acura tsx Problems

acura tsx 2009 Complaints

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2009 acura tsx was purchased on 12/29/08 in pa. during the 1st 3 months of purchase, the car has developed an engine/knocking noise when driving and accelerating. the car has been taken to the dealer a total of 4 times thus far for investigation. per the dealer, this issue appears to be occurring on many 2009 tsx models. . the noise is consistently produced while driving and accelerating, further pronounced while rpms are between 2000 and 2700, and has become more prevalent as time goes by. as instructed, the vehicle is only run on premium fuel. the dealer has been able to replicate the noise, but is unable to determine a fix. according to the techline, the metallic knocking/pinging the tsx makes while driving and accelerating is ?normal at this time? and the issue is under investigation. i also called acura client services per the case number above and was told that there was no known issue for the 2009 tsx. according to the dealer, many tsxs are experiencing the same issue and nothing can be done based on no resolution from corporate. given honda?s strong root in reliability, value and customer service, i find it hard to believe that this metallic knocking/pinging from an engine would be considered ?normal?. i am very concerned that this knocking/pinging noise is a design flaw that will develop into long-term safety and reliability issue given the detrimental impact to the engine/powertrain, causing the engine to shutdown during driving, etc. if this issue is wide spread as the dealer reports across the 2009 tsx fleet, i am concerned of this issue and honda's failure to address the issue or provide an explanation of the cause. the austrilian gov't is also investigating a similar issue with the honda euro, pressuring honda to identify the issue and provide a fix before long-term safety issues arise. ? your consideration of this problem and any recommended solution with honda acura would be greatly appreciated.

Reported in: MALVERN PA || Crash: N || VIN #:

POWER TRAIN

Reported in: MALVERN PA || Crash: N || VIN #:

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Reported in: MALVERN PA || Crash: N || VIN #:

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

this is a 2009 acura tsx. while driving there is a rattle-type sound that comes from the engine. took the car to two acura dealers and both acknowledged the sound, but declared it a "characteristic" of the car. hundreds, if not thousands of other '09 tsx owners are experiencing this same noise (there are several blogs all over the internet) and we are concerned that it might cause some sort of serious damage while we are driving the car.

Reported in: PHILADELPHIA PA || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26669C

POWER TRAIN

2009 acura tsx was purchased on 12/13 /08 in san antonio, tx. during the 1st month the car developed an engine/knocking noise when driving and accelerating. the car has been taken to the dealer a total of 3times. per the dealer, this issue appears to be occurring on many 2009 tsx models. the noise is consistently produced while driving and accelerating, further pronounced while rpms are between 2000 and 2700, and has become more prevalent/louder as time goes by. as instructed, the vehicle is only run on premium fuel. the dealer has been able to replicate the noise, but is unable to determine a fix. i also called acura client services and was told that there was no known issue for the 2009 tsx, which i find hard to believe being so many owners have this problem. however, according to the dealer, many tsxs are experiencing the same issue and nothing can be done based on no resolution from corporate. given honda?s strong root in reliability, value and customer service, i find it hard to believe that this metallic knocking/pinging from an engine would be considered ?normal?. i am very concerned that this knocking/pinging noise is a design flaw/defect that will develop into long-term safety and reliability issue given the detrimental impact to the engine/powertrain. finally, due to the fact that i am just being ignored by the dealer and corporate, your help/intervention of this problem and any recommended solution with honda acura would be greatly appreciated.

Reported in: SAN ANTONIO TX || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU266X9C

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Reported in: SAN ANTONIO TX || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU266X9C

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

the engine makes a pinging, knocking sound about 80% of the time when accelerating. i've complained many many times to acura but they're refuses to do anything about; i don't know what the long term reliability issues are with the vehicle but it is known that engine pinging is damaging to the engine.

Reported in: RALEIGH NC || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26649C

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

engine pinging/knocking noise. tried the highest octane gasoline from various gas stations between 8/2008 to current (4/1/09). currently vehicle at dealership for second evaluation. dealership is going to drain the fuel tank and fill with premium gasoline and drive the vehicle for 50 to determine if this is a fuel problem.

