Acura RLX Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!)

Acura RLX Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!)

The Acura TLX is a luxurious 4-door sedan that was first introduced in 2014 by Acura, Honda’s luxury subsidiary. It has 9 model years, from 2015 to the present.

You will have extra comfort and dependability in any TLX year, from the exquisite 2015 model to the more brash 2022 variant.

We have reviewed this luxury car to introduce the best and the ones to avoid.

Acura RLX Best and Worst Years
Acura RLX Best and Worst Years

Looking for Reliable Cars: Check out the Best Reliable Acuras

VIDEO: 2014 Acura RLX Review

2014 Acura RLX Review

Acura RLX Best and Worst Years

The Acura RLX performed best in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016, whereas the Acura TL and SLX’s lowest model years are 2004–2008 and 1995–1999, respectively.

What Model Years of Acura TLX Are the Most Reliable?

The Acura TLX is well known for its problematic engines and transmissions. However, you may depend on the models listed below.

Acura TLX 2021

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Acura TLX 2021

The Acura TLX’s performance will be improved with the 2021 model’s turbo V6 engine and more advanced chassis.

Although it still doesn’t move as quickly as many other sports vehicles, the new model does better thanks to its more powerful engine.

More favorable evaluations have been given to the 2021 Acura TLX than any previous TLX models. As a result, this model has received good reviews, scoring an outstanding 8.1/10 on US News and 4.6/5 on Cars.com.

In addition, it receives a 7.6 out of 10 rating from Edmunds, somewhat better than any of its forerunners.

TLX 2019 Acura

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TLX 2019 Acura

Like Acura Cars? Check out these other articles: Acura RDX Best And Worst Years and Acura NSX Best and Worst Years.

In addition to a more upscale look, the 2019 Acura TLX maintains its reputation for having a quiet interior. Unfortunately, they also have a reputation for dull driving, which this model didn’t improve.

The 2019 model, in contrast to the somewhat older variants, has thus far received fewer complaints.

The automatic idle stop, which stops the car from moving after turning on, is the sole reoccurring issue of worry. Moreover, there is a slight possibility that after idling for roughly 60 seconds, the car will automatically shut off.

Also, you should be aware that only a few customers have voiced their complaints regarding the transmission’s central issue. This time, the activation is delayed by roughly 5 seconds instead of making a jerking noise.

Regarding customer complaints, the 2019 Acura TLX has performed substantially better than the 2015–2017 iterations.

Mind you; various reviewers have given this mid-size sedan rating that is above average. Edmunds and CarandDriver stand out because both give it 7.5/10.

TrueCar has rated it favorably with 4.1 out of an incredible 1,990 votes, while J.D. Power has given it a reliability rating of 79%.

Acura TLX 2020

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Acura TLX 2020

The 2020 Acura TLX only alters a little from the 2019 version. They both have the same exterior design and earn equal reviews from critics and reviewers.

Even though this model’s engine is mostly under fire, particularly the idle stop mechanism, there have been few complaints about its other features.

Even though the 2020 Acura TLX has an all-wheel drive, its acceleration still falls short of its rivals.

Besides that, the TLX’s already wonderful cabin and supportive seats are pretty much the same.

The 2020 model of the TLX likewise achieved 7.5/10 ratings from Edmunds and CarandDriver, similar to many prior TLX models. In addition, this Acura TLX model is rated 7.3/10 by MotorTrends, which indicates that it is above average.

Acura TLX 2018

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Acura TLX 2018

The 2018 Acura TLX performs noticeably better in terms of consumer complaints compared to the prior generations.

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Braking, steering, and particularly the transmission—which has had just one complaint total on NHTSA and CarComplaint—have received little to no complaints.

The 2018 Acura TLX has significant electrical issues. In addition, according to an active user, this automobile continues to have problems stopping on its own, even on the highway.

The repeated check engine light notifications and inability to use the car’s in-car prompts are also severe problems. In addition, the fundamental problems with the electric parking system, the idle stop system, and the battery failure frequently result in this.

