Owners have filed 108 complaints
about the 2017 Acura TLX with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 37
Against the median year of the Acura TLX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 53
10.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
71% 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
24.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
715.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1840.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1022.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
48.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
12.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
24.4%
150,000+ miles
12.2%
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.
May 2017peak 10Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2017 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 2017 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.
Clarksville, MDCrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2017 Acura was involved in a low-speed collision where it failed to stop in a timely manner, resulting in a total loss declaration. This vehicle had open safety recalls (including the fuel pump/rod bearing issues) that remained unrepaired for over 1.5 years. Despite multiple inquiries, the manufacturer failed to provide a repair timeline or remedy. I believe these unresolved defects directly contributed to the braking failure and subsequent safety incident.
NHTSA complaint #11721285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksville, MDCrash1 injured
ENGINE
My 2017 Acura was involved in a low-speed collision where it failed to stop in a timely manner, resulting in a total loss declaration. This vehicle had open safety recalls (including the fuel pump/rod bearing issues) that remained unrepaired for over 1.5 years. Despite multiple inquiries, the manufacturer failed to provide a repair timeline or remedy. I believe these unresolved defects directly contributed to the braking failure and subsequent safety incident.
NHTSA complaint #11721285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksville, MDCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2017 Acura was involved in a low-speed collision where it failed to stop in a timely manner, resulting in a total loss declaration. This vehicle had open safety recalls (including the fuel pump/rod bearing issues) that remained unrepaired for over 1.5 years. Despite multiple inquiries, the manufacturer failed to provide a repair timeline or remedy. I believe these unresolved defects directly contributed to the braking failure and subsequent safety incident.
NHTSA complaint #11721285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Round Rock, TX, TXFire
ENGINE
[XXX] [XXX] > 4:28 PM (19 minutes ago) to takahiro_hachigo American Honda 1919 Torrance Blvd PO Box 2215 Torrance, CA 90509 - 9870 RE: Request for Financial Compensation Vehicle: 2017 Acura TLX VIN: [XXX] Dear American Honda Executive, I am reaching out as a long-term and loyal Honda customer, having owned multiple Honda vehicles over the past 30 years, including a 1990 Accord, a 2000 Accord, a 2005 Accord, a 2006 Odyssey, a 2011 Odyssey, a 2012 Accord, and most recently, a 2017 Acura TLX. Honda’s reputation for reliability has been a significant reason behind my continued support. However, recent mechanical issues and recalls, especially those affecting V6 engines, have left me with concerns. I purchased the 2017 Acura TLX in May 2023, unaware of any recalls or issues associated with this car’s make, model, and year. Just a month later, in June 2023, the vehicle’s engine caught fire while my son, a college student, was driving. Fortunately, he was able to walk away without injury, but this experience was alarming and has led to significant repair expenses. After the fire, I learned that there was a recall affecting Acura TLX models. I promptly filed a claim with Honda in November 2023, but the claim was denied without explanation, leaving me to cover the costs myself. With the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration now investigating similar engine failures, I feel that my concerns are not isolated. Given my longstanding loyalty to Honda, I respectfully request financial compensation for these repair costs or, alternatively, a credit toward a certified used or new vehicle. I am open to working with Honda to resolve this matter fairly and amicably. Thank you for your attention to this issue. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11624598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Round Rock, TXFire
ENGINE
On May 26, 2023, I purchased my 2017 Acura TLX from Sterling McCall Acura Houston, TX. On July 16th, my son was driving the Acura TLX and the engine burst into a fire. After the engine fire, I had to replace the entire. On November 20, 2023, after reading an article and contacting American Honda ( [XXX] ) I became aware of a recall on my Acura TLX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11558757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,000 milesPlainview, NYCrash
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY IN VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN BRAKES WERE EMPLOYED AND VEHICLE DID NOT STOP BUT GRINDER FORWARD, HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT.
NHTSA complaint #11220418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Marysville, OH
SEATS
Acura Service Bulletin B18-014 (NHTSA TSB #10135108) The repeated failure of the driver’s power seat height-adjustment mechanism due to stripped internal gears in the Vertical Transmission Assembly (VTA), as identified in Acura Service Bulletin B18-014, presents a significant safety concern. A failure of the driver’s seat adjustment mechanism can prevent the driver from maintaining a proper and secure seating position, potentially impairing visibility, access to the pedals and steering wheel, and the ability to safely control the vehicle. Because Honda/Acura has documented this failure and identified a specific repair procedure, I believe the defect warrants investigation by NHTSA and consideration for a safety recall rather than leaving affected owners responsible for repairs. Despite the Acura bulletin and recommended repairs, Marysville Honda in Ohio is recommending a $5700 repair bill inconsistent with the Acura bulletin.
