2009-2014 Acura TSX Reliability & Common Problems - Full Buyer's Guide 

See my 2023 Acura Integra Review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hTce6BlU388.html&feature=share7

Heyo Acura tech here, just wanna clear up some things because the TSX is arguable one of the most reliable and affordable luxury (albeit entry-level) cars on the used market. 1. The oil burning can be ignored basically forever. It doesn’t cause any major issues. Yeah it’s not ideal that you have to check your oil frequently but it’s not a catastrophic issue either. DO NOT USE THICKER OIL. You will cause lubrication issues and brick your engine over time. 2. The VTC actuator rattle is nearly a non-issue. The reason it happens anywhere between 30k miles and 100k+ miles is because it responds differently to oil change intervals. Shorter intervals will cause the sound to activate later in the cars lifespan. The VTC rattle can actually cause the chain to stretch over time but it takes forever, even when neglected severely. It does not become a real issue until 150k-Never miles based on oil maintenance. You’ll get timing issues before it becomes a catastrophic issue. Very much a near non-issue unless the car was severely neglected, but at that point, you’re going to have other problems. 3. The brake system is not an issue for the used market. The OEM pads and rotors are long gone. 4. The PS system is still under warranty for most used TSX’s. It’s 15 years/150k miles. Dumb issue and worse in humid climates since it has to due with corrosion from water vapor. 5. All Hondas and Acuras have issues with door lock actuators failing. It’s been an issue since they first came out. Super stupid and no way around it unless you don’t mind using a physical key (gross)

I have a 2010 tsx with the tech package (basically the same one you had, just a different color). I bought it in February of 2020 with 106,000 miles and am now at 125,000 miles and I’ve had no issues with it so far 😁

No warranty. The Gen 2 TSX is extremely reliable. It is one of the last in North America that was built in Japan. Own, maintain it, top up the oil and ENJOY!

I have a 2012 TSX sedan with the 4 cylinder. I have 281,000 miles and never burn oil. I was worried about the trans and still have the original transmission. This car is flawless and the interior has held up nicely. I think they made the TLX because the TSX was very close and nicer looking than the TL.

Nice video! Back in 2016, I found a well maintained 2012 TSX Wagon at a dealer with 26k on the clock (a leased wagon). I paid $20,000 cash out the door, and have loved this TSX as my daily driver for 7 years, now with 79k on the odometer. I've have enjoyed this as a fun and reliable vehicle. The Temple of VTEC is a good enthusiast site where you can find a lot of information about the ownership experience over the years. The wagon was built at Honda's Sayama plant in Japan...one of the best assembly plants in that era. I service the wagon at my Acura dealer, and other than keeping up with preventive maintenance, the only significant repair was having them replace the EPS module (steering) at around 58k as a safety measure....not due to failure. The K24z3 motor is well known for its reliability, and the 5 speed tranny is robust as well. In summary, I really like the build quality, utility and uniqueness of this wagon. I've only seen a couple others on the road in the past 6 months....seems a bit exotic. Sure, I would have loved the V6 with a 6 speed as an option, but the 4 banger is smooth and likes to rev. My suggestion for anyone in the market for one of these is to see the service records to get an informed read on the condition. For me, there is not much on the market for $15-$20k that I would pull the trigger on, especially because there are K24 motors that are good for more than 200,000 miles. Life is good with no car payments!

2013 tsx auto owner here. Oil consumption was fixed in the later years.130k miles. Here are my thoughts: i have no burning oil issues, no leaks, not engine or trans issues. Ive had it for a year and a half and put 30k miles on it. Things I've replaced or maintained: Valve lash at 110k. Auto trans fluid exchange at 109 and 130k. Oil changed every 3-4k miles. Spark plugs at 109k. Ignition coils at 120k just because. Current issues at 130k. Suspension component's. Getting my tie rods amd endlinks replaced this friday. Struts and shocks are starting to make noise (ill be going aftermarket anyway And....theres a rip in the bolstering of driver's seat. Thats it lol. 1st owner took very good care of it, and i intend to do the same. In the cold the VTC does make noise. There is a fix for that. There's a spring you can replace for 35 bucks that's in the vtc that will fix it. One of the guys in the tsx group said he spoke to the designer of the engine and was informed that when its cold out to turn the key but dont start the car for ten seconds, then crank it. Complaints: oem brakes suck! They warp easily. Lol. Make sure to change your PCV every 30k! The clunking tsb is for the LOWER ball joints because they used the wrong grease that puddles at the bottom of the ball joint when its hot. Im going to uograde those anyway. Adding a supercharger is not pointless, it makes it fun BUT, the price of them is ridiculous. Youd have to really love this car to do something like that, like the guy who has one with a custom turbo making 500whp lol. The most i would do is a v6 swap on the wagon lol

As a current honda tech. I can confirm all known issues. Oil consumption is duo to pistion ring failure. The v6 engine had an "eco" mode. This mode (depending on cruising conditions) the v6 will run on 4 cylinders (through oil pressure locked cam rockers). On interstate cruising the engine goes to 3 cylinder mode. The entire bank next to the fire was is deactivated those are going to fail almost 100% of the time (sooner or later) Some times cylinder 4 fails. VCT actuator issues is do to IT's ability to not hold a little bit of oil pressure inside itself. One 1st start up the engine will rattle do to lack of oil on 1st cold crank. Suspension problem ou're talking about is super common on all vehicles. Popping noise in the front when turning the wheen is the strut mount bearing. BUT typically the sawy bar end links like to go out on older vehicle . Steering issues?, No specific known issues UNLESS you are talking about 2022-2024 with ESP and the steering "sticking" . pisiong rings is a COMPLETE engine tear down (leaving the crank in the block) and pulling out the pistons and essentially rebuilding the engine. its more or less a 5k job

I have a 12 tsx wagon and it has 200k plus and had none of these issues thank God

My experience: bought my 2012 wagon (K24 4 cyl) new. Service it by the book. 140k miles. Have replaced all four coils (fun side note: the catalytic converter used in these are VERY sensitive to excess fuel dump: like when you lose a coil and it misfires - as a result of this happening four times to me I have to run a bottle of cataclean through it every 3000 miles), alternator replaced, battery three times (not-alternator-related), front and rear shocks all leaking for the last 40k miles, both drive axles replaced. Transmission (5 spd auto) replaced by Acura under warranty at 55k miles (excessive whining) - and based on smell it NEEDS a service every 30k miles. Doesn't burn oil, but DOES require premium fuel. Interior: rear window switch failing, vanity light control module dead (read: no door lights and passenger map light is dead), rear hatch supports replaced 2x, perforated leather seats rip at the sewing joins under your butt (because it's 50% leather and 50% air, duh... Performance surprises: A/C robs the engine of 20% of it's power, paddle shifts are complete garbage: NOT rev-matched, making using the paddles a scarily-abrupt and rough gear change, and unlike every k24 on the planet, because this is Acura engine mapping (not Honda) you CANNOT find a chip or any other purchasable modification for this version of K24 motor for more power. Last: power delivery is abysmal: lots of noise and very little push. It's also very lumpy in delivery (bUt It'S gOt V-tEcH!). Feels super primitive compared to any turbo-4 or any 6 or 8 cyl. Stupid. This is NOT anywhere near Toyota reliability. And it's no quieter or more-comfy than a Honda Accord. Won't be buying another Honda/Acura product - it's a badging exercise with zero aftermarket performance potential and no more reliable than an upscale American or Euro product. Waaaaaay too many negatives.

I had a 09 6mt and didnt have oil consumption issues. I loved the tsx and looking for another one.

Great content!

As of July 2024, I’ve own my 12 TSX WAGON 2.4L for 4 years now. I had my Chain, VTC, and tensioner replaced at 138k (current mileage 157k). I had my struts and springs replaced at 130k and still makes clunking noise up front. The issues I have: -Lack of Power for it being a 4600lbs wagon -90s Tahoe Gas Mileage -Cannot Update the Navi -Rust in areas due to rust belt state -Still having Water leaks on driver side and cargo area even after having my sunroof drains unclogged by dealer -Have to be within 10ft of locking/unlocking car even with batteries replaced in both remotes. -Front of car still sits higher than rear even with new springs/shocks

Had an 09 TSX 5 speed auto that I drove for 99,000 miles. Theory one of these issues I experienced was premature rear brake wear, for which Acura paid for a rear brake job. No oil usage. I used only Mobil 1 synthetic. I also did 99,000 miles on the original Michelins, and they were not worn out. Traded it in 2014 for an Accord V6 coupe.

I have 288k on my 2010, the only time I have any sort of oil consumption is when I beat on it and I won’t see a level drop until about 2500 miles. I have had 2 coils go out on me throughout the years. The V6 cars were front heavy and still required premium gas. Far more modifications available for the K24 motors. I guess being a mechanic all of these problems listed wouldn’t Persuade me from buying another one. It had been one of the best cars I’ve owned.

Yo bro Happy Friday and have a Happy weekend as well 🤝😎👍🏾👍🏾

I have a 2013 TSX (6 spd manual). I bought it CPO in 2016. It's been rock solid for the past 8 years. It now has 64K miles. I've had none of the issues outlined in the video -- just maintenance/wear items.

