2012 Acura TSX Sportwagon: Brought car to independent mechanic who diagnosed power steering failure as requiring replacement of "Power Steering Control Module". Acura has a "TSB" or "Technical Service Bulletin" #19-021 regarding this issue. The car is very difficult to steer and is dangerous to drive because the driver is unable to steer quickly. Also the turning radius is essentially reduced as well. An Acura dealer is scheduled to examine the vehicle on 6/20/2025. The failure first appeared around the beginning of June 2025. There is a persistent audible chime along with (3) blinking warning lights (Steering wheel with exclamation point, the letter "i" with a circle around it, and the message "Check Power Steering System" message). This car is available for inspection upon request.
Acura TSX power steering loss problems
52 of the 671 owner complaints about the Acura TSX describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2012 model year.
- owner complaints
- 52
- worst model year
- 2012
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,600
- typical mileage
- 88,000
By model year
Often reported together
Loss of power 9Grinding brakes 2Steering lock-up 1Engine failure 1
What owners say
Power steering system malfunction. Warning light went on with no other warning and rendered vehicle undrivable due to no steering function
The contact's son owns a 2005 Acura TSX. The contact discovered that there was fluid leaking from the vehicle while parked. In addition, the contact stated that there was white steam coming from behind the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the power steering fluid was leaking from the power steering hose, causing the power steering assist to fail to operate as needed. The contact later discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 10V174000 (Steering) which was linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Acura TSX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the power steering would suddenly fail causing the contact to use an excessive force to steer the vehicle. The power steering failure, brake system, and a yellow (unsure of its meaning) warning lights had been illuminated. At times when the failure occurred, the contact would have to pull over and turn off the vehicle, after waiting a while and turning the vehicle back on the warning would no longer be illuminated and the power steering would activate. The failure occurred intermittently/ The contact had a diagnostic device and pulled codes 71/01 and 71/02 referring to a steering failure. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer had referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2007 Acura TSX. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering fluid hose was leaking. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 10V174000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,250.
I was driving my car home on 2/4/22 and the indicator light (check power steering system!) starting flashing and my steering was extremely hard to turn. I had to pullover in a parking lot and turned off the engine for a few minutes and the indicator light turned off and I was able to drive home. On 2/11, I was trying to pullout of my driveway and the indicator light went on again and I was unable to move the steering wheel. I turned off the engine and I tried again the next day and this time, the light remained on. I will need to tow the car to the dealership or mechanic to have it diagnosed.
The contact owns a 2012 Acura TSX. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the "power steering failure" message was displayed, and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,273.
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. To start it began requiring turning car to on then off and immediately to run. Began requesting jump starts. Ran diagnosis at advance auto showed battery issues, starter good and alternator good. Replaced battery and 02 sensor. Can Three weeks wouldn't start after driving to the gas station attempted to jump vehicle but didn't work. Called roadside service; however when service arrived vehicle started with no assistance. Took car for diagnosis test and code displayed ecm issues. Car again after cutting vehicle on and attempting to start car up vehicle wouldn't turn over. Attempted to jump start vehicle and still no crank. Left car and returned 2 hours later and was able to jump start vehicle. Acura website I'd showing decals for emc and power steering recalls on 08 tsx non vin specific search however my specific vin isnt included. How do I register my vin for similar recall issues.
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).
Check power steering system displayed and the vehicle power steering stopped working completely. Had to move steering with force.
Related recalls
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 10V174000 · Recall details
Questions about the Acura TSX power steering loss
Which Acura TSX years have loss of power steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2012 (25 complaints), 2008 (7 complaints) and 2006 (5 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix loss of power steering on the Acura TSX?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,600 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Acura TSX?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history