PROBLEM GUIDE

2009–2014 Acura TSX Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated May 2026

130

repairs tracked in owner reports

2009–2014

Model years affected

$200 – $350

Typical repair cost, by problem

The most common problem for this generation is excessive engine oil consumption, exceeding 1 quart per 1,000 miles in many reports — one owner needed 6 quarts of added oil since purchase. Door lock actuators also fail repeatedly: one owner reported 12 separate replacements over the life of the car. Premature rear brake wear as early as 13,000-23,000 miles is also common.

Quick Scan: 11 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Excessive engine oil consumption

Consuming more than 1 quart per 1,000 miles

Check engine light: On

Widespread reports of oil consumption exceeding 1 quart per 1,000 miles, with one owner requiring 6 quarts of added oil since purchase; a separate case describes the vehicle entering limp mode at 143,000 miles after the check engine light illuminated.

87,000 – 143,000 mi

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Door lock actuator failures

Locks failing intermittently or completely, sometimes repeatedly

Check engine light: Off

One owner reported 12 separate door lock actuator replacements across the vehicle's lifetime — an extraordinarily high repeat-failure count.

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Premature rear brake wear

Rear brakes wearing out unusually early, sometimes recurring

Check engine light: Off

Rear brakes failing as early as 13,000-23,000 miles, an unusually early failure window, with multiple owners reporting the issue recurring at similar low-mileage intervals.

$200 – $35013,000 – 23,000 mi

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Engine pinging or knocking during acceleration

Persistent metallic noise around 2,000-2,700 RPM

Check engine light: On

Persistent metallic noise in the 2,000-2,700 RPM range during acceleration, reported across multiple complaints.

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Power steering lockups

Loss of power steering response

Check engine light: On

Loss of power steering response and lockups reported. Similar power-steering failures are reported on vehicles from several other makes.

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Loud Rattle-Type Noise From the Engine After Cold Start

A loud rattle-type noise occurs from the engine after a cold start

Check engine light: Off

A loud rattle-type noise occurs from the engine after a cold start. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 115 owner reports on file.

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Illumination of the Entertainment/Navigation Screen and Switches May Fail

Illumination of the entertainment/navigation screen and its switches may fail

Check engine light: Off

Illumination of the entertainment/navigation screen and its switches may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 57 owner reports on file.

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The Brake Pedal May Become Soft and/or Low

The brake pedal may become soft and/or low

Check engine light: Off

The brake pedal may become soft and/or low. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 52 owner reports on file.

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Low Tire Light On Due to a Faulty Tire Pressure Sensor

The low-tire warning light illuminates due to a faulty tire pressure sensor

Check engine light: Off

The low-tire warning light illuminates due to a faulty tire pressure sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 21 owner reports on file.

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Engine Leaking Oil

The engine leaks oil

Check engine light: Off

The engine leaks oil. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 16 owner reports on file.

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ABS Light On With Brake Vibration and Grinding

The ABS light illuminates along with brake vibration and grinding

Check engine light: Off

The ABS light illuminates along with brake vibration and grinding. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 14 owner reports on file.

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This generation has a confirmed Takata airbag recall (Campaign 16V346000), with numerous complaints about unavailable parts and delayed repairs. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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