RoadVitals

2008 Acura TSX Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
34
Latest Sep 10, 2023
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
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.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Acura TSX, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Steering1740.5%
  • Brakes716.7%
  • Electrical49.5%
  • Body & structure37.1%
  • Tires & wheels37.1%
  • Airbags24.8%
  • Engine24.8%
  • Other / unspecified12.4%
  • Suspension12.4%
  • Driver assistance12.4%
  • Visibility12.4%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 10, 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 · filed Sep 5, 2023
All 17 reports naming steering

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 30, 2021

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 · filed Mar 26, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 30, 2021

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 · filed Apr 16, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2008 ACURA TSX--THERE IS NO COVERAGE IN THE LOWER CONSOLE AREA FROM THE LEADING EDGE OF PEDAL TO THE END OF THE FLOOR DASH AREA. ADJACENT TO THE PEDAL IS AN OPEN EXPOSED AREA WHERE A COVERED PLASTIC AREA HEATS UP. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS AREA IS WHERE THE EXHAUST PIPE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER TRAVELS. THIS IS PROBLEMATIC BECAUSE HEAT IS GENERATED CONSTANTLY ON MY FEET, RIGHT FOOT IN PARTICULAR. I HAVE LOOKED AT OTHER MODELS AND THIS OPENING DOES NOT EXIST IN ANY OTHER ACURA MODELS BOTH NEW AND OLD. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER AND ACURA MANUFACTURER THAT THIS IS THE DESIGN, YET I FEEL THIS HEAT GENERATION, ADJACENT TO MY FEET IS UNUSUAL AND FOR ME VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. I ALSO USE EXTRA AIR CONDITIONING TO COUNTERACT THE HEAT GENERATION. BUT THAT STILL DOES NOT KEEP THE AREA FROM GETTING HOT. AGAIN, THE BOTTOM SIDE CONSOLE IS ONLY COVERED TO THE LEADING EDGE OF FOOT PEDAL AND THE REMAINDER AREA IS EXPOSED. I HAVE COMPLAINED ON AND OFF REGARDING HEAT THINKING SOMETHING WAS UNUSUAL, SO THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. PLEASE NOTE THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING I ONLY ACCIDENTALLY REALIZED THIS HOT AREA SPECIFICALLY, WHEN I HAD DROPPED AN ITEM NEAR THE PEDAL, A FEW WEEKS AGO AND HAPPENED TO TOUCH THE HOT AREA. *TR

NHTSA ID 10294294 · filed Dec 2, 2009

RATTLING SOUND AT THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN/DASHBOARD AREA. I HAD MY CAR FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS NOW AND I HAD TO BRING MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE 4 TIMES. THE FIRST SERVICE THEY'VE SAID THAT IT WAS THE SUSPENSION, SO THEY RETIGHTENED ALL THE BOLTS IN THE SUSPENSION. THE SECOND THROUGH THE FOURTH SERVICE THEY'VE TIGHTENED THE BOLTS OF THE CENTER CONSOLE AND THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. DURING THE FORTH SERVICE TIME THE SERVICE TECH SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T PINPOINT WHERE THE RATTLING SOUND WAS COMING FROM. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I'VE NOTICED A TREND OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS SITUATION. *TR

NHTSA ID 10262562 · filed Mar 20, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 13, 2011

BRAND NEW ACURA TL 2008 MODEL. THE REAR LEFT TIRE WENT FLAT WITHOUT CAUSE. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER THEY TOLD ME TO GO TO MAVIS AND HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. I AM ON A DONUT AND THEY EXPECT ME TO GO DRIVE AROUND. RATHER THEN SHIPPING A NEW TIRE TO MY DEALER SO HE CAN PUT IT ON THEY TOLD ME TO GO HAVE IT LOOKED AT IT. THIS MEANS I HAVE TO RISK MY LIFE DRIVING TO A DEALER WHO IS GOING TO TRY TO CHARGE ME MORE MONEY. I HAVE 1,300 MILES ON MY BRAND NEW CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10226774 · filed May 6, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11128301 · filed Sep 9, 2018

