DecodedCars2008 Acura TSX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD /Nav Package/Type-S
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 183.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,281 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Acura TSX is a compact car offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,281 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 5% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 TSX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 TSX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Nav Package/Type-S | 183.1 in | 69.3 in | 57.5 in | 104.7 in | 59.4 / 59.1 in | 3,281 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSX | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +5% | $3,550 | 386 |
| TSX | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | 0% | $3,750 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Acura TSX under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Acura TSX (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 BMW 3 Series | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2008 Audi A4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Audi A5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Lexus ES | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Volvo S60 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System · Mar 15, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V093000 · 76,253 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Acura TSX vehicles originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In states that use corrosive materials for deicing, driver's footwear may bring in materials that saturate the vehicle's carpeting, which is in contact with the vehicle's engine Electronic Control Unit (ECU). As a result, the ECU case may experience rust or corrosion. This damage may potentially cause the engine to stall.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners and Acura dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any damaged ECU, free of charge. All vehicles will have a waterproof cover installed onto the ECU, free of charge. The recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Acura Client Relations at 1-800-382-2238 and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.acura.com.
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections · Apr 29, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V174000 · 167,255 vehicles
- Problem
- HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 ACURA TSX PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 25, 2002 AND FEBRUARY 13, 2008. PROLONGED HIGH UNDER HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY CAUSE THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO DETERIORATE PREMATURELY AND MAY CAUSE THE HOSE TO CRACK AND LEAK POWER STEERING OIL.
- Risk
- OIL LEAKING ONTO A HOT EXHAUST PIPE WILL GENERATE SMOKE AND A BURNING SMELL, AND COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.
- Fix
- HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MAY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ACURA CLIENT SERVICES AT 1-800-382-2238.
Not every 2008 Acura TSX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Acura TSX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 9 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 120,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Acura TSX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other TSX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 TSX | 25 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2013 TSX | 25 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 31 |
| 2012 TSX | 25 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 136 |
| 2011 TSX | 25 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 7 | 46 |
| 2010 TSX | 25 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 7 | 37 |
| 2009 TSX | 25 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 46 |
| 2007 TSX | 23 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 15 |
| 2006 TSX | 23 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 28 |
| 2005 TSX | 23 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 21 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →