JH4CL96868C8015462008 ACURA TSX
2008 ACURA TSX was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 34 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
2008 ACURA TSX
2008 ACURA TSX was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 34 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 3 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 2 injuries reported across 34 owner complaints
- Common owner-reported issues: steering issues, loss of power
- Steering is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
- Manufacturer delayed recall by 11.9 years after first complaints — pattern of slow response to known defects
34 owner complaints filed — top areas: Steering (47%), Brakes (15%), Electrical (12%). Common issues: steering issues, loss of power. 3 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- ACURA
- Model
- TSX
- Year
- 2008
- Body Style
- Sedan/Saloon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 2.359737216L 205 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
- Assembly
- SAYAMA, SAITAMA, JAPAN
- GVWR
- Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: SAYAMA, SAITAMA
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Steering system recall
- ▸Engine recall
- ▸1 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 2008 ACURA TSX report steering issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2008 ACURA TSX report brakes issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2008 ACURA TSX report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
3 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 3 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 3 recalls is ~68%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
ACURA completes recalls at a good rate (92%), averaging about 16 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~16 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
SummaryDorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SummaryHonda is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Acura TSX vehicles originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In states that use corrosive materials for deicing, driver's footwear may bring in materials that saturate the vehicle's carpeting, which is in contact with the vehicle's engine Electronic Control Unit (ECU). As a result, the ECU case may experience rust or corrosion. This damage may potentially cause the engine to stall.Read full details...
~34% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
SummaryHONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 ACURA TSX PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 25, 2002 AND FEBRUARY 13, 2008. PROLONGED HIGH UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY CAUSE THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO DETERIORATE PREMATURELY AND MAY CAUSE THE HOSE TO CRACK AND LEAK POWER STEERING OIL.Read full details...
~32% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Manufacturer Recall Response Time
Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance
First complaint was filed 11.9 years before the recall was issued — manufacturer was aware of this issue for years before acting.
2 injuries reported across 34 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.
Complaint Intelligence
34 complaints analyzed across 8 system categories
Steering leads owner complaints (50%), most reported when the vehicle was 5–7 yrs old. Also common: Service Brakes (21%), Electrical System (12%).
Based on 33 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (7) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.
39% of complaints filed in Sep & Mar — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME34 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
1. The rack and pinion steering rack is leaking power steering hydraulic fluid. The power assist is not working and the vehicle is undrivable. Putting in new fluid does not help as it just drains out from he pinion within half a day. 2. Luckily, the seals on the rack and pinion failed in the community as low speeds and power steering was lost. Drove back home. No one was hurt. Afraid to think of what would have happened if this had occurred at highway speeds. 3. Not yet confirmed by dealer as car needs towing, which costs money as closest dealer is quiet far away. But many reports of similar incidents across online communities for this vehicle, where folks had to shell out thousands to replace the entire rack and pinion system. The seals are sealed inside and cannot be serviced. 4. Component has not been removed from the car yet or inspected by anyone. Yet to be removed for replacement 5. There were no warning lights, sounds or indications of any kind. No warning of loss of hydraulic pressure or air in system. Just a weird whining noise began when negotiating a slow speed turn and within a minute, all fluid drained and all power assist was lost.
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TSX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to complete a turn, an abnormal amount of effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the power steering fluid was abnormally low. Upon refilling the power steering fluid reservoir, the contact observed a leak in the power steering hose. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 198,231.
Car last year began randomly displaying VSA code during inclement weather. Took vehicle for diagnostic and report showed APS sensor issues. Replaced acceleration pedal. Car then lost power steering. Replaced pump. Can began having loss of power while using cruise control and steering would stiffen. Yet, only during inclement weather while driving. The Engine light with emmisions control warning would display and the clear on its on usually over night. Code diagnostics found possible 02 sensor or catalytic converter issues. Roughly six months later car cut off and wouldn't start replaced rack and pinion during to link at main connection. Car began having starting issues still then not holding charge replace battery twice due to B/S/A reporting pass. About 3 months ago car wouldn't turn over starter was faulty replaced starter. Replaced starter however igintion strained to turn over. To start it began requiring turning car to on then off and immediately to run. Began requesting jump starts. Ran diagnosis at advance auto showed battery issues, starter good and alternator good. Replaced battery and 02 sensor. Can Three weeks wouldn't start after driving to the gas station attempted to jump vehicle but didn't work. Called roadside service; however when service arrived vehicle started with no assistance. Took car for diagnosis test and code displayed ecm issues. Car again after cutting vehicle on and attempting to start car up vehicle wouldn't turn over. Attempted to jump start vehicle and still no crank. Left car and returned 2 hours later and was able to jump start vehicle. Acura website I'd showing decals for emc and power steering recalls on 08 tsx non vin specific search however my specific vin isnt included. How do I register my vin for similar recall issues.
WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED MY CAR COMPLETELY LOST ALL OF ITS POWER STEERING IN ONE SHOT WITHOUT WARNING. THIS LEADS TO VERY STIFF DRIVING EXPERIENCE AND WHEN I BROUGHT IT TOO THE MECHANIC HE SAID IT WOULD BE A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF MONEY TO FIX, BECAUSE OF THIS I GOOGLED AND NOTICED MANY OTHER ACURA TSX'S HAVE THIS ISSUE. I APPLIED POWER STEERING FLUID IN HOPE OF THAT HELPING OUT BUT IT JUST LEAKED OUT.
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, IT BECAME INCREASINGLY HARD TO STEER. BY THE TIME I GOT HOME THE STEERING WHEEL COULDN'T BE TURNED. HAD IT TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOTED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE, THE RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS LEAKING. DEALER SAID THAT MY VIN HADN'T BEEN AFFECTED BY THE PREVIOUS POWER STEERING HOSE RECALL. IT COST $1500 FOR THE REPAIR AND IT SEEMS A LITTLE FISHY TO ME THAT SO MANY TSX DRIVERS ARE REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE.
DAY 1-2 OF THIS ISSUE: SQUEAKY SOUND WITH STEERING, SHORT DRIVES OF A FEW MINS EACH- (WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR). PARKED CAR IN GARAGE. DAY 3: COULD NOT GET VEHICLE OUT OF THE GARAGE AS THE STEERING WAS EXTREMELY HARD, HARDER TO LEFT THAN RIGHT. NO FLUID FOUND ON GARAGE FLOOR. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE POWER STEERING RACK BUT WAS NOT TOLD EXACTLY HOW IT WAS FAILING BUT HE DID MENTION HE SEES THIS 'A LOT'. CAR WAS PURCHASED AND DRIVEN IN MARYLAND/DC/N. VA (UNSURE IF CAR WAS PROPERLY TREATED AGAINST THE SUBSTANCE TO MELT ICE). I'M GLAD THIS DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING WITH MY CHILD BUT IF INDEED A FAULTY MECHANISM, WHY ISN'T ACURA RECALLING?
MY BRAKES HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR 4 YEARS AGO. IF YOU BRAKE SUDDENLY THE CAR DOES NOT STOP. IF YOU HIT A POTHOLE THERE IS A DISTINCT SLIPPING FEELING IN THE BRAKES. I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN AHEAD OF TIME OR GENTLY PUMP THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO ACURA AND TO MY MECHANIC WHO IS A CERTIFIED HONDA MECHANIC. THEY ALL SAID THE BRAKES WERE FINE. EACH TIME I TAKE MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE I ASK THEM TO CHECK MY BRAKES. THEY EVEN REPLACED THE BRAKES, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL HAPPENED. ON 1/31/19, TRAFFIC STOPPED SUDDENLY IN FRONT OF ME ON THE FREEWAY AND I HIT MY BRAKES AND THE CAR DID NOT STOP, CAUSING ME TO SLAM INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, AND THAT DRIVER SAID I PUSHED HER INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER. THANK GOD I ESCAPED WITH ONLY BRUISED RIBS AND A SPRAINED THUMB. AND THANK GOD NO ONE ELSE WAS INJURED. MY CAR WAS TOTALED. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. IT WAS TERRIFYING.
I NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A GRINDING NOISE, AT APPROXIMATELY 120 000 MILES AS READ BY THE ODOMETER, WHEN MAKING TURNS AND SLIPS. THE DRIVER SIDE PINION BOOT IS LEAKING AND A GRINDING NOISE CAN BE HEARD FROM THE THE RACK AND PINION WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL WITH THE CAR ON JACK STANDS.
TAKATA INFLATOR, HAVE THE WARNING LIGHT ON AND WE DRIVE SCARED AND WE PAY SOME MONEY FOR FIXING BUT NO RESULTS.
MY CAR HAS BEEN STALLING DURING VARIOUS SPEEDS WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON SEVERAL OCCASION. AFTER STALLING, I AM ABLE TO START THE CAR WITHOUT ANY ISSUES BUT WILL CONSTANTLY STALL ON THE GO. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL (NHTSA # 13V-093) ON THE VEHICLE'S ECU FOR THE EASTERN U.S. DUE TO CORROSION. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY IN GUAM WHICH COULD HIGHLY HAVE THE SAME RESULT AS THIS RECALL DUE TO SALT WATER CORROSION. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND POSSIBLY EXTEND THE RECALL TO OTHER PARTS OF THE STATE AND TERRITORIES WITHIN THE COASTAL AREAS.
POWER STEERING STARTED TO FAIL ALL OF A SUDDEN. WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER AT ALL. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS CAUSED BY THE RACK AND PINION GOING OUT WHICH ALSO AFFECTED THE POWER STEERING PUMP TO FAIL. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR ITSELF WAS DRIVEN ONLY 60K PLUS MILES AND THE CAR WAS ALWAYS WELL TAKEN CARE OF THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP. I PAID 3,000 DOLLARS TO GET THIS FIXED! THERE ARE MULTIPLE CASES REGARDING RACK AND PINION POWER STEERING ISSUES FROM THE ACURA TSX. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FROM ACURA A LONG TIME AGO. THIS ISSUE MUST BE RESOLVED ASAP.
HAD THE POWER STEERING HOSE RECALL DONE IN 2014 (RECALL NUMBER SB10-010). NOW IN 2017 CAME OUT TO DRIVE CAR AND FOUND ALL POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED AND CAR HAD NO POWER STEERING WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE IT. CAR DROVE AND POWER STEERING WAS PERFECTLY FINE THE DAY BEFORE. ALSO JUST HAD A MULTI POINT INSPECTION 4 MONTHS PRIOR AT ACURA DEALERSHIP WHICH FOUND NO ISSUES WITH POWER STEERING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V346000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
MY TSX HAS 58,469 MILES AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED AT AN ACURA DEALERSHIP. ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO DURING A ROUTINE SERVICE THE SERVICE ADVISOR POINTED OUT THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING. THE ADVISOR SAID THAT THE LEAK CAME FROM THE SEALS AND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE ON THE TSX'S. GIVEN THAT THE VEH HAS SUCH LOW MILEAGE AND HAVING BEEN SERVICED AT THE DEALER THIS ISSUE SHOULD NOT OCCUR. RACK AND PINIONS ARE DESIGNED TO LAST MUCH LONGER. DOING A QUICK RESEARCH ONLINE I CAME ACROSS MULTIPLE STORIES FROM TSX OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE AND SOME RESULTING IN ACCIDENTS OCCURRING. I HAVE ALL THE SERVICE RECORDS AND WOULD BE HAPPY TO SHARE THEM OR ANY ADDITIONAL DETAILS YOU MAY NEED.
WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT AROUND 65 MPH WHEN THE CAR STEERING FELT A BIT ROUGH, UPON ARRIVAL AT MY JOB'S PARKING LOT I LOST COMPLETE POWER STEERING. UPON A QUICK INSPECTION LATER THAT DAY I NOTICED THE RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING, I TRIED TO ADD MORE FLUID JUST TO MAKE IT HOME BUT THE LEAK WAS SO QUICK THAT I LOST COMPLETE POWER STEERING WHEN TRYING TO EXIT MY PARKING SPACE AFTER JUST HAVING TOP'D OFF THE FLUID. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AID WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AT LOW SPEEDS AS THIS WILL MAKE TURNING DIFFICULT DUE TO THE LOW SPEED, THIS MAY BE SUDDEN AS EXPERIENCED FROM THE QUICK PS FLUID LOSS. MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE AND ACURA'S SERVICE BULLETIN 10-025 ADDRESSES A POWER STEERING RACK SQUEAK DUE A DEFORMED SEAL IN THE STEERING RACK. HOWEVER THE BIGGER CONCERN IS DUE TO THE LOST OF VEHICLE CONTROL FROM LOSS OF FLUID. FURTHERMORE, MERELY LETTING THE CAR IDLE WHEN THERE HAS SUFFERED A NOTICEABLE POWER STEERING FLUID LOSS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE STEERING PUMP AS THE LACK OF SUCH FLUID STARVES THE PUMP OF LUBING MEDIUM. THE QUOTE TO REPAIR SUCH DAMAGE IS ESTIMATED AT AROUND 2200+ 1000+ FOR STEERING RACK AND 1000+ FOR LABOR.