Reported in: WEST GROVE PA || Crash: N || VIN #:

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

upon acceleration, engine makes a rattling noise. i have reported this to crown acura in richmond, va, where they have inspected the vehicle and say this is considered a "normal" sound. the sound is unnatural; i am concerned that this sound will eventually lead to a larger problem and possible engine failure. i have reviewed internet discussion boards and others report this problem as well.

Reported in: HENRICO VA || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU266X9C

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

engine pings excessively under load at between 2,000 - 2,500 rpm. i am running premium fuel (91 octane) as dictated by the owner's manual. this happens every time i drive the car.

Reported in: CAMARILLO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26679C

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

no incidents yet. but--the engine of my brand new 2009tsx "pings"--produces "metallic noise" every time i accelerate. i have called a local dealer in brooklyn, ny and they assured me that it was a norm...

Reported in: BROOKLYN NY || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26639C

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

noise coming from 2009 acura tax rearend driverside. piping noise can be heard when stopping and accelerating. there is a frame flaw. i am told acura has a design flaw. they have to fuse two metal pieces to get the noise to quit and the dealer had to order a special tool from torance ca. what else is wrong with this horrible honda product. oh yeah and the engine pings a lot. what are we to do?

Reported in: FRESNO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26689C

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Reported in: FRESNO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26689C

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

in september 2008, i purchased a new 2009 acura tsx from an authorized acura dealer in pennsylvania. after a few weeks of driving, i started to notice a knocking noise coming from the engine. the noise occurs consistently while accelerating (particularly when accelerating between 2000-3000 rpms while going uphill). per the dealers instructions, i have used only premium fuel in the vehicle since the purchase date. i heard this knocking noise while driving the car throughout the winter; however, the noise has become progressively louder as the weather has become warmer (the noise is much louder when the temperature is above 60 degrees). i took the car into the dealer (where i purchased the car) today (4/24/09). one of the technicians rode along with me, and i was able to replicate the noise for him. the technician acknowledged the noise and said that i shouldn't worry about it, that it is a normal characteristic of the car. i received a receipt from the dealer stating this in writing. although the dealer states that this is a normal noise, it's not something i've ever heard in any other car before (including my last car, which was also an acura) and i'm concerned that this problem may actually cause damage to the engine over an extended period of time. there are many other people that have reported the same problem on this website, and on many of the acura discussion boards. my next step is to take the car to another acura dealer to get a second opinion, and also to contact acura's corporate customer service department. any assistance the nhtsa could provide to the group of people that are experiencing this problem would be greatly appreciated.

Reported in: WILMINGTON DE || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26619C

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

engine making pinging sound around 1800-2500 rpm give or take while under any kind of acceleration. vehicle is a manual transmission. it doesn't matter whether its warm or cold. can be in any gear. problem occurs most of the time. vehicle is 5 months old.

Reported in: GALLOWAY OH || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU25629C

AIR BAGS

tl*the contact owns a 2009 acura tsx. the contact stated that the srs warning light illuminated in the vehicle. before the repair could be performed, the air bags deployed without an impact or crash occurring. both the passenger and the contact were wearing their seat belts at the time of the failure. the contact sustained ear and head injuries, but the passenger was uninjured. a police report was filed. the vehicle had to be towed to the dealer to determine the cause of the failure. the contact called the acura manufacturer .the failure and current mileages were 485. updated 07/17/09 *bf the consumer stated the side curtain and torso air bag deployed. the cause of the air bag deployment was unknown. updated 07/21/09. *jb

Reported in: PISCATAWAY NJ || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26669C

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

i purchased a new 2009 acura tsx. since i purchased the car, i have experienced a pinging in the engine. i took the vehicle to the dealer and had the mechanic drive with me to validate the problem. he acknowledged the pinging noise. the dealer advised me that they contacted honda who gave their standard response of "it is a normal engine characteristic". ironically enough the euro model of the honda has the identical engine. honda has acknowledged the problem with the vehicle there but continues to deny there is a problem here in the us. i paid $30,000 for a car that has a serious engine condition that will most likely result in serious engine damage over time. ideally i would like to return the vehicle but honda denying there is a problem is the first hurdle. please advise me of my options.

