MODEL
Acura Tlx Type S
NHTSA safety across every Acura Tlx Type S model year we cover.
Across the 3 model years of the Acura Tlx Type S we cover (2021 to 2023), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 3 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Acura TLX Type S is the performance flagship of Acura's midsize sedan lineup, slotting above the standard TLX with a turbocharged V6, sport-tuned suspension, and driver-focused hardware. It targets enthusiast buyers who want near-luxury refinement paired with genuine performance credentials. For the 2021 through 2023 model years, it occupies a competitive and crowded space against German and domestic sport sedans.
At MotorCaliber, we focus squarely on safety, and the TLX Type S presents a picture that deserves careful attention from any serious shopper. The most significant gap in this vehicle's safety profile is straightforward: NHTSA did not crash-test the TLX Type S during the 2021 through 2023 model years we cover. That means there are no federal star ratings to point to, no structural performance scores, and no pole or side-impact data from government testing. Shoppers cannot lean on a reassuring five-star headline here, because that headline simply does not exist for this vehicle in this window. Acura has pursued IIHS testing separately, but our editorial is grounded in NHTSA data, and on that front the record is silent. On recalls, three were issued across the covered years. That is a modest but meaningful count for a relatively low-volume performance variant, and buyers should verify that any used example has had those recall repairs completed through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool before purchase. Owner complaints totaled 45 across the covered years, with zero reported crashes, zero fires, zero injuries, and zero deaths in that dataset. Those figures are unverified allegations, but the absence of injury or crash reports tied to complaints is a modestly reassuring signal. The honest bottom line: the TLX Type S is a compelling sport sedan, but federal crash-test transparency is a real gap shoppers must weigh.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the TLX Type S for its sharp handling, strong powertrain delivery, and premium cabin quality, positioning it as a genuine enthusiast option in the near-luxury sport sedan segment. Most critics note it competes well on driving dynamics, though some feel the infotainment interface and rear seat space trail the best in class.
- NHTSA did not crash-test the TLX Type S for any model year from 2021 through 2023, meaning there are no federal star ratings available to evaluate structural safety performance for this vehicle.
- Three recalls were issued across the 2021 to 2023 model years. Any shopper considering a used example should run the VIN through NHTSA's free lookup tool to confirm all recall repairs have been completed.
- The 45 owner complaints on file are unverified allegations, but notably none include a reported crash, fire, injury, or death, which is worth context when assessing real-world concern levels.
- Because federal crash-test data is absent, safety-conscious buyers may want to research IIHS results independently and consider how the lack of NHTSA testing transparency fits their personal risk tolerance before purchasing.
Most-recalled year on record: 2023 Acura Tlx Type S with 1 recalls.