VehicleVerdict

2008 Acura TSX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Acura TSX sits mid-pack among TSX years: 42 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 64, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 41% of all reports (17 of 42), far ahead of brakes at 7.

42

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other TSX years?

TSX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted195 complaints2004: 195 complaints2005: 64 complaints2006: 68 complaints2007: 29 complaints2008: 42 complaints2009: 113 complaints2010: 86 complaints2011: 52 complaints2012: 157 complaints2013: 40 complaints2014: 8 complaints
TSX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all TSX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Acura TSX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1740%
Brakes717%
Electrical System512%
Tires & Wheels410%
Body & Structure37%
Airbags25%
Engine25%
Suspension12%
Visibility & Wipers12%

Does the 2008 Acura TSX have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19E068000Speed ControlOctober 10, 2019 · 3,744 units

Defect

Dorman 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."

Consequence

If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.

13V093000Electrical SystemMarch 15, 2013 · 76,253 units

Defect

Honda 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.

Consequence

A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners and Acura dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any damaged ECU, free of charge. All vehicles will have a waterproof cover installed onto the ECU, free of charge. The recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Acura Client Relations at 1-800-382-2238 and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.acura.com.

10V174000SteeringApril 29, 2010 · 167,255 units

Defect

HONDA 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.

Consequence

OIL LEAKING ONTO A HOT EXHAUST PIPE WILL GENERATE SMOKE AND A BURNING SMELL, AND COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.

Remedy

HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MAY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ACURA CLIENT SERVICES AT 1-800-382-2238.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 19, 2011 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 31, 2019 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 5, 2013 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 1, 2008

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 26, 2008 · crash

2008 Acura TSX — common questions

Is the 2008 Acura TSX reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 42 NHTSA complaints, below the typical TSX year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2008 TSX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (17 complaints), brakes (7 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2008 Acura TSX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Acura TSX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Acura TSX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the TSX years to avoid are 2004, 2012, 2009. The cleanest record among TSX years belongs to 2014.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.