2013 Acura Tsx Problems

Severe Issues

The 2013 Acura TSX has 33 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls, with steering defects dominating the issues. Based on 33 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Steering Defects the most reported area.

201210 years2014

Before you buy

This 2013 Acura Tsx has 33 NHTSA complaints β€” 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.

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33
Complaints
2
Crashes
β€”
Fires
2
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
4
Recalls

2013 Acura Tsx Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2013 Acura Tsx trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

22
MPG City
19–22 range
29
MPG Hwy
28–31 range
24
MPG Combined
22–25 range
361
g COβ‚‚/mile
Premium Gasoline
⚠️Costs $5,000 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.

2013 Acura Tsx Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

9.9% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

5/5

9.9% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

ACURA TSX 2013 has 33 NHTSA complaints, with steering defects accounting for 19 issues. Airbag malfunctions (5) and electrical faults (3) are also reported. Buyers should inspect steering and verify recall repairs. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

2013 Acura Tsx β€” key reliability facts
Make
Acura
Model
Tsx
Model year
2013
NHTSA owner complaints
33
Crash-related complaints
2
Safety recall campaigns
4
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 2013 Acura Tsx problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
19
complaints

Steering Defects

Crash-related:1
Injuries:1
#2
5
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:1
Injuries:1
#3
3
complaints

Electrical Faults

Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults. 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 2013 Acura Tsx?

The 2013 TSX may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the steering complaint cluster warrants caution. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is essential to check for steering issues.

Steering defects can affect safety and handling, making this a critical area to evaluate before purchase. Airbag and electrical problems also pose safety and reliability risks.

May Suit

This year may suit a buyer who is handy with repairs or willing to invest in a thorough inspection to address potential steering issues.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience with minimal risk of steering problems should consider other model years or vehicles.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2013 Acura Tsx

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect steering system for unusual noises, looseness, or pulling.
  • Check airbag warning lights and recall status.
  • Test all electrical components including windows, locks, and infotainment.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Have a mechanic inspect the steering system thoroughly.
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for steering, airbag, and electrical repairs.
  • Test drive to check for steering play or vibration.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2013 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

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Acura TSX shows a high proportion of steering-related complaints (19 out of 33). Airbag malfunctions (5) and electrical faults (3) are also notable. With only 2 crash-related complaints and low confidence due to limited data, buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2013 TSX has a higher proportion of steering complaints, but data for other years is not provided.

Recall context: With 4 recalls, it is critical to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.

Key Findings
  • Steering defects account for 19 of 33 total complaints.
  • Airbag malfunctions are the second most common issue with 5 complaints.
  • Only 2 crash-related complaints were reported.
Top Concerns
  • Steering Defects (19 complaints)
  • Airbag Malfunctions (5 complaints)
  • Electrical Faults (3 complaints)
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Low complaint volume (33 total) means patterns may not be statistically significant.

Full breakdown

All 2013 Acura Tsx complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Acura Tsx. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Steering Defects191β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions51β€”β€”
Electrical Faults3β€”β€”β€”
Brake System3β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Chest Clip1β€”β€”β€”
Buckle1β€”β€”β€”
Harness1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain1β€”β€”β€”
Engine Problems1β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic1β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems1β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration1β€”β€”β€”

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 2013 Acura Tsx. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 33 most recent complaints

Electrical FaultsMay 28, 2026

ABS / VSA module failed at 90k miles causing spongy brakes. Acura quoted me $3500 for a new module which is more than the value of the car.

Airbag Malfunctions CrashJun 6, 2025

The airbags did not deploy when I got in the front end accident

Steering DefectsMay 17, 2024

Power steering electronic module went out and can’t find any replacements. Other models as the same as mine have been recalled.

Tire IssuesOct 12, 2023

I first reported this on July 7, 2023 under NHTSA ID#11530893. My wife was driving when the Continental tire size 225/50/R17 suddenly blew out at approximately 70 MPH. Immediately pulled to shoulder of highway. This was a very tense moment at speed running on the rim to get immed…

Tire IssuesJul 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Acura TSX equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Pure Contact, Tire Size: 225/50/R17, DOT Number: VY40WD4A2320. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side tire exploded. The vehicle was taken to…

Electrical FaultsJun 16, 2023

I purchased my 2013 Acura TSX new. Since the date of purchase I have had the battery replaced 4 times including yesterday. On each occasion, the battery was drained due to the Bluetooth Module being defective. The dealer has confirmed the problem. This poses a substantial …

Chest ClipJun 21, 2022

After the harness is clipped in place and tightened as directed, you can pull the straps forward (including my 3yo child was able to do this) and loosen the straps of the harness without pressing on the release button. The harness pulls loose and will not stay locked in place. I …

