FaultScore

Acura TSX engine problems

80 of the 855 complaints filed about the Acura TSX are about the engine — 9% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2004.

80

Complaints

9%

Share of all complaints

0

Crashes

2

Fires

Engine & Cooling complaints by model year

2004 TSX 24 30.0%

Median failure at 84,000 miles

2005 TSX 5 6.3%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

2006 TSX 5 6.3%

Median failure at 113,120 miles

2007 TSX 3 3.8%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

2008 TSX 2 2.5%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

2009 TSX 23 28.7%

Median failure at 2,500 miles

2010 TSX 5 6.3%

Median failure at 25,000 miles

2011 TSX 4 5.0%

Median failure at 83,000 miles

2012 TSX 6 7.5%

Median failure at 17,500 miles

2013 TSX 1 1.3%
2014 TSX 2 2.5%

Median failure at 75,000 miles

What owners said

2004 Acura TSX at 335,000 miles Taunton, MA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2004 Acura TSX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound that was coming from the instrument cluster. The contact stated that upon decelerating to come to a stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that while the vehicle was rolling, the contact shifted to neutral(N), restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had been a recurring failure. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in HTSA Campaign Number: 13V093000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System), which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed; however, the vehicle failed to start after the repair. The dealer informed the contact that he needed to pay a fee for diagnostic test and the repair out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 335,000.

NHTSA complaint #11655508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Acura TSX Edison, NJ

ENGINE

Check engine Transmission ABS VSA TPMS All lights went on suddenly. While I was driving suddenly all lights came on dashboard. I’ve used OBD scanner to find the root cause but the problem can’t be detected. I went to Acura dealer in NJ and paid $250. They inspected, and said it could be this Instrument cluster or that ECu. But they did not said anything concrete what could be faulty. Both are expensive to replace around $2000-$4000 each The lights comes and goes. These lights are not persistent. I’ve been driving with it. Sometimes when the lights are on AC DOESNT WORK, steering loses control for a second. When it loses control car swerves. It’s dangerous but I’ve been driving with caution ⚠️ In past, electric power steering was malfunction and I had it replaced for $1500. I will never purchase Acura or Honda for lifetime It should be recalled

NHTSA complaint #11603279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Acura TSX at 170,000 miles Ferndale, WA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2007 Acura TSX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the ECU, and determined that corrosion had caused the component to fail. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V093000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #11583153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Acura TSX Escondido, CA

ENGINE

A GRAINDING NOISE FROM THE INTER ROD BEARING

NHTSA complaint #11560442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Acura TSX Alexandria, VA

ENGINE

Every day I. The morning, the car would not start even though the battery is new and the car is driven everyday and mechanics can not find the problem and it passes all tests when checked for problems.

NHTSA complaint #11487342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Acura TSX National City, CA

ENGINE

For about a year or more, On cold start,(3-6+ hours of engine rest) rattle occurs for a brief period of time (usually 1-2 seconds) then ceases. TSB 09-010 is associated with various Honda models up to 2012, but does not include Acura. Car delivers no DTCs for this issue currently. Have not had the vehicle inspected by the dealer for this issue. Following the TSB, the symptom is the same. Replacement of VTC ACTUATOR will happen shortly, in which the part can be available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11480897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 Acura TSX Queens Village, NY