Reported in: COCKEYSVILLE MD || Crash: N || VIN #:

STRUCTURE:BODY

as i was driving on the freeway, i glanced over to my passenger and noticed something vibrating outside the front windshield. i pulled over and got out of the car to examine what it was. the molding around the passenger side of the windshield had come loose and was waving in the wind. luckily, it was still partially attached. i drove directly to an acura dealer who said the tape and clips holding the molding on had come loose...probably from the heat in arizona where i live). they ordered a new part and as they were replacing it, noticed the molding on the driver's side was coming off too so they replaced that as well. this was all under warranty so there was no cost.

Reported in: CHANDLER AZ || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26699C

VISIBILITY

Reported in: CHANDLER AZ || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26699C

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

tl* the contact owns a 2009 acura tsx. he states that while braking he heard screeching and grinding noises.this has been occurring for 2 weeks now. the dealer was contacted and they stated that it was a premature wear. the contact is concerned about the safety risk. the brake pads were replaced at the owners expense at $232.94 dollars.the contact states that this is a premature brake issue.the failure mileage was 13535 and current mileage was 13600. updated 2/22/10 *cn updated 06/01/10.*jb

Reported in: FLUSHING NY || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26629C

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

can we please have hid (blue headlights) limited or made illegal? tonight on the way home i was just about blinded and almost caused to crash due to oncoming "blue lights". if you search the internet there are tons of complaints. let's make them illegal. how many lumens are really legal?

Reported in: CLEVELAND OH || Crash: N || VIN #:

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

i bought an acura 2009 tsx (tech pkg) in august 2008. within the first month i had the brakes squealing,terrible noise. took it to the dealer, who said it is normal with front brakes. i have suffered with the problem everyday for 1.5 years. when i went back to the dealer few days ago, they said there is excessive wear on the front pads. the car has 14,000 miles as of march 2010. they replaced the brakes per the new service bulletin related to squeaking brakes. windshield molding came loose for no apparent reason, dealer fixed it as warranty service. there is excessive glare on the navigation system, makes it dangerous while driving. not sure if there is a fix for this.

Reported in: SAN JOSE CA || Crash: N || VIN #:

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Reported in: SAN JOSE CA || Crash: N || VIN #:

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

rotors on front brakes on 2009 acura, have been worn out the back brakes. dealer fixed back brakes but the front brakes are worn out dealer keeps saying waiting for recall because other acura's are having saying problem. now the front brake are completing out but they won't do nothing of the problem.

Reported in: SAN ANTONIO TX || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU25689C

VISIBILITY

acura tsx 2009 - mileage 3949 - purchased car less than 6 months before. on the freeway, left front door window shattered. i did not hear or see anything hit the window. dealer said it could not happen on it's own. i do not agree.

Reported in: HOUSTON TX || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU266X9C

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

normal driving, rear brakes worn out prematurely. oe brakes worn out at 13600 miles, replacement brakes are currently being replaced at 35300 miles (i am currently at the dealer). rear brakes are wearing out on the inside pads. possible caliper issue. front brakes are wearing normally. recall has been issued for canadian models of this car, us models are yet to be recalled for this same issue. honda accords have similar premature wear issue. honda is yet to acknowledge the issue formally even though a complaint has been made. so far i have spent $250 (first time) and $200(second time) to get rear brakes replaced under 35000 miles. history of car: bought tsx in october 2008 (2009 model), first set of pads replaced in april 2009. second set in march 2010.

Reported in: RESEDA CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26689C

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

rear brakes on a 2009 acura tsx have worn early, well before the front brakes have worn down. front brakes are at 70+% life, while the rears are already worn to within 1mm.

