Acura TSX Recalled to Fix Steering Hose

Japanese manufacturer Acura shed another negative light on vehicles manufactured by a company from the country of the Rising Sun, after announcing the recall of some 167,000 Acura TSX models, build in between 2004-2008.

The models are being recalled to replace a power steering hose, due to its premature deterioration. According to the carmaker, only cars sold in the United States and equipped with the 2.4l inline 4-cylinder engine are affected by the recall.

"The recall is being conducted due to the potential for premature deterioration of the exterior surface of the hose as a result of prolonged exposure to high under-hood temperatures," the carmaker says in the recall notice.

"In the event of excessive deterioration, a crack in the hose could develop, which could allow power steering fluid to leak or spray on a hot exhaust component potentially generating smoke or a fire. Acura has only received notice of one incident resulting in a fire."

This is the second recall announced by Acura this month, after the one concerning 1,850 vehicles of its freshly launched 2010 ZDX crossover. In this case, the recall is prompted by a dashboard material that was cut wrong, thus causing the passenger-side airbag to deploy improperly.

The recall announced today by Acura, although not so serious if taken out of context, comes right when rival Toyota announced another recall, in a long string of quality issues which have almost suffocated Toyota in the beginning of the year.