ENGINE

This vehicle was taken in for a recall for a corrosive ECM. 1 hour prior to taking this vehicle in my assigned service writer gave me a call, your vehicle is ready for pick up. I was advised due to their visual inspection of the ECM( Electronic control module)(electrical computer) not having corrosion, they will not change the unit but they have decided to replace the cover on the unit. I've filed a concerning complaint to Acura headquarters due to my knowledge of cars to have it on file what was told to me before receiving the vehicle. Due to my knowledge a faulty ECM can trigger numerous faults within the vehicles performance.Prior to bringing the vehicle to the dealership, I've been experiencing heavy misfires, poor radio connection, no interior lights and triggered headlights. I've replaced the necessary mechanics that would normal be the cause of these issues and the problem was still existing. The last option was the ECM,which fueled my search of a recall on these models for a faulty ECM. A few weeks later I've contacted another dealership in hopes they would take care of the problem, the representative was polite and reassured me the recall was suppose to be replaced with a new unit under manufacturer policy. However this could not be done because the previous dealer has marked the vehicle as a completed task. So I filed another complaint and have not received any further notice regarding my concern. A few weeks later I had the vehicle diagnosed and realized the ECM was never replaced nor removed out of the vehicle for inspection. Pictures and video where taken of this unit,as you can see the build up of dirt and dust from its original installment back in 2004. Later reading the review of that specific dealership, I've learned their has been numerous complaints regarding poor service at that locations service department.

NHTSA complaint #11442376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Acura TSX Petersburg, VA

ENGINE

Car last year began randomly displaying VSA code during inclement weather. Took vehicle for diagnostic and report showed APS sensor issues. Replaced acceleration pedal. Car then lost power steering. Replaced pump. Can began having loss of power while using cruise control and steering would stiffen. Yet, only during inclement weather while driving. The Engine light with emmisions control warning would display and the clear on its on usually over night. Code diagnostics found possible 02 sensor or catalytic converter issues. Roughly six months later car cut off and wouldn't start replaced rack and pinion during to link at main connection. Car began having starting issues still then not holding charge replace battery twice due to B/S/A reporting pass. About 3 months ago car wouldn't turn over starter was faulty replaced starter. Replaced starter however igintion strained to turn over. To start it began requiring turning car to on then off and immediately to run. Began requesting jump starts. Ran diagnosis at advance auto showed battery issues, starter good and alternator good. Replaced battery and 02 sensor. Can Three weeks wouldn't start after driving to the gas station attempted to jump vehicle but didn't work. Called roadside service; however when service arrived vehicle started with no assistance. Took car for diagnosis test and code displayed ecm issues. Car again after cutting vehicle on and attempting to start car up vehicle wouldn't turn over. Attempted to jump start vehicle and still no crank. Left car and returned 2 hours later and was able to jump start vehicle. Acura website I'd showing decals for emc and power steering recalls on 08 tsx non vin specific search however my specific vin isnt included. How do I register my vin for similar recall issues.

NHTSA complaint #11427100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Acura TSX Dorchster, MA

ENGINE

My car has stalled over 50 times since I’ve had my vehicle less than 90 days and they can’t seem to figure out what’s going on I had the car looked at over 3 times

NHTSA complaint #11423867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Acura TSX at 70,000 miles Rochester, NY

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2007 Acura TSX. The contact stated that the emission warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective ECM/PCM due to salt corrosion. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V093000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11423799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Acura TSX at 70,000 miles Rochester, NY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2007 Acura TSX. The contact stated that the emission warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective ECM/PCM due to salt corrosion. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V093000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11423799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Acura TSX at 128,241 miles Athens, AL

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2006 Acura TSX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 13V093000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical system). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and confirmed that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 128,241.

NHTSA complaint #11421128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Acura TSX at 121,468 miles Jonesboro, GA

ENGINE

WHEN DRIVING RANDOMLY SIGN SHOWS UP FOR "CHECK ENGINE OIL". SIGN'S SHOWS UP WITH PRESSING BRAKE, MAKING TURNS, GOING OVER SPEED-BUMPS. SIGN WILL DISAPPEAR BUT WILL COME ON, AFTER ANYONE OF THE ABOVE HAS OCCURRED. THIS HAPPENS ON LOCAL ROADS, HIGHWAYS, INNER CITY, AND SPEED BUMPS.