THE POWER STEERING PUMP STARTED MAKING A FAINT WHINE WHILE DRIVING. PULLED OFF AT AN AUTO PARTS SHOP 1 MILE DOWN THE ROAD TO REFILL THE FLUID. WHILE SITTING THERE IDLING THE FLUID LEAK ALL OUT THE STEERING RACK AND REQUIRED TOWED TO HAVE RACK REPLACED. ACURA KNOWS THIS IS AN ISSUE AND ONLY OFFERED A DISCOUNT ON THE PART BUT $1000 LABOR WAS TO COME OUT OF MY POCKET. I WOULD HAVE LOST STEERING ABILITY. THIS WOULD NOT BE THE SAME AS JUST LOSING THE PUMP'S HELP. *JS
POWER STEERING FAILED. VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT ASSISTED STEERING FOR YOUNG DRIVER TO MANAGE CAR. ACURA TSX 04-08 HAVE KNOWN STEERING ISSUES. THERE ARE MANY DOCUMENTED CASES OF FAILED RACK AND PINION BUT YET NO RECALL TO DATE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ELECTRONICS SPORADICALLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO A DEALERSHIP AND THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,458.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER OUTLET WAS BEING USED TO CHARGE A CELL PHONE. WHEN THE REMOVED THE CHARGER FROM THE POWER OUTLET, A SMALL FLAME WAS PRESENT, WHICH EXTINGUISHED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURN TO HER RIGHT FINGER. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE DEFECT COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED AND NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
WHILE DRIVING HOME THE POWER STEERING FAILED. AFTER HAVING THE CAR TOWED TO THE ONLY ACURA DEALER IN TOWN, THE TROUBLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A RACK AND PINION FAILURE. WHEN WE SUGGESTED THAT WAS AN ATYPICAL PROBLEM FOR A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 87, 000 MILES THE DEALER AGREED IT WAS NOT TYPICAL. TWO DAYS LATER WE LEARNED THAT THE SAME DEALER HAD JUST DONE THE SAME REPAIR ON THE SAME MODEL WITH LESS THAN 50, 000 MILES. AFTER DOING SOME SEARCHING ONLINE WE DISCOVERED THAT THE ACURA TSX RACK AND PINION SYSTEM HAS FAILED IN A NUMBER OF THE VEHICLES WITH AT LEAST ONE ACCIDENT CAUSED BY IT. SINCE STEERING LOSS CAN CREATE A SIGNIFICANT ACCIDENT RISK, I THINK THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. *JB
MANDATORY RECALL ON MY ACURA TSX FOR THE PS HOSE. ACURA REPLACES HOSE, AND 3 MONTHS LATER POWER RACK FAILS. I NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR UNTIL AFTER THE RECALL. I TOOK IT BACK TO ACURA AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT IS POSSIBLE THAT IT COULD BE RELATED BUT HE COULDN'T SAY FOR SURE. AFTER GOOGLING ONLINE I FOUND MORE AND MORE OWNERS SAYING THE SAME THING...3 MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL, PS RACK FAILS. ACURA DEALER ON KATY FREEWAY IN HOUSTON TEXAS SENDS ME HOME IN AN UNFIT/UNSAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE. *TR
BRAKES HAVE WORN CONSIDERABLY OVER THE LAST 10,000 MILES. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 'CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED' IN MAY, 2011. NOW, ONLY A YEAR AND 10K MILES LATER...THE CAR HAS BEGUN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, AFFECTING DRIVER'S ABILITY TO STEER DURING HEAVY BRAKING. THE ONSET WAS INCREDIBLY FAST...FROM BARELY NOTICEABLE TO VIOLENTLY SHAKING THE CAR IN ABOUT 300 CITY MILES AT MOST. LOOKS LIKE THE PADS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THE ROTORS SMOOTHED, MAYBE REPLACED. BASED ON THE ESTIMATES I HAVE FOUND, THIS REPAIR WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $175 + LABOR IF THE ROTORS DO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE UNFORTUNATE PART ABOUT ALL OF THIS...I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE TIME TO GET MY PADS CHANGED BEFORE THEY BEGAN TO WEAR ON MY ROTOR. THE STOCK HONDA BRAKES APPEAR TO HAVE WORN OUT IN THE REAR FIRST, THEN THE FRONT. FROM WHAT I CAN TELL, THE FRONT BRAKES HAD TO PICK UP THE SLACK FROM THE NOTORIOUSLY INADEQUATE REAR BRAKES, CAUSING THE FRONTS TO WEAR CONSIDERABLY FASTER. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2008 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL; HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RESPOND WHEN IT WAS TURNED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED LEFT TOE, FRACTURED WRIST IN TWO PLACES, AND BRUISING TO THE ENTIRE BODY. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED NOR WAS THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
PURCHASED 4 HANKOOK OPTIMO H418B/WV TIRES TWO OUT OF THE 4 HAVE DEVELOPED BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALLS WITH NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE. *TR
TOOK A 2008 ACURA TSX WITH 27,300 MILES TO THE LOCAL GREENVILLE SC DEALER 3 TIMES TO REPORT FRONT WHEEL SHAKE WHEN BRAKING. FIRST 2 TIMES NOTHING COULD BE FOUND ON THE 3RD VISIT DEALER REPORTED NEED NEW REAR BRAKE PADS AND THE ROTORS TURNED. ALSO REPORTED THE FRONT ROTORS WERE WARPED CAUSED BY DRIVING THROUGH WATER AFTER BRAKING WHICH MAKES THE ROTORS HOT. SUSPECT REAR BRAKES ARE NOT ADEQUATE AND WEAR TOO FAST WHICH FORCES THE FRONT BRAKES TO COMPENSATE. MANUFACTURER CUT CORNERS TO REDUCE COSTS ULTIMATELY THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC. *TR
THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAIL TO HOLD DURING BRAKING ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT (E.G., POTHOLES) IN WET OR DRY CONDITIONS. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS I HAVE FOUND MYSELF GRIPPING THE STEERING WHEEL IN FEAR OF REAR-ENDING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WHILE APPLYING BRAKES IN AN EVEN FASHION IN TRAFFIC AND/OR STOP LIGHTS. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO RADLEY ACURA (IN FALLS CHURCH, VA) ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. MOST RECENTLY, I VOICED MY CONCERN DURING A SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE VISIT ON FRIDAY, 26 MARCH 2010. THE BRAKES DID NOT "BRAKE" AS I APPLIED PRESSURE TO PEDAL THROUGH BROKEN PAVEMENT ON AN "URBAN" ROAD. THE CAR BARELY MISSED HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THIS MOST RECENT INCIDENT OCCURRED IN DRY CONDITIONS. *CN
VEHICLE SUSPENSION BUSHING IN FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM AND FRONT SWAY BAR WEAR QUICKLY AND CREATE METAL TO METAL CONTACT. NOISE CAN BE HEARD GOING OVER BUMPS AND UN EVEN SURFACES. THE PART WAS REPLACES BY THE DEALER UNDER WARRANTY REPAIR AND IT RE APPEARED AFTER 300 MILES OF OPERATION. THIS FAILURE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SAY ON TO ONE SIDE SLIGHTLY. *TR
2008 ACURA TSX--THERE IS NO COVERAGE IN THE LOWER CONSOLE AREA FROM THE LEADING EDGE OF PEDAL TO THE END OF THE FLOOR DASH AREA. ADJACENT TO THE PEDAL IS AN OPEN EXPOSED AREA WHERE A COVERED PLASTIC AREA HEATS UP. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS AREA IS WHERE THE EXHAUST PIPE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER TRAVELS. THIS IS PROBLEMATIC BECAUSE HEAT IS GENERATED CONSTANTLY ON MY FEET, RIGHT FOOT IN PARTICULAR. I HAVE LOOKED AT OTHER MODELS AND THIS OPENING DOES NOT EXIST IN ANY OTHER ACURA MODELS BOTH NEW AND OLD. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER AND ACURA MANUFACTURER THAT THIS IS THE DESIGN, YET I FEEL THIS HEAT GENERATION, ADJACENT TO MY FEET IS UNUSUAL AND FOR ME VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. I ALSO USE EXTRA AIR CONDITIONING TO COUNTERACT THE HEAT GENERATION. BUT THAT STILL DOES NOT KEEP THE AREA FROM GETTING HOT. AGAIN, THE BOTTOM SIDE CONSOLE IS ONLY COVERED TO THE LEADING EDGE OF FOOT PEDAL AND THE REMAINDER AREA IS EXPOSED. I HAVE COMPLAINED ON AND OFF REGARDING HEAT THINKING SOMETHING WAS UNUSUAL, SO THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. PLEASE NOTE THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING I ONLY ACCIDENTALLY REALIZED THIS HOT AREA SPECIFICALLY, WHEN I HAD DROPPED AN ITEM NEAR THE PEDAL, A FEW WEEKS AGO AND HAPPENED TO TOUCH THE HOT AREA. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TSX. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ENGAGES THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY INSISTED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES. THE ISSUE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY ON SIX OCCASIONS, BUT COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE A CRASH COULD OCCUR. HE BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE IS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,100.
RATTLING SOUND AT THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN/DASHBOARD AREA. I HAD MY CAR FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS NOW AND I HAD TO BRING MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE 4 TIMES. THE FIRST SERVICE THEY'VE SAID THAT IT WAS THE SUSPENSION, SO THEY RETIGHTENED ALL THE BOLTS IN THE SUSPENSION. THE SECOND THROUGH THE FOURTH SERVICE THEY'VE TIGHTENED THE BOLTS OF THE CENTER CONSOLE AND THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. DURING THE FORTH SERVICE TIME THE SERVICE TECH SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T PINPOINT WHERE THE RATTLING SOUND WAS COMING FROM. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I'VE NOTICED A TREND OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS SITUATION. *TR
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN I AM AN OWNER OF A 1999 MODEL ACURA TL ' I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN NOVEMBER OF 1998 AND HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR EVER SINCE ' ALMOST 194,000 MILES. ON SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2008 I TEST DROVE A BRAND NEW 2009 MODEL ACURA TSX AT SUNNYSIDE ACURA IN NASHUA NH. IT WAS AROUND NOON TIME AND THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND SUNNY. SUNNYSIDE'S ACURA SALES CONSULTANT (KRISTINE MILLER) INTRODUCED ME TO THE CAR, ITS ELECTRONICS (THIS WAS A MODEL WITH OPTIONAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM) PRIOR TO DRIVING OFF. THE TEST DRIVE ITSELF WAS UNEVENTFUL UNTIL I NEEDED TO MAKE A SHARP U-TURN. THE U-TURN WAS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO PULL BACK ONTO SUNNYSIDE'S ACURA PARKING LOT. I WAS THE FIRST CAR AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TO MAKE A U-TURN AND WHILE MAKING IT I DROVE OVER VERY LOW ROAD DIVIDER. NOBODY WAS INJURED HOWEVER THE CAR ITSELF WAS DAMAGED BY PIECE OF A METAL POST THAT WAS EMBEDDED INTO ROAD DIVIDER. I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND AT THE TIME WHY I COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD DIVIDER FROM THE DRIVER SEAT. I HAVE USED THE SAME U-TURN MANY TIMES PREVIOUSLY. I DO NOT MAKE IT A HABIT OF DRIVING OVER OBJECTS ON THE ROAD ' MY DRIVING HISTORY IS A STATEMENT TO THAT. LATER AFTER COMPARING ANOTHER BRAND NEW 2009 TSX DIRECTLY TO MY 1999 TL I REALIZED THAT MY VIEW OF THE ROAD DIVIDER ADJACENT TO MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY OBSTRUCTED BY NEW, 'SAFER', HIGH BELTLINE DOORS OF 2009 MODEL ACURA TSX. IN LIGHT OF THAT 'DISCOVERY' I ASK FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: 1.WHY WERE THERE ABSOLUTELY NOT A SINGLE PIECE OF INFORMATION ABOUT THIS NEW SAFETY FEATURE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES TO THE FIELD OF VIEW PROVIDED TO ME BY THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE TEST DRIVE? 2.WHY WOULD NO WARNING LABEL ABOUT SUCH A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE BE INCLUDED INSIDE THE CAR? 3.WHY WOULD NOT PROVISIONS BE IMPLEMENTED ON A DRIVER SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR TO SEE A BLIND SPOT NEXT TO THE CAR ITSELF? SINCERELY *TR
