2009 TSX Timing chain needs replacing?
 

First time posting. Wanted to get some opinions. 2009 TSX with 74500 miles. Upon start up last Saturday I got two error codes, Emission system: P0341 and VSA: 83. Checking online made me nervous due to several references timing chain replacements. I took it to the dealer and of course they recommend replacing the timing chain, tensioners etc. for 1700 bucks. They could not tell me what the VSA 83 was, just cleared it. Here is my question. My car runs great, no problems no low revs. Gas mileage is has high as it's ever been. I know that oil starvation can be a cause of this, but all oil changes were done on time at the same dealership that now recommends this rather expensive repair to a two year old car. Do I really need this repair? When I informed the dealership that I would be getting a second opinion, they offered to submit the issue to Honda of America for a " Good Will Repair". Waiting to hear back on that one. Any additional info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

get another opinion. I always thought it was up to the dealer on goodwill repairs.

The dealer appeals to AHC for assistance on the owner's behalf. Then the regional poo-bah investigates and offers assistance or declines.

You can appeal on your own behalf too.

<H3>CONTACT US

Honda Automobile Customer Service stands ready to answer questions and address concerns with your U.S. Honda vehicle. You may contact us several ways:

• By Phone
  
  Monday through Friday, 6:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Standard time at the toll-free phone number (800) 999-1009.

</H3>

acura client services- Monday thru Friday- 6:00am to 2:30PM PST
phone number (800) 382-2238. If you own a tsx, call that number
recently received a letter from them which included the above info-

Edit: Oops, nj2pa2nc, thanks for that, sorry.

For any vehicle to need a timing chain in that short of a lifespan is an egregious manufacturing defect unless the thing had never had the oil changed and the chain guides disentigrated. (ie, 1990 and some 91 Q45's with the VH45DE.)

Update on repair
 

Thanks to all who replied. I just got my car back from the dealership. I had to wait 1 week to meet with the district service manager, but it was worth it. They agreed to a 90% reduction of the repair cost and did seem genuinely concerned that there did not appear to be a good reason for this problem. When I went to pick it up they had actually did not charge at all for the repair (I had my front brakes replaced at the same time) so all in all I am happy. Never did get a reason why this happened though.

good to hear they fixed it for free

:suite:

Stories like this are why I continue to be a Honda customer. My 2010 TSX is my first Acura but I've owned nothing but Honda's since I graduated from college. They stand behind their product!

Acura does have very good service in my experience as well. This is making me thing strongly about buying another for sure, however if I do hit the lottery I would have to get a new M5 instead.

Too bad they quit making the M5 a year or two ago. :(