Most common 2008 Acura TSX problems
Share of the 34 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Acura TSX complaints by model year
Best TSX years: 2014, 2007, 2006. Years to avoid: 2012, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2011. Compare all years →
2008 Acura TSX recalls (2)
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,…
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.
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.
What 2008 Acura TSX owners say
Steering
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TSX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to complete a turn, an abnormal amount of effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the power steering fluid was abnormally low. Upon refilling the power steering fluid reservoir, the contact observed a leak in the power steering hose. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 198,231.
1. The rack and pinion steering rack is leaking power steering hydraulic fluid. The power assist is not working and the vehicle is undrivable. Putting in new fluid does not help as it just drains out from he pinion within half a day. 2. Luckily, the seals on the rack and pinion failed in the community as low speeds and power steering was lost. Drove back home. No one was hurt. Afraid to think of what would have happened if this had occurred at highway speeds. 3. Not yet confirmed by dealer as car needs towing, which costs money as closest dealer is quiet far away. But many reports of similar incidents across online communities for this vehicle, where folks had to shell out thousands to replace the entire rack and pinion system. The seals are sealed inside and cannot be serviced. 4. Component has not been removed from the car yet or inspected by anyone. …
Brakes
Car last year began randomly displaying VSA code during inclement weather. Took vehicle for diagnostic and report showed APS sensor issues. Replaced acceleration pedal. Car then lost power steering. Replaced pump. Can began having loss of power while using cruise control and steering would stiffen. Yet, only during inclement weather while driving. The Engine light with emmisions control warning would display and the clear on its on usually over night. Code diagnostics found possible 02 sensor or catalytic converter issues. Roughly six months later car cut off and wouldn't start replaced rack and pinion during to link at main connection. Car began having starting issues still then not holding charge replace battery twice due to B/S/A reporting pass. About 3 months ago car wouldn't turn over starter was faulty replaced starter. Replaced starter however igintion strained to turn over. …
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 my mechanic who is a certified Honda mechanic. They all said the brakes were fine. Each time I take my car in for service I ask them to check my brakes. They even replaced the brakes, but the problem still happened. On 1/31/19, traffic stopped suddenly in front of me on the freeway and I hit my brakes and the car did not stop, causing me to slam into the car in front of me, and that driver said I pushed her into the car in front of her. Thank god I escaped with only bruised ribs and a sprained thumb. And thank god no one else was injured. My car was totaled. The airbag deployed. …
Electrical system
Car last year began randomly displaying VSA code during inclement weather. Took vehicle for diagnostic and report showed APS sensor issues. Replaced acceleration pedal. Car then lost power steering. Replaced pump. Can began having loss of power while using cruise control and steering would stiffen. Yet, only during inclement weather while driving. The Engine light with emmisions control warning would display and the clear on its on usually over night. Code diagnostics found possible 02 sensor or catalytic converter issues. Roughly six months later car cut off and wouldn't start replaced rack and pinion during to link at main connection. Car began having starting issues still then not holding charge replace battery twice due to B/S/A reporting pass. About 3 months ago car wouldn't turn over starter was faulty replaced starter. Replaced starter however igintion strained to turn over. …
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 recurred. The vehicle was diagnosed but the defect could not be duplicated and no repairs were performed. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The failure mileage was 63,000.
2008 Acura TSX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Acura TSX a good car?
Based on 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 TSX rates average: 28% fewer complaints than a typical year of the TSX at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Acura TSX?
The steering — 17 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about hydraulic power assist › power steering fluid. Next are the brakes (7) and electrical system (4).
How many recalls does the 2008 Acura TSX have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 Acura TSX, the most recent from March 15, 2013 (electrical system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Acura TSX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2007 and 2006. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2004, 2009, 2010 and 2011. See the full Acura TSX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Acura TSX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 63,000 miles; 41% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.