The 2012 Acura TSX is a compact luxury sedan (also sold in a Sport Wagon body style) positioned as a sporty, well-equipped alternative to entry-level German sedans. It’s ideal for drivers who want a refined daily commuter with sharp handling, upscale interior materials, and Honda-based engineering. For 2012, the TSX continues as part of the second-generation model introduced for 2009, with a mature design and a strong value-for-features reputation. It sits below the larger Acura TL, making it a popular choice for buyers who want premium comfort without moving up to a midsize platform.

1) Engine choices: Most 2012 TSX models use a 2.4L inline-4 (K24) making 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, known for smooth power delivery and longevity when maintained. A 3.5L V6 (280 hp) is available on the TSX Sedan for drivers who want quicker acceleration. 2) Transmissions: The 4-cylinder is commonly paired with a 5-speed automatic, and a 6-speed manual is available on certain 4-cylinder sedans (availability varies by market). The V6 is typically paired with an automatic. 3) Sport-tuned chassis: The TSX is known for crisp steering and balanced handling, giving it a more engaging feel than many comfort-focused luxury sedans in its class. 4) Premium interior and tech: Leather seating, dual-zone climate control, available navigation, and available premium audio help the TSX feel upscale even by today’s standards. 5) Practical usability: The TSX offers a comfortable cabin, a well-finished dashboard layout, and a reputation for being easy to live with compared to some European competitors that can be more maintenance-intensive.

Shoppers researching 2012 Acura TSX reliability and 2012 Acura TSX common issues generally find the TSX to be above average for a luxury compact, but not problem-free. Here are several 2012 Acura TSX problems that show up in owner reports and service histories: 1) Oil consumption on some 4-cylinder engines: Some owners report higher-than-expected oil use, especially as mileage climbs past roughly 100,000 miles. It’s not universal, but it’s important to monitor oil level between changes and watch for low-oil warnings or a dipstick that drops quickly. 2) Power steering system leaks/noise: A known complaint on this era of Acura/Honda vehicles can be power steering pump or hose seepage, sometimes accompanied by whining noises during turning. This tends to appear more often with age and mileage (commonly 80,000–140,000 miles), and leaks can worsen if ignored. 3) Suspension wear items: The TSX’s sporty tuning can mean faster wear of components like front control arm bushings, ball joints, and sway bar end links. Owners often notice clunks over bumps, vibration, or uneven tire wear as mileage approaches the 90,000–130,000-mile range depending on road conditions. 4) Technology/infotainment quirks: Models with navigation or premium audio can develop intermittent issues such as screen glitches, aging Bluetooth behavior, or audio system oddities as the car ages. These aren’t usually “stranded on the roadside” failures, but they can be frustrating and expensive to fully modernize.