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Acura Problems & Complaints

Acura, Honda's luxury division, has accumulated 32,396 complaints across 28 tracked models over time. While the brand maintains Honda's reputation for dependable engineering, certain model years have generated significant complaint volumes. The data reflects 46 deaths reported and 471 recalls, indicating some serious issues have emerged in specific generations. Overall, Acura vehicles perform reasonably well relative to other luxury brands, though owners should be aware of problem areas in certain models.

32,396
Total Complaints
471
Total Recalls
28
Models
46
Reported Deaths

Complaints Over Time

All Acura Models

Model Complaints ↓ Recalls Worst Year Best Year
MDX 8,242 100 2016 2026
TL 8,080 43 2004 1995
RDX 4,844 39 2019 2024
TLX 2,504 34 2015 2012
TSX 1,692 48 2004 2014
INTEGRA 1,500 5 2023 2025
CL 1,460 8 2001 2004
RL 1,044 58 2005 2012
LEGEND 1,010 0 1991 1987
ILX 622 36 2013 2022
RSX 422 1 2002 2008
RLX 316 13 2014 2017
ACURA 232 0 2002 1995
ZDX 150 34 2024 2012
MDX SPORT HYBRID 64 8 2017 2018
VIGOR 54 0 1992 1994
NSX 40 9 2017 1994
TSX SPORT WAGON 36 13 2012 2011
SLX 26 0 1998 1995
MDX TYPE S 18 4 2022 2022
3.0L 16 0 1999 1999
RLX HYBRID 12 4 2018 2014
ILX HYBRID 4 3 2014 2014
TLX TYPE S 4 5 2023 2023
ADX 2 0 2025 2025
CROSSTOUR 2 0 2011 2011
INTEGRA TYPE S 0 3 2024 -
MDX HYBRID 0 3 2020 -

Acura Models to Avoid

The MDX and TL dominate the complaint list with 8,242 and 8,080 complaints respectively, suggesting these popular models have accumulated issues across multiple generations. The RDX follows with 4,844 complaints, making it the third most problematic. The TLX, TSX, and Integra round out the worst performers with 2,504, 1,692, and 1,500 complaints respectively. Transmission problems appear frequently across these models, particularly in earlier MDX and TL generations. Electrical and interior defect complaints are also common, especially in the TL and TSX.

Most Reliable Acura Models

Acura's less common models like the NSX and RLX have lower complaint counts relative to their production numbers, suggesting better overall execution. The ILX compact sedan has maintained a more stable complaint profile than the TL and TLX. Acura's newer model lineup benefits from improved quality control compared to older generations, particularly in transmission reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Acura reliable?

Acura is reasonably reliable as a Honda luxury brand, but the data shows it has consistency issues. With 32,396 total complaints across 28 models, some Acura vehicles are more dependable than others. Specific models like the MDX and TL have higher complaint rates that drag down the brand's overall reliability perception.

What Acura models to avoid?

The MDX and TL have the highest complaint counts and should be approached carefully, particularly older generations. The RDX and TLX also have significant complaint histories worth investigating. Focus on pre-purchase inspections and service records if considering these models, as transmission issues are common.

Most reliable Acura?

The NSX and RLX have lower complaint counts relative to their production, making them more reliable choices. Newer Acura models generally perform better than earlier generations due to improved manufacturing. The ILX compact sedan also maintains a relatively clean track record compared to the brand's larger sedans.

Common Acura problems?

Transmission failures and shifting issues are the most frequently reported problems, especially in MDX and TL models. Electrical system defects and dashboard problems appear regularly across the lineup. Interior trim issues and power window failures are also common complaints in certain model years.