Problems · NHTSA complaints

2012 Acura TSX problems

Owners filed 145 complaints about the 2012 Acura TSX with NHTSA between Jan 2012 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is steering (110).

Complaints
145
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Steering110
  2. Electrical system16
  3. Service brakes9
  4. Air bags6
  5. Engine6
  6. Power train5
  7. Structure4
  8. Electronic stability control (esc)3
  9. Suspension2
  10. Vehicle speed control2
  11. Fuel system, gasoline2
  12. Seats1
  13. Wheels1
  14. Fuel/propulsion system1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20122
20134
20143
20154
20167
201719
201850
201923
202014
20212
20226
20233
20242
20254
20262

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Steering

110 reports1 crash
“Steering system failed-safety was a risk because wheel was very hard to turn-calling the dealer on Monday. Warning light came on right before the steering failed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 1, 2026SteeringODI 11754221

Electrical system

16 reports1 crash
“Driving on the freeway. Going 65-70mph EPS (electric power steering) indicator light came on. A message was also sent in inbox of car stating code such as 32 and 61. Steering wheel became stiff and was difficult to steer when car not moving. Went to auto zone to check out if there was any code and there was none. I change to a new battery and check steering fuse everything seem fine with charging system. I did research and found out there was many vehicle like mine that have the same issue. Also, look at Acura forums and some said there was a recall with the EPS. Please help me figure out this issue. Thank you.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2024Steering, Electrical systemODI 11611730

Service brakes

9 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 16, 2026Air bags, Seats, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11711549

Air bags

6 reports2 crashes6 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2012 Acura TSX. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the front driver’s side inflator had malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 81,915.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 21, 2023Air bagsODI 11539917

Engine

6 reports
“Check engine Transmission ABS VSA TPMS All lights went on suddenly. While I was driving suddenly all lights came on dashboard. I’ve used OBD scanner to find the root cause but the problem can’t be detected. I went to Acura dealer in NJ and paid $250. They inspected, and said it could be this Instrument cluster or that ECu. But they did not said anything concrete what could be faulty. Both are expensive to replace around $2000-$4000 each The lights comes and goes. These lights are not persistent. I’ve been driving with it. Sometimes when the lights are on AC DOESNT WORK, steering loses control for a second. When it loses control car swerves. It’s dangerous but I’ve been driving with caution ️ In past, electric power steering was malfunction and I had it replaced for $1500. I will never purchase Acura or Honda for lifetime It should be recalled”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 18, 2024Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11603279

Power train

5 reports
“On acceleration. the car would shudder and there was a loud grinding coming from the front of the car. After inspection by the dealer the front 2 axles had to be replaced. The car has only been driven 70K miles. This posed dangerous driving and control issues on the Interstate. Cost of repair was $3600.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 13, 2022Power trainODI 11497194
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.