Acura · TLX · 2018
3
Recalls
91
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2018 Acura TLX has 3 recalls and 91 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (15 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
Frontal Crash Test

Side Crash Test

Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
9.8% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
While performing routine maintenance on my 2018 Acura TLX, I discovered a critical structural failure in the front right (passenger side) lower control arm. The factory weld connecting the stamped steel control arm to the compliance bushing housing has failed and separated. Visual inspection reveals a clear manufacturing defect: there is a significant crater and void in the weld bead, indicative of incomplete fusion or a "start/stop" error during the manufacturing process. This is a latent structural defect, not a stress fracture from mileage or impact. The weld has begun to separate from the housing, leaving a visible gap. Safety Risk: This failure compromises the suspension geometry and structural integrity of the vehicle. If the weld completes its separation while driving, it would result in the control arm detaching from the subframe, leading to immediate loss of steering control, wheel collapse, and a high probability of a collision. Status: No warning lights were illuminated prior to discovery. The vehicle has not been involved in any collisions that would affect this component. The defective part is currently on the vehicle but is available for inspection by NHTSA or manufacturer representatives upon request.
The vehicle experienced vibration symptoms and stalled on the road. The day before it stalled, there were rattling noises which prompted me to take the car to the dealership the next day. I had just received the letter about the recall so I knew it was likely related. The car was towed to the Acura dealership but the dealership denied recall coverage, stating the engine number did not match the recall list. During the discovery process, it was later discovered that the engine had been swapped by the dealership in 2018 — a fact that was not disclosed to me at the time of my purchase. The installed engine still falls within the recall defect interval of 2015-2020 but they are resistant to repair. Upon initial inspection of the vehicle, the dealership found metal shavings in the oil indicating internal engine damage. The manufacture requested my oil change records suggesting that this was my fault. I presented the oil change receipts but they still refused recall coverage and the dealership requested approximately $5,000 for diagnostics, if determined my fault. If it is determined that the defect damaged the engine, they will cover the 5k. After several weeks of inspection and going through the manufacture recall process, the dealership determined the recall issue applies my car. However, due to the engine number not on the “list” they are denying my recall coverage. They are seeking $25k for service repairs. After almost 2 months of back and forth, I have been misled and misinformed. I am struggling to get my car repaired under recall.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was purchased on September 10th, 2025, as a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 76,410. At the time of registration, when the title was received, it was discovered that the mileage was 176,410. The title read, "Not Actual Mileage, Mileage Tampering," which indicated odometer fraud had been detected. After ordering the Carfax Report, the report indicated that the mileage 176,000 miles at the time of purchase. The contact had not reported the odometer fraud to any other parties.
I got 5 lights on my dash stating that I have an auto high beam problem, road departure mitigation system problem, collision mitigation system problem, lane keeping assist problem, and adaptive cruise control problem. I got these lights on my dash at the exact same time and this happened 1 week after my car alarm started going off randomly. I will now have to change my windshield camera sensor. Seems like this is an issue with many Acura owners.
Date of incident : August 31,2025 Around 9pm on August 31, I was fixing to accelerate at a green light. I pressed the gas pedal, my car went up to 40 mph and then the engine failed. This is due to a recall on the bearing rods for 2015-2020 Acura TLX. The incident occurred a month after financing the car. I don't have a warranty, so I opened up a case with the manufacturer to get help with the repair cost (which is 25,500 for a new engine block and 2 new cylinder heads). Unfortunately, Acura denied assistance. The car only has 68880 miles on it. The rod snapped and put a hole through my engine block. Shame on the manufacturer for denying assistance. I'm now stuck making payments on a car I cannot drive. Yes I have insurance, but it was not involved in an accident so I'm helpless there.
While I was driving in the fwy I tried changed lanes and needed to speed so that incoming car wouldn’t hit me but my car was stalling. It has happened 3 times!!! I took it to the dealership and they said it’s the camera and that they don’t have the part on stock. I asked for a rental car meanwhile we wait for the part and they said they can’t do that. I stated to them that the car is dangerous not only for me but for the public if I keep driving it like that. They said there’s nothing they can do!
While driving, my vehicle has randomly shut off mid-drive on multiple occasions without warning. This has happened both at low speeds and on city roads, creating a serious safety risk as the engine cuts out without any dashboard lights, alerts, or codes. I lose power steering and acceleration, which could easily cause an accident if it happens at higher speeds or in traffic. The issue is intermittent and unpredictable, making it difficult to reproduce. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership multiple times, but they have been unable to replicate the issue or find a cause through diagnostics. Honda has advised me to tow the vehicle the next time it happens, which is unreasonable given the uncertainty and safety risk of being stranded. At the time of each incident, there were no warning lights, error messages, or unusual noises. The vehicle has restarted after turning it off and on again, but the underlying cause remains unknown. I have opened a case with American Honda, but no resolution has been offered beyond repeating the same inspections that have already failed to diagnose the issue. To date, neither the manufacturer nor the dealership has confirmed the issue or replaced any parts. I am deeply concerned about the potential for this to happen in a more dangerous situation. I am reporting this to NHTSA in hopes that this issue is investigated and resolved before it leads to an accident or injury. Cause of issue: UNKNOWN. Vehicle available for inspection.