I was about to buy an used one thanks

I owned a used 2014 TSX SE 6spd manual and it was bulletproof! Oil and gas was all it needed. No oil burning so maybe they had figured it out by then. Sold it because I felt it needed a limited slip front differential. It would chirp tires all the time which was quite annoying. Great car used for the right person even today.

🤔....completely blew my mind. I always thought the TSX was the pinnacle of reliability. I once thought of buying a pre-owned one. Kind of glad I never did now. I actually liked the 1st gen a little better anyway. The amount of information you bring to these videos is nothing short of remarkable. Thank you Kevin.

For the rattle buzzing sound you might get from the VTC actuator you can try running the EPR 109 oil additive in the crankcase for 20 minutes at 2k rpm , then do an oil change and see if the buzz is still there after starting after cooled off.. otherwise you can get the entire gates vvs304 for $89 or the solenoid vvs147 for $55 on rockauto and do it yourself.

I own a 2012 2.4l with about 80k miles on it and haven’t had any issues in the video so far like oil consumption. But I’d say you’d probably better off with a newer car like a civic or a manual Corolla that drive just as good if not better. This car makes a lot of noise in bumpy roads compared to my quiet 03 Camry.

You just save me some money because I was going to buy a 2010 with 158k

I have a '13 git it with 45k and now have 66k on it. The stability system went out on me and one of the pulleys is whining but other than that she is great

I bought a 2012 TSX 4 cil with 150,000 miles on it 2 years ago. I havent had any real issue with it yet. Just tires,oil, and brake maintenence. Really good car I must say. Mine was also manufactured in Japan.

Sadly, I didn't put on a lot of milage. The oil consumption issue began after the eight-year limit. Now I have to add a quart every month or so.

Mine is 2010 TSX 6mt, I recently discovered all 4 calipers pistons seized I have to replace them all which was a big shock I have never seen such problem worked on domestic and foreign cars

Great and informative video, thanks! Does the 2013 TSX manual have the oil consumption issue? How would I tell if my car is covered by the warranty? Thanks again.

i own a 09, it has 168k miles and it finally burns about 1 quart every 6800 miles

I have a 2010 TSX V6. You know that noise when you accidently turn the key again after the car is already turned, it makes that screeching noise? My car makes that screeching noise on occasion upon startup. At first, I thought it was the ac fan being on triggered it, but it still does it. I had the alternator changed already. Any thoughts? Thanks

I have a canadian tsx Aspec 6 speed 2013 The only issue I had was the front calaper

Interesting. I had a 2008 Accord with the I4 and I had the oil consumption issue too. However, mine was burning much quicker than 1 qt/1000 miles. I missed the TSB cause I was young, stupid and ignored most of my mail lol. Got rid of it later anyway.

This is called accord euro in Oceania I own one. The major problem with this cars is the EPS racks it will give a knocking sound and the transmission mounts.

Overall good info. I have used 05 tsx. I was amazed about the power and the pull. 146k miles. As of now I need to change/fix the starter, I’m on and off to get rid of, holding me back due to power torque. I enjoy driving it🙂. As of now I’m driving an 05 Camry, big difference on the power even the Camry is 2.4L. Is just 160 hp, 163 flbs of torque.. Thanks for the video.

Hey one question, im interested in a full spec 2009 Honda Accord Executive with 70K miles for 8000€. Seems like a good deal (in europe) Is it possibly to connect the stereo with bluetooth ?

I bought the Japanese version (Accord) for $2,500 with only 45k miles… that thing smells like new. So far no issues but will see

I have a 2011 Honda Accord type S right hand drive from Japan with the k24 engine. I have never experienced any of these issues.. and I currently have 78k in the clock.. I only have interior issues..like the door handles scratching and the door elbow rest leather stripping.. but that's it.. maybe the jdm ones were built better ? Maybe the type S jdm was built better ?

Assuming this idea works for the 2010 Acura TL sh-awd also??

Anyone have the check emissions system light come on? I have an 09 TSX and lately when I turn the key it doesn’t want to start so I have to take the key out and start again but then the emission light comes on.

With modern engines oil consumption is normal as they slackened the tolerances during R&D to give better fuel economy, it's one of the trade offs that manufacturers have to make, I have to top my oil off quite regular and especially as the K's/miles start to get higher it goes up, so what my mechanic suggested was using a slightly thicker oil, so I went from a 10w 50 to a 15w 50 and whilst it didn't stop the usage it did slow it down, but be careful not to do this too early in a vehicles life as you could void your warranty with it, only do it on higher K/mile cars.

I have a 2012 jdm accord/tsx issue i have is chain strech and interior falling appart fairly easy

Drove mines from coast to coast. No mechanical issues outside of a alternator.