Reported in: REDWOOD CITY CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26669C

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

i have a 2009 acura tsx, the brakes keep prematurely wearing out and having to replace them ever 12-15k miles, i am already on my second set of brakes for the rear, dealership states that this is normal wear and tear on vehicle and i disagree, canada put out a service bulletin about their rear brakes and replace the pad and calipers. accords in the same year have the same problem, premature brake wear. inside wears faster than outside as well. this is an unnecessary expense and annoying.

Reported in: SANTA MONICA CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU266X9C

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

rear brake pads were worn out and needed to be replaced at 16k miles on my new acura tsx 2009 car.

Reported in: ISSAQUAH WA || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26629C

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

i purchased my acura tsx 2009 in june 2009. i currently have 25,000 miles, almost all of which are highway miles. just before 20,000 miles the rear brakes began to squeak. i brought the car to the dealer and sure enough the front brakes are totally fine and the rear breaks need to be replaced immediately, for $241. (as a side note: i contacted honda of america who claims to know nothing about the lawsuit honda has agreed to settle over exactly this problem, "unreasonable wear due to defective design that caused excessive force to be applied to the vehicle's rear wheels."

Reported in: BAYVILLE NY || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26619C

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

brakes on acura 2009 tsx wearing more frequently that they should. my acura began to make noise 2 days ago. it seemed like it was coming from the drivers side wheel, but i couldn't tell if it was front or back. i dropped it off at the dealership at 7:00 am this morning and told them to call me after they identified the problem and before they made any repairs. they said they recommend brake pads being changed every 15,000 miles. i have never had to do that for any vehicle i've owned (i am on my 3rd acura and never had this issue with the 2 tls i had). they said they would cover the front, but i needed to pay for the back. approx. $350 for the work and materials.

Reported in: LEAGUE CITY TX || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26699C

TIRES

i have had two michelin pilot hxmxm4 size 225r17 93v tires fail on my 2009 acura tsx, these were the original tires. both tires had breaks in the sidewalls with a "w" pattern. i found these defects on one tire which only had 1700 miles on it, the second tire failed with 7400 miles on it.

Reported in: BROOKLYN NY || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26659C

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

i have a 2009 acura tsx. at 17k miles the dealership said there was 7 mm left of rear brake pads. at 23k the brakes started to squeal. dealer said 3mm left and needed replacement. when left, the squealing was gone. at 26k they state there is 00mm left. the dealership will not correct the problem. no break pad should wear out in this short amount of time.

Reported in: HIGHLANDS RANCH CO || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26619C

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1. excessive brake pad wear was noted on inboard side of rear brakes during routine service (at 21,000 miles). 2. pads were replaced by dealer.

Reported in: WELLINGTON FL || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26689C

EQUIPMENT

this is in reference to a 2009 acura tsx w/technology package. i understand that the radio system wouldn't normally be considered as part of a safety issue, but the loudness and severity of noise during the event could startle someone to erratic steering momentarily. i was driving down the interstate last saturday, 05 june 2010, when a call came in to my phone (hands-free link) the radion began to mute and then the radio began screeching at very high volume. i could not turn it off by pressing the on/off button on the radio and i could not decrease the volume. i had to pull over immediately and turn the motor off. once off, i restarted the car and tried to initiate a hands-free call and the same thing happened again. and again, i had to turn the car off to stop the noise. i can't imagine what sort of damage this might have done to the speakers or radio/amplifier. i called the dealer today and the service advisor said he had heard nothing about such a problem, but would check into data bases and get back with me. has anyone else experienced a problem like this?

Reported in: CHESAPEAKE VA || Crash: N || VIN #:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Reported in: CHESAPEAKE VA || Crash: N || VIN #:

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2009 acura tsx. brakes and rotors had to be replaced at 23,000 miles. no warning from dealer of potential class action or its results when calling to make an appointment. price acura, dover de. gave me a three week window so i went to meineke, replaced for $412. dealer refuses to reimburse. acura refuses to admit a defect. there are two other 2009, 2010 acura tsx's in our family and they weren't notified either.