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 · filed Oct 26, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 30, 2021

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 · filed Sep 7, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

BRAND NEW ACURA TL 2008 MODEL. THE REAR LEFT TIRE WENT FLAT WITHOUT CAUSE. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER THEY TOLD ME TO GO TO MAVIS AND HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. I AM ON A DONUT AND THEY EXPECT ME TO GO DRIVE AROUND. RATHER THEN SHIPPING A NEW TIRE TO MY DEALER SO HE CAN PUT IT ON THEY TOLD ME TO GO HAVE IT LOOKED AT IT. THIS MEANS I HAVE TO RISK MY LIFE DRIVING TO A DEALER WHO IS GOING TO TRY TO CHARGE ME MORE MONEY. I HAVE 1,300 MILES ON MY BRAND NEW CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10226774 · filed May 6, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE SUSPENSION BUSHING IN FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM AND FRONT SWAY BAR WEAR QUICKLY AND CREATE METAL TO METAL CONTACT. NOISE CAN BE HEARD GOING OVER BUMPS AND UN EVEN SURFACES. THE PART WAS REPLACES BY THE DEALER UNDER WARRANTY REPAIR AND IT RE APPEARED AFTER 300 MILES OF OPERATION. THIS FAILURE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SAY ON TO ONE SIDE SLIGHTLY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10313749 · filed Feb 24, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11128301 · filed Sep 9, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN I AM AN OWNER OF A 1999 MODEL ACURA TL ' I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN NOVEMBER OF 1998 AND HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR EVER SINCE ' ALMOST 194,000 MILES. ON SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2008 I TEST DROVE A BRAND NEW 2009 MODEL ACURA TSX AT SUNNYSIDE ACURA IN NASHUA NH. IT WAS AROUND NOON TIME AND THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND SUNNY. SUNNYSIDE'S ACURA SALES CONSULTANT (KRISTINE MILLER) INTRODUCED ME TO THE CAR, ITS ELECTRONICS (THIS WAS A MODEL WITH OPTIONAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM) PRIOR TO DRIVING OFF. THE TEST DRIVE ITSELF WAS UNEVENTFUL UNTIL I NEEDED TO MAKE A SHARP U-TURN. THE U-TURN WAS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO PULL BACK ONTO SUNNYSIDE'S ACURA PARKING LOT. I WAS THE FIRST CAR AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TO MAKE A U-TURN AND WHILE MAKING IT I DROVE OVER VERY LOW ROAD DIVIDER. NOBODY WAS INJURED HOWEVER THE CAR ITSELF WAS DAMAGED BY PIECE OF A METAL POST THAT WAS EMBEDDED INTO ROAD DIVIDER. I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND AT THE TIME WHY I COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD DIVIDER FROM THE DRIVER SEAT. I HAVE USED THE SAME U-TURN MANY TIMES PREVIOUSLY. I DO NOT MAKE IT A HABIT OF DRIVING OVER OBJECTS ON THE ROAD ' MY DRIVING HISTORY IS A STATEMENT TO THAT. LATER AFTER COMPARING ANOTHER BRAND NEW 2009 TSX DIRECTLY TO MY 1999 TL I REALIZED THAT MY VIEW OF THE ROAD DIVIDER ADJACENT TO MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY OBSTRUCTED BY NEW, 'SAFER', HIGH BELTLINE DOORS OF 2009 MODEL ACURA TSX. IN LIGHT OF THAT 'DISCOVERY' I ASK FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: 1.WHY WERE THERE ABSOLUTELY NOT A SINGLE PIECE OF INFORMATION ABOUT THIS NEW SAFETY FEATURE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES TO THE FIELD OF VIEW PROVIDED TO ME BY THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE TEST DRIVE? 2.WHY WOULD NO WARNING LABEL ABOUT SUCH A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE BE INCLUDED INSIDE THE CAR? 3.WHY WOULD NOT PROVISIONS BE IMPLEMENTED ON A DRIVER SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR TO SEE A BLIND SPOT NEXT TO THE CAR ITSELF? SINCERELY *TR

NHTSA ID 10227831 · filed May 14, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .