2021 Acura TLX Type S: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 32 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (91% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2025
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Was driving the car under normal acceleration when the transfer case failed. No power to the rear wheels. Acura dealer confirmed the problem. Will be fixed under warranty. No warning lamps or messages on the dash.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2025
“My 2021 TLX Type S front wheels started to spin upon acceleration at 44K miles. I immediately scheduled an appt for the dealership. Was informed I needed a new Transfer Case Unit, as the splines were shredded. With this, I also had to replace the transmission. All replaced and picked up today 12/2/2025”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2025
“- The transfer case failed causing the AWD system to stop working -It is a safety concern because you may lose control since no power is going to rear wheels, especially in inclement weather that we receive in the northeast. -Yes the problem has been confirmed by dealership by putting car on lift and seeing that no power is being sent to the rear wheels. -There are no warning lights or any signs, you just hear a loud bang while driving and lost of traction while accelerating”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“AWD system is no longer working. Every time I accelerate the front wheels are slipping and there are no warning lights or system failure messages. I believe this is a transfer case issue as there are now videos on YouTube about TLX Type S's having this issue.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2025
“- Transfer Case failure, leading to transmission damage. - Vehicle gives no indication of Transfer Case failure, in turn, giving the Driver the impression that the vehicle is AWD. Potential risk to safety as the failure happened under normal driving conditions, vehicle suddenly jolts, with loss of power. - Problem addressed by Dealership Service Dept. but not able to recreate, as this is a drivetrain fault. - Vehicle and components inspected by Dealership Service Dept. only. - No indications or warning lights for TC failure. AWD system on dashboard indicates power is going to all four wheels when this is not the case.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2025
“While driving normal, I heard a pop sound coming from the bottom of the car which resulted in my AWD not working. On acceleration the car would spin the front wheels and the traction light would light up. Took to dealer and they confirmed the transfer case and transmission failed and had to be replaced. The splines between both components had stripped.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2025
“Transfer case failure with no warnings or symptoms of problem prior to failure. This is a safety issue as my car was only operating In Front wheel drive due to the transfer case failure. This is a common issue that needs to be investigated.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2025
“The all-wheel-drive stops working and the car becomes front wheel drive only. There are no warning lights on. The only way you could tell is to jack the car up with all four wheels off the ground and put it in drive to see if all four wheels are spinning. Also the driveshaft should be turning out of the transfer case. The the roads are wet or with snow the front wheels brake free very easy and the traction light comes on, which is also sign. I took it to the dealer and they verified the issue. They said it needs a new transmission and transfer case because the splines on the output shift of the transmission strip out and also damage the splines on input shaft of the transfer case.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2025
“Transfer case failed, awd system inoperable. Only front wheel drive when it is suppose to be awd. Vehicle is at the acura dealership getting repaired”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2024
“All wheel drive system began to fail. Experienced a loud bang followed by a leak from the transfer case that was observed when I arrived home. No check engine lights of any kind just car is stuck in front wheel drive. Dealer confirmed AWD system is not working. No safety risk and no insurance notifications or police because item is covered under warranty.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2024
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Remedy: 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.
Check your exact TLX Type S by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Acura TLX Type S reliable?
NHTSA has 32 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2021 Acura TLX Type S. The most complained-about area is power train (91% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2021 Acura TLX Type S problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 58,061 miles or less.
Does the 2021 Acura TLX Type S have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.