Best and worst Acura TSX years — which to avoid

The Acura TSX was a solid bargain back in the day if you were looking for a premium-level compact sedan, and it still is a great car to buy used. Even though Honda and Acura are known for the reliability of their cars, the TSX had some pretty rough model years, which is why interested drivers often wonder about the Acura TSX years to avoid.

If that’s also the case with you, our team will give you a helping hand as we dig deep into the Acura TSX reliability complaints issued to NHTSA, driver ratings and reviews, and common issues that made some TSX models a bad choice on the used car market.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Acura TSX years

To make this guide as trustworthy as it can be, our experts had to go through the known reliability reports and complaints listed by drivers to NHTSA and other relevant authorities. Along with these, we also paid attention to first-hand driver reviews and ratings on different automotive platforms like Edmunds, KBB, and Consumer Reports looking for definitive answers regarding some Acura TSX problems.

Finally, we also scrolled through the forums in pursuit of Acura TSX issues and known faults, and once we double-checked all these, we created an affirmative list of the best and worst model years:

Most common Acura TSX problems

Over the years, the TSX earned the status of a desirable used car due to its price-to-quality ratio. Also, the 2.4-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine was well known among Honda enthusiasts as a reliable and fun powertrain that revs pretty high. To make sure you’ve got it right off the bat, we’ll discuss the common issues and drawbacks of all the models based on year and generation.

While the engine itself didn’t cause much trouble, some other mechanical components did. One of the first things to check when buying a used TSX is the power steering system. Over the years, drivers have reported power steering fluid leaks as well as problems with the electric power steering control module (EPS).

1. Power steering system faults

The power steering system in a car is hydraulic and that pressure buildup from the steering fluid helps you rotate the steering wheel much easier. However, some Acura TSX drivers have reported the steering wheel being firm and difficult to move.

As it turns out, it was a common problem with power steering fluid leaks that plagued most of the first-generation models. The second generation initially seemed better in this perspective, but there’s the infamous EPS failure on 2011 to 2014 models which sometimes resulted in expensive repairs over $1500.

Besides the repair receipt and the owner’s pocket, this problem also affected driving safety, especially with sharp turns. Power steering is essential for properly controlling the vehicle, so this issue is one of the main few things to keep in mind if you are seriously considering this model as your next car.

2. Failing transmission

The most expensive repair you may need to do on your Acura TSX is a transmission rebuild, and it goes for around $2500. This problem was mostly present during the first generation of the TSX, and it often occurred even before the vehicle reached 60,000 miles.

Due to this premature transmission wear, many drivers were forced to consider cheaper alternatives like replacing the transmission with a used transmission from another TSX car. Still, these kinds of repairs weren’t as successful as complete rebuilds, so this is an important issue to consider when buying this model.

Because of this issue, it’s much safer to go with a 6-speed manual transmission car if you can find one, to avoid having to deal with expensive automatic gearbox replacements.

3. Fuel delivery problems

The early first-gen TSX models were also affected by the fuel pump fault. In case the fuel pump goes out while driving, this issue grows into a safety threat since it may cause the engine to stall at high speed. Eventually, there was a recall in 2007 to figure out the issue and restore the fuel pump to its full operational power on malfunctioned vehicles.

It turns out that the whole problem was caused by a small coil wire inside the relay and if that coil breaks, it leads to an inoperable fuel pump. Drivers even reported sized engine problems, while it was only a matter of failed fuel pump caused by a bad coil wire that prevented the car from properly starting.

4. Airbag problems and recalls

After a few decent production years in the second generation, the airbag issue also turned up and it’s nothing out of the ordinary for cars with Takata airbags. The recall was simply overwhelming since over 67 million cars were affected, including the Acura TSX.

It’s important to take this problem seriously since it wasn’t a “regular” airbag fault. Instead, it was the increase of inflator bag pressure that resulted in bursts and even explosions with shrapnel fragments flying all over the cabin.

