2016 Acura TLX
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Acura TLX has 159 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.5x the segment average of 105. The most common issue is engine problems (26% of all complaints), specifically: unusual noise from engine when idle, which increases gradually. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.
159
Total Complaints
3
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
1.5x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
41 complaints- • UNUSUAL NOISE FROM ENGINE WHEN IDLE, WHICH INCREASES GRADUALLY
- • THE TRANSMISSION IS JERKY, CLUNKY, BOUNCES TO A STOP, BOUNCES AND LURCHES FORWARD WHEN STOPPING, WILL TAKE 2-3 SECONDS TO RESPOND TO PEDAL PUSH AND THEN TAKE OFF. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS WHEN STOPPING FOR PEDESTRIANS. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING, PERIOD.
- • MY CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 75MPH. IT HAPPENED IN MAY, JULY, AND SEPTEMBER 2019. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE TACHOMETER REGISTERING THE RPMS DROPPED TO 1,000 AND STAYED THERE. AFTER PULLING OVER, SHUTTING THE CAR OFF, WAITING, AND RESTARTI
“UNUSUAL NOISE FROM ENGINE WHEN IDLE, WHICH INCREASES GRADUALLY”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Acura TLX
Based on 80 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 38K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.
TRANSMISSION
SPEED CONTROL
VISIBILITY
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
FUEL SYSTEM
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (3)
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.
Risk: Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: 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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Acura TLX
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Acura TLX
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Acura TLX Service Intervals
Uses Maintenance Minder — actual intervals adjust based on driving conditions. Values shown are typical.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Acura New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Includes 3 years complimentary maintenance for 2025+
These are the terms for a new Acura. If you're buying a used 2016 TLX, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Acura dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 159 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: UNUSUAL NOISE FROM ENGINE WHEN IDLE, WHICH INCREASES GRADUALLY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA TLX. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: 1. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE TRANSMISSION OCCASIONALLY FEELS LIKE IT SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE RES BUT DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD FOR 1-2 SECONDS. 2. CAR DOWNSHIFTS INTO 1ST GEAR AND LURCHES FORWARD AFTER COMING TO A STOP. 3. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY ABRUPTLY AND ROUGH DURING ALMOST A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: STRONG REFLECTION OF DASHBOARD PARTS ON FRONT WINDSHIELD AND IN LEFT AND RIGHT BACK TRAFFIC VIEW MIRRORS.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Acura dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Acura TLX — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 159
- Recalls
- 3
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 6
- Injury reports
- 2
- Segment avg
- 105
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Acura TLX