Model year report

2009 Acura Tsx: what breaks, and at what mileage

What breaks on the 2009 Acura Tsx

On the 2009 Acura Tsx, the failure owners report most often is other engine problem, and the reports cluster around 1,000 miles. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 20,000 miles. Overall it scores 76 out of 100, severe risk for a 2009.

Severe risk for a 2009 — 38th riskiest of the 295 2009 vehicles we can rate. 113 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.

The failures owners actually file about

Owners have reported 27 named failure modes on the 2009 Acura Tsx, and the three most-reported carry 40% of everything filed.

Other engine problem leads with 16 reports, about 0.3 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 500 to 1,900 miles.

Other brake problem follows with 16 reports, usually reported between 15k to 25,000 miles.

Airbag inflator rupture follows with 13 reports, median 135,000 miles.

By system, the reports fall mostly into engine (32), brakes (23) and airbag (19).

At what mileage it happens

78 of the reports on the 2009 Acura Tsx came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 20,000 miles.

Cumulatively, 65% by 50,000 miles, 83% by 100,000 miles and 96% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.

The busiest stretch is between 10,000 and 20,000 miles, which alone holds 24% of the dated reports.

62% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.

In the order they tend to show up: other engine problem around 1k, excessive oil consumption around 10k and other brake problem around 20k.

Median

Other engine problem

1k
Other brake problem

20k
Airbag inflator rupture

136k
Excessive oil consumption

10k
Other body or interior problem

16k
Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure

177k
Manual clutch or hydraulics failure

136k
Premature brake pad or rotor wear

16k
Other steering problem

94k
Parking brake failure

40k
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault

485
Seat belt or retractor failure

80k

Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens

Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 27. The full list is in the table below.

How reports accumulate

Share of reports filed by each mileage

half by 21.1k

Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.

Line share of reports filed by that mileage
Dashed the median reported mileage

How bad it is when it goes

Across the named modes, 5 mention a crash and 4 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.

The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.81, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.

What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other engine problem at $300–$4,000, other brake problem at $300–$1,800, airbag inflator rupture at $0–$0 and excessive oil consumption at $900–$6,500. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.

34% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.

Every reported failure mode

Mileage figures are percentiles of owner-reported readings. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode	System	Reports	With reading	25th	Median	75th	Per 1,000	Typical repair	Severity
Other engine problem	engine	16	11	500	1k	2k	0.3	$300–$4,000	High
Other brake problem	brakes	16	16	15k	20k	24k	0.3	$300–$1,800	High
Airbag inflator rupture	airbag	13	1	—	136k	—	0.2	$0–$0	Critical
Excessive oil consumption	engine	11	9	10k	10k	94k	0.2	$900–$6,500	High
Other body or interior problem	body	8	6	—	16k	—	0.1	$200–$2,000	Moderate
Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure	engine	4	4	—	177k	—	0.1	$1,200–$4,500	Critical
Manual clutch or hydraulics failure	transmission	4	4	—	136k	—	0.1	$900–$2,800	Moderate
Premature brake pad or rotor wear	brakes	3	3	—	16k	—	0.1	$300–$1,400	Moderate
Other steering problem	steering	3	2	—	94k	—	0.1	$350–$2,400	High
Parking brake failure	brakes	2	1	—	40k	—	0.0	$250–$1,300	Moderate
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault	airbag	2	1	—	485	—	0.0	$300–$1,600	High
Seat belt or retractor failure	airbag	2	1	—	80k	—	0.0	$200–$900	High
Other powertrain problem	transmission	2	2	—	850	—	0.0	$400–$4,500	High
Other electrical problem	electrical	2	2	—	48k	—	0.0	$250–$2,000	Moderate
Other speed control problem	adas	2	2	—	111k	—	0.0	$250–$2,000	Critical
Other visibility problem	glass	2	2	—	9k	—	0.0	$150–$1,400	Moderate
Misfire or rough idle	engine	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$250–$1,600	Moderate
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure	fuel	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$250–$1,800	Moderate
Audio or connectivity failure	infotainment	1	1	—	23k	—	0.0	$150–$900	Low
Loss of braking	brakes	1	1	—	37k	—	0.0	$400–$3,000	Critical
ABS module or sensor failure	brakes	1	1	—	59k	—	0.0	$500–$2,400	High
Airbag failed to deploy in a crash	airbag	1	1	—	21k	—	0.0	$1,000–$5,000	Critical
Sunroof failure or glass breakage	body	1	1	—	75k	—	0.0	$700–$4,500	High
Other fuel system problem	fuel	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$300–$2,200	High
Other airbag problem	airbag	1	1	—	52k	—	0.0	$400–$3,000	Critical
Other wheel or tire problem	wheels	1	1	—	7k	—	0.0	$200–$1,500	High
Other lighting problem	lighting	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$120–$1,200	Moderate
Unclassified problem	other	10	4	—	38k	—	0.2	—	Moderate

Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.

How often, against how many were built

Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2009 Acura Tsx draws about 1.9 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 82nd percentile of complaint rates among 2009 vehicles we can rate.

That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.

The working figure is 60,430 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2009 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.

What owners wrote

Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.

Airbag inflator rupture

I live in naples, italy. I have not been able to get my car fixed for the takata recall. In april, 2017, I took the car to the local honda dealer. They ordered the part, but it never arrived. I called honda of america, and they reported that the parts distributor for all of europe has run out of the part I need. It has been six months. How do I get my car fixed?

136,000 miles NHTSA complaint 1411553 filed 2017-10-01

Recalls on the 2009 model year

NHTSA has issued 6 recall campaigns covering the 2009 Acura Tsx, affecting an estimated 97,614 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.

The campaigns cover air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.

Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.

19V502000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

9,555 vehicles 2019-06-27

Defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute…
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.

19V378000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19,138 vehicles 2019-05-16

Defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Consequence: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.

18V042000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

691,726 vehicles 2018-01-09

Defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is…
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.

17V545000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

3,257 vehicles 2017-08-31

Defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09.

17V030000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

977,708 vehicles 2017-01-10

Defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands…
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.

16V346000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

2,719,386 vehicles 2016-05-24

Defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally…
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is KA4, KA5, KA6, and KA7.

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.

How it ranks in the 2009 field

The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.

Risk score against the rest of the 2009 field

Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.

Left fewer and less serious reports
Right more, or worse
Marker this vehicle

Better and worse years of the same car

Severe risk for a 2009 — 38th riskiest of the 295 2009 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.

Across the 10 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2007 comes out best at 57 and 2009 worst at 76, with 2009 itself at 76.

If the model year is negotiable, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2008, 2013, 2004, 2011 and 2012 score lower than 2009 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.

Within the 2009–2014 generation specifically, 2013 is the strongest year at 63 and 2009 the weakest at 76.

Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.

Risk score by model year, out of 100

Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.

Within the 2009-2014 generation, 2013 Acura Tsx scores best at 63 and 2009 Acura Tsx worst at 76.

Where to spend the inspection money

The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other engine problem from about 500, excessive oil consumption from about 10k and other brake problem from about 15k.

On a 2009 Acura Tsx with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other engine problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.

None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.

What this page cannot tell you

113 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.

Of those 113 reports, 78 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 69% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".

Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.

And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.

Questions this page answers

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Acura Tsx?

The most-reported failures are other engine problem (16 reports, median 1,000 miles), other brake problem (16 reports, median 20,000 miles) and airbag inflator rupture (13 reports, median 135,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.

At what mileage do 2009 Acura Tsx problems start?

Other engine problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 1,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 500 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 20,000 miles.

Is the 2009 Acura Tsx reliable?

It scores 76 out of 100 on our risk index, which is severe — 38th riskiest of the 295 2009 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2009 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.

Which year of the Acura Tsx is best?

Within the 2009–2014 generation, 2013 scores best at 63 out of 100 and 2009 worst at 76. Same body, same engines, different luck.

Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.

What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car

Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt 20 August 2026 Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed