Recall Alert: Acura TSX

Acura is recalling more than 160,000 TSX sedans from model years 2004 through 2008 in order to replace power steering hoses that can crack due to engine heat, which could lead to a vehicle fire.

In a recall alert filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the automaker explains, “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. Oil leaking onto a hot exhaust pipe will generate smoke and a burning smell, and could potentially result in an under hood fire.”

Acura dealers will replace the hoses free of charge. Dealers will begin contacting owners in late May, but those who wish to make their own repair arrangements may contact Acura at 1-800-382-2238.

Acura TSX Recalled Over Fire Hazard

Honda is recalling 167,255 of its 2004-'08 Acura TSX models due to possible premature deterioration of the power steering hose. The defect could cause an underhood fire, the automaker said.

The power steering hose may deteriorate prematurely when exposed to prolonged high, under-hood temperatures and could crack and leak power steering oil, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Oil leaking onto a hot exhaust pipe will generate smoke and a burning smell, and could potentially result in an underhood fire," said Honda in paperwork filed with the government.

The recall is expected to begin on May 28. Honda will notify owners by mail and advise them to take their vehicles to an Acura dealer. Acura dealers will install a new, heat-resistant hose, free of charge. Owners may contact the automaker at 800-382-8039.

2010 Acura MDX Test Drive

With a base price of just under $52,000, Acura’s MDX mid-sized crossover is the third-most expensive model in the brand’s line-up behind the RL sedan and rakish ZDX. Yet it is also the brand’s best-seller, by far: new-vehicle buyers snapped up nearly 6,000 MDXs in 2009, which works out to more than one-third of Acura’s total sales last year, and it’s already well on its way to the same result for 2010.

Mechanically, the most meaningful improvement is the replacement of last year’s five-speed automatic transmission with a six-speed, which the MDX shares with the flashier, new-for-2010 ZDX. That makes these models the only two in the Honda/Acura portfolio to move up to a six-speed auto; this, in a segment – nay, an entire industry – that began embracing six- (and seven-, and eight-) cog gearboxes years ago.

I’ve been of the opinion all along that five gears is enough, but the bigger-better-faster-more demands of the market dictate otherwise. In any event, suffice it to say that the new transmission works well enough that I didn’t notice the extra gear until I got the car home and looked at the specs.

The 3.7-litre engine is the same as the MDX has used since that 2007 redesign. Like Honda/Acura’s other V6s, it’s a gem, with good power and a great soundtrack when under the pressure of a heavy right foot. If the new transmission’s extra gear brings any direct benefit, it’s in lower rated fuel consumption. The 2010 MDX’s Natural Resources Canada numbers are 13.2/9.6 L/100 km (city/highway), compared to 13.8/10.0 in 2009. My tester returned an average of 15.3 in mostly city driving, just about matching a 2007 model I tested.

2010 Acura ZDX

2010 Acura ZDX Suspension and all-wheel-drive technology give the 2010 Acura ZDX excellent cornering ability. The powerful audio system produces very good sound, and iPod integration lets you request specific songs by voice command.
The 2010 Acura ZDX cuts a distinct figure, and a solid suite of cabin and driver aid technology proves quite useful, especially as a road trip car.

Acura TSX Recalled Over Fire Hazard

Honda is recalling 167,255 of its 2004-'08 Acura TSX models due to possible premature deterioration of the power steering hose. The defect could cause an underhood fire, the automaker said.

Acura TSX

The power steering hose may deteriorate prematurely when exposed to prolonged high, under-hood temperatures and could crack and leak power steering oil, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Oil leaking onto a hot exhaust pipe will generate smoke and a burning smell, and could potentially result in an underhood fire," said Honda in paperwork filed with the government.

The recall is expected to begin on May 28. Honda will notify owners by mail and advise them to take their vehicles to an Acura dealer. Acura dealers will install a new, heat-resistant hose, free of charge. Owners may contact the automaker at 800-382-8039.

Honda recalls 167,000 Acura TSX cars

Honda Motor Co. is recalling about 167,000 Acura TSX cars to fix power steering hoses that could deteriorate and cause a fire under the hood.

The recall, announced Friday, involves TSXs from the 2004-2008 model years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its website that high temperatures under the hood could cause the power steering hose to crack and leak power steering oil.

The oil can leak onto a hot exhaust pipe and cause smoke and a burning smell, or even a fire.

Honda spokesman Chris Naughton said the automaker had received one report of a minor fire connected to the issue. He said there have been no reports of accidents or injuries.

The Japanese automaker said the recall is expected to begin in late May. Dealers will replace the power steering hose and seal it at no charge.

Owners can contact Acura Client Services at (800) 382-2238.

Reviews the 2010 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX could be seen as the standard-bearer of the luxury crossover segment. Since its introduction, though, competitors have made every effort to overtake it. Cars.com senior editor David Thomas reviews the 2010 MDX and explains why he’s come to expect so much from it, as well as what changes can be found for the 2010 model year.

2010 Acura MDX Road Test Review

2010 Acura MDX

According to Acura, MDX is an acronym for "MultiDimensional luXury." We usually dismiss this type of jargon as marketing gimmickry, but in the case of the 2010 Acura MDX, we're inclined to label it as justified. Unlike many of the luxury crossovers from domestic and Asian manufacturers, the MDX will satisfy a wide variety of drivers on many levels, a feat we usually equate with European brands.

Our 2010 Acura MDX test vehicle, in Advance Entertainment dress, represents the fully loaded trim level, and rings in about $11,500 more than the base model. Priced in the mid-$50,000 range, this MDX competes against the elite luxury crossovers from Germany. Fortunately for Acura, the latest improvements to the drivetrain and upgrades to the interior and technological gadgetry have the MDX giving the lofty competition a run for its money.

In terms of price, performance and features, the 2010 Acura MDX compares favorably against the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. At this level, brand equity figures into the equation quite heavily, and in this arena Acura comes up a bit short. However, the smart shopper should note that when you outfit any of these German utes with the same features as this MDX, the price begins to climb farther out of reach. For those who can do without the countless bells and whistles, the price-to-benefit ratio swings authoritatively toward the multidimensional 2010 Acura MDX's favor.