In Acura’s ever-augmenting lineup, the TSX is one of the more versatile options available in the market. It is easily distinguishable with its striking design and in the luxury compact sedan market, it nails the brief of utility. There is ample interior and cargo space on offer as standard and its ostentatious aura remains uncompromised in all regards. But being a luxurious proposition and a comfort hauler are not the only strengths of the vehicle. In the truest sense, the TSX’s oneness lies in its reliability, with the sedan recording only close to 120 complaints and 6 recalls. While 66% of the user grievances deal with the problem of the power steering, the vehicle’s dependability remains unstained. A 2012 Acura TSX for sale is available at just over $30,000 and in its segment, it competes with the likes of the Volvo S60, the Audi A4, and the BMW 3-Series.
2012 Acura TSX User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Issues with the airbag system: In a handful of cases, buyers of the 2012 Acura TSX have reported problems with the airbag system. While the first problem relates to the illumination of the airbag warning light and a service message being displayed, some users have been irked by the non-deployment of the airbags in case of a crash. In one listed, such a malfunction had resulted in one fatality, making it a grave safety concern.
Electric System Complaints
- Problems with the infotainment system: In a considerable number of cases, buyers of the 2012 Acura TSX have reported the Bluetooth failing to connect correctly. There is ample static noise, and in some cases, users have also reported the Bluetooth connection remaining activated even after the vehicle has been turned off. As a result, the problem of the 2012 Acura TSX battery drain arises and continues to recur.
Mechanical Complaints
- Failure of power steering: The 2012 Acura TSX power steering problems make up two-thirds of the registered complaints. In almost all cases, buyers have reported a “Service Power Steering” message being displayed on the dash screen, alongside the steering locking up. As a result, it is difficult to control the vehicle, which can lead to a crash. While no reason for the failure has yet been determined, in a few cases, issues with the wiring harness caused an issue with the steering system.
- Hesitating engine: In a few cases, buyers of the 2012 Acura TSX sedan have reported the engine vibrating and shuddering excessively. While it is most commonly noticed at lower speeds, the reason for the failure is not yet known.
2012 Acura TSX Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
27th June 2019 |
19V502000 |
The explosion of the passenger airbag inflator |
Due to propellant degradation or exposure to humidity, the passenger airbag inflator may explode. |
Dealers will replace the frontal passenger airbag inflator, free of charge. |
|
2. |
16th May 2019 |
19V378000 |
Improperly installed passenger airbag inflator |
The passenger airbag inflator may have been installed improperly under replacement. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the front passenger airbag module, free of cost. |
|
3. |
27th Sept 2018 |
18V661000 |
The explosion of the passenger airbag inflator |
In select states, due to propellant degradation or exposure to humidity, the passenger airbag inflator may explode. |
Dealers will replace the frontal passenger airbag inflator, free of charge. |
|
4. |
9th Jan 2018 |
18V042000 |
The explosion of the passenger airbag inflator |
In select states, due to propellant degradation or exposure to humidity, the passenger airbag inflator may explode. |
Dealers will replace the frontal passenger airbag inflator, free of charge. |
|
5. |
31st Aug 2017 |
17V545000 |
Incorrectly installed replacement airbags |
The passenger airbag inflator may have been installed improperly under replacement |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the front passenger airbag module, free of cost. |
|
6. |
10th Jan 2017 |
17V030000 |
Ruptured frontal passenger airbag inflator |
In select states, due to propellant degradation or exposure to humidity, the passenger airbag inflator may explode. |
Dealers will replace the frontal passenger airbag inflator, free of charge. |
Should you buy the 2012 Acura TSX?
The 2012 Acura TSX is, without a doubt, the most accessible and practical option available in the luxury compact sedan segment. While it is not the quickest option in its class, the TSX promises to be a true family-hauler that establishes lead with its capacious cabin and subtle ride quality. Even its reliability is unwavering and for a vehicle that sells around 32,200 units, the statistics of complaints and recalls do not seem utterly concerning. Additionally, being a Japanese brand, the solutions for recurring problems are easily available. So, for us, the 2012 TSX is an impressive choice, both in the sedan and wagon variants. However, if you still want to keep your options open, even the 2012 Audi A4is a viable alternative.
