MYRModel Year Report

2012 Acura TSX

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2012 Acura TSX
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:46:52.035Z

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Acura TSX Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2012 highlighted. 2004: 142 complaints 2004 2005: 51 complaints 2006: 50 complaints 2006 2007: 22 complaints 2008: 34 complaints 2008 2009: 91 complaints 2010: 63 complaints 2010 2011: 45 complaints 2012: 132 complaints 2012 2013: 33 complaints 2014: 7 complaints 2014
2012: 132 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2004142
200551
200650
200722
200834
200991
201063
201145
2012132
201333
20147

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 74%

74% of complaints: steering — 98 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THE SNOW AND SLID INTO THE GUARDRAIL WHILE TURNING. NOT MUCH BODY DAMAGE, BUT THE STEERING COMPLETELY LOCKED. WAS STUCK IN THE ROAD FOR 2 HOURS WITH THE POLICE HAVING TO BLOCK OFF AROUND ME. HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC.

NHTSA ODI report, 20170114

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THE SNOW AND SLID INTO THE GUARDRAIL WHILE TURNING. NOT MUCH BODY DAMAGE, BUT THE STEERING COMPLETELY LOCKED. WAS STUCK IN THE ROAD FOR 2 HOURS WITH THE POLICE HAVING TO BLOCK OFF AROUND ME. HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC.

NHTSA ODI report, 20170114

SERVICE BRAKES 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260116

ENGINE 5%

5% of complaints: engine — 6 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 5%

5% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260116

FRONT END DAMAGE BOTH SIDES DAMAGED AIR BAGS DID NOT COME ON WIFE DIED, DEALER SAY BAGS OK BUT DIDNT KNOW WHY THEY DIDNT COME ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20130312

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2012 — complaint volume: 132
R 20170222 — air bags

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...

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 17V030000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20171030 — air bags

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...

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 17V545000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180216 — air bags

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...

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 18V042000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20181106 — air bags

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...

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 18V661000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20190419 — EA (closed 20240919)

Electrical overstress

R 20190705 — air bags

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,...

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 19V378000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190812 — air bags

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,...

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 19V502000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2012 Acura TSX — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (98 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 17V030000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V545000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V042000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V661000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V378000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V502000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2013 ▲ 2008 ● 2011

WORST YEARS

■ 2004 ◆ 2009 ● 2010

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2012 Acura TSX reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Acura TSX is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Acura TSX?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 74% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Acura TSX have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.