Acura TSX problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Acura TSX’s documented problems split by generation. 2004–2008 first-generation cars have a power steering hose recall (10V174) and an ECU corrosion recall for salt states (13V093). 2009–2014 second-generation sedans and Sport Wagons are in several Takata passenger air bag recalls. Every fix is free, so check the VIN for open campaigns.

CarWhere lists 4 documented TSX issues, including 4 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

TSX generations at a glance

Acura TSX generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
2nd gen2009–2014Takata passenger air bag inflator can rupture (recalls 16V346, 17V030) · Later Takata passenger inflator recalls (18V042, 18V661)
1st gen2004–2008Power steering hose can crack from engine heat (recall 10V174) · Engine computer can corrode from wet floor and stall the car (recall 13V093)

2nd gen TSX problems (2009–2014)

Takata passenger air bag inflator can rupture (recalls 16V346, 17V030) (2009–2012)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (2009–2014)
Years:
2009–2012
Powertrain:
All, incl. TSX Sport Wagon

The passenger frontal air bag inflator in 2009–2011 TSX and 2011 TSX Sport Wagon models can rupture after years of humidity and heat cycling. Recall 16V346 started in hot, humid states; 17V030 extended coverage through 2012 TSX and TSX Wagon models. Dealers replace the inflator free. The 2,719,386 count is for the whole multi-model campaign.

Symptoms

  • No warning sign; the defect shows up only when the air bag deploys in a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
  • If any air bag recall is open, arrange a tow to an Acura dealer rather than driving the car

NHTSA recall: 16V346 (2016-05) · 2,719,386 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1][2][3]

Later Takata passenger inflator recalls (18V042, 18V661) (2010–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (2009–2014)
Years:
2010–2014
Powertrain:
All, incl. TSX Sport Wagon

Recall 18V042 added 2010–2013 TSX and 2011–2013 TSX Sport Wagon passenger inflators by region, and 18V661 brought in 2014 TSX and TSX Wagon models nationwide plus more 2011–2013 cars. The inflators can explode after long-term exposure to heat and humidity. Dealers replace them for free; the 691,726 count is for the full 18V042 campaign.

Symptoms

  • No warning sign; the defect shows up only when the air bag deploys in a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
  • If any air bag recall is open, arrange a tow to an Acura dealer rather than driving the car

NHTSA recall: 18V042 (2018-01) · 691,726 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4][5]

1st gen TSX problems (2004–2008)

Power steering hose can crack from engine heat (recall 10V174) (2004–2008)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2004–2008)
Years:
2004–2008
Powertrain:
2.4L

Prolonged high under-hood temperatures can make the power steering hose on 167,255 2004–2008 TSX models deteriorate early, crack and leak fluid. Dealers repair the vehicles for free; the recall began May 28, 2010.

Symptoms

  • Whining from the power steering pump
  • Fluid leak or burning smell under the hood
  • Heavier steering

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 10V174 (2010-04) · 167,255 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [6]

Engine computer can corrode from wet floor and stall the car (recall 13V093) (2004–2008)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2004–2008)
Years:
2004–2008
Powertrain:
All

In road-salt states, de-icing material tracked in on shoes can soak the carpet that touches the engine control unit on 2004–2008 TSX models, corroding the ECU case and possibly stalling the engine. The recall covers 76,253 cars sold or registered in 22 states and Washington, D.C. Dealers replace a damaged ECU and fit a waterproof cover.

Symptoms

  • Engine stalls or will not start
  • Damp front passenger carpet

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
  • Lift the front carpet and look for moisture or corrosion around the ECU

NHTSA recall: 13V093 (2013-03) · 76,253 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7]

Related TSX research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a TSX was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Acura build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Acura build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Is the Acura TSX in the Takata air bag recall?

Yes, 2009–2014 TSX sedans and 2011–2014 TSX Sport Wagons are in passenger inflator recalls 16V346, 17V030, 18V042 and 18V661. The repair is a free inflator replacement at an Acura dealer.

What is the TSX power steering hose recall?

Recall 10V174 replaced power steering hoses on 2004–2008 TSX models because engine heat could make them crack and leak. Leaking fluid can cause noise and heavier steering.

Why would a TSX stall in winter?

Recall 13V093 found that salty water from drivers’ shoes could soak the carpet over the engine computer on 2004–2008 TSX models in salt states, corroding it and possibly stalling the engine. Dealers replace damaged units and add a waterproof cover.

What years was the Acura TSX sold?

Acura’s model chronology lists the TSX from 2004 to 2014, with a complete redesign for 2009 and a Sport Wagon added for 2011.

How do I check a used TSX for open recalls?

Enter the VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup and recalls.acura.com. Recall work is free regardless of the car’s age.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recall 16V346000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA
  2. NHTSA recall 17V030000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA
  3. NHTSA recall 19V502000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  4. NHTSA recall 18V042000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  5. NHTSA recall 18V661000: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  6. NHTSA recall 10V174000: POWER STEERING HOSE — NHTSA
  7. NHTSA recall 13V093000: Engine Stall due to ECU Corrosion — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. or Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. Acura and the model names are trademarks of their owners.