DecodedCars2018 Acura TLX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD, 4dr Sedan Sh-AWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 23 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,519–3,748 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 43 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Acura TLX is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,519 lb (4dr Sedan FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (23 city / 33 highway), 0% better than the 2018 compact car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 96 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 TLX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 TLX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD | 190.6 in | 72.8 in | 57.1 in | 109.4 in | 63 / 63 in | 3,519 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan Sh-AWD | 190.6 in | 72.8 in | 57.1 in | 109.4 in | 63 / 63 in | 3,748 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TLX FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 27 | 0% | $3,050 | 330 |
| TLX FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 32 / 24 | -11% | $3,400 | 368 |
| TLX AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | -11% | $3,400 | 369 |
| TLX FWD A-SPEC | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 23 | -15% | $3,550 | 382 |
| TLX AWD A-SPEC | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -15% | $3,550 | 387 |
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27 MPG2018 Compact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Acura TLX 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.8% |
| 2018 Acura TLX 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.8% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2018 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Acura TLX (this car) | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2018 BMW 3 Series | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Audi A4 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (4)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · May 21, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V332000 · 98,892 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- Risk
- Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Nov 13, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V751000 · 248,999 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
- Risk
- A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
- Fix
- 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 mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jan 29, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V060000 · 437,032 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
- Risk
- Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's recall number for this recall is P3W. Honda's recall number for this recall is N3X.
Not every 2018 Acura TLX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
96Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
47,700 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Acura TLX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 31 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 18 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 14 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 47,700 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Acura TLX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other TLX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 TLX | 25 | 194.5 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 4 |
| 2024 TLX | 25 | 194.5 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 5 |
| 2023 TLX | 25 | 194.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 19 |
| 2022 TLX | 25 | 194.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 34 |
| 2021 TLX | 25 | 194.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 104 |
| 2020 TLX | 27 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 63 |
| 2019 TLX | 27 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 93 |
| 2017 TLX | 28 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 71 |
| 2016 TLX | 28 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 111 |
| 2015 TLX | 28 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 336 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →