Which Acura TSX Years To Avoid and Why? (Explained)

The Acura TSX is also called Honda Accord. It’s a compact executive car series manufactured and sold by Honda Motors between 2003 and 2014. Acura TSX even got an overall 4.5 out of 5.0 ratings on Acura TSX Reliability – 2022 Ratings|RepairPal.

Of course, all the Acura or Honda Accord models were developed and built in the same manner. As a result, 2009, 2010, and a few more TSX released models ended up having the real engine, steering, and interior concerns.

Thus, if you are keen to know more about those Acura TSX infamous models, continue reading the following article till the end- 

Acura TSX Years To Avoid: (With Reasons)

Honda introduced the first Acura TSX model in April 2003 as a 2004 model, which was originally a rebadged version of the Honda Accord 2.4 Type-S vehicle with an additional interior concept taken from the Japanese domestic market (JDM). 

Acura TSX has been one of Honda’s well-received series due to its excellent fuel efficiency, great control over steering handling, incredible engine performance, advanced safety features, and decent resale value.

However, some of its released years are also infamous for being too troublesome and while looking for an Acura TSX used car to purchase, remember to avoid those released years:

• 2005 Acura TSX
• 2006 Acura TSX
• 2009 Acura TSX
• 2010 Acura TSX
• 2012 Acura TSX

All these mentioned TSX models years made Acura rank in 14^th position on the CarComplaints.com website’s Least Reliable Acura Models category due to 148 received complaints and a 5.5 score on the PainRank™ scoring system.

Most highlighted issues of those mentioned TSX models were power steering failure, excess oil consumption, and transmission failure.

2005 Acura TSX Problems:

This year’s Acura TSX users seemed to encounter significant steering and transmission issues since most complaints were against those areas.

Several 2005 TSX users reported steering issues such as faulty or broken power steering hose, power steering pump failure, leaked steering boot seal, and worn-out rack & pin steering column. Also, reported symptoms like transmission whining and complete failure.

Other highlighted 2005 model problems were automatic door and passenger door lock broke, ECM or PCM computer failure, navigation system malfunction, and piston oil rings internally consuming all oil.

2006 Acura TSX Problems:

This year’s Acura TSX users most commonly complained about the steering and interior issues.

2006 TSX users reported problems like power steering fluid leak, steering rack, and pinion failure. Also, reported issues like broken automatic door lock, hands-free prone link causes dead battery, inoperable reading lights, and seats move erratically.

Other mostly 2006 TSX highlighted issues were oil gasket leakage, rough idle, total suspension failure, paint peeling off, the parasitic drain of vehicle battery due to faulty hands-free links, and air compressor failure.

2009 Acura TSX Problems:

According to the Carcomplaint.com reports, this is the worst year of the Acura TSX series, and 2009 TSX models got the highest numbers of complaints due to several significant issues.

2009 TSX owners reported engine troubles such as excess oil consumption, engine rattles at cold start, noisy pulley, and bad VTC Actuator.

2009 model users also mentioned interior issues like power or electric door locks malfunction, cup holders not closing, and dash lights erratically blinking while driving. They also mentioned premature seat deterioration and stereo speakers not working.

Acura 2009 TSX vehicle users also reported symptoms like brake wearing prematurely and faulty brake pedals that tend to go to the floor.

Other common highlighted issues were unusual noise during accelerating, battery failed the load test, power steering failure, and rough shifting.

2010 Acura TSX Problems:

This year’s vehicle users mainly complained about the engine and brakes issues.

Acura 2010 TSX owners mostly mentioned encountering symptoms like excess oil consumption, cold vehicles that required a jump start, or tended to not start in the cold weather. Some also noticed unusual VTC Actuator noise when cold starting and premature rear brake wear.

Other highlighted notable issues were device connectivity not working, A/C not working properly, and a faulty windshield wiper that tends to throw water onto the driver’s side.

2012 Acura TSX Problems:

Most of this year’s vehicles’ complaints were against the steering, where users noticed common symptoms like power steering and ECU failure.