NHTSA complaint #11757748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
ENGINE
My 2017 Acura TLX stalled dangerously on the highway due to an unexpected fuel delivery failure, creating an immediate traffic hazard. Hiley Acura of Fort Worth diagnosed the vehicle with code P0087 (Low Fuel Rail Pressure) and confirmed it needs a new low-pressure fuel pump assembly for $1,540.62. They also pulled code P0430 (Catalyst System Efficiency) showing my front catalytic converter has failed, costing $2,461.77.The low-pressure fuel pump failure starved the engine of fuel, causing the highway stall. This fueling issue directly overheated and destroyed the catalytic converter substrate.This pump failure is the core subject of the Oliver v. Honda class action lawsuit. Honda previously issued a temporary corporate software update on my vehicle that deliberately altered how the computer reads errors, masking the physical fuel pump defect. This software update is the exact reason my car currently shows no open recalls on standard databases, despite still containing the defective, unreplaced factory hardware. This temporary software fix has now failed, resulting in a dangerous highway stall, and Honda is using the software-cleared VIN status to deny safety coverage.
NHTSA complaint #11750596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2017 Acura TLX stalled dangerously on the highway due to an unexpected fuel delivery failure, creating an immediate traffic hazard. Hiley Acura of Fort Worth diagnosed the vehicle with code P0087 (Low Fuel Rail Pressure) and confirmed it needs a new low-pressure fuel pump assembly for $1,540.62. They also pulled code P0430 (Catalyst System Efficiency) showing my front catalytic converter has failed, costing $2,461.77.The low-pressure fuel pump failure starved the engine of fuel, causing the highway stall. This fueling issue directly overheated and destroyed the catalytic converter substrate.This pump failure is the core subject of the Oliver v. Honda class action lawsuit. Honda previously issued a temporary corporate software update on my vehicle that deliberately altered how the computer reads errors, masking the physical fuel pump defect. This software update is the exact reason my car currently shows no open recalls on standard databases, despite still containing the defective, unreplaced factory hardware. This temporary software fix has now failed, resulting in a dangerous highway stall, and Honda is using the software-cleared VIN status to deny safety coverage.
NHTSA complaint #11750596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
ENGINE
I have this car 2017 acura tlx v6 shawd from acura dealership 3months already. I hear little knocking sound from my bottom block.
NHTSA complaint #11745329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have this car 2017 acura tlx v6 shawd from acura dealership 3months already. I hear little knocking sound from my bottom block.
NHTSA complaint #11745329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Petaluma, CA
STEERING
Vehicle consistently pulls to right and on grooved concrete acts in abnormal way, weaving withing the lane. I have taken to Acura to try to diagnose - they tell me there is no adjustment they can make. I have tried with Honda corporate, but they want me to go back for another diagnosis on the car at Acura. At this time there is no reason to duplicate efforts or time. I have also taken to independent shops and they indicate they cannot correct the problem also.
NHTSA complaint #11743771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Petaluma, CA
SUSPENSION
Vehicle consistently pulls to right and on grooved concrete acts in abnormal way, weaving withing the lane. I have taken to Acura to try to diagnose - they tell me there is no adjustment they can make. I have tried with Honda corporate, but they want me to go back for another diagnosis on the car at Acura. At this time there is no reason to duplicate efforts or time. I have also taken to independent shops and they indicate they cannot correct the problem also.
NHTSA complaint #11743771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Petersburg, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The keyless access unit broke around 100k miles. Car acted like it was having a seizure. If car was locked, alarm goes off nonstop (during these episodes, which are intermittent) and all dash lights and head lights blink on and off over and over in quick succession. If car was not locked, only the lights had a seizure, there would be no audible alarm. Seemed to happen more near towers (cell towers, fire station broadcast tower, absolutely could not leave the car alone in nyc and had to go home). So so so embarrassing. So many people with this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11743085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Petersburg, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The keyless access unit broke around 100k miles. Car acted like it was having a seizure. If car was locked, alarm goes off nonstop (during these episodes, which are intermittent) and all dash lights and head lights blink on and off over and over in quick succession. If car was not locked, only the lights had a seizure, there would be no audible alarm. Seemed to happen more near towers (cell towers, fire station broadcast tower, absolutely could not leave the car alone in nyc and had to go home). So so so embarrassing. So many people with this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11743085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle has been recalled for a speed sensor issue that still persists. Recall repair was NOT properly executed. Vehicle engine still randomly shuts off while in idle at stoplights and during travel. Engine won’t start at this point.
NHTSA complaint #11741898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle has been recalled for a speed sensor issue that still persists. Recall repair was NOT properly executed. Vehicle engine still randomly shuts off while in idle at stoplights and during travel. Engine won’t start at this point.
