Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2012 Acura TSX
The 2012 Acura TSX is generally a reliable vehicle, though it has significant issues with the steering system and airbag recalls. Electrical problems are less common but present. It's crucial to ensure these systems are functioning correctly during your inspection and test drive to avoid costly repairs.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2012 Acura TSX has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 133 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
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 100 complaints
- Electrical System 16 complaints
- Service Brakes 9 complaints
- Air Bags 6 complaints
- Engine 6 complaints
- Power Train 5 complaints
Of the 133 complaints on file, 4 report a crash; across all 133 complaints, owners report 1 injury and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Passenger airbag inflator recall
How to check: Ensure recall work is completed by a dealership.
Steering issues reported
How to check: Check for ease of steering and unusual noises.
16 electrical complaints
How to check: Test all electrical components and lights.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or long cranking.
Red flag: Unusual noises persist.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for any warning lights.
Red flag: Warning lights stay on.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test steering responsiveness and noise.
Red flag: Steering difficult or noisy.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor engine response and check for vibrations.
Red flag: Vibrations or poor engine response.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Feel for smooth braking, without pulling.
Red flag: Braking feels rough or pulls car.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Any issues with steering recently?
- Have there been electrical repairs?
- What is the vehicle's accident history?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair confirmation
- Service records
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2012 Acura TSX at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2012 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.