RoadVitals

2005 Acura TSX

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
51
Latest Jan 3, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Oct 10, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 51 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Acura TSX, most frequently naming the airbags, steering and electrical categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 44 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags1628.1%
  • Steering712.3%
  • Electrical58.8%
  • Engine58.8%
  • Powertrain (other)47.0%
  • Body & structure35.3%
  • Tires & wheels35.3%
  • Seat belts35.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
19E068000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Oct 10, 2019
3,744 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
Dorman Products, Inc.Manufacturer number AS1019XXXXView on NHTSA.gov
13V093000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Mar 15, 2013
76,253 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number S86View on NHTSA.gov
10V174000

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Apr 29, 2010
167,255 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: OIL LEAKING ONTO A HOT EXHAUST PIPE WILL GENERATE SMOKE AND A BURNING SMELL, AND COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.
The remedy: 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.
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)Manufacturer number R35View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 51
Steering
Filed Jan 3, 2025

The contact's son owns a 2005 Acura TSX. The contact discovered that there was fluid leaking from the vehicle while parked. In addition, the contact stated that there was white steam coming from behind the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the power steering fluid was leaking from the power steering hose, causing the power steering assist to fail to operate as needed. The contact later discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V174000 (Steering) which was linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

NHTSA ID
11633833
Incident
Jun 1, 2024
Mileage
165,000 mi
Filed Jun 27, 2024

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ID
11597246
Incident
Jun 27, 2024
Filed Apr 30, 2024

Recall never fixed

NHTSA ID
11586144
Incident
Apr 23, 2024
Seat belts
Filed Apr 5, 2023

The seat belt light on the dash remains lit when the vehicle is started. I contacted the local dealer. I was advised to bring it in to be evaluated and I would be charged a service charge to fix it unless it was covered by the warranty. I was under the impression the seat belt had a lifetime warranty. I have read this is a common problem but have not been notified of a recall regarding this issue.

NHTSA ID
11515539
Incident
Jan 1, 2018
Interior & seats
Filed Oct 17, 2022
Fire reported

Had just picked up my car from being repaired from an accident and was just driving along and I turned the seat heater on and I started seeing smoke coming from under me and was getting hot so I pulled over and found my seat was on fire ,I was 9 months pregnant at the time and feared for me and my soon to be child's life. I called the fire department where they put the fire out for me.I had it then sent to Acura to check it and they are telling me this is my fault and are charging me $319 for looking at it.I feel that this was a faulty part and is a danger to me, It is currently at the collision repair center which I took it back to and refuse to drive because I am very scared to drive it now. Seems to be a seat heater issue.

NHTSA ID
11489548
Incident
Oct 4, 2022
Seat belts
Filed Jan 6, 2022

It is my understanding that the seatbelt on my vehicle is 100% covered under lifetime warranty. However, my airbag light is on and remains on due to a sensor failure in the driver's side seatbelt buckle and the tensioner. I went to the Acura dealer in Chantilly, VA to have repaired and was informed by the Service Manager (Kyle C.) that Acura was only going to pay 50%, which was unacceptable as it is a lifetime warranty part (seatbelt). As this is a significant safety issue, I was not able to pass a state safety inspection due to the issue and was informed by the inspector that it should be covered by the dealer. As the sensor failure causes the airbag system light and therefore the possibility that the system would NOT work if in an accident, this is a MAJOR safety issue and the response from ACURA/DEALER is unacceptable. This issue is a well documented problem among owners of this vehicle as well as the improper responses from Acura.

NHTSA ID
11446543
Incident
Dec 1, 2020
Brakes
Filed Oct 5, 2020

CAR BEGINS BRAKING WHILE ACCELERATING AND STARTS SLIDING WHEN BRAKING ON DRY PAVEMENT. THE OTHER MODEL FROM THIS YEAR SUCH AS THE MDX HAVE A RECALL FOR THE VSA SYSTEM HOWEVER THE TSX DOES NOT. THE MDX RECALL FROM 05 MATCHED THE SAME ISSUES THE 05 TSX HAS.

NHTSA ID
11362895
Incident
Aug 30, 2019
Mileage
175,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jun 26, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START-UP, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED, WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ADDED POWER STEERING FLUID TO THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V174000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. AUTONATION ACURA GULF FREEWAY (1125 GULF FWY S, LEAGUE CITY, TX 77573) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.*DT*JB

NHTSA ID
11331138
Incident
Jun 6, 2017

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

DORE5C4S09

SUSPENSION

This 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. The outer diameter being too small would prevent the part from being installed, and would therefore have no impact on the end user besides time to complete installation.

B07-025

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Service 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.

BTS180402

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tech line summary article - When adding keys or running the System Check with the Immobilizer Setup Tool in the i-HDS, are you seeing this message? "Immobilizer system is not normal". We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.

BJA46167

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Sending vehicle data to tech line.

B05-018

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

SERVICE BULLETIN - NAVIGATION SYSTEM INFORMATION.

B98015

EQUIPMENT

Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Acura TSX by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2014731—
2013334155.5
20121336155.4
2011457050.9
2010637052.6
2009916051.0
2008343050.3
2007223048.5
2006504048.4
2005Viewing514051.9
20041424051.2

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.