But, so far, only a small number of consumers have seriously complained about this to the NHTSA and CarComplaint.

NHTSA has received 42 complaints about this model, compared to nine reports on CarComplaint for its parts.

According to CarComplaint.com, the electrical components (9), engine (5), brake (5), and drivetrain (2) have received the most significant complaints.

Apart from these alleged problems, critics have given the 2018 Acura TLX ratings that are above average. For example, Edmunds awarded it a 7.5/10, while CNet rated it a 6.9/10. In addition, JD Power gives it an 80% reliability rating.

What Acura TLX model years ought to be avoided?

The Acura TLX models listed below could be better choices.

Acura TLX 2015

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Acura TLX 2015

The 2015 model is so understated and chic that it almost feels like an apology for a car. This car, the initial version of the luxury sedan, has a history of 187 consumer complaints on CarComplaints. Since its launch, it has also gotten 414 user reports about NHTSA.

It would help if you were cautious with the 2015 Acura TLX due to transmission, brakes, battery, and engine issues.

A number of issues with the airbag failing to deploy when necessary have also been raised. Together with other problems like peeling body paint and erratic power steering, this is a problem.

If those complaints to NHTSA weren’t awful enough, the drivetrain had racked up 145. Consider losing control of your vehicle while traveling between 50 and 60 mph.

Although the defective battery system has frequently been blamed for this, the drivetrain has remained the primary source of worry for this model year.

But remember that many drivetrain-related problems are first noticed after the automobile has traveled around 60,000 miles. So avoid this model, especially if you’re looking for a used price.

Acura TLX 2016

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Acura TLX 2016

The 2016 Acura TLX carried over its most frequent issues from its predecessor. Thus, it could be noticeably better.

Even though it only has 25 reports on CarComplaints, its various components have garnered more than 90 complaints on NHTSA.

In addition to other minor difficulties, this TLX version continues to have problems with the braking, drivetrain, battery, and transmission.

The transmission on this TLX variant still jerks and struggles to function correctly, especially when the engine is cold. That a person had to suffer this problem after traveling only 100 miles is entirely wrong.

At a crucial acceleration phase, the customer reported that the car hesitated when shifting between the 2nd and 3rd gear. Is there a safety issue with this?

In addition, there have been several problems with the car accelerating while driving and the battery constantly changing, making it challenging to start the car as you’d want.

You will only anticipate dealing with some of these problems when you buy a new car from an expensive brand like Acura.

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Acura TLX 2017

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Acura TLX 2017

The 2017 Acura TLX has adopted its issues even if it retains the earlier TLX’s straightforward external style.

There have been worries that the automobile won’t start, mainly when it’s in traffic. Yet, this can result from the older model’s underlying battery problem.

Even though several customers have linked this to a defective alternator, one user reported that this problem reappeared within 30 minutes after replacing the alternator.

It is entirely wrong that just 10,595 miles have been traveled on average by the riders whose cars have not started.

Also, this more recent model has not fixed the transmission issue with the 2015 model.

A few customers have reported that the transmission shifts to manual while traveling between 60 and 70 mph, despite several users complaining that the transmission jerks are uncomfortable. Recall the prior model’s problem with deceleration.

Besides user complaints, critics still need to give the 2017 Acura TLX ratings just over average. From 104 user ratings, Edmunds gives it a rating of 3.8/5, while KBB gives it a rating of 4.3/5.

What Kinds of Issues Do Acura TLX Models Usually Have?

Here are a few of the Acura TLX’s typical issues.

  • Transmission Error
  • Improper battery system
  • Slow accelerating
  • Faulty electrical apparatus
  • Faulty brake mechanisms
  • Driving-related issues

Is an Acura vehicle safe?

Acura takes pride in having all its sedans and SUVs receive the highest safety ratings. The NHTSA gave the following automobile a 5-star rating: the 2021 Acura RDX.