The contact owned a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire while parked in the driveway. The origin of the fire was unknown. The vehicle was unoccupied during the fire. The location of the fire was between and underneath the shifter and the cup holder. The fire was extinguished by itself. A fire department report was not filed. A police department report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
I am getting a U129D-00 code, my vehicle isn't passing 50mph. Says lane keep assist problem, vehicle stability problem, precision steering problem, i am experiencing all the characteristics of specific service bulletin 15-050. What are my options
I had the same Issue as [XXX] . I do see there are many others effected by this and some have overpaid due to inaccurate diagnostics by dealerships. We would really appreciate if NHTSA looks into this issue and help us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Acura Watch warning light illuminated. The Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), and Collision Mitigation warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Acura Watch bumper sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 54,000.
Car experiences intermittent hesitation and jerking during acceleration. When car is driven in "economy" mode the jerking begins at 20 mph. When the car is driven in "normal" mode the When accelerating and merging onto highway car was almost rear-ended twice due to sluggish acceleration and jerking. Car also demonstrates engine surging while sitting idle. Spark plugs were changed, fuel treatment was done, and throttle body was inspected. No codes appear when car is scanned. Car has not displayed and illuminated check engine light or any other warning lights. Car was taken into local Acura dealership where problem was unable to be replicated and diagnosis was inconclusive.
The contact owns a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), for a possible failure with the connecting rod, and the vehicle was repaired. Approximately 2-3 years after the recall repair, while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power while accelerating. The contact coasted to the side of the road and became aware of oil leaking from the vehicle. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with 4 blown pistons, causing the engine to fail. The contact stated that the previous recall stated that the engine would be replaced as needed. The dealer informed the contact that the engine was no longer covered because the vehicle exceeded the mileage and time limitations. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Hi, I’m having issues with my fuel pump / engine and I seen online there was a previous recall for this issues regarding my year make and model but when I search my vin it’s not included? Not sure why when I’m having issues related to that exact recall. I believe it can be related. I took it to Acura and they want to charge me 5,000 dollars for repair. I have a 2018 Acura tlx 3.5 v6 which is stated in this photo attached. Can I get some more clarification please? I’m having all issues notated on the photo. Regarding car idle, fuel issues, stalling and more. My car slid into Neutral while I was driving twice! Super scary. When I took it to Acura they diagnosed everything that was in the recall? Not sure why my vehicle isn’t included when it’s very obviously related
Nothing has happened. I just can’t get the Acura dealership in my area which is Jackson Mississippi Jackson Acura. They do not return calls at all and I would like to get my recall on my 2018 TLX repaired. I contacting them about 3 to 4 months ago. Just recently contacted them again for two weeks straight and no one is responding at all. I’m not sure what is going on with this dealership or the management but again I’ve left several messages for Chelsea,her supervisor and the manager of that store. The address: Acura of Jackson 800 Adcock St., Ridgeland, MS 39157 service phone number (844)362-6839
The contact owns a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
In September 2023 went in for an oil change. Next day all My CMBS, ACC, LKAS and Road Departure Mitigation System all light up on my dashboard as well brake system light. I called and took the car in they said that it had something to do with the camera sensor. I left a complaint and the manager called after I explained to him he said he would call me back. 1.5 years later he never called back. In October 2024 my car alarm started going off for no reason. I took it in and $1000 to fix. Seems like a lot of electric issues with this car
I am from Philadelphia PA and I was driving my car on a highway in rural WV and the engine stalled while driving. I was lucky enough that no other cars were around and I was able to veer the car off the road into a parking lot. The car would not re-start. I had to tow my vehicle to a local mechanic shop who could not help. I was stranded out of state on a holiday weekend with no acura in a 2 hour radius. I ended up renting a u-haul and towing the car 8 hours from WV back to a local Acura in Philadelphia. Acura replaced the engine due to the known re-call but refused to cover the cost of the tow or U-haul.
My CMBS, ACC, LKAS and Road Departure Mitigation System all light up on my dashboard as well brake system light. I had a alignment done on my car about 2 weeks ago and the next day they came on. I went back to the shop where I had the alignment done to ask why they came on. They check the alignment again and said something about calibrating the sensors and checked that again. But the lights didn't go off.
Faulty high pressure fuel pump. Technician told me he sees a lot of these. If so, why isn't there a recall?
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2018 Acura TLX has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 91 owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Acura TLX.
The 2018 Acura TLX received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2018 Acura TLX are engine (15 reports), engine and engine cooling (10 reports), fuel/propulsion system (7 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2018 Acura TLX. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.