The Acura TSX is a compact executive car that was produced for the 2004 – 2014 model years.
It shares similarities with the Honda Accord although is sportier, lighter and more agile.
In this article, we’ll be assessing all of its best and worst years.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Acura TSX Are:
The best Acura TSX model years are 2014, 2013, 2008, and 2007. The worst model years of this model are 2004, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2009, 2010, and 2006. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Acura TSX?
2014 and 2013 Acura TSX
The 2014 and 2013 TSX models are part of the second generation and were the last models to be made. They are more advanced and more reliable than many of their predecessors and you should be able to find ones on the used market with acceptable mileage.
Both versions possess a plethora of standard equipment, a spacious interior, and sporty handling.
The build quality is solid and the materials are of high quality.
Owners praised the following aspects the most: appearance, value, reliability, manufacturing quality, fuel efficiency, seats, lights, and driving experience.
There are 2 engines to pick from – a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine (201 horsepower) and a significantly larger 3.5-liter V6 engine (280 horsepower).
Regardless of engine choice, the TSX comes standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission (with manual-shift paddles) and an optional 6-speed manual gearbox exclusive to the smaller 2.4-liter engine.
According to the EPA fuel economy is pegged at 26 MPG for combined city and highway driving.
2014 Acura TSX:
- Edmunds: 4.6 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5.0
- J.D. Power: 82 / 100
2013 Acura TSX:
- Edmunds: 4.6 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5.0
- J.D. Power: NA
2014 TSX, Edmunds Review:
“I’ve probably had 20 new cars and that many used in my life but can’t say I’ve liked any more than this. Love the size, the quality in and out, sound system, handling, gas mileage 25-35. Have had it for about 6 months and 6,000 miles-no issues.”
2008 and 2007 Acura TSX
The 2008 and 2007 TSX models are the final installments of the first generation. Both models scored extremely high reviews from auto critics and owners alike.
They offer sharp handling, a high-revving engine, excellent gas mileage, an attractive interior, and lots of standard equipment including a newly added tire-pressure monitoring system.
If you are new to the luxury sedan market and would like a good entry-level option, then these models are definitely worth considering.
Across the lineup, these models are equipped with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that is capable of producing 205 horsepower and 164 pound-feet of torque.
The EPA places combined city and highway driving at 22 MPG.
2008 Acura TSX:
- Edmunds: 4.9 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5.0
- J.D. Power: 82 / 100
2007 Acura TSX:
- Edmunds: 4.9 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5.0
- J.D. Power: 83 / 100
2008 TSX, Edmunds Review:
“The 2006-2008 TSX has a perfect balance of performance, luxury, and economy. My 2 previous cars were an M3 and M5 BMW. I was honestly not expecting to like this car when I first drove it, but I love it. It has the most balanced handling of any front drive car I have ever driven. You can almost throttle steer it through a corner. The engine revs like a Ferrari V8, and the car feels much faster than the numbers indicate…”
Consumer Scores For Best Acura TSX Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | J.D. Power Consumer Rating |
| 2014 Acura TSX | 4.6 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 82 / 100 |
| 2013 Acura TSX | 4.6 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2008 Acura TSX | 4.9 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 82 / 100 |
| 2007 Acura TSX | 4.9 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 |
Related: 6 Most Common Acura TSX Problems (Explained)
What Are The Worst Years For The Acura TSX?
2004 and 2005 Acura TSX
The 2004 TSX is the most problematic model year, which shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise as it was also the debut model year. The 2005 TSX shared similar problems although on a smaller scale.
Electrical issues were widely reported, specifically that the center stack lights would flicker and go out.
“Center stack hvac lights have stopped working. I’ve read countless threads & forums that state this is a known issue. It does pose a safety issue, I’m not sure why this has not been recalled yet.”
“Center dashboard lights / climate control lights blinks and goes off and stays off while driving.”
Airbag-related problems were common, owners reported that the airbag would either not deploy when necessary or deploy prematurely.
“I was driving about 50mph when the passenger airbag deployed. Then 10-15 seconds later the driver airbag deployed. I did not have any tire blowouts or hit any objects in the street.”
“Driving up to Orlando at probably 80 mph and passenger curtain and passenger seat air bag deployed by itself”
Owners also widely reported that the driver’s seat would slide back and forth whilst driving.
“Driver’s side seat slides forward/back on its rail when it should be locked in.”
“Driver seat shifts forward in rail under hard braking.”
- The 2004 TSX had a total of 9 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 168 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2005 TSX had a total of 13 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 52 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Transmission failure
- Engine light on
- Driver seat moves forward
- Center console lights malfunction
- Excessive oil consumption
- Rack and pin steering wheel worn out
2011 and 2012 Acura TSX
The 2011 and 2012 TSX models were notorious for their unreliable electric power steering feature, which has oftentimes led to difficulty in making turns, switching lanes, and general vehicle operation.
In many cases, the problem was accompanied by the power steering warning indicator.
“Power steering completely went out while driving. Steering wheel won’t turn at all. Light going off about power steering malfunction.”
