MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Acura Tlx

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Acura Tlx

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

4Recalls
60Complaints
2Investigations
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 2021 Acura Tlx earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 94 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 4 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%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15740

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record13.75/20
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

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, 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

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

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

3reported crash
0reported fire
3reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 19Service Brakes 10Electrical System 9Unknown Or Other 8Air Bags 7Forward Collision Avoidance 7

Other Tlx years

Rivals in Sedan (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15740), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Acura Tlx 2021. Class rank 20 of 94 in Sedan 2021. Methodology · Disclosure