2005 Acura TSX Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2005 Acura TSX has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Air conditioning compressor failure.” Acura's Maintenance Minder calculates oil life from real engine conditions and shows service codes instead of fixed mileages — code A or B (oil / oil + inspection) plus sub-codes for items like tire rotation (1), air filters (2), or transmission fluid (3). Follow the codes, not the calendar. One interval you should never stretch: most Acura 3.5L V6 engines (MDX, TL) use a timing belt with a roughly 105,000-mile / 7-year replacement — a snapped belt on this interference engine means bent valves. SH-AWD models add a rear-differential fluid service that's essential for the torque-vectoring unit.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2005 Acura TSX.

Reported to NHTSA

Air conditioning compressor failure

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-08 → 2013-09

“IN JUNE OF 2012, I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 60MPH ON A STATE HIGHWAY WHEN A LOUD GRINDING NOISE BEGAN COMING FROM THE ENGINE. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS THE SOUND STOPPED AND HOT AIR BEGAN COMING THROUGH MY VENTS. I TURNED OFF MY AC AND PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY. THIS HAPPENED ON A”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10542256
“MY A/C COMPRESSOR HAS FAILED 20 DAYS AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRED. COMPRESSOR MADE GRINDING NOISE FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN A LOUD BANG, THEN STOPPED WORKING. I'VE READ THAT THERE ARE SIMILAR ISSUES WITH 2004 VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED, NOT SURE WHY 2005 VEHICLES WEREN'T”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10459685
“THE A/C SYSTEM (MAINLY THE A/C COMPRESSOR, CLUTCH, AND STATOR) IN MY 2005 ACURA TSX SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING AT 71,000 MILES WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE ONLINE AND DISCOVERED THAT MANY 2004 AND ABOVE MODEL-YEAR ACURA TSX VEHICLES HAVE THIS PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10348923

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire sidewall cracking or failure

TIRES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2006-07 → 2008-11

“LITTLE TINY CRACKS HAVE APPEARED ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRES NEAR THE RIM, WHICH I BELIEVE ARE CREATED DUE TO THE TIRES BEING DRY ROTTED. DOES THIS MEAN THE TIRES ARE TOO OLD WHEN THEY WERE PUT ON THE CAR? THE CAR DEALERSHIP MAKES IT SOUND LIKE THIS IS NORMAL WEAR. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10248877
“DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, TAKING A RAMP FROM ONE ROAD TO ANOTHER, NOTICED A SOUND COMING FROM RIGHT REAR TIRE. WHILE TRYING TO REACH AN EXIT, FELT THE CAR PULLING TO THE RIGHT, AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF ON SHOULDER. WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A REST, THE TIRE WAS SITTING ON THE ROAD BEHIND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10197922
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE LOST AIR. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD, AND AN ATTEMPTED WAS MADE TO REFILL THE TIRE. THE STEEL BELT WAS OBSERVED TO BE BROKEN. THERE WERE BLISTERS ON SIDEWALL; BLISTERS WERE ON OTHER 3 TIRES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10163276

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rodent damage to engine wiring

UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2007-03 → 2007-03

“ACURA OF MEMPHIS IS SELLING VEHICLES PREVIOUSLY INFESTED AND DAMAGED BY RODENTS, PASSING THE COST OF REPAIRS TO THE CONSUMERS. I AM A VICTIM. HOW CAN THIS BE? THIS IS THE FIFTH BRAND NEW CAR THAT I HAVE PURCHASED/OWNED AND I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF OR EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM WITH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10184127
“ACURA OF MEMPHIS IS SELLING VEHICLES PREVIOUSLY INFESTED AND DAMAGED BY RODENTS, PASSING THE COST OF REPAIRS TO THE CONSUMERS. I AM A VICTIM. HOW CAN THIS BE? THIS IS THE FIFTH BRAND NEW CAR THAT I HAVE PURCHASED/OWNED AND I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF OR EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM WITH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10184077

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering fluid leak from hose or rack

STEERING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2009-10 → 2025-01

“The contact's son owns a 2005 Acura TSX. The contact discovered that there was fluid leaking from the vehicle while parked. In addition, the contact stated that there was white steam coming from behind the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633833
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START-UP, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED, WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ADDED POWER STEERING FLUID TO THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11331138
“2005 ACURA TSX PRESENTED AT DEALER WITH PREMATURELY-DETERIORATED POWER STEERING HOSE. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING ON HOT ENGINE PRESENTS FIRE HAZARD, PER DEALER SERVICE MANAGER. HOSE WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL ON TL AND RL MODELS, BUT NOT THE TSX. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10285943

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light illumination

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2014-03 → 2022-01

“DRIVING ON THE ABOVE DATE (OR CLOSE TO THE ABOVE DATE) A RED LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD WAS GLARING. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE SEAT BELT LIGHT. MY SON INFORMED ME THE RED LIGHT HAPPENED TO BE THE LIGHT FOR THE AIRBAG. I BEGAN WATCHING FOR THE RED LIGHT TO COME ON AGAIN. IT CONSISTENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10574197
“THE SRS (AIR BAG) INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THE SRS LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WOULD BECOME DISABLED. DUE TO THIS SAFETY HAZARD, MY VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO PASS MASSACHUSETTS STATE INSPECTION. AN ACURA DEAL PULLED TO CODES AND DISCOVERED A”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10703701
“It is my understanding that the seatbelt on my vehicle is 100% covered under lifetime warranty. However, my airbag light is on and remains on due to a sensor failure in the driver's side seatbelt buckle and the tensioner. I went to the Acura dealer in Chantilly, VA to have”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11446543

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag deployment without a collision

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2013-12 → 2019-03

“I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 50MPH WHEN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THEN 10-15 SECONDS LATER THE DRIVER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I DID NOT HAVE ANY TIRE BLOWOUTS OR HIT ANY OBJECTS IN THE STREET. THERE WERE NO POT HOLES OR MAN HOLES IN THE STREET WHERE MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MY TWO YEAR OLD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10557056
“ON NOVEMBER 4 2014 I FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THIS CAR BECAUSE THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKING MY HUSBAND AND MY LITTLE BOY WHERE ON THE CAR . ( IWAS ON THE DENTIST OFFICE ) MY HUSBAND DECIDE TO GO INTO THE CAR AND GIVE HIM SOME SNACK THEN AFTER ABOUT 20 MIN THAT MY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10653739
“WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO IMPACT BETWEEN MY VEHICLE AND ANY OTHER VEHICLE OR OBJECT. THE ROOT CAUSE FOR THE DEPLOYMENT IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME (INSURANCE INSPECTOR HAS NOT PROVIDED AN UPDATE AT THIS TIME)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120111

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Airbag non-deployment or partial deployment in a crash

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2007-05 → 2014-11

“I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT,WHERE I WAS REAR ENDED AND PUSHED UP AGAINST THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR SUSTAINED FRONT AND REAR DAMAGE, BUT NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, ALLSTATE. THIS WAS A BRAND NEW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10190902
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TSX. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED ONTO THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE FENDER FORCING THE VEHICLE HEAD ON INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10458537
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS PARTIALLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO INFLATE AND THE SPECIFICS OF THE CRASH WERE NOT AVAILABLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10659461

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission stalling, slipping, or failing to engage

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2010-09 → 2019-11

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED GEARS WITHOUT WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10510053
“I WAS DRIVING NORTH BOUND HWY 6 TOWARDS COLLEGE STATION TEXAS FROM HOUSTON, AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO NOT ENGAGE WHILE SHIFTING AND THEN THE VEHICLE GAVE NO POWER TO THE WHEELS ,BUT ALL SOLENIODS SEEM TO BE IN WORKING ORDER. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED FROM HEMPSTEAD WHERE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11277696
“2005 CPO TSX HAS CLUTCH SLIP ISSUE AT ONLY 56K MILES. WE BOUGHT THE CAR AS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE AND WITHIN 4 MONTHS, THE CLUTCH NEEDS REPLACEMENT. WHEN WE TOOK DELIVERY OF THE CAR, WE IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THE CAR'S CLUTCH WAS NOT GRABBING HARD IN 1ST, 2ND AND 3RD GEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10353288

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Oil & Filter (Maintenance Minder A/B)

Every 8,000 mi

Change when the Maintenance Minder reaches 15% oil life or shows code A/B — typically every 7,500-10,000 miles with 0W-20 synthetic. Short-trip city driving triggers the code sooner; that's the algorithm doing its job.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Timing Belt (3.5L V6 — MDX, TL)

Every 105,000 mi

J-series V6: replace the timing belt around 105,000 miles or 7 years (Maintenance Minder sub-code 4). It's an interference engine — a failed belt destroys valves. Replace the water pump and tensioner in the same job. (2022+ MDX 3.5L remains belt-driven; the Integra's turbo four is chain-driven.)

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate when sub-code 1 appears — roughly every 7,500 miles. SH-AWD models: keep tread depths matched across all four corners.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and fluid level with every A/B service. Type S models with Brembo front calipers: pads wear faster and cost more — budget ahead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 3 years regardless of mileage — Honda/Acura schedules this on time because the fluid absorbs moisture.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Transmission Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF when sub-code 3 appears — commonly every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on duty. Use Honda/Acura ATF only (DW-1, or the 10-speed's specified fluid); aftermarket 'universal' ATF causes shudder in these gearboxes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

SH-AWD Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

SH-AWD (MDX, TLX, RDX): replace the rear differential fluid roughly every 30,000 miles (sub-code 6) — the torque-vectoring clutch packs run in this fluid, and whining or binding in tight turns is the classic overdue symptom.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 4)

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium plugs around 100,000 miles on most models. Turbocharged Integra/ADX engines: check the manual — forced induction typically shortens the interval.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace with sub-code 2, roughly every 30,000 miles — sooner in dusty conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace with sub-code 2 alongside the engine air filter. Behind the glovebox — an easy DIY on most Acuras.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Sub-code 5)

Every 100,000 mi

Honda/Acura Type 2 coolant: first change around 10 years / 100,000 miles, then every 5 years / 50,000. Use the blue Type 2 coolant only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

38 crashes 1990–2024

How the 38 occupant deaths break down

29

driver deaths

9

passenger deaths

38

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2005 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2005 Acura TSX reflects Acura's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.