"SERVICE BULLETIN - THE OIL CONSUMPTION IS MORE THAN THE CLIENT EXPECTS; THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL IS LOW ON THE DIPSTICK SOONER THAN EXPECTED BASED ON OVERALL VEHICLE USAGE, CONDITION, AND MAINTENANCE HISTORY. IN SOME CASES, THE OIL WARNING LIGHT MAY COME ON."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Acura TSX engine problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 3 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Acura TSX, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Among the 5 model years of Acura TSX in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
Service bulletin - The MIL comes on and DTC P0455 (EVAP system large leak) and/or DTC P0456 (EVAP system very small leak detected) is set. The fuel fill cap (gas cap) may also be loose or have a stick-slip feeling when tightened. The fuel fill cap gasket creates too much friction, preventing the cap from sealing properly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I have had several episodes of engine hesitation. I have always used premium gas. I returned for an oil change (annual service) and also asked if any engine hesitation service bulletins or advisories had been issued. None had been. These episodes have occurred about 20 times with the car. It always occurred when accelerating moderately from below 20 miles an hour. It last from 2 to 3 seconds,…
Had engine trouble with your 2012 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 engine problem on the 2012 Acura TSX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 51,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2012/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.