Vehicles / Acura / TSX / 2012

2012 Acura TSX

133 federal complaints (158 component records) · 6 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 29 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 11 model years of the Acura TSX →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
21 city / 29 hwy
Federal complaints
133
Recall campaigns
6
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Steering
100
Electrical system
16
Brakes
9
Engine & cooling
6
Air bags
6
Power train
5
Body & structure
4
Other
4
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 1 complaints01 years old: 4 complaints2 years old: 5 complaints3 years old: 3 complaints4 years old: 4 complaints5 years old: 18 complaints56 years old: 48 complaints7 years old: 20 complaints8 years old: 11 complaints9 years old: 3 complaints10 years old: 5 complaints1011 years old: 3 complaints12 years old: 2 complaints13 years old: 5 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 133 of 133 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 5 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 4 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 13 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 40 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 23 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 8 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 3 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 4 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 101 of 133 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Steering

100 complaint records1 crash report
"STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. COULD NOT DRIVE AS A RESULT OF BEING UNABLE TO MOVE THE WHEEL. THE POWERING STEERING WARNING INDICATOR CAME ON...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Electrical system

16 complaint records1 crash report
"THE BLUE TOOTH HAS ALWAYS BEEN SOUNDING STATICKY AND I REALIZED THAT UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL WATER FALLS THREW WHEN IT'S RAINING AND ACCUMULATE OR WETS MY FEET WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IF IT'S RAINING...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Brakes