TSX V6 J35Z1 - mine burned a quart every 1k miles. I also had catalytic converter issues. When it failed it caused catastrophic engine damage. I had to replace my motor at 101k miles. Well after warranty had expired.

You don't need to go buy a new engine block.. lol.. if you have the bad oil burning then you need to do a piston soak which is taking out the plugs and pouring a little bit of acdelco 10-3015 engine cleaner in each hole and let it sit for 12 to 24 hours , remove the fuel pump relay , then turn the key for a couple seconds , and repeat twice turning over just a couple seconds to expel any liquid.. then put the plugs and relay back in and start it up .. change the oil soon there after and this should fix it with possibly one more application needed.

I have 2014 TSX Special Edition with 79k close to 80k on it... still runs really good. The only issue i have is if I turn off my car after my cold start within 5mins and start the car again, the car will struggle to start. It will start eventually, but had to crank it a few times before it eventually start back up again. Otherwise, no issues. I'm now looking to let it go and buy a new car but not sure if I want to let go of it. I love it so much it makes me sad to part way with it but I'm like 50-50 now since I want to buy new gen 2025 RDX when it comes out end of this year or next year. So I probably will sell this car by then :(.

I have a 2011 TSX V6 w/ 110k miles. Only non-consumable that I have replaced so far is the starter. Never once needed to add oil in between changes which I do every 5000 miles. Just learned that it should have the timing belt replaced at 7 years or 90k miles. Apparently, it doesn't have a timing chain like the 4-cylinder. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

I've had a 2013 tsx 2.4 auto since 2016 at 60k miles consumes oil I just fill it I replaced the vtc myself at 150k it's started failing again around 180k I've been told it doesn't cause any problems so I probably won't do it again. I had a rear wheel bearing start humming around 190k replaced alternator and start around 120k goes threw brakes pretty quick but I'm hard on it. I had to replace the check valve for the brake booster around 180 very easy to do. I recently replaced the driver window regulator at 200k some things I've noticed recently with it's age is the transmission bucks slightly up mountain hills here in Colorado and the seats are starting to split at the seams but all in all it's not bad I'm really hard on I've taken it threw more than half the states in the country I've even flat towed friends cars and I have a small trailer I've occasionally towed fully loaded I love it and I'm going to continue to do whatever it needs to keep it on the road

Where can I buy lower control arm replacement I ask because I have a cracked bushing lca front driver side , and I think of replacing the whole lca ..

I have 2005 ACURA TSX with 300,000 miles with turbo K24 and the car never have problems, and i have 2007 ACURA TSX with 141,000 3.5 and i never have problems with those car only thise car only can i have problem is with the headlight or FUEL GAS PUMP but no more than there

I have had a few problems with my 2009 6MT, they still eat through axles like the first gen and finding a set for the manual is extremely hard. Also if you have the ELS sound system the speakers go out constantly and the interior is full of rattles. It drives great but I wouldn't buy another one.

Currently looking at 2012 Acura tsx wagon with 55000 on it & it's in decent shape, but I'm getting mixed information. Some are saying that they have more than 2500000 on them with no history of issues, which leads me to believe that I could do without a warranty, but hearing your testimony causes me to pause and reconsider. Not sure what direction to go as I am a blue collar kind of guy. Sure would like to learn more from you. Thanks Brad

I have a 2010 TSX and own this car since 2015. My only issue is my AC stop working at 80k. cost me about $1k to fix the AC compressor.

I saw a 2010 TSX at my local ACURA Dealership yesterday. A 5-Speed Automatic with mileage 104,624 The sale price is $12,499 What do you think? Should I go get it? Thank you. 🎉

“We’re looking at some real clapped out specimens here” 😂

i am looking for the manual tsx as alternative to si

Those extended warranty companies have so many ways of denying coverage. I've heard so many horror stories.

👊🏾👍🏾👍🏾

Me with my 05 tsx with 276,000

This guy is so negative, this is an awesome car

Don't buy new cars not worth it

Well I’m in Australia and we have the accord euro and my 2011 cu2 luxury model has the 2.4 litre I-vtec and it has 168,000 miles on the odometer and it uses NO oil between oil change intervals at all. If you do these extended oil change intervals that owners do in America ( 10,000 mile ) then your engine will start burning oil,if you want these k-24z3 engines to run well with no oil consumption issues you must change the oil every 5000 miles maximum. Personally I think the cu2 accord 2.4 litre is one of the best cars ever made. The 6 speed manual in mine is bullet proof,it handles like a track car,the k series engines are the best 4 cylinder engine’s ever made if you look after them they will look after you. Maintenance is key with Honda.