Owner Notification Letter - The vehicle's steering may feel heavier than normal - or is hard to turn - particularly when the vehicle is not moving because of an electric power steering (EPS) control unit failure. If this happens, either the EPS indicator blinks with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored, or the EPS indicator comes on steady with at least one of the following DTCs stored: DTC 32-09, DTC 32-08, or DTC 61-04.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Acura TSX steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Acura TSX have filed 99 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 75,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
99
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 TSX | 17 |
| 2009 TSX | 4 |
| 2010 TSX | 5 |
| 2011 TSX | 18 |
| 2012 TSX (this page) | 99 |
| 2013 TSX | 19 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 99 steering complaints filed for the 2012 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.
How fast does it fail?
Cumulative share of the 11 mileage-bearing steering complaints filed against the 2012 Acura TSX by each odometer reading. Median failure: 80,000 mi.
10% have failed by66,000 mi
Half the fleet by80,000 mi
90% have failed by155,000 mi
Curve based on owner-reported odometer mileage at the time of complaint. Reflects when owners filed, not when symptoms first appeared. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve.
What stands out
Of the 9 model years of Acura TSX we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 99.
Steering accounts for 75% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
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.
Service Bulletin - American Honda is extending the warranty on the EPS (electric power steering) control unit to 15 years from the original date of purchase with unlimited miles. This warranty covers vehicles where the steering feels heavier than normal, or is hard to turn, particularly when the vehicle is not moving, and either the EPS indicator blinks with no DTCs, or the EPS indicator comes on steady with DTC 32-09 (motor current correlation), DTC 32-08 (EPS control unit internal circuit [current sensor]), or DTC 61-04 (motor harness malfunction).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Dealer Message - On April 19, 2019, Acura announced a warranty extension for certain 2012-14 Acura TL vehicles to address a concern with the electric power steering (EPS) system. On June 1, 2019, Acura announced an expansion to include coverage for the 2011-14 TSX L4 and TSX Sport Wagon L4, four cylinder models. Today, July 11, 2019 is announcing the final expansion to this warranty extension to include certain 2011-14 TSX V6, six cylinder models. Under certain conditions, affected vehicles may experience: - Heavier than normal steering - The EPS indicator may blink with no DTCs - The indicator may come on steady with EPS DTC(s)."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Dealer Message - On April 19, 2019, Acura announced a warranty extension for certain 2012-14 Acura TL vehicles to address a concern with the electric power steering (EPS) system. Today, June 1, 2019, Acura is announcing a vehicle population expansion to this warranty extension to also include coverage for the 2011-14 TSX L4 and TSX Sport Wagon L4, four cylinder models. Under certain conditions, affected vehicles may experience: - Heavier than normal steering - The EPS indicator may blink with no DTCs - The indicator may come on steady with EPS DTC(s)."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - American Honda is extending the warranty on the EPS (electric power steering) control unit to 15 years from the original date of purchase with unlimited miles. This warranty covers vehicles where the steering feels heavier than normal, or is hard to turn, particularly when the vehicle is not moving, and either the EPS indicator blinks with no DTCs, or the EPS indicator comes on steady with DTC 32-09 (motor current correlation), DTC 32-08 (EPS control unit internal circuit [current sensor]), or DTC 61-04 (motor harness malfunction).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Acura TSX steering system is showing a clear pattern of electric power steering (EPS) module failures, with 99 verified complaints concentrated around 50K–80K miles. Most commonly, the "CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM" warning light appears without prior symptom, followed by total loss of power steering assist or dramatic stiffening of the wheel—making it extremely difficult or impossible to steer. Some owners report the failure occurs while driving at highway speeds (55–70 mph); others experience it while parked or at low speeds, but the safety risk is consistent. A handful of owners note the failure is intermittent, with the warning clearing after restarting the engine, only to reappear hours or days later. Dealers cite either EPS module replacement (quoted $980–$1,800) or in some cases, steering rack/gearbox replacement (up to $3,400). One owner noted Acura has a Technical Service Bulletin (#19-021) on the issue. Several owners report Acura has extended warranty coverage for the EPS unit on certain vehicles, though many are denied coverage due to mileage or age. Owners stress the danger: loss of power steering at highway speeds leaves them barely able to pull over safely. A young driver and a teenage learner are mentioned as victims of the failure, heightening concern about driver vulnerability.
Same Acura TSX steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
EPS Module Failure—Loss of Power Steering Assist
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) module loses assist function or fails completely, causing the steering wheel to become extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Warning light 'CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM' appears on dashboard, often with a steering wheel icon and/or audible chime.
When: Most commonly 50K–80K miles; some failures as early as 38.5K miles or as late as 100K+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving; Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn; Required significant force to steer the vehicle; Dashboard warning: 'CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM' light; Steering wheel icon on dashboard display; Audible chime alert; Intermittent failures that may clear after restart, then recur; Harder to steer at lower speeds; Loss of steering response while turning
Codes mentioned: 32-09 (Motor Current Correlation Failure), Code 32 and Code 61 (mentioned by one owner), Check Power Steering System message
Repairs/costs cited: EPS module replacement cost $980–$1,800 at dealers; one quote for $3,400 for full steering gearbox/rack. One independent mechanic suggested EPS module wiring replacement. Some owners report multiple repair attempts; one owner had failure recur after initial repair. Labor and parts only—no repairs done at independent shops (reprogramming locked to Acura/Honda).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Acura has a TSB (#19-021) for this issue. Some owners report Acura has extended warranty coverage (15-year mentioned) or lifetime warranty for the EPS unit on certain vehicles; however, many claims are denied due to mileage (e.g., >150K miles) or warranty expiration. Acura's initial response ranges from denial of recall, citing insufficient complaints, to non-response to customer contact attempts. One owner was denied goodwill assistance because dealer deemed the issue not a safety hazard and the vehicle had 'too much mileage' for assistance.
