The Acura TSX wasn’t around for long, but it’s still a favorite for many who drove it. But even if a nameplate only goes for ten years, there are going to be some recalls sooner or later. It’s simply part of buying a new vehicle. There will be recalls.
How many recalls has the TSX had in total?
The Acura TSX ran for two generations, from the model years 2004 to 2014. In that time it had thirteen recalls in total. Several of them include:
- Fuel pump may lose power
- Exterior tail lights may become damaged
- Incorrect contact information in manual
- Power steering hose may deteriorate prematurely
So, what exactly did these recalls entail, how do you know if you’re affected, and what can you do if you are? Read on and find out.
Frontal Passenger Airbag May Explode
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V502000
The TSX airbag problem first came up in May of 2016 and would have seven recalls in total, affecting a total of 2,719,386 potential units. These included The 2009-2011 TSX models and the 2011 TSX Wagon, as well as several other Honda nameplates.
These recalls had to do with airbag inflators that were prone to propellant degradation and improperly installed replacement airbag inflators. These inflators were prone to explode as a result, which could cause serious injury to the passenger.
The final recall for this problem, involving the replacement of the airbag inflators, was issued on August 12, 2019 under the recall numbers F5F and Q5E.
This problem had also been addressed under NHTSA recall numbers 16V346000, 17V030000, 17V545000, 18V042000, 18V661000, and 19V378000.
Wiring Harness Prone to Damage
NHTSA Recall ID: 04V429000
This recall had to do with a wire harness located in the trunk hinge area. Affecting 40,060 units, including the 2004 Acura TSX, if these wires were to become damaged, the taillights could be lost, reducing visibility when driving at night.
Honda issued a recall on September 15, 2004 under the number P45, replacing damaged wiring and protecting the harness with corrugated plastic tubing.
Power Steering Hose Prone to Damage
NHTSA Recall ID: 10V174000
Affecting 167,255 units, including 2004-2008 Acura TSX models, this recall concerned under-the-hood temperatures creating premature wear-and-tear on the power steering hoses.
This, plus leaking oil, could cause the power steering hoses to rupture, leaving the driver with less control over their vehicle.
Honda notified owners and began replacing these hoses on May 28, 2019 under the recall number R35.
Electronic Control Unit Corrosion Resulting in Engine Stall
NHTSA Recall ID: 13V093000
Affecting 76,253 potential 2004-2008 Acura TSX models, this recall had to do with the placement of the ECO where materials from the driver’s footwear could cause premature corrosion.
This corrosion could, in some instances, cause engine stall, which can be very dangerous on a crowded highway.
Honda sent notifications in April of 2013 and began waterproofing the ECU and replacing them where necessary, under the recall number S86.
Accelerator Pedal Could Bind
NHTSA Recall ID: 19E068000
Affecting 3,744 units, including the 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX models, this recall had to do with pedal assemblies built by Dorman Products Inc.
These pedals had a tendency to linger rather than snapping back up after release, meaning that you had less control over your vehicle’s speed.
Dorman issued a recall on December 9, 2019, replacing the assemblies for free, under the number AS1019XXXX. For this recall, you’ll want to call Dorman at 1-800-523-2492, not Honda.
Fuel Pump Relay Could Suddenly Lose Power
NHTSA Recall ID: 07V097000
Affecting 166,561 potential units, this recall had to do with a coil wire in the fuel pumps which had a tendency to suddenly break.
If this coil wire broke, the fuel pumps could become inoperative, causing engine stall, which could lead to accidents.
Honda sent notification on April 2, 2007 and began replacing these fuel pumps under the recall numbers Q37 and Q38.
Incorrect Information in Owner’s Manual
NHTSA Recall ID: 06V270000
This recall affected 1,190,000 units, including the 2006 TSX and several other Honda cars and motorcycles. The owner manuals were printed with the wrong phone number for Honda’s customer service hotline for reporting safety defects.
While this problem posed no immediate danger, it could mean that Honda wasn’t getting the information that they needed on potentially serious defects.
Honda sent postcards to owners and dealers offering to mail them replacement manuals on August 2, 2006. Alternately, you could scribble out the incorrect phone number and write in 1-800-382-2238, Acura’s actual hotline number, if you’re up for some D.I.Y.
Was Your Acura Recalled?
To find out if your Acura has an open recall, type its VIN into the search bar on the NHTSA website.
If one does show up, call Acura at 1-800-382-2238 and they’ll direct you to the nearest dealership to collect your free repairs. That’s really all there is to it.
