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2021 Acura TLX Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
10
Latest Sep 22, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
16%
of 64 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2021 Acura TLX submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 10 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

ElectricalSuspension
Filed Sep 22, 2025

While using the Air Conditioner in Comfort Mode Suspension settings on my Advanced SHAWD model, the front suspension intermittently squeaks and creaks. It is very audible in the colder months or after it rains.

NHTSA ID
11688974
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
ElectricalSteeringVisibility
Filed Aug 8, 2025

The wipers come on by themselves and do not turn off. The engine may or may not start with the key fob nearby. All the dash warning lights come on with warnings about the brake system, the transmission, the steering, the adaptive cruise control all reporting a problem. The vehicle goes to limp mode and throttle response is severely reduced. There is some sort of water leak which is shorting out or causing the BCM or body control module to act erratically due to water from rain getting into the area because of improper weather sealant placed during manufacturing. There is a service bulletin that was put out in roughly April of 2024 that describes this issue affecting the 2021 TLX models.

NHTSA ID
11679424
Incident
Aug 7, 2025
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Mar 20, 2024
1 injury reported

How Acura Lost my Business The fact that no one from Acura will take responsibility for the ongoing issues has reaffirmed that my long-term commitment to owning Acura’s is over. Honda will only communicate via the phone and say "if the dealership can't fix it, neither can Honda." I decided, after months of difficulties with things not working correctly in my car, to trade it in. The last straw was when I looked up the Acura TLX Blue Book value; the car had a safety recall I knew nothing about from Acura. The passenger front seat airbag can deploy prematurely in an accident, and cause an injury. The professionals at the local Acura dealership cautioned me not to let passengers sit in the front seat; therefore the car was no longer usable for two people upfront. Acura can't fix the recall safety issue because there are no parts. This follows months of attempts to address other issues with the upgraded technology package not working correctly. Honda/Acura headquarters, and the Florida Attorney General, provide no written responses despite following the Lemon Law protocol. After owning my fifth Acura, a 2021 TLX, I recognized I could no longer count on the safety I’d come to expect. My daughter had come out of totaling my first Acura, a TSX, without even a bruise or scratch more than twenty years ago. This had secured my loyalty to the brand, I had thought for life. [XXX] Lakewood Ranch, Florida [XXX] -cell [XXX] -landline [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11578542
Incident
Jul 27, 2021
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Sep 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact stated that whenever the radio was turned on and occasionally randomly, there was a crackling and popping sound heard in the speakers. The contact then stated that while shifted in reverse, the rear-view camera screen intermittently displayed a blank screen or delayed displaying an image. The contact then stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a loose connection in the bus network. The contact was informed that the FAKRA connector set needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the FAKRA connector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was denied service due to the vehicle having a Salvaged Title. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

NHTSA ID
11546363
Incident
Sep 18, 2023
Mileage
33,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 3, 2023

Hi there, My car has been to the Acura dealer multiple times for the same issue, and I'm hearing that alot of other Acura TLX owners are having the same issue. My car screen will randomly short, and can just shut off. Sometimes when I'm backing up, the screen will freeze and i wont realize that someone is walking behind the car, almost causing me to hit them. The audio system also can make weird crackling noises as well. There are definitely some safety features that shut off with the screen, though i cant pinpoint them exactly.

NHTSA ID
11530116
Incident
Jun 15, 2021
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Feb 14, 2023

The infotainment system glitches or goes static after a bump of any sort. Sometimes it would restart entirely. Or just not work until I stop and restart the car.

NHTSA ID
11507240
Incident
May 13, 2022
BrakesElectricalSteering
Filed Sep 24, 2022

Rotors warped and changed through warranty but loud humming and vibration is back after 2,000 miles on new rotors. Steering column is leaking fluid down to brake pedal. Steering wheel is making a clicking noise when turning. Speakers are crackling after Fakra replacement under acceleration or going over bumps.

NHTSA ID
11486148
Incident
Jun 15, 2022
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 28, 2021

The vehicle VIN - [XXX] The vehicle, 2021 Acura TLX, was purchased on June 8, 2021, from the showroom floor of Metro Acura Dealership. The vehicle was sold as being compatible with iPhone, Bluetooth HandsFree Link, and Apple CarPlay. Not to mention the innovative technology, Automatic Lighting Control, and Auto-Idle Stop System. The vehicle was purchased with a full 4 year/50,000-mile warranty. I have dealt with Metro Acura in Montclair, CA, Spreen Acura in Riverside, CA, and Wittmeier Honda in Chico, CA. I have attached the service reports from the said dealerships for your review. This does not include the three times I have called for roadside assistance due to being stranded by the 2021 Acura TLX. September 6- The vehicle would not unlock, even with the key. Stranded in a parking lot. Called Roadside assistance by the time some came, the car unlocked. September 8- the warning light Auto Idle Stop came on while driving September 10 – I took the vehicle to Spreen Honda and spoke with [XXX]. The vehicle had 3,275 miles. I was told that if lights are not on now, there is nothing they can do. I also explained that the Bluetooth is sporadic, and the vehicle will ring even after the phone call has been answered. I insisted they keep the vehicle and try. Later the same day, after I picked up the vehicle, warning lights came on again about 40 minutes later -Auto Idle Stop, Automatic Lighting Control- light while driving During this time, the warning lights would continue to come on intermittently while driving. September 15- I took the vehicle to Metro Acura and dealt with [XXX]. The vehicle had 3910 miles. I explained to them about the vehicle not unlocking and warning lights. They stated something occurred when they put the wrap on the car, which caused the vehicle to not open; they said it was fixed. Unable to find a reason for warning lights. September 20 -Auto Idle Stop, Automatic Lighting Control- l INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C

NHTSA ID
11445287
Incident
Sep 6, 2021
BrakesElectrical
Filed Aug 25, 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle on one occasion, the vehicle would not start-up. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be inspected. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was started and driven back to the residence. A few days after taking the vehicle to the dealer, the contact noticed that while driving at undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and there was a loud cranking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer to perform a diagnostic test on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270.

NHTSA ID
11430462
Incident
May 7, 2021
Mileage
270 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 21, 2021

If the car thinks the door is not fully closed, it will not allow the car to go into drive. My husband put the car into reverse and backed out onto a busy highway. He tried to put the car into drive and it would not go because the car's electrical system thought the door was not fully shut (it was). He had to shut the car off completely and open/close the door again. This put him in a very dangerous situation and he could have been killed by oncoming traffic.

NHTSA ID
11425874
Incident
Jul 21, 2021

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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