Before you buy
This 2012 Acura Tsx has 132 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2012 Acura Tsx Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2012 Acura Tsx trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2012 Acura Tsx Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated9.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
9.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Acura Tsx has 132 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- Tsx
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 132
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 29
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2012 Acura Tsx problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Electrical Faults, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2012 Acura Tsx?
This ACURA TSX year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2012 Acura Tsx
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Acura Tsx, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The ACURA TSX has 132 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. 4 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 132 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 6 federal recall campaigns
- 4 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2012 Acura Tsx complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Acura Tsx. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 99 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Acura Tsx. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
On two occasions my college aged daughter was driving this vehicle when the steering wheel became inoperative. There was an error message on the dash about checking the power steering system. There was also an icon displaying with a steering wheel. Luckily she was only in a park…
2012 Acura TSX Sportwagon: Brought car to independent mechanic who diagnosed power steering failure as requiring replacement of "Power Steering Control Module". Acura has a "TSB" or "Technical Service Bulletin" #19-021 regarding this issue. The car is very difficult to steer a…
A "Check Power Steering" light on the dashboard came on suddenly leaving me unable to steer the car at all. After re-starting the car several times, the light went off. The car manual indicated pumping the accelerator may cause this symptom, and--given the light had gone off--I d…
While driving at highway speeds, the A-pillar trim on the passenger side of my Acura TSX Wagon's windshield flew off the car today as a gust of wind hit the vehicle. I had just cleaned the windshield that morning in preparation for my road trip and nothing appeared loose. While…
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 ther…
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 …
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. …
Complete failure of the Electronic Power Steering System. Warning bulletin and chime activated when car restarted at rest stop. There was no advance warning of imminent failure. Steering was compromised and rendered undrivable. Car was towed to a repair shop, who confirmed th…
The Electronic Power Steering Component failed in the vehicle. No previous warning lights or problems with steering. Had just parked car returned an hour later and warning light comes on. Fortunately, I was pulling out of a parking place when the steering locked up. Vehicle was …
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. C…
For about a year or more, On cold start,(3-6+ hours of engine rest) rattle occurs for a brief period of time (usually 1-2 seconds) then ceases. TSB 09-010 is associated with various Honda models up to 2012, but does not include Acura. Car delivers no DTCs for this issue currently…
EPS, electronic power steering module failure. "Check power steering system"
The power steering alert light suddenly when I drive my friend on the road. Turning the steering wheel becomes very difficult. I rushed over to the lawn by the side of the road and luckily there was no one and no trees. Fortunately, no accident happened, and no one was hurt, but…
I was driving my car home on 2/4/22 and the indicator light (check power steering system!) starting flashing and my steering was extremely hard to turn. I had to pullover in a parking lot and turned off the engine for a few minutes and the indicator light turned off and I was abl…
I purchased new 2012, for the first time after 10 years, the car is unsafe, brake pedal becomes hard after start up cold - noticed if outside weather between 30-25 degrees brake pedal becomes hard for the first 2-3 times and car will not stop, if the weather below 16 degrees it w…
The contact owns a 2012 Acura TSX. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the "power steering failure" message was displayed, and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer wa…
DEALERSHIP LIED ON CARFAX STATING THEY FIXED THE CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD AND I DIDN'T KNOW THEY WEREN'T SUPPOSE TO SALE ME THE CAR WITH A BROKEN WINDSHIELD. ACCORDING TO CARFAX REPORT, DEALERSHIP LIED THAT IT WAS REPLACED BUT IT WASN'T.
WARNING LIGHT TO "CHECK POWER STEERING "UNEXPECTEDLY APPEARS. LOSS OF TURNING POWER SUDDENLY OCCURS. NO PRIOR WARNINGS EXHIBITED. DANGEROUS SITUATION COULD LEAD TO FATAL RESULTS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN COLD CLIMATE, THE VEHICLE BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE WITH FORCE TO BE ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICL…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Acura Tsx.
Safety recalls
2012 Acura Tsx recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Acura Tsx. 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2012 Acura Tsx buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Acura Tsx reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 132 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. This ACURA TSX year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Acura Tsx?▾
#1: Steering Defects (99 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (16 complaints). #3: Brake System (9 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Acura Tsx?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Acura Tsx?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Acura Tsx, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 132 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Acura Tsx have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Acura Tsx. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Acura Tsx?▾
This ACURA TSX year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Acura Tsx reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Acura Tsx based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.