Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2011 Acura TSX
The 2011 Acura TSX is generally reliable but has noteworthy issues with the steering system and airbag recalls. With seven recall campaigns and notable complaints about steering and airbags, inspection of these areas is crucial. Engine and electrical problems are less common but should still be checked. Since complaint data is not exhaustive, approach with cautious optimism.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2011 Acura TSX has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 45 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V502000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V378000 Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag Inflator NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V661000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V042000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V545000 Incorrectly Installed Replacement Air Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V030000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V346000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 18 complaints
- Air Bags 11 complaints
- Service Brakes 7 complaints
- Engine 4 complaints
- Electrical System 3 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 2 complaints
Of the 45 complaints on file, 3 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 45 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Steering issues reported
How to check: Inspect steering responsiveness and listen for noises.
Airbag inflator recall
How to check: Verify recall service completion with VIN check.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noise or vibrations.
Red flag: Persistent knocking noise
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Ensure all dashboard lights turn off properly.
Red flag: On with warning lights
- 03
Low-speed turns
What to check: Check steering wheel for stiffness or noises.
Red flag: Steering is tough or noisy
- 04
Braking at low speed
What to check: Feel for vibrations or noises when braking.
Red flag: Vibrations indicate brake issues
- 05
Initial acceleration
What to check: Monitor for hesitation or engine noise.
Red flag: Significant hesitation or noise
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth shift and acceleration performance.
Red flag: Transmission hesitations
- 07
Cruising at highway speed
What to check: Listen for unusual road noise and check stability.
Red flag: Excessive noise or instability
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Are there any current mechanical issues?
- Have steering problems been repaired?
- Do the brakes require replacement?
- Has the vehicle been in any accidents?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall repair records
- Maintenance history
- Title and registration
- Accident repair documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2011 Acura TSX at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2011 Acura TSX? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.