2008 Acura TSX Owner Complaints

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 replace the entire rack and pinion system. The seals are sealed inside and cannot be serviced. 4. Component has not been removed from the car yet or inspected by anyone. Yet to be removed for replacement 5. There were no warning lights, sounds or indications of any kind. No warning of loss of hydraulic pressure or air in system. Just a weird whining noise began when negotiating a slow speed turn and within a minute, all fluid drained and all power assist was lost.

NHTSA ID

11543676

Incident

Aug 29, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11542655

Incident

Sep 4, 2023

Mileage

198,231 mi

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 holding charge replace battery twice due to B/S/A reporting pass. About 3 months ago car wouldn't turn over starter was faulty replaced starter. Replaced starter however igintion strained to turn over. To start it began requiring turning car to on then off and immediately to run. Began requesting jump starts. Ran diagnosis at advance auto showed battery issues, starter good and alternator good. Replaced battery and 02 sensor. Can Three weeks wouldn't start after driving to the gas station attempted to jump vehicle but didn't work. Called roadside service; however when service arrived vehicle started with no assistance. Took car for diagnosis test and code displayed ecm issues. Car again after cutting vehicle on and attempting to start car up vehicle wouldn't turn over. Attempted to jump start vehicle and still no crank. Left car and returned 2 hours later and was able to jump start vehicle. Acura website I'd showing decals for emc and power steering recalls on 08 tsx non vin specific search however my specific vin isnt included. How do I register my vin for similar recall issues.

NHTSA ID

11427100

Incident

Nov 30, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID

11254988

Incident

Sep 8, 2019

Mileage

154,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11240647

Incident

Aug 15, 2015

Mileage

104,000 mi

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?

NHTSA ID

11193815

Incident

Apr 2, 2019

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 PUSHED HER INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER. THANK GOD I ESCAPED WITH ONLY BRUISED RIBS AND A SPRAINED THUMB. AND THANK GOD NO ONE ELSE WAS INJURED. MY CAR WAS TOTALED. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. IT WAS TERRIFYING.

NHTSA ID

11191719

Incident

Jan 31, 2019

Mileage

120,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11185806

Incident

Jan 30, 2019

Mileage

120,000 mi

TAKATA INFLATOR, HAVE THE WARNING LIGHT ON AND WE DRIVE SCARED AND WE PAY SOME MONEY FOR FIXING BUT NO RESULTS.

NHTSA ID

11128301

Incident

Sep 15, 2016

MY CAR HAS BEEN STALLING DURING VARIOUS SPEEDS WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON SEVERAL OCCASION. AFTER STALLING, I AM ABLE TO START THE CAR WITHOUT ANY ISSUES BUT WILL CONSTANTLY STALL ON THE GO. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL (NHTSA # 13V-093) ON THE VEHICLE'S ECU FOR THE EASTERN U.S. DUE TO CORROSION. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY IN GUAM WHICH COULD HIGHLY HAVE THE SAME RESULT AS THIS RECALL DUE TO SALT WATER CORROSION. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND POSSIBLY EXTEND THE RECALL TO OTHER PARTS OF THE STATE AND TERRITORIES WITHIN THE COASTAL AREAS.

NHTSA ID

11022215

Incident

Aug 7, 2017

Mileage

60,000 mi

POWER STEERING STARTED TO FAIL ALL OF A SUDDEN. WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER AT ALL. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS CAUSED BY THE RACK AND PINION GOING OUT WHICH ALSO AFFECTED THE POWER STEERING PUMP TO FAIL. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR ITSELF WAS DRIVEN ONLY 60K PLUS MILES AND THE CAR WAS ALWAYS WELL TAKEN CARE OF THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP. I PAID 3,000 DOLLARS TO GET THIS FIXED! THERE ARE MULTIPLE CASES REGARDING RACK AND PINION POWER STEERING ISSUES FROM THE ACURA TSX. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FROM ACURA A LONG TIME AGO. THIS ISSUE MUST BE RESOLVED ASAP.

NHTSA ID

11019854

Incident

Apr 8, 2016

Mileage

60,000 mi

HAD THE POWER STEERING HOSE RECALL DONE IN 2014 (RECALL NUMBER SB10-010). NOW IN 2017 CAME OUT TO DRIVE CAR AND FOUND ALL POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED AND CAR HAD NO POWER STEERING WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE IT. CAR DROVE AND POWER STEERING WAS PERFECTLY FINE THE DAY BEFORE. ALSO JUST HAD A MULTI POINT INSPECTION 4 MONTHS PRIOR AT ACURA DEALERSHIP WHICH FOUND NO ISSUES WITH POWER STEERING.