“While I was driving, the power steering malfunctioned and I almost got into a car accident as I could not turn my car. I was lucky but my life could have been in serious danger because of Acura.”
“‘Check power steering system’ alert flashes on when I was driving on highway during rush hours. I can barely make any turns when this happens. This is a huge safety hazard and puts my life as well as others at risk.”
- The 2011 TSX had a total of 11 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 49 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2012 TSX had a total of 21 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 145 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Power steering warning light on
- Premature wear on brakes
- Engine rattles at startup
- Transmission failure
- ECU failure
2009 and 2010 Acura TSX
The 2009 and 2019 Acura TSX models were widely affected by various airbag problems.
Many of the airbag complaints were attributed to the infamous Takata recall, whereby airbags would explode and fire shrapnel into the cabin.
Due to the number of affected cars, there was a very long waiting time for repairs.
Another common complaint was that the brakes did not work as they should, especially when cold.
“The brake does not work during winter and morning when it’s cold. The pedal gets stiff and does not work. But after 5 mins of engine running or after several steps on pedal the brake works.”
“Brake pedal is freezing. Why is this not a recall!? it was a cold morning (3 degrees f). I warmed up the car, left my road and, as I approached the light at the main road, I went to apply the brakes and the brake pedal was like a rock. It wouldn’t move.”
- The 2009 TSX had a total of 34 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 100 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2010 TSX had a total of 35 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 73 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Excessive oil consumption
- Power steering failure
- Premature brake wear
- Device connectivity not working
2006 Acura TSX
The 2006 TSX had steering issues that were caused by excessive power steering fluid consumption (or leakage) due to a faulty hose.
In the absence of this particular fluid, the power steering functionality is significantly reduced.
“The car is about to need the steering rack replaced for the 3rd time since August of 2021. The power steering fluid gets low and needs to be refilled every few months. Steering rack eventually springs leak every single time. Already had hose replaced from recall.”
“I recently experienced a complete failure of the power steering rack due to a major leak of fluid to the point I couldn’t move the steering wheel. Thank god it happened right after I got home from driving on the highway. Just when I pulled to park in the driveway and found out the fluid in the reservoir was completely drained and empty. I added new power steering fluid and within an hour it leaked all out.”
- The 2006 TSX had a total of 23 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 61 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Rack and pinion failure
- Power steering fluid leakage
- Total suspension failure
Related: How Long Do Acura TSX Last? (12 Important Facts)
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) | Recalls (NHTSA.gov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Acura TSX | 1 | 7 | 3 |
| 2013 Acura TSX | 3 | 35 | 4 |
| 2012 Acura TSX | 21 | 145 | 6 |
| 2011 Acura TSX | 11 | 49 | 7 |
| 2010 Acura TSX | 35 | 73 | 7 |
| 2009 Acura TSX | 34 | 100 | 6 |
| 2008 Acura TSX | 9 | 38 | 3 |
| 2007 Acura TSX | 5 | 25 | 3 |
| 2006 Acura TSX | 23 | 61 | 4 |
| 2005 Acura TSX | 13 | 52 | 4 |
| 2004 Acura TSX | 9 | 168 | 4 |
What Problems Do Acura TSXs Have?
- Power steering failure
- Transmission failure
- Excessive oil consumption
- Premature brake wear
- Device connectivity not working
- ECU failure
- Rack and pinion failure
- Total suspension failure
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Acura TSX?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| BMW 2-Series | 8.4 | $14,662 – $19,557 | City: 19 – 23 /Highway: 28 – 36 |
| Acura TSX | 8.2 | $13,108 – $18,945 | City: 19 – 22 /Highway: 28 – 31 |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 8.2 | $11,068 – $20,138 | City: 13 – 22 /Highway: 19 – 31 |
| BMW 3-Series | 8.1 | $13,091 – $18,576 | City: 20 – 32 /Highway: 28 – 45 |
| BMW 4-Series | 8.1 | $14,449 – $19,036 | City: 20 – 23 /Highway: 28 – 35 |
| Audi A4 | 8.0 | $12,750 – $20,084 | City: 17 – 24 /Highway: 26 – 32 |
| Lexus IS | 8.0 | $18,187 – $21,583 | City: 16 – 21 /Highway: 23 – 30 |
| Acura ILX | 7.9 | $14,284 – $15,458 | City: 22 – 24 /Highway: 31 – 35 |
| Acura ILX Hybrid | 7.9 | $14,628 – $17,513 | City: 39 /Highway: 38 |
| Lexus CT Hybrid | 7.9 | $15,506 | City: 43 /Highway: 40 |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | 7.9 | $14,201 – $18,199 | City: 23 – 26 /Highway: 31 – 38 |
| Volvo S60 | 7.9 | $10,697 – $14,109 | City: 18 – 21 /Highway: 25 – 30 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
Related: Acura TSX Beeping Problems? (16 Common Causes)
References
https://www.caranddriver.com/acura/tsx
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/acura/tsx
https://www.edmunds.com/acura/tsx/2012/review/
https://www.kbb.com/acura/tsx/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2014/acura/tsx
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Acura/TSX/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/acura/tsx/
https://www.cars.com/research/acura-tsx/recalls/
