- The problem
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Acura TSX vehicles originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In states that use corrosive materials for deicing, driver's footwear may bring in materials that saturate the vehicle's carpeting, which is in contact with the vehicle's engine Electronic Control Unit (ECU). As a result, the ECU case may experience rust or corrosion. This damage may potentially cause the engine to stall.
- The risk
- A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Honda will notify owners and Acura dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any damaged ECU, free of charge. All vehicles will have a waterproof cover installed onto the ECU, free of charge. The recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Acura Client Relations at 1-800-382-2238 and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.acura.com.
Engine & cooling
2004 Acura TSX Engine problems
Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 2004 Acura TSX's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 17% of all its complaints, most recently on April 18, 2025. They describe 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
- Complaints
- 24
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Engine recalls for the 2004 Acura TSX
Engine complaints
The contact owns a 2004 Acura TSX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound that was coming from the instrument cluster. The contact stated that upon decelerating to come to a stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that while the vehicle was rolling, the contact shifted to neutral(N), restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had been a recurring failure. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in HTSA...
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Campaign Number: 13V093000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System), which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed; however, the vehicle failed to start after the repair. The dealer informed the contact that he needed to pay a fee for diagnostic test and the repair out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 335,000.
This vehicle was taken in for a recall for a corrosive ECM. 1 hour prior to taking this vehicle in my assigned service writer gave me a call, your vehicle is ready for pick up. I was advised due to their visual inspection of the ECM( Electronic control module)(electrical computer) not having corrosion, they will not change the unit but they have decided to replace the cover on the unit. I've filed a concerning complaint to Acura headquarters due to my knowledge of cars to have it on file what was told to me...
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before receiving the vehicle. Due to my knowledge a faulty ECM can trigger numerous faults within the vehicles performance.Prior to bringing the vehicle to the dealership, I've been experiencing heavy misfires, poor radio connection, no interior lights and triggered headlights. I've replaced the necessary mechanics that would normal be the cause of these issues and the problem was still existing. The last option was the ECM,which fueled my search of a recall on these models for a faulty ECM. A few weeks later I've contacted another dealership in hopes they would take care of the problem, the representative was polite and reassured me the recall was suppose to be replaced with a new unit under manufacturer policy. However this could not be done because the previous dealer has marked the vehicle as a completed task. So I filed another complaint and have not received any further notice regarding my concern. A few weeks later I had the vehicle diagnosed and realized the ECM was never replaced nor removed out of the vehicle for inspection. Pictures and video where taken of this unit,as you can see the build up of dirt and dust from its original installment back in 2004. Later reading the review of that specific dealership, I've learned their has been numerous complaints regarding poor service at that locations service department.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 acura tsx. The contact stated that the vehicle started however, failed to accelerate while driving with the check engine and the vehicle assist warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ecu needed to be replaced. The technician recommended, purchased and repaired vehicle with a used ecu, due to the age of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle's performance improved after the repairs however, the warning lights remained...
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illuminated. The technician then told the contact that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 13v093000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system) and told the contact to call that manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the used ecu voided the recall. The contact was also told that the vehicle had not been serviced by an acura dealer since 2012, to which the contact stated that his son took the vehicle to an unknown dealer for nhtsa campaign number: 10v174000 (steering) and nhtsa campaign number: 04v429000 (exterior lighting) recall repairs in 2011 and 2012 respectively. The contact stated that he was not notified of any other recalls and that since the warranty expired, he utilized the services of an independent mechanic, to cut costs. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 118,000.
When I driving the car, either street or highway , the car slows down or lose horsepower. I could be doing 60 on the highway and the car stalls on it's own almost shutting down.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 acura tsx. While driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the instrument panel illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the electronic control unit and power train control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 13v093000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was 108,000.
The air conditioning compressor stopped working. Acura will not discuss the problem with me since there is a class action suit for this ongoing problem for this year and model.We understand that we can get 60%. Back if we fix it a acura or honda dealership.If they are aware of this malfunction for this year and model they should pay the whole cost. We have had 5 honda cars and have been very loyal customers. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 acura tsx. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph the vehicle stalled and the vsa lamp, check engine lamp and an error message displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop, who diagnosed that the cam shaft and timing chain were defective. The contact was advised to contact an authorized dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure, but stated that the timing chain may have been stretched. The contact was...
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advised to replace the engine. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 125,000. The vin was not available.
Fire under the hood while driving around 40 mph about 5 miles from home. Heard a squeaky sound around the stearing wheel minutes earlier. I do not know what componenet failed but had a recall sometime ago that was repaired. Had oil change exactly a week earlier. No body injured. *Tr
2004 Acura tsx 61k miles, cooling system failed completely. I was just driving locally when I noticed a rattling noise. On some investigation I found out that the noise comes only when the a/c is turned on. Took it to a dealer (pohanka acura, chantilly va) and they said some part within a/c compressor has exploded and there are metal pieces all over the a/c system and that the entire a/c system needs to be replaced at a cost of $4500. There have been similar complaints all over the internet for the 2004 acura...
