Is the 2021 Acura TLX a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
A8.2/10
Consider if you want a luxury sedan with sporty dynamics.
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Pros
- Strong turbocharged engine
- High build quality
- Advanced safety features
Cons
- Tight rear seat space
- Complicated infotainment controls
- No ultra-luxury options
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
22 mpg
Maintenance cost
$1,000/yr
Expected lifespan
200,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Infotainment system glitches
- Transmission rough shifts
- Brake pedal noise
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (4)
The 2021 Acura Tlx has 4 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification — Front Passenger (campaign 26V332000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification — Front Passenger — 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, Passpo…
- Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly — Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2023 TLX vehicles. The fuel filler neck and fuel tank may have been improperly welded, which can result in a fuel leak.…
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Pedals And Linkages — Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift o…
- Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification — Front Passenger — 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, 201…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.