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2011 Acura TSX problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Acura TSX is steering, typically around 98,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical TSX model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
72/100
Owner complaints
45
Recalls
7
Service bulletins
51
Worst area
Steering
Fuel economy
22-25mpg

The worst 2011 Acura TSX problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Steering
    18
  • Airbags
    11
  • Brakes
    7
  • Engine
    4
  • Electrical
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 7

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported June 27, 2019 · 9,555 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.

Recall number 19V502000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported May 16, 2019 · 19,138 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Risk
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.

Recall number 19V378000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported September 27, 2018 · 1,355,406 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K.

Recall number 18V661000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 9, 2018 · 691,726 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.

Recall number 18V042000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported August 31, 2017 · 3,257 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
Risk
In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.

Recall number 17V545000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 10, 2017 · 977,708 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.

Recall number 17V030000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported May 24, 2016 · 2,719,386 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless already included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic GX, and 2007-2008 CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is KA4, KA5, KA6, and KA7.

Recall number 16V346000 · Recall details

See all 7 recalls for the 2011 Acura TSX

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Acura TSX 51

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 51 bulletins for the 2011 Acura TSX

2011 Acura TSX crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Acura TSX 4 DR FWDPhrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.5
Acura TSX Sport Wagon SW FWDPhrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.5

2011 Acura TSX fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylFWD21-2229-3124-25
3.5L 6‑cylFWD192822

What 2011 Acura TSX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 23, 2025 · Airbags · MI

The contact owns a 2011 Acura TSX. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V661000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact attempted to contact the dealer; however, the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact was only able to reach an automated system that stated there was no recall. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jan 6, 2025 · Steering · CA

Power steering system malfunction. Warning light went on with no other warning and rendered vehicle undrivable due to no steering function

Filed Nov 2, 2024 · Brakes · TX

VSA MODULATOR failed, breaks suddenly goes all the way down will not stop, this is suddenly happened while on the road.

Filed Jul 29, 2021 · Body · NY

While driving on highway driver side windshield trim panel flew off into traffic causing a car to swerve at highway speed. Included with the genuine Acura replacement part (# 73162-tl2-305zd) was service bulletin # 09-030 which states that the glue needs to be replaced. I talked to Acura of Wappingers service and parts department and Acura of America regarding this issue. All parties denied replacing the glue on the clips. Some of the clips are very out of place due to what I believe is the glue softening in the sun. I truly believe this is a safety hazard because of the potential of this panel hits a pedestrian or car and creating an accident with potential injury or death. Car has been in 0 accidents. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.

Filed Jul 11, 2021 · Steering · MA

While driving my 2011 Acura TSX wagon on 10 July 2021, the power steering failure indicator light came on while crossing a bridge and my power steering immediately failed. After the vehicle was towed home, I searched the manual and found there is no power steering reservoir to check for fluid. So I researched YouTube and found that this power steering has been a major problem with this vehicle. This is extremely dangerous and as I was on a bridge the danger was even greater as I could not pull over. I managed to safely exit but could not pull into a parking lot as there was not enough distance to keep the vehicle moving and I was unable to turn the wheel while the vehicle was almost at a standstill. When I got the car home, I researched how to correct the problem. Since the manual was useless, I turned to YouTube and proceeded to check the fuse first. It was not blown. The steering control module needs to be replaced and the authorized dealership wants $1500 to $2000 to replace. My car has been well maintained and just turned 80,000 miles. This is a safety issue and could have put me in a very dangerous situation since I was unable to steer my vehicle! Please contact my husband as soon as possible about replacing the power steering module as I need the use of my car! You can reach him at [XXX] or email [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Feb 25, 2021 · Brakes · 7,450 miles · PR

Abs/vsa warning light in instrument panel comes on at start-up, other times when driving, then disappears only to come back on again and later re-appear, disappears, intermittently. Dealer has quoted $2,900 for ABS/vsa module 57110-tl2-s21 to which I said no way. Did quick survey on the internet and found this is a frequent problem on those vehicles, and 2 or 3 model years.. Think the federal safety agency should look into this as it's safety related and cause accidents and, quite possibly, fatal results.

Filed Feb 8, 2021 · Brakes, Transmission · 119,000 miles · NY

7 f, car was parked outside all night, started car, waited a few minutes, backed out, brakes normal, driving forward slowly, brakes normal, was going 30 approaching stop sign, went to brake, pedal was solid...nothing was under the pedal, but felt like there was a brick under the pedal. Obviously I didn't stop, thank goodness no cars were on the road. I slowed down eventually, then pushed extremely hard on the pedal and was able to brake. Then after driving very slowly & testing hard pedal, the pedal acted normal after a few minutes. Normal pedal now. On a separate problem, the transmission has been downshifting on its own, I'm driving along, around 45 MPH or so, the transmission is in d, dash light & shifter in d, then every now & then the tach whines, the transmission downshifts & shows a lower gear (like 4 or 2 or 1) in the small black square on the right of the dashboard gear interface. The gear shifter is still in d, but the car is in a different gear. I slow down, then shift into n, then put back to d, then it drives normal again, with nothing in the small black square on the dashboard (next to the gear indicator).

Filed May 10, 2020 · Brakes · 75,000 miles · MN

No brakes or very stiff brake pedal when below freezing until car warms up. Have had brake fluid replaced and bled multiple times and problem not fixed. Happens every time below 25 degrees and is worse the colder it is.

Filed Mar 6, 2020 · Electrical · 50,000 miles · AK · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2011 acura tsx. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at his residence, a popping noise was heard as the contact went to investigate he found the vehicle on fire. The contact stated that it may have been an electric problem. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. No fire department report was filed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated before the incident. The vehicle has not been taken to local dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The contact stated that the vehicle was a total loss and the vehicle was still at his residence. The manufacturer has not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. *ln

Filed Dec 24, 2019 · Electrical, Steering · 75,000 miles · CA

On 11/19/19 my car was parked at a grocery store. When I got in to start it I got a flashing message regarding the electric power steering: 51. I couldn't really move the steering wheel and thankfully I was not driving. I had to had the car towed home. Upon looking into this I can see this has happened to a lot of people. The same year, make and model within the same mileage range as me. I have a 2011 acura tsx with 75,000 miles. There is no reason this should be happening, I have had every required maintenance. This is a safety issue and should be recalled. Acura needs to do the right thing and recall this so they can fix it. Why would anyone owing this car ever buy another acura knowing that with no fault of their own this can happen to them. Needless to say I have an appointment on 01/02/2020. The dealership said there is a "bulletin" regarding this issue. They are clearly aware of this problem.

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Questions about the 2011 Acura TSX

Is the 2011 Acura TSX reliable?

Owners have filed 45 complaints about the 2011 Acura TSX, close to a typical TSX model year.

What is the 2011 Acura TSX year score?

The 2011 Acura TSX scores 72 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Acura TSX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Acura TSX?

Steering, with 18 complaints, typically around 98,000 miles. Next is airbags (11).

How many recalls does the 2011 Acura TSX have?

7 recalls, covering air bags.

Is the 2011 Acura TSX safe in a crash?

The 2011 Acura TSX was crash tested, but no overall score was published. Partial scores: rollover 5 out of 5.

What year does the Acura TSX have bad steering?

The Acura TSX model years with the most steering complaints are 2012 (100 complaints), 2006 (24 complaints) and 2013 (19 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Acura TSX get?

Official estimates for the 2011 Acura TSX range from 22 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-22 city and 29-31 highway.

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