Acura · TSX · 2012
6
Recalls
132
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2012 Acura TSX has 6 recalls and 132 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: steering (84 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
Honda (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, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Remedy Status
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.
Honda (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, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Remedy Status
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.
Honda (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 vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Remedy Status
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K.
Honda (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 GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Remedy Status
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.
Honda (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 NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Remedy Status
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.
Honda (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 received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
Remedy Status
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.
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.
On two occasions my college aged daughter was driving this vehicle when the steering wheel became inoperative. There was an error message on the dash about checking the power steering system. There was also an icon displaying with a steering wheel. Luckily she was only in a parking lot when this happened and was able to stop. SHE WAS GETTING READY TO DRIVE ON THE INTERSTATE. Had she reached the interstate she would have been in a bad accident. Come to find out this is a known issue with the electric power steering system and Acura has extended the warranty. But this should be a recall!
2012 Acura TSX Sportwagon: Brought car to independent mechanic who diagnosed power steering failure as requiring replacement of "Power Steering Control Module". Acura has a "TSB" or "Technical Service Bulletin" #19-021 regarding this issue. The car is very difficult to steer and is dangerous to drive because the driver is unable to steer quickly. Also the turning radius is essentially reduced as well. An Acura dealer is scheduled to examine the vehicle on 6/20/2025. The failure first appeared around the beginning of June 2025. There is a persistent audible chime along with (3) blinking warning lights (Steering wheel with exclamation point, the letter "i" with a circle around it, and the message "Check Power Steering System" message). This car is available for inspection upon request.
A "Check Power Steering" light on the dashboard came on suddenly leaving me unable to steer the car at all. After re-starting the car several times, the light went off. The car manual indicated pumping the accelerator may cause this symptom, and--given the light had gone off--I drove the car home. However, after trying again to drive the car, the light is back on. Online Acura forums indicate there is a common issue with the EPS control unit but no recall has been issued even though American Honda Motor Co may have sent out letters to some owners indicating the possibility to receive reimbursement for the EPS control unit. (I did not receive this letter.)
While driving at highway speeds, the A-pillar trim on the passenger side of my Acura TSX Wagon's windshield flew off the car today as a gust of wind hit the vehicle. I had just cleaned the windshield that morning in preparation for my road trip and nothing appeared loose. While driving for over two hours, nothing had rattled or sounded strange. And then all of a sudden, a crack noise and something hits the windshield and flies over the car. I almost hit the car next to me due to the suddenness. The trim piece flew behind the vehicle and had traffic been heavier, it could have hit a car behind me. So that could have been two accidents caused. This car has been amazing and I am the original owner. I am troubled now though seeing the number of people online (see Acura forums) having this issue as their TSX's age. There is also another NHTSA complaint with this exact same issue, and there have been two Acura TSBs regarding this already (see 09-030 and 09-016). As thousands of TSXs age along with the apparent "glue" holding this piece on the car, motorists across the nation are at risk of this flying projectile. Thus, I am writing this complaint in the name of public safety even though I truly love my TSX wagon.
Driving on the freeway. Going 65-70mph EPS (electric power steering) indicator light came on. A message was also sent in inbox of car stating code such as 32 and 61. Steering wheel became stiff and was difficult to steer when car not moving. Went to auto zone to check out if there was any code and there was none. I change to a new battery and check steering fuse everything seem fine with charging system. I did research and found out there was many vehicle like mine that have the same issue. Also, look at Acura forums and some said there was a recall with the EPS. Please help me figure out this issue. Thank you.
Check engine Transmission ABS VSA TPMS All lights went on suddenly. While I was driving suddenly all lights came on dashboard. I’ve used OBD scanner to find the root cause but the problem can’t be detected. I went to Acura dealer in NJ and paid $250. They inspected, and said it could be this Instrument cluster or that ECu. But they did not said anything concrete what could be faulty. Both are expensive to replace around $2000-$4000 each The lights comes and goes. These lights are not persistent. I’ve been driving with it. Sometimes when the lights are on AC DOESNT WORK, steering loses control for a second. When it loses control car swerves. It’s dangerous but I’ve been driving with caution ️ In past, electric power steering was malfunction and I had it replaced for $1500. I will never purchase Acura or Honda for lifetime It should be recalled
The contact owns a 2012 Acura TSX. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the front driver’s side inflator had malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 81,915.
Complete failure of the Electronic Power Steering System. Warning bulletin and chime activated when car restarted at rest stop. There was no advance warning of imminent failure. Steering was compromised and rendered undrivable. Car was towed to a repair shop, who confirmed the failure of the steering system. If this event were to have happened 5 minutes before or after the incident, we would have been on the highway traveling at 65 to 70 miles an hour in a remote rural area
The Electronic Power Steering Component failed in the vehicle. No previous warning lights or problems with steering. Had just parked car returned an hour later and warning light comes on. Fortunately, I was pulling out of a parking place when the steering locked up. Vehicle was towed to Acura dealer and the service advisor stated it would be covered under 15 year extended warranty then called parts to locate part to be replaced. I was called the next morning and told vehicle would be ready by end of day, but a few hours later surprisingly, I was informed the part (Power steering rack) was not covered and the cost would be $3,400. To add insult to injury was offered to have sales appraise my car so they could fix and resell!!! I only have 38,500 miles on my 2012 vehicle and now my vehicle is just sitting. This is a real issue there definitely should be a recall for this. I see numerous complaints regarding this, please investigate this safety issue.
On acceleration. the car would shudder and there was a loud grinding coming from the front of the car. After inspection by the dealer the front 2 axles had to be replaced. The car has only been driven 70K miles. This posed dangerous driving and control issues on the Interstate. Cost of repair was $3600.
EPS, electronic power steering module failure. "Check power steering system"
The power steering alert light suddenly when I drive my friend on the road. Turning the steering wheel becomes very difficult. I rushed over to the lawn by the side of the road and luckily there was no one and no trees. Fortunately, no accident happened, and no one was hurt, but I am very worried and scared about driving this car again!!!!!! Recall this car !!
I was driving my car home on 2/4/22 and the indicator light (check power steering system!) starting flashing and my steering was extremely hard to turn. I had to pullover in a parking lot and turned off the engine for a few minutes and the indicator light turned off and I was able to drive home. On 2/11, I was trying to pullout of my driveway and the indicator light went on again and I was unable to move the steering wheel. I turned off the engine and I tried again the next day and this time, the light remained on. I will need to tow the car to the dealership or mechanic to have it diagnosed.
I purchased new 2012, for the first time after 10 years, the car is unsafe, brake pedal becomes hard after start up cold - noticed if outside weather between 30-25 degrees brake pedal becomes hard for the first 2-3 times and car will not stop, if the weather below 16 degrees it will take 9-10 times - if you push and pump the brake pedal the brake pedal power comes back to normal but not the first or 2nd time and also has something to do with weather. car was purchased in VIRGINIA and stayed in VIRGINIA last 10 years and this is the FIRST winter this happen.
The contact owns a 2012 Acura TSX. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the "power steering failure" message was displayed, and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,273.
For about a year or more, On cold start,(3-6+ hours of engine rest) rattle occurs for a brief period of time (usually 1-2 seconds) then ceases. TSB 09-010 is associated with various Honda models up to 2012, but does not include Acura. Car delivers no DTCs for this issue currently. Have not had the vehicle inspected by the dealer for this issue. Following the TSB, the symptom is the same. Replacement of VTC ACTUATOR will happen shortly, in which the part can be available for inspection.
DEALERSHIP LIED ON CARFAX STATING THEY FIXED THE CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD AND I DIDN'T KNOW THEY WEREN'T SUPPOSE TO SALE ME THE CAR WITH A BROKEN WINDSHIELD. ACCORDING TO CARFAX REPORT, DEALERSHIP LIED THAT IT WAS REPLACED BUT IT WASN'T.
WARNING LIGHT TO "CHECK POWER STEERING "UNEXPECTEDLY APPEARS. LOSS OF TURNING POWER SUDDENLY OCCURS. NO PRIOR WARNINGS EXHIBITED. DANGEROUS SITUATION COULD LEAD TO FATAL RESULTS.
A CAR STOP IN FRONT OF ME QUICKLY SO I PUSH THE BRAKE HARD TO STOP AND I HEARD THE ABS GRINDING, SO EVERYTHING FINE, I CONTINUE DRIVING THEN I WANT TO STOP ON THE STOP SIGN AND I FOUND THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT NORMAL I HAVE TO PUSH IT COMPLETELY DOWN FEELS LIKE NO BRAKES I TOOK IT TO ACURA DEALER AND THEY FLASH THE BRAKE OIL, AND I TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED THEY SAID NO AIR IN THE ABS OR THE SYSTEM AND ITS NORMAL BUT IF IT HAPPEN AGAIN YOU NEED ABS CONTROL MODULE THE CAR MILEAGE IS 109000 AND ITS ALL HIGHWAY MILES. NOW WHEN I PUSH ON THE PEDAL IT FEELS SPONGY AND IT GOES TO THE FLOOR. ITS KINDA SCARY TO DRIVE AND THE COST OF THIS PART INSTALLED $4000. FOR THIS MILEAGE AND THIS CAR I THINK SOMETHING WRONG GOING ON..
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2012 Acura TSX has 6 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 132 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Acura TSX.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2012 Acura TSX.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2012 Acura TSX are steering (84 reports), steering,electrical system (11 reports), service brakes (7 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 6 recalls on record for the 2012 Acura TSX. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.