Service Bulletin - The vehicle's brakes may exhibit a groan, squeal, or squeak noise, most commonly after the vehicle sits for a prolonged period and the brakes are cold. This noise will typically disappear after the first few brake applications.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Acura TLX brakes problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 Acura TLX have filed 5 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 TLX | 3 |
| 2021 TLX (this page) | 5 |
What stands out
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Dealer Message - Background American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for any & all 2022 MDX Type Ss & 2021-2022 TLXs that match the criteria listed below. Qualifiers AHM is interested ONLY if the vehicle meets the following requirements: 1. Manufactured date on the Driverâs door jamb must be between 1/2019 & 9/2021. 2. No DTC stored. 3. Electric Servo Brake (ESB) system has not been replaced previously.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLX Type S with a client complaint of a front brake noise. The noise can be described as a squeal/moan/groan/rubbing noise. The noise can also occur while turning. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLX Type S with a client complaint of a front brake noise. The noise can be described as a squeal/moan/groan/rubbing noise. The noise can also occur while turning. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 TLX Type S with a client complaint of a front brake noise. The noise can be described as a squeal/moan/groan/rubbing noise. The noise can also occur while turning. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Whenever i press the brake pedal at low speeds(1-3 mph) i hear a loud spring/clicking sound. This is happening to multiple acura tlx owners i know.
When brakes are depressed, there is a spring release/clicking noise. As we have put milage on car it has gotten progressively louder.
Had brakes trouble with your 2021 Acura TLX?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2021 Acura TLX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 5 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 32,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Acura/TLX.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.