DecodedCars2021 Acura TLX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD, 4dr Sedan FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 272–355 hp
- Transmission
- 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 194.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,708–3,926 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Many owner complaints104 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 3 for similar models — most often about the power train.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Acura TLX is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 195 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,926 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 9% worse than the 2021 compact car average of 27.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 104 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2021
- New body dimensions: 3.9 in longer, wheelbase +3.6 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engines added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Engines dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG down from 27 to 25
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 TLX →
Trims, performance & features
Engine355 hp3.0L turbo 6-cyl
Engine272 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Transmission10-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
Type STLX SH-AWD TECH ATLX SH-AWD ADVTLX TECHTLX SH-AWD TECH
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Marysville, Ohio
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 TLX configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD | 194.5 in | 75.2 in | 56.3 in | 113 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,926 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD | 194.5 in | 75.2 in | 56.3 in | 113 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,708 lb | 58/42 |
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 A-SPEC | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -9% | $3,300 | 357 |
| TLX FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | -9% | $3,300 | 352 |
| TLX AWD A-SPEC | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -13% | $3,400 | 371 |
| TLX AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -13% | $3,400 | 369 |
| TLX Type-S | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -24% | $3,900 | 420 |
| TLX Type-S Perf Tire | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | -24% | $3,900 | 421 |
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.5 MPG2021 Compact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Acura TLX 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9% |
| 2021 Acura TLX 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2021 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Acura TLX (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (5)
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Jun 12, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V391000 · 259,033 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Software · Jan 23, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V031000 · 294,612 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
- Risk
- An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EL1 and AL0.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · Dec 19, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V950000 · 167 vehicles
- Problem
- Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2023 TLX vehicles. The fuel filler neck and fuel tank may have been improperly welded, which can result in a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Feb 1, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V064000 · 750,114 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Risk
- An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2021 Acura TLX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
104Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
33,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Acura TLX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 56 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 10 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 33,000 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 2021 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 |
| 2020 TLX | 27 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 63 |
| 2019 TLX | 27 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 93 |
| 2018 TLX | 27 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 96 |
| 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 →