Acura TSX reliability: common problems by model year
Across 3 model years, the Acura TSX has 201 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 20 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and service brakes. 2009 drew the most complaints (91), 2011 the fewest (47).
3
Model years tracked
201
Owner complaints
20
Recalls
63
Median per year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Acura TSX vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $8,145–$12,078.
Which TSX years have the most problems?
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Overwhelmingly enthusiastic sentiment for legendary sport sedan regarded as Honda's finest achievement, praised extensively for timeless elegant styling aging gracefully 15-20+ years later, bulletproof K24 engine enabling routine 200,000-300,000+ mile operatio
Door speaker failures, front door speakers blow out creating distorted sound, factory speakers inadequate quality, common 60,000-100,000 miles, aftermarket replacement recommended ($200-$400 Focal Integration or similar), runs off factory amplifier, universal complaint across all years, very frequent
Power steering rack leaks and failures (1st gen particularly), steering racks develop leaks requiring replacement, expensive repair $800-$1,500 installed, 1st generation parts not shared with US models inflating costs, whining noise indicates impending failure, recurrent (1st gen)
Power steering pump failures and whining, pump develops characteristic whining noise particularly cold weather, simple O-ring replacement ($5 part) temporarily fixes though pump replacement eventual ($400-$700), 1st generation parts expensive versus 2nd generation sharing Accord components, recurrent
Oil consumption issues (2009-2014 models primarily), K24Z3 engine burns excessive oil due to piston ring or cylinder wall wear, 1 quart per 1,000 miles typical severe cases, Honda extended warranty covered piston ring replacement though expired, monitor oil levels religiously preventing damage, recurrent (2nd gen)
Chronic rocker panel rust (Canada/salt belt climates), rocker panels behind front wheels develop rust due to multiple panel joints trapping moisture and salt, every Canadian TSX exhibits rust this location, design flaw creating vulnerable area, expensive bodywork $1,000-$3,000+, very frequent (climate-dependent)
Owner insights cover all generations of the TSX. Individual model years are broken down above.