Model year record

2008 Acura TSX recalls & problems

The 2008 Acura TSX has 3 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering (17 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints34filed by owners

Crashes · fires3 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths2 · 0reported in complaints

2008 Acura TSX in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Vehicle speed controlOct 10, 2019

Accelerator pedal

Recall 19E0680003,744 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 systemMar 15, 2013

Electrical system

Recall 13V09300076,253 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Components: Electrical system; Engine and engine cooling

SteeringApr 29, 2010

Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections

Recall 10V174000167,255 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2008 Acura TSX 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2008 Acura TSX NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

TSX

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S5) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

TSX

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
SteeringHydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid	17	1	0	1	86,000 mi
Electrical system	4	0	1	1	45,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	4	0	0	0	27,300 mi
Tires	3	0	0	0	—
StructureBody; Frame and members	3	1	0	0	—
Service brakes	3	1	0	0	—
Air bags	2	0	0	0	—
Engine	2	0	0	0	—
Wheels	1	0	0	0	—
VisibilityRearview mirrors/devices	1	1	0	0	—
Suspension	1	0	0	0	—
Electronic stability control (esc)	1	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Steering
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…
Aug 29, 2023
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid
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.
Sep 4, 2023 · 198,231 miles
Electrical system
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…
Nov 30, 2020
Steering
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.
Sep 8, 2019 · 154,000 miles
Steering
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.
Aug 15, 2015 · 104,000 miles
Steering
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?
Apr 2, 2019
Service brakesCrash
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…
Jan 31, 2019 · 120,000 miles
Steering
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.
Jan 30, 2019 · 120,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.