NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Acura TLX Safety Ratings
The 2020 Acura TLX scores 93 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 61 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Acura TLX earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. That score is supported by a perfect NHTSA crash-test sweep and strong avoidance tech, though five active recall campaigns temper an otherwise outstanding safety picture.
The 2020 Acura TLX received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Acura TLX ranks 22 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 93 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.8% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 61 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 22 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Acura TLX?
The 2020 Acura TLX marks a meaningful jump in the NHTSA Safety Index, rising four points from the 2019 model's 89/100 Strong rating to 93/100 in the Exceptional band. That movement is anchored by a perfect crash-protection subscore of 70 out of 70 and a full 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard equipment. The defect record subscore of 12.75 out of 20 is the one area that keeps this year from a higher ceiling, and it reflects real pressure: five recall campaigns are on record, two of them concerning the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor, two more addressing the fuel pump, and one covering internal engine components. The fuel pump campaigns in particular span a wide range of Honda and Acura products from this era, and the engine hard-parts recall specifically names 2015-2020 TLX models, making this year squarely within scope. For a used-market vehicle now six years old, the combination of exceptional crash performance and multiple open or recently resolved campaigns defines the 2020 TLX safety story precisely.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Acura TLX perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Acura TLX achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in every crash-test category assessed by NHTSA, including overall, frontal impact, side impact, and rollover. This consistent performance underscores a high level of occupant protection. The vehicle's rollover risk is measured at 10 percent, with the dynamic tip test further confirming stability through a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14114
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Acura TLX have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover this model year. Two target the front-passenger occupant classification sensor in the air bag system. Two address the gasoline fuel system delivery pump. One covers internal engine hard parts. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but owners should verify open remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V332000
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involve
Reported 2026-05-21
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V064000
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Reported 2024-02-01
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V858000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Reported 2023-12-18
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL23V751000
Risk: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mi
Reported 2023-11-13
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V215000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
Reported 2021-03-25
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Acura TLX?
Sixty-one unverified owner allegations have been submitted to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently reported components are the Engine (18 reports), Fuel System and Gasoline (12 each), Electrical System (9), Engine And Engine Cooling (8), and Power Train (7). Four alleged crashes and one alleged injury are included. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
61 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Acura TLX?
Any shopper considering a used 2020 TLX should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. All five recall campaigns, particularly the two air bag sensor campaigns and the fuel pump campaigns, should show completed remedies. Confirm remedy paperwork with the seller.
- The 2020 TLX Safety Index rose four points over the 2019 model year, crossing from the Strong band into the Exceptional band, driven by perfect scores in crash protection and avoidance technology.
- Two separate recall campaigns specifically target the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor on this model year, meaning the air bag system may not correctly detect a front-seat passenger and could deploy or suppress incorrectly.
- The 2020 TLX falls within the scope of the engine internal hard-parts recall covering 2015-2020 TLX models, making engine recall remedy verification a priority for any used-market buyer.
- Sixty-one unverified NHTSA complaints are on record, with Engine and Fuel System components drawing the highest volume of alleged issues, a pattern consistent with the two active fuel-related recall campaigns covering this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Acura TLX places
The 2020 Acura TLX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Acura TLX safety questions
Was the 2020 Acura TLX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Acura TLX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Acura TLX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Acura TLX earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Acura TLX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Acura TLX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Acura TLX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 61 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Acura TLX. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other TLX years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14114), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Acura TLX 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 22 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.