I've had my '07 TSX for a little over a week now and I've noticed that the steering is not as easy as I've experienced with other vehicles. I spent an entire day last week driving around town and towards the end of my day, I noticed that my arms were getting tired from turning the wheel. At times it feels like there isn't any power steering on the car. Perhaps this is just an Acura thing, but I want to know if anyone else has felt the same way?

I'm planning on visiting the dealership tomorrow just to see if the other vehicles have this characteristics or if there is something I need to have the service department look at.

 

I've had no issues with my power steering. I'd get it into the dealership like you plan.

 

I've noticed similar things. but I think it has to do with the car being new. if I jump in my g/f's 93 camry her steering wheel feels like it has no resistance. then I drive my tsx and in comparison it feels like the wheel is a bitch to turn.

How old was the car you had before? if it was really worn in, then this could be your problem. But take it to the dealership and see what they say.

 

The car's steering has good on-center feel. It's intentional and lends to the sporty driving experience. This is not your daddy's Buick. There's nothing wrong with your car. Drive it and enjoy it.

 

 

The TSX has "variable-assist" steering. At low speeds (especially when stopped or making right/left turns for example), it should seem like any other car with power steering.

At higher speeds (e.g. especially on the highway) there is much less assist. It's almost like driving a car without power steering. If this is what you are experiencing, then it's just the way the car is designed.

(Aside, Honda has done this in their cars for years. Some love it, some hate it. )

 

"Sportier" models tend to have much less assist than non sporty models. Toyota in general has tons of assist... So you may have a huge contrast between the camery & TSX.

 

i understand your explanation.
from similar class, (what i've driven) Brand new IS250 AWD, Merc C230 Kompressor, Audi 2.0T Quattro, Saab 9-3, TL and even Camry seem softer than TSX. Yes i've experienced it enough

First, i thought it was because the car is front wheel drive, so that when compared to Merc C230 or other AWDs sedans, the TSX seems heavier in steering.

But that didn't make sense, when i drove the TL and Saab 9-3. it was so much softer.

i can't explain all with tech terms,
but yes you are right the TSX feels heavier in steering, but as long as it gives a direct sporty steering, i decided to stop complaining.

sometimes, it's better than steering soft like an old oldsmobile wagon.

 

This is exactly what I am experiencing. It makes perfect sense after reading your explanation. Our other vehicle is a 2004 Saturn Vue (with the Honda V6) and the steering is much different than the TSX (rightly so). However, before the Saturn we had a new Mini Cooper and the steering feedback was incredible in that vehicle. I'll get used to the TSX feedback, but wish it was just a tad softer for those times you spend driving around the city all day.

 

The demo car I drove had this problem. It had 6500K miles on it. I kept telling the rep and the manager there's something wrong with the power steering because I was working up a sweat to turn the steering wheel. THey were like, oh it's fine, it's the precise steering you are experiencing. I told them it's not right, it's too tight. I was going to get the TL instead (steering is smooth) but then I decided to ask the sales guy I wanted to test drive a brand new one off the lot. So I picked the Black with Navi and started to drive. The steering is much better than the demo car. So I bought the car and told them to fix the demo car's steering problem or they'll loose customers.

 

There are certain things you could do to reduce the heavy steering effect. I would check the air pressure in the tires and perhaps increase a few psi from the recommended pressure. You could also install a thicker rear anti-sway bar to reduce understeer which in turn will make the steering a little lighter.