Reported in: DOVER DE || Crash: N || VIN #:

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

abnormal brake wear: i bought this certified, one-year-old dealer demo in january with approx. 10,000 miles on it. between then and a service appointment in late april, i put another 8,500 mostly highway miles on the car. at the service appointment i was told that i needed to replace the rear brakes as they were on the verge of failure. i was also told such excessive wear was common in this model as well as the honda accord. i have never had to replace breaks at 18,500 miles, much less after 8,500. i was shrugged off by the service department and basically instructed that my best option was to purchase a lifetime warranty on the pads to help off-set the costs of constantly replacing them (this way i'm only out time and labor) due to a braking system that the dealership admitted had a design flaw but that they somehow couldn't fix. i don't understand why honda/acura is allowed to blow off repairing a defect in a safety component as critical as the braking system.

Reported in: ATHENS GA || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26619C

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

premature brake wear, squealing noise.

Reported in: SETAUKET NY || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26639C

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

i was hearing some noises from the back right side of my car on my 2009 acura tsx and i took it into the dealer. it turned out that my rear brakes were done to the metal. my car only had 23,500 miles on it at 75% of my miles are freeway driving. it turns out that honda recently settled a lawsuit where they changed the design for the brakes.

Reported in: CLAYTON CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26629C

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

ran into bear while traveling down route 58 east, boydnton, va, air bag of driver did not deploy, but air bag of front passenger deployed.

Reported in: PORTSMOUTH VA || Crash: Y || VIN #: JH4CU266X9C

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

driver air bag did not deploy during the high speed impact on passenger side. three of four air bags did deploy but not the driver side left bag.

Reported in: PORTLAND OR || Crash: Y || VIN #: JH4CU26619C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

vehicle: 2009 acura tsx w/tech package attempted to make a call via handsfree link. the audio system lowered sound in the normal manner. but instead of dead silence while waiting for voice command, this extremely loud and high pitched shrill-like tone was heard and volume could not be lowered. i turned the call 'off' and attempted to use handsfree link again, and same issue of high pitched tone was heard. i immediately drove to the nearest acura dealership and pulled into service area. repeated the steps in using the handsfree link for the service advisor and heard the same high pitched tone. he turned the car off and restarted engine. again, same high pitched deafening tone. since this incident occurred on a saturday afternoon, his suggestion of a replacement handsfree link module or part was not possible until monday. in an attempt to rectify the situation at least temporarily, the advisor removed a couple of fuses from inside the engine compartment relating to the radio and navigation system. he then reinserted said fuses and started the engine. he then had to enter the radio code into the system and reattempted to use handsfree link to make a call. all was back to normal. i asked him if he had ever encountered this situation in the past and he replied "yes, there had been one previous occurrence." note: will return to same dealer/service advisor since he is familiar with my particular situation.

Reported in: SHERMAN OAKS CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU26649C

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

at 20,000 miles i was informed that i will need rear brake pads on my 2009 tsx. after i left the appointment, my brakes began squealing and grinding when stopping or slowing down. this seems premature and i would like an investigation.

Reported in: NOTTINGHAM MD || Crash: N || VIN #:

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

i have a 2009 acura tsx. at about 34,000 miles i started noticing a high-pitched noise coming from the rear passenger side. took the vehicle in, and they determined that it was my rear brake pads. nearly all of my driving is highway, indicating that there may be an issue with the integrity of the rear braking system. cost to replace was $250.

Reported in: SAINT PAUL MN || Crash: N || VIN #: JH4CU266X9C

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

purchased vehicle new. after approximately 3 months of ownership complained that odometer was not correct. further issues included replacement of wheel bearings twice and extreme oil consumption. each time is was brought to the dealer the problems were ignored, determined to unduplicatible or i was told nothing was wrong. currently i see that there are tsbs relating to the steering/bearing issue and the oil consumption issue. i repeatedly tried to no avail to have these problems fixed with the dealership and filed two complaints with acura corporate customer relations and received no assistance.