My gf is wanting a tsx. I was wondering what common issues to look for?
I know about the TL 3rd gear on the mt and the automatic tranny issue but thought the TSX may have its own set of common issues.
Thanks everyone.

 

Brakes. Either the rotors will warp or the brake pads will get build-up on them. This will cause shaking of the steering wheel when braking.

Power door actuators. The things that lock/unlock the door from the remote signal. They go out around 80k miles.

Power steering fluid hose. There's a recall for it. It can catch your car on fire and there's at least one known case of this totaling a TSX.

That's all I know.

 

Have you decided on what body style you like 04-05 OR 06/07/08?

The 04-05 have similar body styles and features. The 04 TSX had more issues and few less features compared to the other model years such as failing AC compressors, no XM radio, no power passenger seat, console light going dim or completely out, moisture in headlights:

https://acurazine.com/forums/tsx-frequently-asked-questions-125/faq-tsbs-recalls-known-issues-660403/

The above link can give you more information on recalls and TSBs.

The majority of issues were fixed by the 06 TSX along with some upgrades like:
- Faster and updated Navi with +600 voice commands
- Updated M.I.D.
- Bluetooth
- 2 person memory seats
- Standard fog lights
- Low profile wipers
- Updated steering wheel (thicker with wheel bumps at 10 and 2 o’clock)
- Updated 5AT gear shifter
- Updated front and rear bumpers
- Updated grill
- Power upgrade of about 12-15hp compared to 04/05 models
- XM radio (no XM on 04, yes XM on 05)

The 06 seems to be the sweet spot of the TSX line up because of price, features, available aftermarket power upgrades (hondata, S/C) and reliability. I would lean toward +05 models when looking and go for +06 models if budget allows.

 

Go for an 2007-2008 or a 2010+. Skip the other years.

I have an 04, spent 1k on AC parts + 800.00 in service to change it all out, lasted 6 months and now I'm dealing with no ac again, luckily its cooling down. But lately in SC its been 50's in the morning and 80's around my 5pm commute home so it gets annoying.

Research research, thats my best advice. If you find one you really like, spend the money to take it to acura and make sure the TSB's have been done. I drove a 2010 the other day and it was a completely different vehicle.

If I could do it all over again, I would have saved a little more for a 3g TL or got a civic si.

 

Not sure why one would skip looking at an '06, or even an '05. (No widespread issues with any TSXs after the AC & console lighting issues of the '04 cars were fixed. --And as Mr Gold said, many new features came in '06....his list is great. I'll add another: Ipod hookup.)

(The one benefit of buying a car made before '07: you can get Hondata reflash; after that, not possible. But perhaps that's not a consideration with your GF's car.)

As for the brake rotor problems mentioned above, not necessarily. There are plenty of long-term owners here with no problems, many with the original brakes & pads, myself included. Several folks have pointed out how those "issues" happened even after they upgraded to Brembo rotors -- and may unwittingly been caused by car washes after driving, with hot brakes...or are simply brake pad buildup, which often misdiagnosed as warped rotors & but easily eliminated by the owner in minutes with rebedding.

 

I have to say that I've heard all of these issues myself, but my 04 with 161K has not experienced a single one of them. Other than blowing through light bulbs on the interior instruments, I've not had a single problem. Than again I baby my car, and all the recalls have been done.

 

If you are going to buy a used TSX, check the lower control arm bushing. They tend to crack. If you are going to buy a used one, check them and if they are cracked, have the repair factored in if the decision is made to purchase it. Our 2007, bought with 38,000 miles is a very good car.

Henry

 

Ha, well that's not a problem for me. I just replaced the FR RT rim, knuckle, bearing, undercarriage piece, lower control arm and a tie rod end because I slid in the snow and smacked a curb. Thank God for GEICO though. With a rental car, my repairs came to about $4500. My cost? $100 for the deductible.

Anyway, I've not noticed any problem with my TSX at 161,000 miles. Been lucky I guess. Well, the lifters are a little loud, but they are around the mileage to be adjusted so no biggie.

 

wow - the actuators went, or the battery in the key remote died? i'm at 92,000, 6 years, and my wife's keychain needs a new battery, but mine works fine (she drives it primarily). never thought about the actuator...

 

My 07 has about 59k miles on it, and the only really issue I have had so far as stated above was with warped rotors. But other than that, everything has been gravy.

 

when I had the annual NC state inspection done 2 weeks ago at a local acura dealer. They also did a further inspection on my car. They noted on the check sheet that the control arm bushings were beginning to tear and might need to be replaced in the future. Other than that my car has been problem free. Love it- recommend it.

 

You know, come to think of it... to amend my earlier post... a year ago my Acura dealer told me that the control arm bushings were starting to wear and they would need replaced. Of course they told me this after I showed up to pick up my car after having the front crank case seal replaced which means they already had the front end apart. Yeah, thanks guys. Instead of telling me then they waited so I'd have to pay more labor. Never happened.

Anyway, this is a common problem on most cars based on age and miles and not really particular to the TSX.