Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Check engine Transmission ABS VSA TPMS All lights went on suddenly. While I was driving suddenly all lights came on dashboard. I've used OBD scanner to find the root cause but the problem can't be detected. I went to Acura dealer in NJ and paid $250. They inspected, and said it could be this Instrument cluster or that ECu. But they did not said anything concrete what could be faulty. Both are expensive to replace around $2000-$4000 each The lights comes and goes. These lights are not persistent. I've been driving with it. Sometimes when the lights are on AC DOESNT WORK, steering loses control for a second. When it loses control car swerves. It's dangerous but I've been driving with caution In past, electric power steering was malfunction and I had it replaced for $1500. I will never purchase Acura or Honda for lifetime It should be recalled
For about a year or more, On cold start,(3-6+ hours of engine rest) rattle occurs for a brief period of time (usually 1-2 seconds) then ceases. TSB 09-010 is associated with various Honda models up to 2012, but does not include Acura. Car delivers no DTCs for this issue currently. Have not had the vehicle inspected by the dealer for this issue. Following the TSB, the symptom is the same. Replacement of VTC ACTUATOR will happen shortly, in which the part can be available for inspection.
Vehicle is experiencing a high oil consumption issue. Every 1000 miles it's required one quart of oil to be added to the oil filler. Acura has a warranty extension for this know issue to 8 years or 125,000 miles from the original date of service, whichever comes first. My vehicle was noticed to have this problem at 83,000 miles and just under 9 years of service. Acura customer relations was contacted but refused to service my vehicle due to lack of service at their dealership even though I have records of making my synthetic oil changes and other repairs at an independent mechanic shop.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Acura TSX. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power without warning. The contact called Acura of honolulu at [phone] (3251 n nimitz hwy, honolulu, hi 96819), but there was no response or return call from the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Acura TSX. While driving at any speed, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle consumed approximately one half quart of oil every thousand miles. There was a manufacturer's recall related to the failure; however, the vehicle was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
When driving randomly sign shows up for "check engine oil". Sign's shows up with pressing brake, making turns, going over speed-bumps. Sign will disappear but will come on, after anyone of the above has occurred. This happens on local roads, highways, inner city, and speed bumps.
Vehicle has thrown an engine code due to excess oil consumption due to sticky piston rings, advancement in timing and vvt advancements. Due to this engine code being thrown, the car deactivates vsa and also throws an emission control light. This causes the car to enter a state where it advances the RPM's at idle by a significant amount and burns more fuel. When leaving the car in drive but at a stop, the car will quickly accelerate nearly to 30 MPH on a flat surface. In order to stop the car, the driver must excessively engage the brakes. Acura technicians have informed me that this is a known issue and is due to the piston seals being faulty, causing excessive oil consumption and loosing the timing chain to become out of Sync. Engine will then enter a "limp" mode where car will idle higher, burn more fuel.
I bought this car a few months ago. The last oil change was done at the dealership I bought from. And since I have owned it I have had to put 6 quarts of oil in my engine. My car is only at about 87,000 miles and is currently ready for the next oil change. I called the dealership to ask what I could do about it and all they told me was to try a fuel treatment which is irrelevant. Im at a loss, and I dont think I will ever buy and Acura ever again.
Frequently asked questions
Which Acura TSX years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (24), 2009 (23), 2012 (6), 2005 (5) and 2006 (5) model years. Engine complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Acura TSX engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Acura TSX model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Acura TSX engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the cooling system (10 mentions), followed by the engine (8).
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.