2008 Acura Tsx

Routine

Owners filed 34 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
63,000 milesMedian miles at failure

27 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering14
101
Electrical System4
011
Tires3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
000
Service Brakes2
100
Air Bags2
000
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices1
100
Suspension1
000
Structure › Frame and Members1
000
Structure1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal19E068000
Filed Oct 10, 20193,744 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.

Defect. Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."

Risk. If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.

Electrical System13V093000
Filed Mar 15, 201376,253 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Acura TSX vehicles originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In states that use corrosive materials for deicing, driver's footwear may bring in materials that saturate the vehicle's carpeting, which is in contact with the vehicle's engine Electronic Control Unit (ECU). As a result, the ECU case may experience rust or corrosion. This damage may potentially cause the engine to stall.

Risk. A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners and Acura dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any damaged ECU, free of charge. All vehicles will have a waterproof cover installed onto the ECU, free of charge. The recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Acura Client Relations at 1-800-382-2238 and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.acura.com.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections10V174000
Filed Apr 29, 2010167,255 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 ACURA TSX PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 25, 2002 AND FEBRUARY 13, 2008. PROLONGED HIGH UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY CAUSE THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO DETERIORATE PREMATURELY AND MAY CAUSE THE HOSE TO CRACK AND LEAK POWER STEERING OIL.

Risk. OIL LEAKING ONTO A HOT EXHAUST PIPE WILL GENERATE SMOKE AND A BURNING SMELL, AND COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.

Remedy. HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MAY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ACURA CLIENT SERVICES AT 1-800-382-2238.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Sep 10, 2023TX

1. The rack and pinion steering rack is leaking power steering hydraulic fluid. The power assist is not working and the vehicle is undrivable. Putting in new fluid does not help as it just drains out from he pinion within half a day. 2. Luckily, the seals on the rack and pinion failed in the community as low speeds and power steering was lost. Drove back home. No one was hurt. Afraid to think of what would have happened if this had occurred at highway speeds. 3. Not yet confirmed by dealer as car needs towing, which costs money as closest dealer is quiet far away. But many reports of similar incidents across online communities for this vehicle, where folks had to shell out thousands to replace the entire rack and pinion system. The seals are sealed inside and cannot be serviced. 4. Component has not been removed from the car yet or inspected by anyone. Yet to be removed for replacement 5. There were no warning lights, sounds or indications of any kind. No warning of loss of hydraulic pressure or air in system. Just a weird whining noise began when negotiating a slow speed turn and within a minute, all fluid drained and all power assist was lost.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Power Steering Fluid
Filed Sep 5, 2023198,231 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2008 Acura TSX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to complete a turn, an abnormal amount of effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the power steering fluid was abnormally low. Upon refilling the power steering fluid reservoir, the contact observed a leak in the power steering hose. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 198,231.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 30, 2021VA

Car last year began randomly displaying VSA code during inclement weather. Took vehicle for diagnostic and report showed APS sensor issues. Replaced acceleration pedal. Car then lost power steering. Replaced pump. Can began having loss of power while using cruise control and steering would stiffen. Yet, only during inclement weather while driving. The Engine light with emmisions control warning would display and the clear on its on usually over night. Code diagnostics found possible 02 sensor or catalytic converter issues. Roughly six months later car cut off and wouldn't start replaced rack and pinion during to link at main connection. Car began having starting issues still then not holding charge replace battery twice due to B/S/A reporting pass. About 3 months ago car wouldn't turn over starter was faulty replaced starter. Replaced starter however igintion strained to turn over. To start it began requiring turning car to on then off and immediately to run. Began requesting jump starts. Ran diagnosis at advance auto showed battery issues, starter good and alternator good. Replaced battery and 02 sensor. Can Three weeks wouldn't start after driving to the gas station attempted to jump vehicle but didn't work. Called roadside service; however when service arrived vehicle started with no assistance. Took car for diagnosis test and code displayed ecm issues. Car again after cutting vehicle on and attempting to start car up vehicle wouldn't turn over. Attempted to jump start veh

Steering
Filed Sep 12, 2019154,000 milesNJ

WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED MY CAR COMPLETELY LOST ALL OF ITS POWER STEERING IN ONE SHOT WITHOUT WARNING. THIS LEADS TO VERY STIFF DRIVING EXPERIENCE AND WHEN I BROUGHT IT TOO THE MECHANIC HE SAID IT WOULD BE A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF MONEY TO FIX, BECAUSE OF THIS I GOOGLED AND NOTICED MANY OTHER ACURA TSX'S HAVE THIS ISSUE. I APPLIED POWER STEERING FLUID IN HOPE OF THAT HELPING OUT BUT IT JUST LEAKED OUT.

Steering
Filed Jul 30, 2019104,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, IT BECAME INCREASINGLY HARD TO STEER. BY THE TIME I GOT HOME THE STEERING WHEEL COULDN'T BE TURNED. HAD IT TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOTED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE, THE RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS LEAKING. DEALER SAID THAT MY VIN HADN'T BEEN AFFECTED BY THE PREVIOUS POWER STEERING HOSE RECALL. IT COST $1500 FOR THE REPAIR AND IT SEEMS A LITTLE FISHY TO ME THAT SO MANY TSX DRIVERS ARE REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE.

Steering
Filed Apr 4, 2019CA

DAY 1-2 OF THIS ISSUE: SQUEAKY SOUND WITH STEERING, SHORT DRIVES OF A FEW MINS EACH- (WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR). PARKED CAR IN GARAGE. DAY 3: COULD NOT GET VEHICLE OUT OF THE GARAGE AS THE STEERING WAS EXTREMELY HARD, HARDER TO LEFT THAN RIGHT. NO FLUID FOUND ON GARAGE FLOOR. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE POWER STEERING RACK BUT WAS NOT TOLD EXACTLY HOW IT WAS FAILING BUT HE DID MENTION HE SEES THIS 'A LOT'. CAR WAS PURCHASED AND DRIVEN IN MARYLAND/DC/N. VA (UNSURE IF CAR WAS PROPERLY TREATED AGAINST THE SUBSTANCE TO MELT ICE). I'M GLAD THIS DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING WITH MY CHILD BUT IF INDEED A FAULTY MECHANISM, WHY ISN'T ACURA RECALLING?

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Mar 26, 2019120,000 milesCA

MY BRAKES HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR 4 YEARS AGO. IF YOU BRAKE SUDDENLY THE CAR DOES NOT STOP. IF YOU HIT A POTHOLE THERE IS A DISTINCT SLIPPING FEELING IN THE BRAKES. I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN AHEAD OF TIME OR GENTLY PUMP THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO ACURA AND TO MY MECHANIC WHO IS A CERTIFIED HONDA MECHANIC. THEY ALL SAID THE BRAKES WERE FINE. EACH TIME I TAKE MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE I ASK THEM TO CHECK MY BRAKES. THEY EVEN REPLACED THE BRAKES, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL HAPPENED. ON 1/31/19, TRAFFIC STOPPED SUDDENLY IN FRONT OF ME ON THE FREEWAY AND I HIT MY BRAKES AND THE CAR DID NOT STOP, CAUSING ME TO SLAM INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, AND THAT DRIVER SAID I PUSHED HER INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER. THANK GOD I ESCAPED WITH ONLY BRUISED RIBS AND A SPRAINED THUMB. AND THANK GOD NO ONE ELSE WAS INJURED. MY CAR WAS TOTALED. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. IT WAS TERRIFYING.

Steering
Filed Mar 11, 2019120,000 milesIL

I NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A GRINDING NOISE, AT APPROXIMATELY 120 000 MILES AS READ BY THE ODOMETER, WHEN MAKING TURNS AND SLIPS. THE DRIVER SIDE PINION BOOT IS LEAKING AND A GRINDING NOISE CAN BE HEARD FROM THE THE RACK AND PINION WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL WITH THE CAR ON JACK STANDS.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 9, 2018AZ

TAKATA INFLATOR, HAVE THE WARNING LIGHT ON AND WE DRIVE SCARED AND WE PAY SOME MONEY FOR FIXING BUT NO RESULTS.

Engine
Filed Sep 7, 201760,000 milesGU

MY CAR HAS BEEN STALLING DURING VARIOUS SPEEDS WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON SEVERAL OCCASION. AFTER STALLING, I AM ABLE TO START THE CAR WITHOUT ANY ISSUES BUT WILL CONSTANTLY STALL ON THE GO. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL (NHTSA # 13V-093) ON THE VEHICLE'S ECU FOR THE EASTERN U.S. DUE TO CORROSION. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY IN GUAM WHICH COULD HIGHLY HAVE THE SAME RESULT AS THIS RECALL DUE TO SALT WATER CORROSION. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND POSSIBLY EXTEND THE RECALL TO OTHER PARTS OF THE STATE AND TERRITORIES WITHIN THE COASTAL AREAS.

Steering
Filed Aug 26, 201760,000 milesCA

POWER STEERING STARTED TO FAIL ALL OF A SUDDEN. WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER AT ALL. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS CAUSED BY THE RACK AND PINION GOING OUT WHICH ALSO AFFECTED THE POWER STEERING PUMP TO FAIL. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR ITSELF WAS DRIVEN ONLY 60K PLUS MILES AND THE CAR WAS ALWAYS WELL TAKEN CARE OF THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP. I PAID 3,000 DOLLARS TO GET THIS FIXED! THERE ARE MULTIPLE CASES REGARDING RACK AND PINION POWER STEERING ISSUES FROM THE ACURA TSX. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FROM ACURA A LONG TIME AGO. THIS ISSUE MUST BE RESOLVED ASAP.

Steering
Filed Jun 2, 201790,000 milesNY

HAD THE POWER STEERING HOSE RECALL DONE IN 2014 (RECALL NUMBER SB10-010). NOW IN 2017 CAME OUT TO DRIVE CAR AND FOUND ALL POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED AND CAR HAD NO POWER STEERING WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE IT. CAR DROVE AND POWER STEERING WAS PERFECTLY FINE THE DAY BEFORE. ALSO JUST HAD A MULTI POINT INSPECTION 4 MONTHS PRIOR AT ACURA DEALERSHIP WHICH FOUND NO ISSUES WITH POWER STEERING.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 26, 2016142,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V346000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

Steering
Filed Apr 20, 2016CA

MY TSX HAS 58,469 MILES AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED AT AN ACURA DEALERSHIP. ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO DURING A ROUTINE SERVICE THE SERVICE ADVISOR POINTED OUT THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING. THE ADVISOR SAID THAT THE LEAK CAME FROM THE SEALS AND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE ON THE TSX'S. GIVEN THAT THE VEH HAS SUCH LOW MILEAGE AND HAVING BEEN SERVICED AT THE DEALER THIS ISSUE SHOULD NOT OCCUR. RACK AND PINIONS ARE DESIGNED TO LAST MUCH LONGER. DOING A QUICK RESEARCH ONLINE I CAME ACROSS MULTIPLE STORIES FROM TSX OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE AND SOME RESULTING IN ACCIDENTS OCCURRING. I HAVE ALL THE SERVICE RECORDS AND WOULD BE HAPPY TO SHARE THEM OR ANY ADDITIONAL DETAILS YOU MAY NEED.

Steering
Filed Aug 16, 201564,000 milesTX

WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT AROUND 65 MPH WHEN THE CAR STEERING FELT A BIT ROUGH, UPON ARRIVAL AT MY JOB'S PARKING LOT I LOST COMPLETE POWER STEERING. UPON A QUICK INSPECTION LATER THAT DAY I NOTICED THE RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING, I TRIED TO ADD MORE FLUID JUST TO MAKE IT HOME BUT THE LEAK WAS SO QUICK THAT I LOST COMPLETE POWER STEERING WHEN TRYING TO EXIT MY PARKING SPACE AFTER JUST HAVING TOP'D OFF THE FLUID. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AID WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AT LOW SPEEDS AS THIS WILL MAKE TURNING DIFFICULT DUE TO THE LOW SPEED, THIS MAY BE SUDDEN AS EXPERIENCED FROM THE QUICK PS FLUID LOSS. MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE AND ACURA'S SERVICE BULLETIN 10-025 ADDRESSES A POWER STEERING RACK SQUEAK DUE A DEFORMED SEAL IN THE STEERING RACK. HOWEVER THE BIGGER CONCERN IS DUE TO THE LOST OF VEHICLE CONTROL FROM LOSS OF FLUID. FURTHERMORE, MERELY LETTING THE CAR IDLE WHEN THERE HAS SUFFERED A NOTICEABLE POWER STEERING FLUID LOSS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE STEERING PUMP AS THE LACK OF SUCH FLUID STARVES THE PUMP OF LUBING MEDIUM. THE QUOTE TO REPAIR SUCH DAMAGE IS ESTIMATED AT AROUND 2200+ 1000+ FOR STEERING RACK AND 1000+ FOR LABOR.

Steering
Filed Dec 2, 201485,000 milesAZ

THE POWER STEERING PUMP STARTED MAKING A FAINT WHINE WHILE DRIVING. PULLED OFF AT AN AUTO PARTS SHOP 1 MILE DOWN THE ROAD TO REFILL THE FLUID. WHILE SITTING THERE IDLING THE FLUID LEAK ALL OUT THE STEERING RACK AND REQUIRED TOWED TO HAVE RACK REPLACED. ACURA KNOWS THIS IS AN ISSUE AND ONLY OFFERED A DISCOUNT ON THE PART BUT $1000 LABOR WAS TO COME OUT OF MY POCKET. I WOULD HAVE LOST STEERING ABILITY. THIS WOULD NOT BE THE SAME AS JUST LOSING THE PUMP'S HELP. *JS

Steering
Filed Sep 22, 201497,970 milesTX

POWER STEERING FAILED. VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT ASSISTED STEERING FOR YOUNG DRIVER TO MANAGE CAR. ACURA TSX 04-08 HAVE KNOWN STEERING ISSUES. THERE ARE MANY DOCUMENTED CASES OF FAILED RACK AND PINION BUT YET NO RECALL TO DATE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 16, 201445,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ELECTRONICS SPORADICALLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO A DEALERSHIP AND THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,458.

Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Dec 6, 201363,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER OUTLET WAS BEING USED TO CHARGE A CELL PHONE. WHEN THE REMOVED THE CHARGER FROM THE POWER OUTLET, A SMALL FLAME WAS PRESENT, WHICH EXTINGUISHED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURN TO HER RIGHT FINGER. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE DEFECT COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED AND NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

Steering
Filed Sep 5, 201387,000 milesAZ

WHILE DRIVING HOME THE POWER STEERING FAILED. AFTER HAVING THE CAR TOWED TO THE ONLY ACURA DEALER IN TOWN, THE TROUBLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A RACK AND PINION FAILURE. WHEN WE SUGGESTED THAT WAS AN ATYPICAL PROBLEM FOR A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 87, 000 MILES THE DEALER AGREED IT WAS NOT TYPICAL. TWO DAYS LATER WE LEARNED THAT THE SAME DEALER HAD JUST DONE THE SAME REPAIR ON THE SAME MODEL WITH LESS THAN 50, 000 MILES. AFTER DOING SOME SEARCHING ONLINE WE DISCOVERED THAT THE ACURA TSX RACK AND PINION SYSTEM HAS FAILED IN A NUMBER OF THE VEHICLES WITH AT LEAST ONE ACCIDENT CAUSED BY IT. SINCE STEERING LOSS CAN CREATE A SIGNIFICANT ACCIDENT RISK, I THINK THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. *JB

20 of 34 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20147300Routine
201333400Routine
2012133601Fatalities reported
201145710Routine
201063700Routine
200991601Fatalities reported
2008 — this page34310Routine
200722300Routine
200650400Routine
200551410Routine
2004142420Routine

Compare every Tsx year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 10, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.