Intermittent Power Steering Loss—Temperature Dependent
Power steering assist intermittently fails and recovers, especially after the vehicle heats up during driving. Failure typically appears after 1–2 hours of use or once car reaches operating temperature.
When: Occurs during or after driving, typically after 1–2 hours at operating temperature
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent 'CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM' warning light; Power steering assist suddenly lost, then returns after cooling; Failure disappears once car fully cools down; Recurs when car heats up again during next drive cycle; Steering wheel becomes hard to turn intermittently
Codes mentioned: 32-09
Repairs/costs cited: One shop attempted EPS reset, which worked for 3 days before failure recurred. Eventually requires full steering rack replacement (~$2,000).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented for this specific pattern.
Steering Wheel Lockup—Complete Immobilization
Steering wheel becomes completely locked or seized, unable to turn left or right at all. Occurs both while parked and while driving. Restart of vehicle may temporarily restore function.
When: Can occur at any time; some while parked, others while driving at low speed or highway speed
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel completely locked; unable to turn left or right; Requires extreme force to move wheel; Occurs with or without warning light; May occur with 'CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM' message; Temporary restoration after engine restart in some cases
Codes mentioned: 32-09
Repairs/costs cited: EPS module replacement needed; cost $1,028–$1,800.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Multiple Dashboard Warning Lights and Loss of AC
In one case, check engine, transmission, ABS, VSA, and TPMS lights all illuminate simultaneously along with power steering malfunction and loss of AC. Lights intermittently appear and disappear. Underlying cause remains undiagnosed despite $250 dealer inspection.
When: Intermittent; owner has history of prior EPS module replacement at $1,500
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple dashboard warning lights (check engine, transmission, ABS, VSA, TPMS); Power steering control loss briefly; AC stops working when lights are on; Vehicle swerves when steering loses control momentarily; Lights come and go without persistent pattern
Codes mentioned: OBD scanner shows no specific fault code
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer inspection ($250) unable to identify root cause; suspected either instrument cluster or ECU failure (~$2,000–$4,000 each). Prior EPS replacement ($1,500) did not resolve the underlying issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Synthesized from 99 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 14 most recent
Warning light to "check power steering "unexpectedly appears. Loss of turning power suddenly occurs. No prior warnings exhibited. Dangerous situation could lead to fatal results.
While driving, in motion, the electronic power steering (eps) failed. Dash indicator light displayed "check power steering system". Steering wheel was incredibly difficult to maneuver. I have driven cars equipped with traditional belt & pump-driven power steering systems that failed before with not much issue except reasonably extra effort to maneuver, but the higher level of strength required…
"takata recall" Acura needs to be aware of what happened to me yesterday. Yesterday I was driving home from work when all of a sudden the eps system light turned on. This is the power steering light. My steering wheel locked where I was having difficulty steering my wheel. Luckily I only had 2 make 2 turns but it was hard doing so. An inexperienced driver would have crashed and it could possibly…
Was driving down the road right after coming off the highway and suddenly the power steering light came on and started blinking and beeping. I tried to turn into a side street as soon as possible and the power steering was definitely malfunctioning, making it very hard to turn. Good thing I wasnt still on the highway at the time or it could have been pretty dangerous.
I was driving all of sudden power steering system light comes on and cant steer the car have to get it towed home.verry dangerous for whoever makes this steering wheel like this.for this car.with only 100k miles.
Eps (electric power steering) light come on while driving and lock steering. Error code: 32-09. Eps light will turn off after restart engine but will come on again and lock steering again while the vehicle is moving. I brought my car to local shop to run diagnostic and they suggest that this is bad manufacture issue and suggest to contact Acura to fix it under its warranty. I have call…
The contact owns a 2012 Acura TSX. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the "power steering failure" message was displayed, and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The…
My tsx is close to 80k miles. I have had no significant issues with this car until now. I started my car one morning and saw a "check power steering" notification and the power steering icon illuminated on the dash. One shop attempted to reset the eps (electric power steering) system and make sure the voltages looked ok. This worked for 3 days before I had the same "check power steering"…
I was driving my 2012 Acura tsx when my steering became very difficult to turn and almost caused me to get into an accident. A warning sign came up on my dashboard saying "check power steering". I only have 79,000 miles on my vehicle and have seen tons of other complaints regarding this issue. Additionally, Acura/Honda provided a warranty extension on earlier models.
My name is [xxx] and I would like to file a complaint with Acura located at the following takata recall Acura corporate office headquarters american Honda motor co., inc. 1919 torrance blvd. Torrance, ca 90501-2746 usa corporate phone number: 1-800-999-1009 fax number: 1-310-783-3023 customer service number: 1-800-382-2238 my complaint/concern: why has there not been a recall on a…
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2012 Acura TSX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 99 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 81 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 67,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 67,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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/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.