Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Acura TSX
The 2013 Acura TSX generally holds up well as a used vehicle but be aware of significant air bag recalls and numerous steering complaints. Ensure all recalls are addressed and investigate steering performance during your test drive.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Acura TSX has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 33 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
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 19 complaints
- Air Bags 5 complaints
- Electrical System 3 complaints
- Service Brakes 2 complaints
- Tires 2 complaints
- Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness 1 complaint
Of the 33 complaints on file, 2 report a crash; across all 33 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Passenger airbag inflator fault
How to check: Confirm recall repair paperwork for airbag inflator.
Steering system issues
How to check: Test steering responsiveness and check for stiffness.
Service brakes concerns
How to check: Test brake function at varied speeds.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any unusual noises or cranking delay.
Red flag: Loud knocks or extended cranking
- 02
Initial acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth acceleration with no jerks.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerky motion
- 03
City driving
What to check: Ensure steering feels consistent and responsive.
Red flag: Stiff or unresponsive steering
- 04
Brake test
What to check: Test brakes for smooth, quiet stopping.
Red flag: Grinding noise or weak response
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for seamless power delivery and stability.
Red flag: Vibrations or sluggish response
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been fixed?
- Are there any known steering issues?
- Have the brakes been serviced recently?
- Have there been any electrical problems?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair confirmation
- Service records
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Acura TSX at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 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.