NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Acura TLX Safety Ratings
The 2021 Acura TLX scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 60 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A perfect five-star sweep across all NHTSA crash-test categories anchors the 2021 Acura TLX's exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100. This strong performance in federal crash testing is a significant factor in its high safety assessment. However, four active recall campaigns are a meaningful caveat every prospective buyer should address before purchase.
The 2021 Acura TLX received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Acura TLX ranks 20 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 | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 60 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 20 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Acura TLX?
The 2021 Acura TLX sits one point above the prior model year, moving from the 2020 index of 93/100 to 94/100, both within the Exceptional band. That incremental gain is backed by a perfect crash-protection sub-score of 70 out of 70 and a full 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard. The only sub-maximum component is the defect record, which scores 13.75 out of 20, reflecting the weight of four open recall campaigns rather than any crash-test shortcoming. The brake pedal linkage recall is particularly notable because it spans 2021 through 2025 TLX production, meaning this generation was identified as having a systemic concern. The occupant classification sensor issue appears twice across separate campaigns, suggesting the component attracted repeated regulatory attention. Sixty reported complaints, led by 19 power train allegations and 10 service brake allegations, reinforce that the defect record sub-score is the area pulling the index below a theoretically perfect ceiling. The five-star crash performance is the headline strength; the recall portfolio is the honest counterweight.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Acura TLX perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Acura TLX performed exceptionally well across the full NHTSA NCAP battery, earning stars in every tested category. Its overall rating is out of stars, matched by its frontal crash rating and side crash rating. Rollover risk was assessed at nine percent, with the dynamic tip test yielding a No Tip result, contributing to a rollover rating. There are no weak or not-rated categories to flag for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15740
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Acura TLX have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2021 TLX. Two target the front-passenger occupant classification sensor in the air bag system. A third addresses the brake pedal linkage in hydraulic service brakes. A fourth involves a potentially improper weld on the fuel filler neck and fuel tank assembly. None of the available summaries carry an explicit park-outside or do-not-drive directive, but the fuel system and brake linkage campaigns warrant prompt VIN verification.
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES25V391000
Risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.
Reported 2025-06-12
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY24V950000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is JKX.
Reported 2024-12-19
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Acura TLX?
Sixty total complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 TLX, all unverified consumer allegations. The top reported components are the power train with 19 allegations, service brakes with 10, electrical system with 9, and air bags and forward collision avoidance each with 7. Three alleged crashes and three alleged injuries appear in the dataset.
60 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Acura TLX?
Shoppers eyeing a 2021 TLX must prioritize recall verification. Its four recall campaigns, including critical fuel tank weld and brake linkage issues, may remain open on specific vehicles. Prospective owners should secure written confirmation of all completed repairs before purchase.
- The 2021 TLX achieved a perfect NHTSA NCAP score of five stars in all four tested categories, including a nine-percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- Four distinct recall campaigns are attached to this model year, covering the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor twice, the hydraulic brake pedal linkage, and a fuel filler neck and tank weld concern.
- The defect record sub-score of 13.75 out of 20 is the sole reason the Safety Index does not reach a perfect ceiling, directly reflecting the four-recall burden on this specific model year.
- Sixty unverified complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year include 19 power train allegations and 10 service brake allegations, with the most recent complaint recorded in mid-2026, indicating ongoing consumer reporting activity.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Acura TLX places
The 2021 Acura TLX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Acura TLX safety questions
Was the 2021 Acura TLX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Acura TLX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 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 2021 Acura TLX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Acura TLX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Acura TLX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Acura TLX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 60 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15740), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Acura TLX 2021.
- 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 20 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.