Advice on Steering Clear of “Lemons”

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Advice on Steering Clear of “Lemons”

Purchase a vehicle history report.

When purchasing an automobile, especially a used one, you should always request a vehicle history report.

You may research a car’s history, including its title status, any substantial repairs made to it, and whether or not it has ever been in an accident using a service like CARFAX or Autocheck. The report will let you know if the car has been labeled a lemon.

You must locate the Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, to run a vehicle history report. The automobile might be a lemon if the vendor hesitates to provide you with the VIN.

Verify Recalls

Recalls are common in every car and can occur for various causes, from the odometer not accurately recording miles to more severe problems like failing brakes. Check to see if there have been any recalls on the car before you buy it.

On the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or at other websites like Consumer Reports, these can be discovered using the year, make, and model.

Even if an automobile has undergone one or two recalls, it may not be a lemon. But, if a car has had multiple recalls for crucial parts, it can be more trouble than it’s worth.

Get an inspection before buying.

One of the best things you can do as a car buyer is to have any vehicle you think about buying professionally inspected by a reliable mechanic. Pre-purchase inspections are crucial when purchasing a used automobile since they might uncover various potential problems, even if the model isn’t a lemon.

Look for window decals.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) mandates that auto dealers include a window sticker as a “disclaimer” and provides details about prior owners, warranty conditions, and other things.

These stickers are intended to advise you of any potential concerns with the vehicle and any warranty benefits for which you might be eligible. Therefore, any fraud involving these stickers should be blatant, and it may be illegal.

The seller might be trying to conceal something if a car doesn’t have this sticker. Make sure you can see this information and any links or QR codes that can direct you to online resources like the NHTSA and others.

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This will inform you if a car is a lemon or has other significant design flaws.

Avoid purchasing “as-is” vehicles.

You may have noticed that certain vehicles are advertised as being offered “as-is.” In other words, the seller waives their responsibility for the vehicle’s condition.

Please avoid using this phrase whenever you see it since it is a warning sign that there might be a severe problem they don’t want you to know about that might turn the car into a lemon.

When you purchase a vehicle that is being sold “as-is,” you assume all responsibility for it, including the cost of repairing any problems that may exist at the time of purchase.

Typically, a seller will only include this requirement in a listing for a car if they don’t want to reveal a known problem with it. Therefore, it is nearly always wise to steer clear of autos with this designation.

Acura RLX FAQ’s

Which year of Acura is the most trustworthy?

The best TLs ever produced, perhaps even the best Acura, are the model years 2007–2008 Acura TL Type S. Everything you could want in a car—reliable, affordable on the used market, and entertaining to drive.

Is the RLX trustworthy?

dependable and comfortable.

RLX is a significant advancement. It has greater mileage, better handling, and is faster. Also, I feel more secure in Honda’s dependability and the added safety features the car has. Distribution of scores (out of 5):

The 2014 Acura RLX: is it dependable?

Is the 2014 Acura RLX Reliable? The 2014 Acura RLX has the lowest reliability rating among l0arge luxury cars, receiving a two out of five from J.D. Power and Associates. The benchmark average for the RLX’s class is 3.5, while the industry average is three.

How dependable is a 2015 RLX Acura?

Is the 2015 Acura RLX Reliable? J.D. Power has given the 2015 RLX a below-average reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5.

Which Acura TLX or RLX is superior?

While the RLX is categorized as a premium luxury sedan, the TLX is a performance luxury sedan. The TLX has a 2.4L inline-four engine that produces 206 horsepower or a V6 that produces 290 horsepower, while the RLX has a V6 that produces 310 horsepower or a sport hybrid system that produces 377 horsepower.

Lead Writer and Editor at Discover Seldric | + posts

John Valdez - Passionate Car Enthusiast and Accomplished Writer

Meet John Valdez, a dedicated car lover and seasoned writer whose passion for automobiles is as vibrant as his words are eloquent. With a keen eye for detail and a heart that beats to the rhythm of engines, John brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the world of automotive journalism.

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