2009 Acura TSX Problems: 9 Known Issues
2009 model year · 920+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 920+ owner reports, the 2009 Acura TSX has 9 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture - Safety Recall ($0-$0 repair) and Timing Chain Stretch Setting P0017 Cam/Crank Correlation - K24Z3 ($900-$2,200 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 $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 9 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls7 recalls
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Acura TSX problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 920+ owner reports, the 2009 Acura TSX has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture - Safety Recall, Timing Chain Stretch Setting P0017 Cam/Crank Correlation - K24Z3, AC Compressor Clutch Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Acura TSX reliable?
The 2009 Acura TSX has 9 known issues documented across 920+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture - Safety Recall and Timing Chain Stretch Setting P0017 Cam/Crank Correlation - K24Z3. 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 $2,500, 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 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 2004-2014 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 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 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 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.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.