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 ↗2013 Acura TSX steering problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 19 steering complaints filed for the 2013 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 2013 Acura TSX by each odometer reading. Median failure: 56,000 mi.
10% have failed by11,000 mi
Half the fleet by56,000 mi
90% have failed by89,000 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
Steering accounts for 58% 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 #3 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.
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 2013 Acura TSX steering system generates a consistent complaint pattern centered on the electronic power steering module. Owners describe the steering wheel locking without warning, becoming extremely difficult to turn, or losing all assist while driving at highway speeds. In most cases a "CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM" warning lights the dashboard. The failures occur across a wide mileage range—32,000 to 88,000 miles—though several cluster around the 45,000 to 61,000 mile area, often within or just past the factory 60,000-mile warranty period.
Many owners report that restarting the engine temporarily restores steering function, only for the same fault to recur within minutes. Dealership diagnosis consistently points to EPS module failure requiring replacement at approximately $1,700. One owner purchased a replacement module directly from Acura and installed it himself, only to encounter the identical fault code immediately.
A separate group of complaints describes EPS stability problems—poor crosswind handling and drift during highway driving—linked to hood vibration and structural flex. One owner reports violent hood vibration and lift at 3,800 miles, later traced to a 2009 TSB involving a rubber gasket patch that owners claim did not address the core design flaw. No manufacturer recall has been issued despite the frequency and safety implications owners cite.
Same Acura TSX steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Module Failure
The EPS module fails, causing the power steering system to stop working or become difficult to operate. Owners report the steering wheel locking, becoming hard to turn, or becoming unresponsive. A dashboard warning light ('CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM') typically illuminates when the failure occurs.
When: Failures reported between 32,000 and 88,000 miles; several occur within 60,000-mile factory warranty period. Some failures occur within months of purchase or routine maintenance.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes extremely difficult to turn; Power steering light illuminates on dashboard; Steering becomes unresponsive during driving; Hard steering above 20 mph; Intermittent failures requiring engine restart to restore function
Codes mentioned: EPS module fault code, CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers diagnose as failed electrical system requiring EPS module replacement. Owners cite replacement costs of approximately $1,700. Some owners have purchased replacement modules through Acura and installed themselves, only to experience the same fault code and failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Acura dealerships confirm manufacturer has not issued a recall for this issue despite multiple reports. TSB10-103 (April 2009) addressed hood vibration with a rubber gasket fix but did not address core EPS stability issues. Some owners report steering system is covered under manufacturer warranty (up to 60,000 miles for 2013 model year).
EPS Stability and Straight-Line Tracking Issues
The EPS system exhibits poor stability control during highway driving, particularly in crosswinds or when passing large vehicles. The vehicle drifts excessively or becomes difficult to keep in a straight line, independent of steering wheel locks.
When: Early in ownership; first reported at 250 miles and ongoing through various highway conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle drifts toward edge of road when passing large vehicles (rigs) in opposite direction; Excessive pushing toward road edge during crosswinds; Difficulty maintaining straight-line driving on open interstate highways; Intermittent 'flutter' on open interstates when not vibrating
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB10-103 (April 2009) addressed issue with addition of rubber gasket, which owner characterizes as inadequate 'band-aide' fix that did not solve the underlying hood flexibility and EPS stability engineering flaw.
Hood Vibration and Structural Instability
The hood vibrates violently and flexes excessively during highway driving, particularly in crosswinds and at higher speeds. The hood lifts and vibrates vertically approximately 1 inch, accompanied by loud howling sounds. Owner expresses concern that detachment could create a flying hazard.
When: Reported at 3,800 miles; occurs repeatedly on open interstate highways during crosswind conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Hood vibration and flexing at leading edge near windshield; Vertical lift of hood assembly approximately 1 inch; Very fast vibration cycles; Loud howling sound from hood during wind passage through engine compartment; Intermittent 'flutter' on open interstates
Repairs/costs cited: TSB10-103 rubber gasket applied; owner reports this did not resolve the underlying hood structural issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Acura issued TSB10-103 (April 2009) with rubber gasket fix. Owner alleges Acura has known of problem for 5 years prior and that the fix is inadequate for the underlying engineering flaw.
Post-Collision Steering System Failure
One owner reported complete loss of steering mobility one week after a hard rear-end collision. Dealer could not definitively link failure to collision damage.
When: One week after rear-end collision impact; vehicle had 88,000 miles at time of failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of steering mobility; Failure occurred one week post-collision
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost approximately $1,700. Dealer ran diagnostic but did not confirm collision causation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA representative indicated steering system covered under manufacturer warranty for 2013 model year.
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
The electronic steering module failed at 45000 miles. It is a very expensive fix and Acura is not willing to help. It appears to be a common problem because vehicles seem to be computers more than anything these days.
Cannot turn wheel, it's very difficult
Steering locked up and power steering light came on dashboard. Turned off the engine, restarted, it was ok. It happened again and extremely difficult to turn the steering. Real safety hazard.
Power steering system abruptly cut out as I was driving down the highway. Stop and go traffic. I was forced to try and get the vehicle off to the side of the road with no power steering in rush hour traffic.
The power steering light went on when I started the car. Tried to drive the car and it was very stiff.the car was hard to drive above 20 MPH. The next morning the light was off and the steering was normal. Went to dealer and they stated the eps needed to be replaced at $ 1,700
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Acura tsx. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering waring light illuminated.the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electrical system failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000. ......updated…
Check power steering system displayed and the vehicle power steering stopped working completely. Had to move steering with force.
As I was driving down a straight road, the steering wheel locked and I got a message on the dashboad. It said that the electrical power steering system may not be working. I turned off the car. I turned it back on and continued to drive. However, within 1 min, the wheel locked again. Thank god I hadnt gotten on the freeway. There could've been serious consequences as this is an extremely…
On my way to work last night while driving in the highway, my steering wheel locked, making it impossible for me to turn. Then lights starting flashing on the dashboard saying check power steering system. I was afraid for my life as this is dangerous. I did safely make it to work. At this time I am unable to find a recall for this problem which is odd because this is definitely not a consumer's…
The automatic steering stopped working when I was trying to reverse out of the parking lot. Car was only parked for 15 minutes in the lot. Car only has 32k
Had steering trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Acura TSX?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 45,000 and 88,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 88,000. 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/2013/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.