Brake SystemSep 27, 2021

On Friday, September 24, 2021 when I went around a curve my car felt like the vehicle stability assist was trying to kick on. However, no warning light came on and I was not going to fast for the weather or road conditions. I did not hit any pot holes or anything else to cause …

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 22, 2021

The contact owns a 2013 Acura TSX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag sensor warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The fai…

Steering DefectsMar 24, 2021

POWER STEERING LIGHT STARTED FLASHING WHEN I TURN ON THE CAR THIS MORNING, STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN

Steering DefectsFeb 6, 2021

DRIVING STRAIGHT ROAD IN TOWN GOING MAYBE 40 MPH, ALERT CAME ON SAYING CHECK POWER STEERING. WHEEL EXTREMELY HARD TO MANUEVER, BARELY TURNED INTO CLOSEST PARKING LOT. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY SITTING AT A SHOP WAITING TO BE FIXED, …

Steering DefectsDec 3, 2020

CANNOT TURN WHEEL, IT'S VERY DIFFICULT

Steering DefectsNov 19, 2020

STEERING LOCKED UP AND POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON DASHBOARD. TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, RESTARTED, IT WAS OK. IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING. REAL SAFETY HAZARD.

Steering DefectsSep 30, 2020

CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM DISPLAYED AND THE VEHICLE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. HAD TO MOVE STEERING WITH FORCE.

Visibility/WiperSep 8, 2020

THE SUN VISOR HAS BECOME DEFECTIVE AND INHIBITS VISIBILITY. THE INTERNAL CLIP HAS WORN OUT, CANNOT BE REPLACED, AND HAS BECOME DEFECTIVE. THE PROBLEM OCCURS WHILE DRIVING AND STATIONARY. THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED WITH MY PREVIOUS VEHICLE, 2006 HONDA CIVIC, AND WAS RESOLVED T…

Steering DefectsSep 7, 2020

AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT ROAD, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I GOT A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOAD. IT SAID THAT THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING SYSTEM MAY NOT BE WORKING. I TURNED OFF THE CAR. I TURNED IT BACK ON AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE. HOWEVER, WITHIN 1 MIN, THE WHEEL LOCKE…

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 13, 2020

VEHICLE IS MANUFACTURED WITH DEFECTIVE VTC ACTUATOR, IT IS MAKING RATTLE SOUND ON A COLD START. MANUFACTURER IS NOT WILLING TO ACCEPT THE DEFECT PART.

Steering DefectsAug 25, 2019

ON MY WAY TO WORK LAST NIGHT WHILE DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO TURN. THEN LIGHTS STARTING FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD SAYING CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM. I WAS AFRAID FOR MY LIFE AS THIS IS DANGEROUS. I DID SAFELY MAKE IT TO WO…

Steering DefectsAug 7, 2019

THE AUTOMATIC STEERING STOPPED WORKING WHEN I WAS TRYING TO REVERSE OUT OF THE PARKING LOT. CAR WAS ONLY PARKED FOR 15 MINUTES IN THE LOT. CAR ONLY HAS 32K

Steering Defects CrashJul 8, 2019

OUR NON-MOVING VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HARD REAR-END COLLISION AT A IN CITY TRAFFIC WAITING TO MAKE A LEGAL TURN. A WEEK LATER VEHICLE LOST STEERING MOBILITY. WE HAD BATON ROUGE, LA ACURA DEALERSHIP RUN A DIAGNOSTIC. THEY FAILED TO DETERMINE IF THE FAILURE WAS DIRECTLY ASSO…

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Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Acura Tsx.

Safety recalls

2013 Acura Tsx recalls

4 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Acura Tsx. With 4 recalls, it is critical to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#18V661000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE27/09/2018
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V378000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE16/05/2019
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V502000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE27/06/2019
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#18V042000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULESep 1, 2018

Across model years

Compare Acura Tsx model years

Compared to other model years, the 2013 TSX has a higher proportion of steering complaints, but data for other years is not provided.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2013 Acura Tsx buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2013 Acura Tsx reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 33 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 TSX may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the steering complaint cluster warrants caution. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is essential to check for steering issues. 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 2013 Acura Tsx?β–Ύ

#1: Steering Defects (19 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (5 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (3 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Acura Tsx?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2013 Acura Tsx?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Acura Tsx, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 33 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2013 Acura Tsx have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Acura Tsx. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. With 4 recalls, it is critical to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2013 Acura Tsx?β–Ύ

The 2013 TSX may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the steering complaint cluster warrants caution. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is essential to check for steering issues. Steering defects can affect safety and handling, making this a critical area to evaluate before purchase. Airbag and electrical problems also pose safety and reliability risks. 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 2013 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.