Reliability
Acura

TSX (CU)

2009-2014 · Compact Sedan · 2 engines
384 NHTSA Complaints
7 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
23 Crash Reports
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
TSXTSX SPORT WAGONTSX V6
View all 2 generations of the Acura TSX → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

9.0 / 10

Reliability score

Very few owner complaints against similar compact sedans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 59 powertrain complaints. A typical compact sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 183.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.1 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall59 complaints against about 183 for similar vehicles
9.0
Last three years
n/aNot enough data
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced4 complaints against about 30 for similar vehicles
9.6
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20098.4
  • 20109.5
  • 20119.1
  • 20129.2
  • 20139.4
  • 20149.1

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

By engine · 2009 to 2013 model years only

2.4L 4-cyl 9.0/10
Too few complaints to compare. (52 complaints, about 147,000 built)
3.5L 6-cyl 9.1/10
No clear difference from the 2.4L 4-cyl. (1 complaints, about 13,000 built)

A complaint counts toward an engine only when its VIN names the engine. Each score is that engine on its own against similar vehicles, worked out the same way as the score above.

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

K24Z3

2.4L 4-cyl / 201 hp
340 complaints 56.7 per year Gasoline
1 fire report 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
139
safety systems
63
brakes
55
engine
38
electrical
36

Acura TSX Unidentified Engine

39 complaints 6.5 per year
1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
15
brakes
6
electrical
6
safety systems
6
engine
3
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

J35Z6

3.5L 6-cyl / 280 hp
4 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
2
engine
1
cooling
1
safety systems
1

R18Z1

1.8L 4-cyl / 140 hp
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
1

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Acura TSX, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Steering: 155 owner complaints
Safety Systems: 70 owner complaints
Brakes: 63 owner complaints
Engine: 42 owner complaints
Electrical System: 42 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2009-2014 Acura TSX

On a used 2009-2014 Acura TSX, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the steering (155), the airbags and driver-assist systems (70) and the brakes (63). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 155 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Acura TSX about the steering.
  2. Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 70 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Acura TSX about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
  3. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 63 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Acura TSX about the brakes.
  4. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Acura TSX about the engine.
  5. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Acura TSX about the electrical system.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2009-2014 Acura TSX

Recalls (7)

19V502000Jun 27, 2019critical
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, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

19V378000May 16, 2019serious
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, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

18V661000Sep 27, 2018critical
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 Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

18V042000Jan 9, 2018critical
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 vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

17V545000Aug 31, 2017serious
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 frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.

Show 2 older recalls
17V030000Jan 10, 2017critical
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 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

16V346000May 24, 2016critical
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless already included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic GX, and 2007-2008 CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
5/5 (9.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
5/5 (9.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
5/5 (9.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
5/5 (9.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
5/5 (9.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
5/5 (9.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
5/5 (9.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
5/5 (9.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
5/5 (9.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

All Generations

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2009-2014 Acura TSX complaints?

Owners have filed 384 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009-2014 Acura TSX. The systems they name most often are the steering, the safety systems and the brakes.

Is the 2009-2014 Acura TSX a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 384 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009-2014 Acura TSX. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009-2014 Acura TSX have?

NHTSA has 384 owner complaints on file for the 2009-2014 Acura TSX as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2009-2014 Acura TSX?

NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering some 2009-2014 Acura TSX vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Acura TSX?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the steering, the safety systems and the brakes, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the TSX?

The 2014 Acura TSX received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 5 stars (9.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 384 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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