Own a Acura TLX in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Acura TLX for model years 2012, 2015 to 2025. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help TLX owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 896 owner complaints on file for the TLX and 13 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (265), engine (224), electrical system (159).
Most-Reported Acura TLX Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the TLX (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 265 | 29% | |
| Engine | 224 | 25% | |
| Electrical System | 159 | 17% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 79 | 8% | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 71 | 7% | |
| Service Brakes | 71 | 7% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 49 | 5% | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 39 | 4% |
Power Train
265 of the 896 complaints (29%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Engine
224 of the 896 complaints (25%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
159 of the 896 complaints (17%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Acura TLX Complaints by Model Year
The TLX model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2015, 2016, 2018. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 344 | |
| 2016 | 111 | |
| 2017 | 71 | |
| 2018 | 95 | |
| 2019 | 93 | |
| 2020 | 63 | |
| 2021 | 72 | |
| 2022 | 26 | |
| 2023 | 11 | |
| 2024 | 5 | |
| 2025 | 4 |
Most Common Acura TLX Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the TLX. The most-cited is P0087 (fuel rail pressure too low), mentioned in 4 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0087 | Fuel rail pressure too low Often a weak fuel pump, clogged fuel filter or pressure regulator or injector fault. | 4 |
| P0657 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Acura TLX Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the TLX in these model years, most often involving fuel system, gasoline, power train, engine and engine cooling. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Air Bags (campaign 26V332000): 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,...
- 2025 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 25V391000): 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.
- 2024 recall, Air Bags (campaign 24V064000): 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,...
- 2024 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 24V950000): 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.
- 2023 recall, Engine And Engine Cooling (campaign 23V751000): 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.
- 2023 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 23V858000): 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,...
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the TLX, 37 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, 25 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Acura TLX Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Acura will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a TLX that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for TLX owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Acura TLX, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Acura TLX Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Acura TLX repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Acura TLX FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Acura TLX?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Acura TLX are power train (265), engine (224), electrical system (159). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which TLX model years have the most complaints?
The TLX model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2015, 2016, 2018. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Acura TLX?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Acura TLX, the codes cited most often are P0087 (fuel rail pressure too low), P0657 (powertrain code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Acura TLX have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the Acura TLX across model years 2012, 2015 to 2025. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Acura TLX in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Acura vehicles including the TLX, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Acura TLX?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Acura TLX in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Acura Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.