2012 Acura TSX
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2012 Acura TSX.
What to watch for on the 2012 Acura TSX
VTC Actuator Rattle at Cold Start
The variable timing control (VTC) actuator on the intake cam can make a short grinding rattle on a cold start, most common on 2008 to 2014 Accords and CR-Vs.
Which of these apply to your 2012 TSX?
Your guide shows which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
Recalls on the 2012 Acura TSX
Air bags: inflator module
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.
Air bags: inflator module
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.
Air bags: inflator module
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.
3 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.
Source: NHTSA
What 133 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2012 Acura TSX at a glance
- Trims
- BaseSpecial EditionSport WagonSport Wagon TechnologyTechnologyV6V6 Technology
- Engine
- 2.4L 4-Cylinder, 3.5L 6-Cylinder
- Transmission
- Manual 6-spd, Automatic 5-spd
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Sedan
Other Acura TSX years
Free Car Finder
Still deciding on the 2012 Acura TSX?
Answer a few quick questions and see your top 3 used cars, with the years to shop.
Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 2012 Acura TSX?
Owners have filed 133 complaints about the 2012 Acura TSX with NHTSA, most often about the steering. There are 6 recall campaigns covering this model year. Known problems on its engines include vtc actuator rattle at cold start. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 2012 Acura TSX reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 6 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2012 Acura TSX?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2012 Acura TSX listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.