MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2020 Acura Tlx

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2020 Acura Tlx

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

5Recalls
61Complaints
3Investigations
ABOUT THE ACURA TLX

The Acura TLX is a front-wheel-drive and available all-wheel-drive luxury sport sedan competing in one of the most contested segments in the market. Aimed at buyers who want a premium daily driver with genuine performance credentials, the TLX slots above the entry-luxury crowd and targets drivers who expect both refinement and confidence behind the wheel. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2025 model years.

VERDICT

The 2020 Acura Tlx earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. It has 5 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the TLX as a compelling choice in the entry-to-mid luxury sedan space, praising its sporty driving character, well-appointed interior, and strong available all-wheel-drive system. Most consider it a serious alternative to German and Japanese competitors, though some note that the infotainment interface and rear-seat space can feel like trade-offs for the driver-focused experience the car prioritizes.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.8%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14114

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record12.75/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 are expected to be mailed July 6, 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

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, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. 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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

61 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

4reported crash
0reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 18Fuel System 12Gasoline 12Electrical System 9Engine And Engine Cooling 8Power Train 7

Other Tlx years

Rivals in Sedan (2020)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 14114), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Acura Tlx 2020. Class rank 22 of 105 in Sedan 2020. Methodology · Disclosure