Acura TSX Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy

Q: What year TSX should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, the 2004 Acura TSX has the most documented problems with a problem score of 167 — driven primarily by 4 recalls, 141 complaints, and issues with SEATS.

Q: What is the best year TSX to buy?

The 2014 Acura TSX is the best-scoring year in our analysis with a problem score of only 16, meaning 3 recalls and 7 complaints on record.

Q: Which TSX has the fewest problems?

The 2014, 2007, 2008 model years have the fewest reported problems in the NHTSA database. Always verify a specific vehicle's history with a VIN report before purchasing.

Every Acura TSX model year (2004–2014) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.

Acura TSX Years to Avoid

#1 WORST

2004

4 recalls · 141 complaints

7 reported injuries

Top issue: SEATS

Problem score: 167

#2 WORST

2012

6 recalls · 132 complaints

1 reported injury

1 reported death

Top issue: STEERING

Problem score: 157

#3 WORST

2009

6 recalls · 91 complaints

7 reported injuries

1 reported death

Top issue: AIR BAGS

Problem score: 128

Best Acura TSX Years to Buy

#1 BEST

2014

3 recalls · 7 complaints

Main area: SERVICE BRAKES

Problem score: 16

#2 BEST

2007

3 recalls · 22 complaints

Main area: STEERING

Problem score: 33

#3 BEST

2008

3 recalls · 34 complaints

Main area: STEERING

Problem score: 47

Found the right year? Verify that specific TSX with a free VIN report.

Acura TSX — Year-by-Year Problem Report

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Problem Score	Verdict
2014	3	7	16	Excellent
2013	4	32	48	Good
2012	6	132	157	Avoid
2011	7	45	68	Caution
2010	7	63	96	Caution
2009	6	91	128	Avoid
2008	3	34	47	Good
2007	3	22	33	Good
2006	4	50	64	Caution
2005	4	51	69	Caution
2004	4	141	167	Avoid

Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.

Acura TSX Shopping Guide by Era

2013–2017

Best: 2014

Mid-decade TSX units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2014 shows the lowest problem count for this era.

Pre-2013

Proceed with Caution

Older TSX models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year TSX should I avoid?+

Avoid the 2004 Acura TSX if possible. It has 4 recalls, 141 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is SEATS. The overall problem score is 167 — the highest in our dataset.

What is the best year TSX to buy?+

The 2014 Acura TSX is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 16. It has only 3 recalls and 7 complaints on record with NHTSA.

Which TSX has the fewest problems?+

The 2014, 2007, 2008 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.

More Acura TSX Research

Reliability Score

Overall reliability rating and score breakdown for the Acura TSX.

Common Problems

Full breakdown of every reported defect for the Acura TSX.

Check a Specific Acura TSX VIN

Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.

Run a Free VIN Report →