Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Acura TSX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2004 Acura TSX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound that was coming from the instrument cluster. The contact stated that upon decelerating to come to a stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that while the vehicle was rolling, the contact shifted to neutral(N), restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had been a recurring failure. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in HTSA Campaign Number: 13V093000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System), which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed; however, the vehicle failed to start after the repair. The dealer informed the contact that he needed to pay a fee for diagnostic test and the repair out-of-pocket. …
This vehicle was taken in for a recall for a corrosive ECM. 1 hour prior to taking this vehicle in my assigned service writer gave me a call, your vehicle is ready for pick up. I was advised due to their visual inspection of the ECM( Electronic control module)(electrical computer) not having corrosion, they will not change the unit but they have decided to replace the cover on the unit. I've filed a concerning complaint to Acura headquarters due to my knowledge of cars to have it on file what was told to me before receiving the vehicle. Due to my knowledge a faulty ECM can trigger numerous faults within the vehicles performance.Prior to bringing the vehicle to the dealership, I've been experiencing heavy misfires, poor radio connection, no interior lights and triggered headlights. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Acura TSX. The contact stated that the vehicle started however, failed to accelerate while driving with the check engine and the vehicle assist warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ECU needed to be replaced. The technician recommended, purchased and repaired vehicle with a used ECU, due to the age of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle's performance improved after the repairs however, the warning lights remained illuminated. The technician then told the contact that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V093000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system) and told the contact to call that manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the used ECU voided the recall. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Acura TSX. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the instrument panel illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the electronic control unit and power train control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V093000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was 108,000.
Fire under the hood while driving around 40 MPH about 5 miles from home. Heard a squeaky sound around the stearing wheel minutes earlier. I do not know what componenet failed but had a recall sometime ago that was repaired. Had oil change exactly a week earlier. No body injured.
2004 Acura TSX 61K miles, cooling system failed completely. I was just driving locally when I noticed a rattling noise. On some investigation I found out that the noise comes only when the A/C is turned on. Took it to a dealer (pohanka Acura, chantilly va) and they said some part within A/C compressor has exploded and there are metal pieces all over the A/C system and that the entire A/C system needs to be replaced at a cost of $4500. There have been similar complaints all over the internet for the 2004 Acura TSX's. I put on very less miles on the car per year and maintained it perfectly (periodic maintenance, regular oil changes). How can Acura not issue a recall or assist owners with this problem? The dealer said that they couldn't do anything to assist with the repair, nor would they talk to Acura to explain my situation. …
There is a known defect with Acura 2004 TSX A/C compressor grenading and contaminating the complete A/C system. There are no real events that lead up to the failure, you will suddenly hear a grinding sound coming from the A/C then it goes out without warning. Instead of Acura addressing the problem that has affected thousands across the country, they pursue goodwill discounts on behalf of the customer which never cover the full cost of the issue which is usually around $4000 to fix. You are basically at the mercy at the company on whether they will cover any portion of the cost which is at no fault to the consumer. The fact that a recall has not been issued for this is astounding considering if one does a simple google search to see how common a problem this is, you will find thousands of people that have had the same issue. …
There is a defect with A/C compressors on 2004 Acura tsxs. A piece of the compressor, which holds the compressor clutch, is breaking off, resulting in debris being shot through the A/C system, or falling off completely. The result is that the A/C doesn't work, and most of the entire A/C system has to be replaced, costing drivers anywhere from $1800 to $4000, depending on the extent of the problem. This is not an isolated incident. There are many having this same problem. It is relegated to 04 model year Acura tsxs. Acura customer service claims that there are no documented cases. However, my local Acura dealership says that this has definitely occurred before on multiple occasions. I can provide images and copies of work orders to prove that this is not an isolated incident.
I took my 04 Acura TSX in for a electronic recall of the radio dash light. This required a new circuit board. During that same visit I got my transmission fluid flushed. A week after the service was done my check engine light came on. I took my care to the shop immediately. Was told my "timing chain tensioner" has gone bad and the replacement would cos $1,600 +. My car only had 64K miles and very well maintained. I did some online research and found many others with this problem on cars with low miles (50K to 65K miles). This is very disappointing that I have a Honda product and it requires $1600 worth of repairs with this low of miles. Finding many others online with the same problem makes me think this should be some sort of recall on the manufactures part. Please help.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Acura TSX. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH the vehicle stalled and the vsa lamp, check engine lamp and an error message displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop, who diagnosed that the cam shaft and timing chain were defective. The contact was advised to contact an authorized dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure, but stated that the timing chain May have been stretched. The contact was advised to replace the engine. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 125,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine complaints in other TSX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2004 Acura TSX?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2004 Acura TSX, 17% of the model year's 142 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Acura TSX engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2004 Acura TSX, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Acura TSX engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.