Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Acura TSX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Power steering rack & pinion always leaks on these vehicles. It is possible to lose all pressure in system and for vehicle to lose control while on the road. Acura is aware of the issue on 04-08 TSX models but refuses to issue a recall. On my personal vehicle, the driver's side seal is leaking.
The power steering is leaking constantly as soon as u pour it in the car drive it 2 miles all leaks out and have to refill in order for the power steering to work correctly and there is a recall for it on this vehicle.
I recently experienced a complete failure of the power steering rack due to a major leak of fluid to the point I couldn't move the steering wheel. Thank god it happened right after I got home from driving on the highway. Just when I pulled to park in the driveway and found out the fluid in the reservoir was completely drained and empty. I added new power steering fluid and within an hour it leaked all out. Took it to an independent shop a few days later due to the holidays and found out the rack and pinion needed to be replaced due to the breakdown of the seal on both sides. A week before this happened, I took my car on a 1200 miles road trip. I consider myself lucky that it didn't break down while I'm driving on the freeway as the result could have been fatal. …
First off I am unable to lock and unlock my passenger door using the switches or the remote key fob on my 2006 Acura TSX. After researching on the nets I see that this doesn't just apply to me and that this is an issue others have had. The dealer stated it is the actuator. Secondly I am having an issue with what the dealer service stated is a rack in pinion issue. They say it needs to be replaced due to power steering seeping/leaking and that this would be the reason for steering problems. Again on NHTSA this seems to be an issue with this model year. I notice vibration and slight pulling to right when driving and drops of lubricant in my garage. When I reach excess speeds of 55 I have the pulling and vibration. I now mainly take side streets due to the hazard and no funds to fix this issue.
Power steering pump failure approximately 2 years ago, replaced. Shortly after, alternator failed and I was told this was because of being saturated with the fluid from previous failure. Now this... Wife was driving car home with my 3 year old daughter. Suddenly the car became extremely difficult to turn and the steering wheel would 'wobble.' this was a dangerous situation but my wife made it home slowly. I immediately checked power steering fluid and reservoir and it was low. Filled it up with leftover Honda fluid and leaked immediately from the driver rubber boot near rack and pinion. Rack and pinion now needs replacement from a massive leak. This is becoming a common occurrence and placing many in a dangerous situation while driving.
My power steering hoses have been leaking and now there's fluid down under the motor and under the car.. The car will not hold power steering fluid but for one day and my car is now become undrivable. I see there was a recall but I did not receive the recall notice and started looking online and saw that actually I have experienced the same problem but now it's gotten to the point where it's worse than just the hoses. I've tried to get it fixed and they say no you're not included in the recall I have all the problems that were stated and now it's become exacerbated. I need help immediately.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Acura TSX. The contact stated that the power steering fluid was leaking. In addition, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was previously taken to the dealer for NHTSA campaign number: 10V174000 (steering) however the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to three separate independent mechanics where it was diagnosed the steering hose, water pump hose, and serpentine bolt had all malfunctioned due to the heat and leaking of the steering hose repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,169.
Drove the car about 35 miles from home, as I was parking heard a noise while steering left and right. Within a few minutes, the steering was hard. Drove it home by the time I got home the steering was no longer working. Checked steering fluid.no more fluid. Totally dry. Brought it to the midas and and to dealer and was told the steering rack is leaking, $3000.00 to repair. They said the rubbers on rack went bad. A few people ( mechanics) that said this is not normal for a 2006. I have found that this seems to be a major issue with Acura 2006 cars.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Acura TSX. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump around the hoses leaked all over the alternator and caused it to fail. The power steering pump and alternator were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000.
After purchasing the car from a used dealer. The steering became very hard to turn as I was leaving a local retailers parking lot. I took it back to the dealer who assisted in getting the power steering fixed and now the car is starting to do it again. The steering is making funny noises and now is becoming hard to turn to the right. I fear the need to take it to the auto shop again. This is terrible!
Related recalls
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.
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.
Steering complaints in other TSX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Acura TSX?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Acura TSX, 48% of the model year's 50 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Acura TSX steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-174 (hose, piping, and connections, Apr 29, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Acura TSX steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 119,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.