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2004-2014 Acura TSX Problems: 10 Known Issues

2004-2014 model years · 920+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 920+ owner reports, the 2004-2014 Acura TSX has 10 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture - Safety Recall ($0-$0 repair), Timing Chain Stretch Setting P0017 Cam/Crank Correlation - K24Z3 ($900-$2,200 repair) and Excessive Oil Consumption from Stuck/Worn Piston Rings - K24A2 (CL9) ($150-$4,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is AC Compressor Clutch Failure with 920 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $80 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura TSX problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 920+ owner reports, the 2004-2014 Acura TSX has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture - Safety Recall, Timing Chain Stretch Setting P0017 Cam/Crank Correlation - K24Z3, Excessive Oil Consumption from Stuck/Worn Piston Rings - K24A2 (CL9). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura TSX reliable?

The 2004-2014 Acura TSX has 10 known issues documented across 920+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture - Safety Recall and Timing Chain Stretch Setting P0017 Cam/Crank Correlation - K24Z3 and Excessive Oil Consumption from Stuck/Worn Piston Rings - K24A2 (CL9). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Acura TSX problems?

Repair costs for known Acura TSX issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture - Safety Recall, typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Acura TSX is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Acura TSX. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2004-2014 Acura TSX with 10 documented issues documented across 920+ owner reports.

What is the 2009-2014 Acura TSX Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture - Safety Recall?

Second-generation TSX sedans and the TSX Sport Wagon are covered by the Takata passenger frontal airbag inflator recall. The inflator's ammonium nitrate propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to high temperature and high absolute humidity, and can rupture the inflator housi… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2014 Acura TSX Timing Chain Stretch Setting P0017 Cam/Crank Correlation - K24Z3?

On the second-generation 2.4L K24Z3 the timing chain and its hydraulic tensioner wear enough for the exhaust cam to fall out of correlation with the crankshaft, setting P0017 (Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation, Bank 1 Sensor B). This is the downstream consequenc… Repairs typically run $900-$2,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2004-2008 Acura TSX Excessive Oil Consumption from Stuck/Worn Piston Rings - K24A2 (CL9)?

First-generation TSX 2.4L K24A2 engines are widely documented on owner forums for burning oil far beyond normal. Honda's internal position treated roughly 1 quart per 1,000 miles as acceptable, but affected cars report consumption as severe as a quart every few hundred miles, som… Repairs typically run $150-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2004-2014 Acura TSX AC Compressor Clutch Failure?

The TSX AC compressor clutch bearing fails prematurely, typically between 80,000-120,000 miles. The clutch bearing seizes and causes a loud screeching noise when the AC is engaged, eventually leading to belt damage and complete loss of air conditioning. Repairs typically run $500-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2004-2014 Acura TSX HandsFreeLink Bluetooth Module Parasitic Draw Killing the Battery?

The HandsFreeLink (HFL) Bluetooth control unit develops an internal fault that keeps it awake after the car is shut off, drawing roughly 0.23-0.25 amps continuously. That is enough to flatten a healthy battery overnight or over a weekend and leave the owner needing a jump start;… Repairs typically run $100-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2004-2014 Acura TSX Catalytic Converter Efficiency Loss Setting P0420?

TSX owners across both generations report recurring P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 1) as the front catalytic converter loses efficiency. On the first-generation K24A2 cars this is frequently a downstream consequence of the oil-consumption problem - oil as… Repairs typically run $300-$1,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2004-2014 Acura TSX 6-Speed Manual 3rd Gear Synchro Grind and Pop-Out?

The 6-speed manual TSX develops a grind entering 3rd gear, most often on quick upshifts or when cold, and in advanced cases pops out of 3rd under load. The cause is a worn 3rd gear synchronizer/blocker ring or a worn 3-4 shift sleeve. This is a known weak point in Honda's K-serie… Repairs typically run $80-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2004-2014 Acura TSX Front Lower Control Arm Compliance Bushing Tears Causing Clunk and Wander?

The large front compliance bushing in the front lower control arm splits and separates across both TSX generations, letting the control arm move fore and aft under braking and over bumps. Owners describe a loud clunk or pop from the front over speed bumps and expansion joints, a… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2010 Acura TSX Premature Rear Brake Pad Wear - Subject of a Class Action Settlement?

Second-generation TSX owners reported rear brake pads worn out at 15,000-25,000 miles, roughly twice as fast as expected and often faster than the fronts, which is backwards for a front-biased car. A class action covering 2008-2010 Honda Accord and 2009-2010 Acura TSX vehicles al… Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2004-2014 Acura TSX VTC (Variable Timing Control) Actuator Rattle on Cold Start - K24Z3?

The signature second-generation TSX complaint. At cold start-up the 2.4L K24Z3 emits a loud metallic rattle or grind from the front of the engine lasting roughly 1-3 seconds, then goes quiet. The cause is a defective intake-cam VTC actuator whose internal lock pin fails to hold t… Repairs typically run $400-$1,100. Severity: medium.

All 10 Known Issues

Timing Chain Stretch Setting P0017 Cam/Crank Correlation - K24Z3#

Excessive Oil Consumption from Stuck/Worn Piston Rings - K24A2 (CL9)#

VTC (Variable Timing Control) Actuator Rattle on Cold Start - K24Z3#

Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture - Safety Recall#

AC Compressor Clutch Failure#

HandsFreeLink Bluetooth Module Parasitic Draw Killing the Battery#

Catalytic Converter Efficiency Loss Setting P0420#

6-Speed Manual 3rd Gear Synchro Grind and Pop-Out#

Front Lower Control Arm Compliance Bushing Tears Causing Clunk and Wander#

Premature Rear Brake Pad Wear - Subject of a Class Action Settlement#

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