NHTSA ID

10992860

Incident

May 31, 2017

Mileage

90,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V346000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

NHTSA ID

10919052

Incident

Apr 4, 2016

Mileage

142,000 mi

MY TSX HAS 58,469 MILES AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED AT AN ACURA DEALERSHIP. ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO DURING A ROUTINE SERVICE THE SERVICE ADVISOR POINTED OUT THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING. THE ADVISOR SAID THAT THE LEAK CAME FROM THE SEALS AND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE ON THE TSX'S. GIVEN THAT THE VEH HAS SUCH LOW MILEAGE AND HAVING BEEN SERVICED AT THE DEALER THIS ISSUE SHOULD NOT OCCUR. RACK AND PINIONS ARE DESIGNED TO LAST MUCH LONGER. DOING A QUICK RESEARCH ONLINE I CAME ACROSS MULTIPLE STORIES FROM TSX OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE AND SOME RESULTING IN ACCIDENTS OCCURRING. I HAVE ALL THE SERVICE RECORDS AND WOULD BE HAPPY TO SHARE THEM OR ANY ADDITIONAL DETAILS YOU MAY NEED.

NHTSA ID

10860451

Incident

Apr 6, 2016

WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT AROUND 65 MPH WHEN THE CAR STEERING FELT A BIT ROUGH, UPON ARRIVAL AT MY JOB'S PARKING LOT I LOST COMPLETE POWER STEERING. UPON A QUICK INSPECTION LATER THAT DAY I NOTICED THE RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING, I TRIED TO ADD MORE FLUID JUST TO MAKE IT HOME BUT THE LEAK WAS SO QUICK THAT I LOST COMPLETE POWER STEERING WHEN TRYING TO EXIT MY PARKING SPACE AFTER JUST HAVING TOP'D OFF THE FLUID. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AID WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AT LOW SPEEDS AS THIS WILL MAKE TURNING DIFFICULT DUE TO THE LOW SPEED, THIS MAY BE SUDDEN AS EXPERIENCED FROM THE QUICK PS FLUID LOSS. MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE AND ACURA'S SERVICE BULLETIN 10-025 ADDRESSES A POWER STEERING RACK SQUEAK DUE A DEFORMED SEAL IN THE STEERING RACK. HOWEVER THE BIGGER CONCERN IS DUE TO THE LOST OF VEHICLE CONTROL FROM LOSS OF FLUID. FURTHERMORE, MERELY LETTING THE CAR IDLE WHEN THERE HAS SUFFERED A NOTICEABLE POWER STEERING FLUID LOSS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE STEERING PUMP AS THE LACK OF SUCH FLUID STARVES THE PUMP OF LUBING MEDIUM. THE QUOTE TO REPAIR SUCH DAMAGE IS ESTIMATED AT AROUND 2200+ 1000+ FOR STEERING RACK AND 1000+ FOR LABOR.

NHTSA ID

10748998

Incident

Mar 16, 2015

Mileage

64,000 mi

THE POWER STEERING PUMP STARTED MAKING A FAINT WHINE WHILE DRIVING. PULLED OFF AT AN AUTO PARTS SHOP 1 MILE DOWN THE ROAD TO REFILL THE FLUID. WHILE SITTING THERE IDLING THE FLUID LEAK ALL OUT THE STEERING RACK AND REQUIRED TOWED TO HAVE RACK REPLACED. ACURA KNOWS THIS IS AN ISSUE AND ONLY OFFERED A DISCOUNT ON THE PART BUT $1000 LABOR WAS TO COME OUT OF MY POCKET. I WOULD HAVE LOST STEERING ABILITY. THIS WOULD NOT BE THE SAME AS JUST LOSING THE PUMP'S HELP. *JS

NHTSA ID

10661550

Incident

Oct 17, 2014

Mileage

85,000 mi

POWER STEERING FAILED. VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT ASSISTED STEERING FOR YOUNG DRIVER TO MANAGE CAR. ACURA TSX 04-08 HAVE KNOWN STEERING ISSUES. THERE ARE MANY DOCUMENTED CASES OF FAILED RACK AND PINION BUT YET NO RECALL TO DATE. *TR

NHTSA ID

10638015

Incident

Sep 16, 2014

Mileage

97,970 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ELECTRONICS SPORADICALLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO A DEALERSHIP AND THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,458.

NHTSA ID

10583098

Incident

Jun 12, 2013

Mileage

45,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER OUTLET WAS BEING USED TO CHARGE A CELL PHONE. WHEN THE REMOVED THE CHARGER FROM THE POWER OUTLET, A SMALL FLAME WAS PRESENT, WHICH EXTINGUISHED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURN TO HER RIGHT FINGER. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE DEFECT COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED AND NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

NHTSA ID

10555128

Incident

Nov 5, 2013

Mileage

63,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING HOME THE POWER STEERING FAILED. AFTER HAVING THE CAR TOWED TO THE ONLY ACURA DEALER IN TOWN, THE TROUBLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A RACK AND PINION FAILURE. WHEN WE SUGGESTED THAT WAS AN ATYPICAL PROBLEM FOR A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 87, 000 MILES THE DEALER AGREED IT WAS NOT TYPICAL. TWO DAYS LATER WE LEARNED THAT THE SAME DEALER HAD JUST DONE THE SAME REPAIR ON THE SAME MODEL WITH LESS THAN 50, 000 MILES. AFTER DOING SOME SEARCHING ONLINE WE DISCOVERED THAT THE ACURA TSX RACK AND PINION SYSTEM HAS FAILED IN A NUMBER OF THE VEHICLES WITH AT LEAST ONE ACCIDENT CAUSED BY IT. SINCE STEERING LOSS CAN CREATE A SIGNIFICANT ACCIDENT RISK, I THINK THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. *JB

NHTSA ID

10542112

Incident

Aug 30, 2013

Mileage

87,000 mi

MANDATORY RECALL ON MY ACURA TSX FOR THE PS HOSE. ACURA REPLACES HOSE, AND 3 MONTHS LATER POWER RACK FAILS. I NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR UNTIL AFTER THE RECALL. I TOOK IT BACK TO ACURA AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT IS POSSIBLE THAT IT COULD BE RELATED BUT HE COULDN'T SAY FOR SURE. AFTER GOOGLING ONLINE I FOUND MORE AND MORE OWNERS SAYING THE SAME THING...3 MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL, PS RACK FAILS. ACURA DEALER ON KATY FREEWAY IN HOUSTON TEXAS SENDS ME HOME IN AN UNFIT/UNSAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ID

10521254

Incident

Jun 21, 2013

Mileage

83,493 mi

BRAKES HAVE WORN CONSIDERABLY OVER THE LAST 10,000 MILES. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 'CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED' IN MAY, 2011. NOW, ONLY A YEAR AND 10K MILES LATER...THE CAR HAS BEGUN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, AFFECTING DRIVER'S ABILITY TO STEER DURING HEAVY BRAKING. THE ONSET WAS INCREDIBLY FAST...FROM BARELY NOTICEABLE TO VIOLENTLY SHAKING THE CAR IN ABOUT 300 CITY MILES AT MOST. LOOKS LIKE THE PADS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THE ROTORS SMOOTHED, MAYBE REPLACED. BASED ON THE ESTIMATES I HAVE FOUND, THIS REPAIR WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $175 + LABOR IF THE ROTORS DO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE UNFORTUNATE PART ABOUT ALL OF THIS...I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE TIME TO GET MY PADS CHANGED BEFORE THEY BEGAN TO WEAR ON MY ROTOR. THE STOCK HONDA BRAKES APPEAR TO HAVE WORN OUT IN THE REAR FIRST, THEN THE FRONT. FROM WHAT I CAN TELL, THE FRONT BRAKES HAD TO PICK UP THE SLACK FROM THE NOTORIOUSLY INADEQUATE REAR BRAKES, CAUSING THE FRONTS TO WEAR CONSIDERABLY FASTER. *TR

NHTSA ID

10460087

Incident

May 1, 2012

Mileage

41,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2008 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL; HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RESPOND WHEN IT WAS TURNED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED LEFT TOE, FRACTURED WRIST IN TWO PLACES, AND BRUISING TO THE ENTIRE BODY. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED NOR WAS THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

NHTSA ID

10427807

Incident

Sep 19, 2011

Mileage

69,000 mi

PURCHASED 4 HANKOOK OPTIMO H418B/WV TIRES TWO OUT OF THE 4 HAVE DEVELOPED BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALLS WITH NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE. *TR

NHTSA ID

10389968

Incident

Mar 13, 2011

Mileage

48,696 mi

TOOK A 2008 ACURA TSX WITH 27,300 MILES TO THE LOCAL GREENVILLE SC DEALER 3 TIMES TO REPORT FRONT WHEEL SHAKE WHEN BRAKING. FIRST 2 TIMES NOTHING COULD BE FOUND ON THE 3RD VISIT DEALER REPORTED NEED NEW REAR BRAKE PADS AND THE ROTORS TURNED. ALSO REPORTED THE FRONT ROTORS WERE WARPED CAUSED BY DRIVING THROUGH WATER AFTER BRAKING WHICH MAKES THE ROTORS HOT. SUSPECT REAR BRAKES ARE NOT ADEQUATE AND WEAR TOO FAST WHICH FORCES THE FRONT BRAKES TO COMPENSATE. MANUFACTURER CUT CORNERS TO REDUCE COSTS ULTIMATELY THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC. *TR

NHTSA ID

10352384

Incident

Aug 26, 2010

Mileage

27,300 mi