9 complaint records1 crash report
"Traction control didn’t work, and the large OEM seats did not hug my body as advertised, causing bodily injury when struck by another vehicle, “t-bone” on passenger side...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA19001
opened Apr 2019
closed Sep 2024Air BagsElectrical overstress - led to recall 20V024
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
19V502000Air BagsHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic...Normally free
19V378000Air BagsHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic...Normally free
18V661000Air BagsHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV...Normally free
18V042000Air BagsHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic,...Normally free
17V545000Air BagsHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that...Normally free
17V030000Air BagsHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit,...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2018523
2018-09-27
Airbag263,289On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
BPaS02262021905
Feb 2021
Service BrakesDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2009-2014 TLs, TSXs & TSX Wagons with a client complaint of the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy when depressed, almost reaching the floor.
BPaS02102021903
Feb 2021
Service BrakesDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2009-2014 TLs, TSXs & TSX Wagons with a client complaint of the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy when depressed, almost reaching the floor.
BPaS01222021905
Jan 2021
Service BrakesDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2009-2014 TLs, TSXs & TSX Wagons with a client complaint of the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy when depressed, almost reaching the floor.
BPaS01062021905
Jan 2021
Service BrakesDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2009-2014 TLs, TSXs & TSX Wagons with a client complaint of the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy when depressed, almost reaching the floor.
BPaS12102020
Dec 2020
Service BrakesDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2009-2014 TLs, TSXs & TSX Wagons with a client complaint of the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy when depressed, almost reaching the floor.
Show 24 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
B20-011
Mar 2020
EquipmentService Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only.
ONL6E108202019
Aug 2019
SteeringOwner Notification Letter - The vehicle's steering may feel heavier than normal - or is hard to turn - particularly when the vehicle is not moving because of an electric power steering (EPS) control unit failure.
B19-021
Jul 2019
SteeringService Bulletin - American Honda is extending the warranty on the EPS (electric power steering) control unit to 15 years from the original date of purchase with unlimited miles.
BBOM07112019
Jul 2019
Steering"Dealer Message - On April 19, 2019, Acura announced a warranty extension for certain 2012-14 Acura TL vehicles to address a concern with the electric power steering (EPS) system.
DORE5C4S09
Jul 2019
SuspensionThis SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the outer diameter of the ball joint housing being too small.
BBOM06012019901
Jun 2019
Steering"Dealer Message - On April 19, 2019, Acura announced a warranty extension for certain 2012-14 Acura TL vehicles to address a concern with the electric power steering (EPS) system.
B19-021
May 2019
SteeringService Bulletin - American Honda is extending the warranty on the EPS (electric power steering) control unit to 15 years from the original date of purchase with unlimited miles.
B18-058
May 2019
Air BagsService Bulletin - American Honda is conducting an inspection of certain vehicles that have previously had the passenger's airbag inflator replaced as part of the Takata Passsenger's Airbag Inflator recall.
B19-002
Jan 2019
Air BagsService bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only.
B18-058
Oct 2018
Air BagsService bulletin - American Honda is conducting an inspection of certain vehicles that have previously had the passenger's airbag inflator replaced as part of the Takata Passsenger's Airbag Inflator recall.
B07-025
Jul 2018
EquipmentService bulletin - There are specific leak dye kits for the R-134a and R-1234yf A/C systems; make sure you use the correct kit for to the A/C system you are working on.
B18-026
Jun 2018
Air BagsService bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.
B18-024
Jun 2018
Air BagsService bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.
BBOM05242018901
May 2018
EquipmentDealer message - Today, May 24, 2018, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for 2002-17 Acura vehicles. This warranty extension applies in cases where any of the replacement driver?s and/or front passenger?s airbag inflators have failed internally.
B12-042
May 2017
Engine And Engine Cooling"SERVICE BULLETIN - THE OIL CONSUMPTION IS MORE THAN THE CLIENT EXPECTS; THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL IS LOW ON THE DIPSTICK SOONER THAN EXPECTED BASED ON OVERALL VEHICLE USAGE, CONDITION, AND MAINTENANCE HISTORY. IN SOME CASES, THE OIL WARNING LIGHT MAY COME ON."
B05-018
Nov 2016
EquipmentSERVICE BULLETIN - NAVIGATION SYSTEM INFORMATION.
B12-037
Apr 2016
SteeringSERVICE BULLETIN - REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN A CLICKING NOISE IS HEARD DURING TURNING OF THE STEERING WHEEL . THE STEERING WHEEL TAB THAT ENGAGES THE STEERING WHEEL ANGLE SENSOR HAS TOO MUCH PLAY.
B98015
Mar 2016
EquipmentSpecial Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
Service Bulletin
Dec 2014
VisibilityService bulletin - Remove both windshield side trim pieces, and replace any retainers that are loose or missing. Then, reinstall the trim pieces.
Service Bulletin
Oct 2014
Fuel SystemService bulletin - The MIL comes on and DTC P0455 (EVAP system large leak) and/or DTC P0456 (EVAP system very small leak detected) is set. The fuel fill cap (gas cap) may also be loose or have a stick-slip feeling when tightened.
Service Bulletin
Feb 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingService bulletin - The MIL comes on and DTC P0455 (EVAP system large leak) and/or DTC P0456 (EVAP system very small leak detected) is set. The fuel fill cap (gas cap) may also be loose or have a stick-slip feeling when tightened.
ASN-49584
Jun 2013
EquipmentACURA: INFORMATION IN THE SERVICE NEWS, FROM MANUFACTURER, REGARDING VARIOUS ISSUES OF TROUBLESHOOTING, INSTALLATION, REPLACING, SERVICING AND REPAIRING VARIOUS MODEL AND MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. *PE
B12-041
Mar 2013
SuspensionACURA: FRONT SUSPENSION CLUNK IN HOT WEATHER. A CLUNK IS HEARD IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHILE DRIVING OVER IRREGULAR SURFACES AND IN HOT WEATHER. THE NOISE GOES AWAY TEMPORARILY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS LIFTED IN THE AIR AND THEN RETURNED TO THE GROUND.
SB-12-037
Oct 2012
SteeringACURA: STEERING WHEEL MAKES CLICKING NOISES, THAT MAY BE CAUSED BY BURRS WITHIN STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ASSEMBLY INTERMITTENTLY BIND, ON UPPER STEERING COLUMN. MODEL 2010-2012 TSX. *PE UPDATED ON 4/17/2013. MODEL 2013 TSX UPDATE. *KB

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Acura TSX →