NHTSA complaint #11741898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
ENGINE
Vehicle has been recalled for a speed sensor issue that still persists. Recall repair was NOT properly executed. Vehicle engine still randomly shuts off while in idle at stoplights and during travel. Engine won’t start at this point.
NHTSA complaint #11741898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Center Point, AL
ENGINE
My car broke down on 04/05/2026 on the highway at a light with on coming traffic.I took it to express oil change 04/06/2026 they told me my car need a crankshaft so I proceeded to get more information and come to find out it was a recall on the crankshafts on my car. This is the second recall I have had done to my car the first recall was for the motor. This second one is for the crankshaft recall number- CH7. I was told by Acura a month and a half after them having my car that the serial number on my motor doesn’t fall up under the recall, but my vin number does and there saying they can not fix my car. Only had this motor for 2 or 3 years from the first recall it had on it.
NHTSA complaint #11741304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was refueling my vehicle at Fullerton Costco, the internal metal flap of the capless fuel filler neck is stuck closed and preventing me from inserting a gas nozzle to refuel the vehicle. I could not refuel my gas tank. Luckily, my vehicle still has some fuel left, enough for me to get to the nearest Acura dealer (Cerritos Acura) to have them fix it. It was expensive though for an issue that should not happen at all. Also, a vehicle cannot be refueled or has a failed fuel neck flap, it can become a safety hazard and this is the main reason I file this complaint against Acura.
NHTSA complaint #11730392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesChesapeake, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Acura TLX. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) but the fix failed to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that after the repair was performed, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately five times to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the oil rings on the fuel injector had detached. The oil rings were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 142,000.
NHTSA complaint #11729524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksville, MDCrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2017 Acura was involved in a low-speed collision where it failed to stop in a timely manner, resulting in a total loss declaration. This vehicle had open safety recalls (including the fuel pump/rod bearing issues) that remained unrepaired for over 1.5 years. Despite multiple inquiries, the manufacturer failed to provide a repair timeline or remedy. I believe these unresolved defects directly contributed to the braking failure and subsequent safety incident.
NHTSA complaint #11721285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksville, MDCrash1 injured
ENGINE
My 2017 Acura was involved in a low-speed collision where it failed to stop in a timely manner, resulting in a total loss declaration. This vehicle had open safety recalls (including the fuel pump/rod bearing issues) that remained unrepaired for over 1.5 years. Despite multiple inquiries, the manufacturer failed to provide a repair timeline or remedy. I believe these unresolved defects directly contributed to the braking failure and subsequent safety incident.
NHTSA complaint #11721285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksville, MDCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2017 Acura was involved in a low-speed collision where it failed to stop in a timely manner, resulting in a total loss declaration. This vehicle had open safety recalls (including the fuel pump/rod bearing issues) that remained unrepaired for over 1.5 years. Despite multiple inquiries, the manufacturer failed to provide a repair timeline or remedy. I believe these unresolved defects directly contributed to the braking failure and subsequent safety incident.
NHTSA complaint #11721285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car shuts off at idle without warning. No lights or codes. I’ve seen a fuel pump issue is the cause on other models like mine.
NHTSA complaint #11690385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spencerport, NY
ENGINE
Hello i am writing in to see why the Acura TLX recall range is 2018-2020. The original effected engines for the TLX were 2015-2020 Acura TLX 3.5 v6. The engines for the 15-17 are the same as a 18-20 Acura TLX
NHTSA complaint #11683341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grapevine, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Emissions system problem/electric parking brake problem
NHTSA complaint #11664161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grapevine, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
Emissions system problem/electric parking brake problem
NHTSA complaint #11664161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ENGINE
I was driving on the freeway and I heard something explode followed by a clanking noise. The oil light and battery light came on simultaneously and I could not accelerate. I immediately pulled over and noticed that all the oil drained out of the car. When I got a chance look under the vehicle there was a hole in the oil pan. A mechanic said that it had happened from the inside. Possibly something from the motor broke off and shot out of my oil pan.
NHTSA complaint #11657388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mission Viejo, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electronic parking brake and check emissions system lights going on simultaneously. Car stalled on freeway and check transmission light also went on simultaneously. Very dangerous. Multiple reports submitted for similar issue by many people. Please look into this. Acura needs a recall on these TLX models
NHTSA complaint #11636578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesTaunton, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Acura TLX. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the failure occurred five months after the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started knocking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed a valve adjustment, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer had an engineer inspect the vehicle at the dealer and discovered there was wrist pin play on piston #2. The contact was informed that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but refused to replace the short block due to aftermarket components on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
NHTSA complaint #11627737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.