Dealer message - In May 2010 and June 2012, American Honda announced a safety recall for 2004-08 TSX and 2007-08 TL due to a potentially leaking power steering feed hose. For some time, the countermeasure hoses and required repair parts have been in stock as part of special campaign parts kits available for dealer ordering.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Acura TSX steering problems
moderate 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 24 steering complaints filed for the 2006 Acura TSX, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Steering accounts for 48% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
Among the 9 model years of Acura TSX in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Acura TSX shows a clear pattern of power steering failures concentrated in two areas: the rack and pinion seals, and the hoses themselves. Owners describe fluid leaking at an alarming rate—sometimes draining completely within hours of topping off, or losing all pressure after driving just 2–3 miles. The failure zone clusters between 90,000 and 144,000 miles, which is premature for a component that should last the vehicle's life.
When the rack seals go, steering becomes hard or locks up entirely. Owners report pulling to the right, vibration, and grinding or moaning noises. In at least two cases, pump leaks saturated the alternator and caused it to fail. One owner has replaced the rack three times since August 2021—a recurring nightmare that suggests an underlying systemic problem.
Acura issued recall NHTSA Campaign 10V174000 for power steering hoses, but owners report the recall didn't cover rack and pinion seal failure and didn't prevent recurrence of leaks in some vehicles. The manufacturer is reportedly aware of the issue on 2004–2008 TSX models but refuses broader recall coverage. One owner's moaning noise during low-speed turns persisted even after the dealer replaced the cable reel inside the steering wheel hub, raising questions about what else might be failing silently.
Same Acura TSX steering reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Rack and pinion seal failure with fluid leakage
The seals on the power steering rack and pinion deteriorate, causing fluid to leak from one or both sides of the unit. Fluid loss ranges from slow drips to complete drainage within hours or days. Owners report finding fluid pooled under the vehicle and in the garage, with some needing to refill within a day or after driving just 2–3 miles.
When: Typically 90,000–144,000 miles; one owner experienced failure at 115,000 miles after purchasing the vehicle at 111,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes hard or difficult to turn; Loss of power steering fluid (complete drainage); Vibration and pulling to the right; Noise (moaning, grinding, or bus-like sound) when steering; Steering wheel wobbles; Steering may lock up entirely
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement required; one owner quoted $3,000. Some owners report needing replacement multiple times (one cited three replacements since August 2021). Rubber boots and seals on the rack deteriorate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 10V174000 addressed steering hose leaks but did not cover rack and pinion seal failure. One owner denied reimbursement because the recall covered a different part (hose). Acura is reportedly aware of the issue on 2004–2008 TSX models but refuses to issue a broader recall.
Power steering hose cracks and leaks
Steering hoses develop cracks or deteriorate, spraying fluid under the engine and vehicle. One owner's hose leak caused fluid to saturate the alternator, leading to alternator failure. Heat damage from power steering repairs can degrade adjacent hoses (water pump hose, serpentine bolt area).
When: Mileage varies; one failure documented at 126,169 miles after previous hose repair under recall
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid pooling under motor and under car; Smoke and burning odor from leaking fluid; Vehicle becomes undrivable after fluid loss; Hard steering
Repairs/costs cited: Hose replacement completed at dealership in one case. Owner reported fluid leak from driver-side rubber boot near rack and pinion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 10V174000 (recall for power steering hose) was issued. Some owners did not receive notice; others were denied coverage when hose-repair complications caused secondary failures (alternator saturation). One owner noted that despite previous recall repair, steering hose failure recurred.
Power steering pump failure and leakage
The power steering pump fails or develops leaks that saturate surrounding components. Fluid from pump failure has caused alternator saturation and failure in at least two documented cases.
When: One documented at approximately 144,000 miles; another required replacement about 2 years prior to later rack failure
Symptoms owners cite: Difficult steering; Loss of power steering fluid; Alternator failure (secondary, caused by fluid saturation)
Repairs/costs cited: Pump replacement and alternator replacement required in cases where saturation occurred.
Steering wheel moaning noise (cable reel)
Low-speed steering produces a moaning noise. Dealer replaced the cable reel inside the steering wheel hub, but the noise persisted, leaving the owner concerned about eventual wear and loss of vehicle control.
When: Specific mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Moaning noise when steering wheel turns left or right at low speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Cable reel replacement performed by Acura dealer; issue not resolved.
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
Rack and pinion (steering rack) leaking. Multiple Acura tsx from 2004-2008 will most likely run into this problem. Seen a few complaints on social media from various Acura tsx owners from 2004-2008 models. Very high cost to replace and dangerous if steering rack fails. Bought from dealership a few months back at 111k miles, now at 115k only.
Power steering rack & pinion always leaks on these vehicles. It is possible to lose all pressure in system and for vehicle to lose control while on the road. Acura is aware of the issue on 04-08 TSX models but refuses to issue a recall. On my personal vehicle, the driver's side seal is leaking.
My vehicle's steering wheel makes a moaning noise when the steering wheel turns left or right a low speeds. The Acura dealer replaced the cable reel inside the steering wheel hub but the noise continues. I am afraid this noise is an indication that something inside the steering wheel will wear out eventually and cause loss of vehicle control. *tr
Started the car pulled off at slow speed(15-20). Car started making noises are I turned the corner. Appeared to be noises made for power steering. Parked the car up put power steering fluid in and the noise stop. Driving again the noise appeared again. Took it to the mechanic found out that the rack and pinion went bad. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Acura tsx. The contact stated that the power steering fluid was leaking. In addition, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was previously taken to the dealer for NHTSA campaign number: 10v174000 (steering) however the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to three separate independent mechanics where it was diagnosed the steering hose, water pump hose, and serpentine…
I started my Acura tsx 2006 as usual and went to the store 3 miles away but when I started the car after the store to go home first I heard a noise and after that it became almost impossible to turn the car left or right. I was lucky to get home without accident.
Power steering rack failed unexpectedly. Car developed a noise without any warning, and the steering became hard to turn. Made it to the repair center (dealership) without any problems, but the steering wheel was really hard to turn by the time I got there (with a drive no longer than 10 miles). Looking at online forums, it appears that an abnormal number of people have needed power steering…
2006 tsx. Consumer states power steering malfunction *tgw the consumer stated the power steering was malfunctioning significantly and he could hardly drive the vehicle. Later in the evening, there was letter in the mail from Acura regarding a safety recall relating to a power steering fluid leak. The consumer is now seeking reimbursement for $ 375.90 for the repairs. *jb
Drove the car about 35 miles from home, as I was parking heard a noise while steering left and right. Within a few minutes, the steering was hard. Drove it home by the time I got home the steering was no longer working. Checked steering fluid.no more fluid. Totally dry. Brought it to the midas and and to dealer and was told the steering rack is leaking, $3000.00 to repair. They said the rubbers…
The power steering pump leaks, and I have to replace it. My brother also has a 2004 Acura tsx and his has the same problem. It leaks from the power steering. I believe this is a faulty on most tsxs.
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Acura TSX?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Acura TSX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 90,000 and 144,000 miles, with the median around 119,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 90,000; a quarter make it past 144,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Acura/TSX.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.