So, make sure to only consider TSX models that have gone through a recall if you wish to feel safe while driving your new car.

Worst Acura TSX years to avoid

Some Acura TSX models are simply made better than others, and that’s why it’s so important to keep in mind the mentioned problems as well as the main years to avoid. We’ll help you with that as well by going over the worst production years from both generations of the model, so let’s start with the big question – what are the worst Acura TSX years?

The worst Acura TSX years are 2009 and 2010, but you should also avoid the following models:

• 2004
• 2005
• 2006
• 2009
• 2010
• 2012

First-generation Acura TSX (2004-2006 model years)

In terms of the first-gen TSX years to avoid, we have to warn you about the 2004 model year where it all started. As you can probably guess, the first production year had a few major issues like the one with the automatic transmission and the power steering fluid leaks that got sorted out later on in the production.

The 2005 model year was no better, while things got even worse with the 2006 model year due to frequent issues with a failing fuel pump and tail light damage. There were also some problems with equipment labeling that got sorted out in a recall, so these are all the issues to beware of when buying a used TSX.

Second-generation Acura TSX (2009-2010 and 2012 model years)

The second generation of the TSX seemed much better with the 2008 model year and got nearly no particular complaints. Sadly, problems kept on going with the 2009 and 2010 model years, while the 2012 TSX was deemed the worst model year yet along with the 2010 model.

These were the model years plagued by the faulty electric power steering module that often led to repairs well over $1000. On top of that, there’s the airbag issue that ended up in a 2014 recall, so it’s better to go with later model years. The 2013 and 2014 TSX models were pretty solid, along with the 2008 and 2011 models from the second generation.

What are the best Acura TSX years to buy?

The Acura TSX offers a refined ride as long as you go for the best possible model year. We are aware that some of the major issues listed above may turn you down, but there’s no time for despair. Instead, take a look at some of the best TSX model years below for buying guidance:

• 2007
• 2008
• 2011
• 2013
• 2014

If you are looking for the best of the best, you can go with the 2007 model year from the first generation, or the 2014 model for the best second-gen option. These two are widely renowned as the most reliable Acura TSX models, despite the major problems that affected both generations.

If you don’t mind spending a bit more, it’s best to go with the 2014 model because of all the airbag and EPS problems that were resolved.

2007 Acura TSX

As the best-rated first-gen model, the 2007 Acura TSX one made a perfect option for drivers looking to get the classic TSX experience. It had the best rating out of all the TSX models and features a decent price and great fuel economy with a smooth V6 engine.

The powertrain itself didn’t have any major issues, and the reliability of this model was also reflected through its high-quality interior and executive-style layout.

2014 Acura TSX

As for the more recent TSX model, the 2014 one is a great pick for those looking to get a bit more modern vehicle with all the amenities that make the TSX so beloved by enthusiasts. In a mechanical sense, there weren’t any major issues reported for this one other than some slight electrical problems.

Unlike the 2010 and 2012 models, the 2014 TSX had everything resolved when it came to problems regarding the engine and brakes, making it a safer option overall.

Is the Acura TSX worth buying?

In the end, the big question remains – is the Acura TSX a reliable car worth your patience and money? Well, it all depends since some model years have had major difficulties and you should avoid the 2009 and 2010 model years at all costs.

However, there are also pretty reliable options like the 2007 and 2014 TSX and these offer a great blend of quality and affordable prices. As long as you stick with the information disclosed in this guide, you shouldn’t have a problem picking the most reliable TSX model.

Luxury cars offer a mix of performance, elegance, and cutting-edge features, yet some years stand out for the wrong reasons, from reliability hiccups to maintenance woes. Our analysis on Acura TL, Lexus IS 250, and Audi A4 highlights these less-than-ideal model years, offering you the clarity needed to bypass potential pitfalls. By tapping into our concise reviews, you’ll be in a better position to select a model year that’s proven reliable and rewarding.