NHTSA complaint #11354075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 Acura TSX at 118,000 miles Buckannon, WV

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED HOWEVER, FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE ASSIST WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ECU NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED, PURCHASED AND REPAIRED VEHICLE WITH A USED ECU, DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S PERFORMANCE IMPROVED AFTER THE REPAIRS HOWEVER, THE WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE TECHNICIAN THEN TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V093000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND TOLD THE CONTACT TO CALL THAT MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE USED ECU VOIDED THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN SERVICED BY AN ACURA DEALER SINCE 2012, TO WHICH THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS SON TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V174000 (STEERING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V429000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) RECALL REPAIRS IN 2011 AND 2012 RESPECTIVELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF ANY OTHER RECALLS AND THAT SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, HE UTILIZED THE SERVICES OF AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, TO CUT COSTS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

NHTSA complaint #11350669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Acura TSX at 98,000 miles Aiken, SC

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THE MECHANIC BECAME AWARE OF A FLUID LEAK UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONTACT AND WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. THE RESERVOIR WAS REFILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MCDANIELS ACURA OF CHARLESTON (2283 SAVANNAH HWY, CHARLESTON, SC 29414, 843-766-1299, WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

NHTSA complaint #11329603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Acura TSX at 185,000 miles Bridgeport, CT

ENGINE

THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BINDS, THE ENGINE DOESN'T NOT QUICKLY RETURN TO IDLE AFTER THE PEDAL IS NO LONGER PRESSED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE VEHICLE FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NUMBER 124, ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM.

NHTSA complaint #11325646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 Acura TSX Columbia, MD

ENGINE

WHEN I DRIVING THE CAR, EITHER STREET OR HIGHWAY , THE CAR SLOWS DOWN OR LOSE HORSEPOWER. I COULD BE DOING 60 ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR STALLS ON IT'S OWN ALMOST SHUTTING DOWN.

NHTSA complaint #11323008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Acura TSX at 75,000 miles Westmoreland, TN

ENGINE

THE VTC ACTUATOR PART NUMBER 14310-R40-A01 HAS GONE BAD. THE VERY SAME PART NUMBER IS USED ON MULTIPLE HONDAS AND ACURAS. WHEN USED ON THE HONDA VARIANT (ACCORD) THE PART HAS BEEN DEEMED TO BE DEFECTIVE BY HONDA OF AMERICA PER TSB 09-010. YET WHEN THE VERY SAME PART IS USED IN THE SAME ENGINE ON AN ACURA, HONDA OF AMERICA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND/OR REPLACE THE PART. THE ISSUE OCCURS ON COLD STARTS AND PRODUCES A LOUD GRINDING NOISE FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS.

NHTSA complaint #11311780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Acura TSX Nashville, TN

ENGINE

VEHICLE IS MANUFACTURED WITH DEFECTIVE VTC ACTUATOR, IT IS MAKING RATTLE SOUND ON A COLD START. MANUFACTURER IS NOT WILLING TO ACCEPT THE DEFECT PART.

NHTSA complaint #11309049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2009 Acura TSX at 177,000 miles Sumter, SC

ENGINE

VEHICLE HAS THROWN AN ENGINE CODE DUE TO EXCESS OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO STICKY PISTON RINGS, ADVANCEMENT IN TIMING AND VVT ADVANCEMENTS. DUE TO THIS ENGINE CODE BEING THROWN, THE CAR DEACTIVATES VSA AND ALSO THROWS AN EMISSION CONTROL LIGHT. THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO ENTER A STATE WHERE IT ADVANCES THE RPM'S AT IDLE BY A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT AND BURNS MORE FUEL. WHEN LEAVING THE CAR IN DRIVE BUT AT A STOP, THE CAR WILL QUICKLY ACCELERATE NEARLY TO 30 MPH ON A FLAT SURFACE. IN ORDER TO STOP THE CAR, THE DRIVER MUST EXCESSIVELY ENGAGE THE BRAKES. ACURA TECHNICIANS HAVE INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND IS DUE TO THE PISTON SEALS BEING FAULTY, CAUSING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND LOOSING THE TIMING CHAIN TO BECOME OUT OF SYNC. ENGINE WILL THEN ENTER A "LIMP" MODE WHERE CAR WILL IDLE HIGHER, BURN MORE FUEL.

NHTSA complaint #11299804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Acura TSX problems