2012 TSX users also reported brakes failure during cold weather, difficult cold start, or visible hesitations.

Other common issues with the Acura 2012 TSX were very uncomfortable seats, paint fading or peeling off, rodents chewing the wiring, and transmission failure.

What Are The Worst Years Of Acura TSX?

Based on the ACURA TSX MODEL YEAR COMPARISON graphical presentation, the following Acura TSX years produced some worst models-

The 2006 Acura TSX:

This year’s models got 85 complaints reported by consumers, and Four Recalls were issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which also forced the Honda Acura to issue 42 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSBS).
The 2006 ACURA TSX most highlighted symptoms were the rack and pinion failure (average fixing cost $1,300), power steering fluid leak (average fixing cost $900), and total suspension failure (average fixing cost $1,600).

The 2009 Acura TSX:

143 complaints were reported, and NHTSA officially issued Six Recalls. Also, Acura officially released 65 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSBS).

2009 ACURA TSX most highlighted complaints were excess oil consumption, power steering failure (typical fixing cost $1,800), and premature brake wear (typical fixing cost $200).

The 2010 Acura TSX:

This particular year’s TSX got102 complaints, including Seven Recalls issued by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Also, Acura had to issue officially 1465 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSBS). 
Most 2009 CTS highlighted symptoms such as excessive oil consumption, premature rear brakes wearing (average repairing cost $200), and device connectivity not working.

Most Common Problems Of Acura TSX:

Let’s learn more about the most common problems that make some of Acura’s TSX models worth avoiding- 

1. Engine Problems

According to the What Breaks The Most list of Acura TSX, there are 42 engine failure cases reported against some TSX vehicles.

Based on the ACURA TSX Year-By-Year ENGINE PROBLEMS visual representation, engine troubles were available more or less in almost all released TSX models.

But issues were most severe in Acura’s 2009 and 2010 released TSX models.

The most highlighted symptom was the excess oil consumption, which commonly occurs at 72,000-84,000 miles.

The good news is according to one of the Acura dealers, they are notified to cover the expense to solve the issue occurred within 90K up to 150K operation.

Another most reported issue was that the piston oil rings internally consume all vehicle oil, which most users noticed after 124,000 miles, and the repair cost was around $2,700.

2. Steering Issues

According to the What Breaks The Most list of Acura TSX, 34 steering failure cases were reported against some TSX vehicles.

According to ACURA TSX Year-By-Year STEERING PROBLEMS representation, steering malfunction or failure issues were also commonly noticed in almost all the TSX models.

But problems seemed relatively severe in the 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2012 Acura TSX models.

One of the most highlighted symptoms was power steering failure, which commonly occurs at 69,000 miles and requires $1,500 to fix.

Another most reported issue was the check power steering indicator light staying on, which commonly occurs at 82,000 miles and requires approx. $3,000 for repairing.

Consumers also mostly highlighted rack and pinion failure, which commonly arises at 94,000 miles and users require to spend approx. $1,300 to fix.

Which Acura TSX Years are Safe to Buy Used? 

According to the same ACURA TSX MODEL YEAR COMPARISON, following years’ models have been considered safe-

• 2007 Acura TSX
• 2013 Acura TSX
• 2014 Acura TSX

The 2007 Acura TSX features a high-revving engine, razor-sharp handling, smooth six-speed manual transmission, very refined and attractive interior to offer a dynamic driving experience. Even has earned 4.9 consumer ratings out of 5, which shows how comfortable, durable and reliable is this model.

2013 Acura TSX is built with excellent quality materials and offers a spacious interior, sporty handling as well as lots of impressive standard technology and safety features. Even Acura 2013 TSX has earned an overall 4.4 consumer ratings out of 5.0.

The 2014 Acura TSX is designed with a stylish appearance and high-end interior quality. This Acura TSX model also features a four-cylinder or V-6 engine, a slick-shifting six-speed manual, and stays flat during aggressive cornering to deliver safe & sound riding performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Since Honda Motors discontinued the production of its Acura TSX series models in 2014, one can only buy the used TSX cars now, and no one would love the idea of purchasing a problematic vehicle, even if it’s the used one.

Thus, it is only wise to rely on the Acura TSX models originally tagged as less problematic.

Related Posts: