vehicle loses power and goes into limp mode. As of now it wont shift from PArking
NHTSA complaint #11701778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allentown, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
Unknown: EBS comes on as well as the break system problem lights and many more. Vehicle loses power and goes into limp mode. As of now it wont shift from PArking
NHTSA complaint #11701778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allentown, PA
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Unknown: EBS comes on as well as the break system problem lights and many more. Vehicle loses power and goes into limp mode. As of now it wont shift from PArking
NHTSA complaint #11701778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canton, MS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was unsure if the vehicle was inspected. The contact stated that the dealer had not provided a status update regarding the vehicle or the repair. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had been at the dealer for several days. The contact stated that it was expensive paying out of pocket for a loaner vehicle while waiting for the vehicle to be repaired due to the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11695310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Broadview Heights, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Since the release of the recall, the contact made several attempts to have the recall repair performed and each time the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and the contact was informed that the manufacturer was allocating parts to dealers and the contact was provided a case number. The contact stated that there appeared to be a parts distribution disconnect as the NHTSA website indicated that parts for the recall repair were available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11690977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Braodview Heights, OH
ENGINE
This is in regard to Honda recall 23V-751 on my 2016 Acura TLX. Honda keeps sending letters to me in the mail yet when I have contacted the dealership in the past, they report parts are not available to address the recall. This situation has been going on for more than a year. The latest letter received from Honda was 10/2/2025. I called Honda's recall hotline. The person I spoke to wanted to pass the responsibility to the dealership. After insisting, the person I spoke to did create a Honda case number (15887835). I also contacted the NHTSA hotline and received case number (11690977). This complaint is to document the issue in case there are any problems with my car due to the lack of Honda's response to the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11690986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Due to the deployment of the airbags, I sustained fractured sternum, right foot and left hand. Had surgery on left hand to repair fractured fingers. Laceration on right leg.
NHTSA complaint #11689877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cullman, AL
ENGINE
I was driving on the interstate and went to pass someone and gassed it. When I did that, my car wouldnt go. It was still on but when pressing the gas it wouldnt go. I am so lucky no one read ended me and I was able go coast off the side of the road.
NHTSA complaint #11683964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brookville, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11670695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arvada, CO
ENGINE
In June 2023 My 2016 Acura TLX was diagnosed as an issue with the lower rod bearing by my mechanic and confirmed by Fisher Acura to have a lower engine bearing problem. January 2024 the recall was issued for my TLX rod bearing, after I had replaced the engine. I have filed a claim with Honda for the reimbursement cost of replacing my engine but Honda is denying my claim for the reason I did not have the bottom of the engine disassembled by Honda service dept. to identify the problem. This would have been at my own expense, because the recall had not been issued yet. I followed Fisher Acura's recommendation and worked with my mechanic instead. I followed my mechanic's recommendation and decided to spend money to replace the engine rather than spend money rebuilding the engine which would have been much more expensive. I followed all the right steps before Honda issued a protocol to follow. I had to fix my car, before they even knew what the fix was. I am writing to you today asking for your help, please. Honda corp. is not helping me at all and I believe they owe me money for the cost of the engine I had to replace. Honda has not helped and in fact been very unhelpful and difficult to work with. I paid $4500 for a used engine and install, $400 for Fisher Acura to diagnose and a couple of tow charges totaling $150. $5050 is what I am hoping to recuperate due to this recall. Logan from Honda Corp. is my case manager (Case #[XXX]). After multiple discussions with him presenting my case, he seems to be looking for any reason possible to deny my claim and has not reimbursed me for the repairs I incurred due to this recall they are not taking responsibility for. Let me know if you need anything else. Thank you. You are my last hope INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11657353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockton, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving on a main road stopped at an intersection and my car suddenly stopped it shifted my car to neutral I had to restart the car and drove home . I went online and started reading about that problem comes out to be it’s a fuel pump recall . I then look up my vin number and it says that there is no recall for it but I find it hard to believe because it’s having the same exact symptoms . Thank you have a blessed day
NHTSA complaint #11655815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockton, CA
ENGINE
I was driving on a main road stopped at an intersection and my car suddenly stopped it shifted my car to neutral I had to restart the car and drove home . I went online and started reading about that problem comes out to be it’s a fuel pump recall . I then look up my vin number and it says that there is no recall for it but I find it hard to believe because it’s having the same exact symptoms . Thank you have a blessed day
NHTSA complaint #11655815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.