Used Car Checklists

2025 Acura TLX: What to check before buying

Only 3 owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this car, so this sheet is short. Problems reported on other TLX years with the same design are listed below the checklist.

Acura TLX2025
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
1
Crashes reported
0
Reliability
Excellent
80/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2025 Acura TLX. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

0/7 checked

1

Paperwork and questions

Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2

2

Walk-around and cabin

Engine off, key in hand0/3

3

Cold start, engine bay, and underside

Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1

4

Test drive

At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/1

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Reported on other TLX years with the same design

Few owners have reported problems with this year yet. These years share the 2025's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.

2023 TLX

13 owner complaints
  • Transmission 4
  • Electrical 2
  • Brakes 2

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Put the car on a lift and check the transfer case seal and gasket for fluid seepage or residue on underbody panels.
  • Have a shop spin all four wheels on a lift to confirm the rear wheels are driven.
  • Ask for service records showing any transfer case replacement or AWD repair.
Open the 2023 checklist

2022 TLX

26 owner complaints
  • Transmission 11
  • Steering 5
  • Suspension 2

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Accelerate hard from a stop and listen for a bang, thud, or whine from the drivetrain.
  • Look under the car for oil residue on the transfer case.
  • Ask for transfer case fluid service records and whether metal debris was found.
Open the 2022 checklist

2021 TLX

79 owner complaints
  • Transmission 38
  • Airbags 6
  • Electrical 6

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Ask for service records showing any transfer case or transmission replacement, and check under the car for transfer case or rear differential leaks.
  • Accelerate firmly from a stop on a slick or loose surface and watch for front wheels spinning with no rear drive.
  • Run the infotainment screen and backup camera over bumpy roads and watch for freezing, restarts, or crackling audio.
Open the 2021 checklist

Which TLX is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2025 Acura TLX. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
2.0L 4-cylAWD, FWD24–25 mpg
3.0L 6-cylAWD21 mpg
  • The 2025 Acura TLX was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A TLX that averages well under the EPA 21 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Where the 2025 fits in the TLX's history

Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.

The 2025 is the fifth model year of the TLX's second generation (2021 on).

It includes the 2024 update.

What changed for 2024

  • Updated exterior styling
  • New infotainment and safety features

Recalls to confirm (1)

Recall repairs are free at any Acura dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

  1. 25V391000BrakesJun 2025

    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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems.".

    Risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.

Also looking at these instead of a TLX?

Cars shoppers compare with the Acura TLX, with their own 2025 checklists.

2025 owner complaints, side by side