Acura's lineup has 595 recorded NHTSA recalls across 17 models (1985–2026) and averages 4.1/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Acura's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Acura — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Acura is the luxury automotive division of Honda, originally established in the United States to cater to a more sophisticated American market. Known for their blend of sporty handling, reliable engineering, and upscale features, Acura vehicles are often favored by discerning drivers seeking a premium driving experience. ForCar.org allows you to decode any Acura VIN to uncover complete vehicle specifications, including recall history and detailed technical information – simply enter the VIN for a comprehensive report.
All Acura models 17
Every Acura model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Acura SUVs & crossovers 3
Acura Cars & sedans 10
Acura More models 4
Acura recalls
Across the Acura lineup, ForCar tracks 595 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Acura recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Acura model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Acura Integra | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Acura MDX | 4.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Acura TL | 4.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Acura RL | 4.0 /5 | |
| 05 | Acura TSX | 3.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Acura RDX | 4.5 /5 | |
| 07 | Acura ZDX | 4.0 /5 | |
| 08 | Acura ILX | 4.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Acura Legend | 3.5 /5 | |
| 10 | Acura CL | 4.0 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Acura: Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Acura reliable?
Across rated models, Acura averages a 4.1/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 13 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Acura competes in the US, Canadian and Chinese luxury segments against Lexus, INFINITI, BMW, Audi and Genesis. The brand's positioning emphasizes performance and value rather than ultra-luxury, with starting prices typically 10-20% below comparable German rivals. Acura's Type S sub-brand designates high-performance variants, while the 2024 ZDX represents Acura's first battery-electric SUV, built on GM's Ultium platform under a development partnership.
Acura models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Acura model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Acura TL | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Acura RDX | 4.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Acura MDX | 4.5 /5 | |
| 04 | Acura Integra | 4.0 /5 | |
| 05 | Acura TSX | 3.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Acura CL | 4.0 /5 | |
| 07 | Acura RL | 4.0 /5 | |
| 08 | Acura Legend | 3.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Acura ILX | 4.5 /5 | |
| 10 | Acura RSX | 3.5 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Acura models
The most fuel-efficient Acura models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| # | Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Acura ZDX | Car | |
| 02 | Acura ILX | Car | |
| 03 | Acura Integra | Car | |
| 04 | Acura RLX | Car | |
| 05 | Acura NSX | Car | |
| 06 | Acura TLX | Car | |
| 07 | Acura MDX | Car | |
| 08 | Acura RSX | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Safest Acura models
Acura models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.
| Acura model | NHTSA safety | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Acura TLX | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Acura RLX | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Acura MDX | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Acura RDX | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Acura ILX | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Acura Integra | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
| Acura ZDX | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
| Acura TL | ★★★★☆ | 4.0 /5 |
Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.
How much is Acura insurance?
Across 12 Acura models with real loss data, a typical driver pays about $1,894 a year on full coverage. The RDX is cheapest to insure (≈ $1,011/yr) and the NSX priciest (≈ $4,937/yr) — from real HLDI insurance-loss indices.
Acura insurance cost by model & state →
Estimate = US-average premium × each model's HLDI loss index (100 = average car). Your rate varies with state, age, record & coverage.
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Acura hybrids & electric models
Acura's electrified lineup — 4 hybrids and 1 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Acura hybrids 4
Acura electric & plug-in 1
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Acura window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Acura's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Acura window stickers →How to read a Acura VIN
Every Acura built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Acura and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Where to find your Acura VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.
About Acura
Honda announced its Acura intentions in 1985 and opened 60 standalone US dealerships on March 27, 1986. The first models — the Legend (Honda Saber in Japan) and Integra (Honda Quint Integra) — established the brand's sport-luxury positioning. The 1990 NSX, co-developed with input from Ayrton Senna, set new benchmarks for everyday-usable mid-engine supercars and was Honda's first all-aluminum chassis. SH-AWD, introduced on the 2005 RL, became Acura's signature handling differentiator.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Torrance, USA |
| Parent company | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. |
| Slogan | "Precision Crafted Performance" |
| Models tracked | 17 (1985–2026) |
Acura — frequently asked
How do I decode a Acura VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Acura models are there?
ForCar tracks 17 Acura models spanning 1985–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Acura made?
Acura is headquartered in Torrance, USA, founded in 1986. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Acura recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Acura model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Acura is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Acura warranty?
New Acura vehicles come with a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 6 years / 70,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Acura dealer.