NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 7 recalls, 45 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Acura TSX.
22–25 mpg combined
9.4–10.7 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
Steering is the standout concern owners report for the 2011 Acura TSX, accounting for the largest share of complaints by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe the electric power steering failing suddenly and without warning, the steering warning light comes on and power assist cuts out immediately, leaving the car extremely difficult to steer. Several owners report this happening at highway speeds or on bridges, with no gradual degradation beforehand. Airbags are the second most-reported system, likely tied to the Takata inflator issue that affected many Honda and Acura models from this era, though owners describe a range of airbag-related concerns. Brake complaints are fewer but notable, some owners report the brake pedal sinking to the floor unexpectedly, which several connect to the VSA modulator. A small number of owners also mention exterior trim pieces, specifically windshield surround panels, detaching at speed.
45
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Acura TSX has 7 recalls, all centered on the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator, which can rupture or explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The core defect involves the passenger frontal airbag inflator itself: under certain conditions, it can rupture violently rather than deploying cleanly, turning the inflator housing into a source of sharp metal shrapnel directed at anyone in the front passenger seat or nearby. This is the well-known Takata inflator issue, and multiple recall filings reflect ongoing repair campaigns over the years as the scope of affected vehicles was progressively identified. There are also two related recalls covering a separate but connected problem: replacement inflators installed at dealerships during earlier repair attempts may themselves have been installed incorrectly. An improperly seated inflator can fail to deploy the airbag at all in a crash, leaving the passenger without protection at the moment it is most needed. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why additional campaigns followed. Together, these seven filings all point to the same physical component, and owners who have already had the inflator replaced should confirm the replacement was performed correctly and that no further remedy is still outstanding for their specific vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during a previous replacement, potentially affecting its ability to deploy properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the inflator installation and replace the passenger front air bag module assembly if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to high humidity, temperature, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Replacement passenger front air bag inflators may have been incorrectly installed at one dealership, potentially affecting proper deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost when parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.