Acura TSX Years to Avoid – The Acura TSX is a mid-size luxury sedan that has been in production since 2003. This vehicle is renowned for its excellent handling, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
However, not all Acura TSX models are created equal, and some years have had significant issues that buyers should be aware of before purchasing a used one.
In this article, we will explore the Acura TSX’s history, its common problems, and the years to avoid when buying a used Acura TSX.
We’ll also provide some tips on what to look for when purchasing a used TSX and how to ensure you get the best deal.
Acura TSX Overview
The Acura TSX was first introduced in 2003 as a replacement for the Acura Integra. It was designed to be a sporty, fun-to-drive vehicle that offered a luxurious ride and a host of high-tech features.
The first-generation Acura TSX was produced from 2003 to 2008 and was available with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.2-liter V6 engine.
The second-generation Acura TSX was produced from 2009 to 2014 and was only available with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
This vehicle was redesigned to be more luxurious and comfortable than the first-generation model. The second-generation TSX also offered more high-tech features, including a premium audio system and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Acura TSX is a reliable vehicle that has won over many fans with its sporty performance, fuel efficiency, and advanced technology.
However, some years of the Acura TSX have had more problems than others, and it is important for buyers to know which years to avoid.
Acura TSX Years to Avoid
If you are considering buying a used Acura TSX, there are a few years that you should avoid. These years have had significant problems that can be costly to repair and may make the vehicle unreliable.
2004 Acura TSX
The 2004 Acura TSX was the first model year of the first-generation TSX. Unfortunately, this year had some significant issues that buyers should be aware of.
The main problem with the 2004 TSX was its transmission. Many owners reported that the transmission would fail prematurely, often before 100,000 miles.
This issue was so common that Acura issued a recall for the 2004 TSX’s transmission.
2006 Acura TSX
The 2006 Acura TSX was another year to avoid. This model year had a problem with its power steering system.
Many owners reported that the power steering would fail suddenly, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. This issue was so common that Acura issued a recall for the 2006 TSX’s power steering system.
2010 Acura TSX
The 2010 Acura TSX was the first model year of the second-generation TSX. Unfortunately, this year had a few problems that make it one to avoid. The main problem with the 2010 TSX was its engine.
Many owners reported that the engine would consume excessive amounts of oil, sometimes requiring a quart of oil every 1,000 miles.
This issue was so common that Acura issued a technical service bulletin for the 2010 TSX engine.
2012 Acura TSX
The 2012 Acura TSX was another year to avoid. This model year had a problem with its automatic transmission. Many owners reported that the transmission would hesitate, jerk, or shift roughly.
Some owners also reported that the transmission would fail completely, sometimes before 50,000 miles. This issue was so common that Acura issued a recall for the 2012 TSX’s automatic transmission.
2013 Acura TSX
The 2013 Acura TSX is another year to avoid. This model year had a problem with its power steering system. Many owners reported that the power steering would fail suddenly, making it difficult to steer the vehicle.
This issue was so common that Acura issued a recall for the 2013 TSX’s power steering system.
Best Years for Acura TSX
While there are some years of the Acura TSX to avoid due to common issues, there are also many years that are highly rated and praised for their reliability and performance. Here are some of the best years for the Acura TSX:
2009 Acura TSX
The 2009 Acura TSX is a popular choice among car enthusiasts. It comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 201 horsepower and is paired with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.
The 2009 TSX also comes with a range of features, including a sunroof, leather seats, and a premium sound system.
2011 Acura TSX
The 2011 Acura TSX is a reliable and well-built car. It comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 201 horsepower and is paired with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.
The 2011 TSX also comes with a range of features, including a sunroof, leather seats, and a premium sound system.
2014 Acura TSX
The 2014 Acura TSX is the last year this model was produced, but it’s also one of the best. It comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 201 horsepower and is paired with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.
The 2014 TSX also comes with a range of features, including a sunroof, leather seats, and a premium sound system.
The Acura TSX is a reliable and luxurious vehicle that offers a great driving experience. While some years of the Acura TSX have had significant problems, there are also many years that have been highly rated and praised for their reliability and performance.
If you’re considering buying a used Acura TSX, it’s important to know which years to avoid and what common problems to look out for.
By doing your research, getting a pre-purchase inspection, checking the vehicle’s history, and taking the vehicle for a test drive, you can ensure that you get a good deal and avoid purchasing a lemon.
Common Problems With Acura TSX
While some years of the Acura TSX have had significant problems, there are also some common issues that affect all Acura TSX models. Here are a few of the most common problems:
Transmission Problems
As we’ve seen, some years of the Acura TSX have had significant issues with their transmissions. Even in the years that didn’t have a recall or a technical service bulletin, many owners have reported problems with their transmissions.
These problems can include slipping, hesitating, or shifting roughly.
Electrical Problems
Many Acura TSX owners have reported problems with the electrical system. These problems can include issues with the battery, alternator, or wiring.
Some owners have also reported problems with the vehicle’s computer system, which can cause issues with the engine’s performance.
Suspension Problems
Some Acura TSX owners have reported problems with the suspension system. These problems can include issues with the shocks or struts, which can cause a rough ride or poor handling.
Some owners have also reported problems with the vehicle’s steering system, which can cause the vehicle to drift or pull to one side.
Engine Problems
As we’ve seen, some years of the Acura TSX have had significant issues with their engines. Even in the years that didn’t have a technical service bulletin or a recall, many owners have reported problems with their engines.
These problems can include oil consumption, rough idling, or poor fuel economy.
Tips for Buying A Used Acura TSX
If you’re considering buying a used Acura TSX, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get a good deal and avoid purchasing a lemon.
Do your research
Before you start shopping for a used Acura TSX, do some research on the vehicle. Read reviews from other owners, check for any recalls or technical service bulletins, and look for common problems.
This will help you get a sense of what to expect from the vehicle and what issues to look out for.
Get a pre-purchase inspection
Before you buy a used Acura TSX, have it inspected by a mechanic you trust? This will help you identify any issues with the vehicle before you buy it and can save you money on costly repairs down the line.
Check the vehicle’s history
Before you buy a used Acura TSX, check its history using a service like Carfax. This will give you a sense of the vehicle’s ownership history, any accidents it’s been in, and whether it has a clean title.
Test drive the vehicle
Before you buy a used Acura TSX, take it for a test drive. This will give you a sense of how the vehicle handles, whether there are any issues with the transmission, and whether the vehicle is comfortable to drive.
Conclusion
The Acura TSX is a reliable and luxurious vehicle that offers a great driving experience. However, some years of the Acura TSX have had significant problems that can make them unreliable and costly to repair.
If you’re considering buying a used Acura TSX, it’s important to know which years to avoid and what common problems to look out for.
By doing your research, getting a pre-purchase inspection, checking the vehicle’s history, and taking the vehicle for a test drive, you can ensure that you get a good deal and avoid purchasing a lemon.
While some years of the Acura TSX may have had issues, it’s important to note that there are also many years that have been highly rated and praised for their reliability and performance.
It’s up to you to do your due diligence and choose the Acura TSX that fits your needs and budget.