2008 Acura TSX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2008 Acura TSX has a complaint index of 44, ranking 6th worst among 10 model years, and earns a Good verdict relative to other TSX years. Steering complaints dominate at 50% of reports, with two recalls covering steering hose deterioration and ECU damage.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 44/100
- #6 of 10 TSX years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 34
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 19.5 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2008 Acura TSX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering17 (50%)
- Brakes8 (24%)
- Electrical System4 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (12%)
- Structure & Body3 (9%)
- Airbags2 (6%)
- Engine2 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wheel can fail to respond when turned, in one case leading to a crash and injuries.
- Power outlet used for phone charging produced a small flame when the charger was unplugged.
- Brakes reportedly fail to stop the car promptly, with a slipping feeling felt after hitting potholes.
- Vehicle can shut down suddenly while driving due to a failed computer/PCM, with the check engine light on.
- Front lower control arm and sway bar bushings wear quickly, causing noise over bumps and the car pulling to one side.
- Rattling noise near the steering column and dashboard has required repeated dealer visits to retighten bolts.
2008 Acura TSX recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 13V093000Mar 15, 2013Electrical System76,253 vehicles
Electrical system
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 10V174000Apr 29, 2010Steering167,255 vehicles
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
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.
Risk: 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.
2008 Acura TSX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19.5 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 22.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,550
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other TSX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Acura TSX reliable?
- Relative to other TSX model years, the 2008 rates Good with a complaint index of 44, ranking 6th worst out of 10 years tracked.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Acura TSX?
- Steering issues account for half of all complaints (17 of 34), followed by brakes at 24% and electrical system problems at 12%, based on NHTSA data.
- Does the 2008 Acura TSX have any recalls?
- Yes, two recalls: one for power steering hose deterioration (campaign 10V174000) and one for ECU damage in the electrical system (campaign 13V093000).
- What year Acura TSX should I avoid?
- Among TSX years, 2009, 2010, and 2012 carry Avoid verdicts with complaint indexes of 100, 78, and 89 respectively, all worse than the 2008's index of 44.
- At what mileage do 2008 Acura TSX problems typically show up?
- Steering complaints have a median mileage of 86,000, while brake complaints show a median of 37,000 miles, according to NHTSA data.