BRAND NEW ACURA TL 2008 MODEL. THE REAR LEFT TIRE WENT FLAT WITHOUT CAUSE. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER THEY TOLD ME TO GO TO MAVIS AND HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. I AM ON A DONUT AND THEY EXPECT ME TO GO DRIVE AROUND. RATHER THEN SHIPPING A NEW TIRE TO MY DEALER SO HE CAN PUT IT ON THEY TOLD ME TO GO HAVE IT LOOKED AT IT. THIS MEANS I HAVE TO RISK MY LIFE DRIVING TO A DEALER WHO IS GOING TO TRY TO CHARGE ME MORE MONEY. I HAVE 1,300 MILES ON MY BRAND NEW CAR. *TR
BAD BRAKES. I HAD A 2006 ACURA TL AND I TRADED IT IN FOR A 2008 ACURA TL. THE BRAKES ARE VERY POOR ON THIS 2008. I FEEL LIKE THEY DOWNGRADED THE SAFETY OF THEIR CONSUMERS TO CUT COST. I ALMOST CRASHED 3X IN 2 DAYS OF HAVING CAR BECAUSE THE CAR DOES NOT STOP AND I HAVE TO THE PRESS THE BRAKES ALL THE WAY DOWN. I FEEL LIKE THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT DOES NOT HAVE GOOD PERFORMANCE BRAKES LIKE THE 2006 ACURA TL DID. AT 41K MILES MY 06 TL HAD BETTER BRAKING THEN THIS 2008. SHAME ON ACURA FOR RISKING OUR LIVES FOR MONEY. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE ACURA INSTALLS PERFORMANCE ROTORS AND BRAKES LIKE THEY DID IN THE PAST? NONE YET!!! I AM SCARED TO DRIVE HELP! *TR
VEHICLE SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF A 6-LANE DIVIDED ROADWAY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS LIT AND THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATES THAT THE COMPUTER OR "PCM" FAILED. THE PART WAS BACKORDERED NATIONALLY. THEY TRIED REMOVING A COMPUTER FROM ANOTHER TSX ON THE LOT, BUT IT FAILED DUE TO COMPATIBILITY ISSUES. APPARENTLY, THIS PART IS UNIQUE TO EACH VEHICLE. AFTER ANOTHER WEEK, THE CUSTOM-BUILT COMPUTER STILL HAS NOT ARRIVED AND I'M AT THE POINT WHERE THE CAR WILL HAVE SOON SPENT MORE TIME IN THE SHOP THAN IN MY DRIVEWAY. *TR
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Loss of power steering assist — vehicle becomes difficult to control especially at low speeds and during parking
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 34 total NHTSA complaints filed over 15 years, with the worst year being 2019 (5 complaints, including 1 crash report).
The amber reliability line averaged 98/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 89/100 in 2019.
The red dashed line marks recall issuance — the first recall came 12 years after owners began filing complaints, a lag that indicates the manufacturer was slow to formally acknowledge these problems.
Red dots on the amber line flag 3 years (2008, 2011, 2019) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $39,614 (~$660/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2008 ACURA TSX — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | JH4CL96868C801546 |
| Model Year | 2008 |
| Make | ACURA |
| Model | TSX |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.359737216 |
| Horsepower | 205 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. |
| Assembly City | SAYAMA |
| Assembly Country | JAPAN |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | JH4 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 6 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | 8 |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | C |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 801546 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 3 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 34 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 10/1/2026, 7:07:27 AM.