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tsx's. I put on very less miles on the car per year and maintained it perfectly (periodic maintenance, regular oil changes). How can acura not issue a recall or assist owners with this problem? The dealer said that they couldn't do anything to assist with the repair, nor would they talk to acura to explain my situation. I just spent about $750 to replace a failer sensor to make the air bag check light go away. I did not expect this from acura! I'm going to make sure all my friends are warned about the poor quality of acura engineering and customer service. The trick part of it is that everything falls apart right after the warranty period (50k) is over. Well, acura has got bright engineering minds to make the parts last for 50k miles. *Tr
2004 Acura tsx a/c stopped blowing cold air. Brought it into acura and they said the ac compressor seized/ froze and shattered and contaminated the whole ac system cost of repair $3600.00 Estimate. Hundreds of forums and other 04 tsx with the same problem. Some people says acura is paying for parts if the customer pays for labor. But not everybody getting that same offer? *Tr
There is a known defect with acura 2004 tsx a/c compressor grenading and contaminating the complete a/c system. There are no real events that lead up to the failure, you will suddenly hear a grinding sound coming from the a/c then it goes out without warning. Instead of acura addressing the problem that has affected thousands across the country, they pursue goodwill discounts on behalf of the customer which never cover the full cost of the issue which is usually around $4000 to fix. You are basically at...
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the mercy at the company on whether they will cover any portion of the cost which is at no fault to the consumer. The fact that a recall has not been issued for this is astounding considering if one does a simple google search to see how common a problem this is, you will find thousands of people that have had the same issue. This issue is a ticking time bomb that will eventually happen to anyone with this make and model. Its not a matter of if it will happen but when will it happen. *Tr
While driving on the freeway with the air conditioner on, a loud noise came from the engine compartment and the air from the air conditioner was no longer cooled. I took it to a mechanic who inspected it and told me that the air conditioner condenser exploded, sending out shards of metal. *Tr
There is a defect with a/c compressors on 2004 acura tsxs. A piece of the compressor, which holds the compressor clutch, is breaking off, resulting in debris being shot through the a/c system, or falling off completely. The result is that the a/c doesn't work, and most of the entire a/c system has to be replaced, costing drivers anywhere from $1800 to $4000, depending on the extent of the problem. This is not an isolated incident. There are many having this same problem. It is relegated to 04 model year...
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acura tsxs. Acura customer service claims that there are no documented cases. However, my local acura dealership says that this has definitely occurred before on multiple occasions. I can provide images and copies of work orders to prove that this is not an isolated incident. *Tr
Was driving on the highway and my air conditioner just stopped blowing out cold air. Took it to the acura dealer was told that the air conditioning compressor needed to be replaced. *Tr
2004 Acura tsx air conditioner compressor failure. *Tr
While driving on the freeway with the air conditioner on, a loud noise came from the engine compartment and the air from the air conditioner was no longer cooled. A mechanic told me that the air conditioner condenser exploded. *Tr
Acura tsx 2004. Turned on the ac while driving, nothing but warm air was coming in. Researched on-line for "04 tsx air conditioner broken" and to my surprise, there have been other 04 tsx owners with the same issue/problem - an acura service advisor has indicated that there have a number of folks having the same issue with the same vehicle and that the total cost is approx. $4000.00. Took the vehicle to the dealer, and was informed that the entire ac unit needs to be replaced - ac compressor failure caused...
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metal shavings to be spread through the system - total cost approx. $4500.00. Contacted acura client services (http://www.Acura.Com/clientservices.Aspx), but have been informed that there is nothing that they can do to assist me. *Tr
I took my 04 acura tsx in for a electronic recall of the radio dash light. This required a new circuit board. During that same visit I got my transmission fluid flushed. A week after the service was done my check engine light came on. I took my care to the shop immediately. Was told my "timing chain tensioner" has gone bad and the replacement would cos $1,600 +. My car only had 64k miles and very well maintained. I did some online research and found many others with this problem on cars with low miles (50k...
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to 65k miles). This is very disappointing that I have a honda product and it requires $1600 worth of repairs with this low of miles. Finding many others online with the same problem makes me think this should be some sort of recall on the manufactures part. Please help. *Tr
I own a 2004 acura tsx. My ac blew out on me when I was driving home from work. I only had around 60,000 miles at that time. The dealer wanted to change the whole ac unit. Compressor, hoses, condenser, and flush the system out. They know about the ac failure as many acura tsx were reported with this problem and not offering any recall on it. It's an expensive repair to fix. They quoted me $3,000.00 For the full repair. *Tr
Air conditioner compressor failed and came apart contaminating the entire a/c system. Because of this, the entire a/c system had to be replaced. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 acura tsx. While accelerating between 35-75 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle would restart within 1-10 minutes. The dealer was unable to duplicate or repair the failure. There was a recall for the 2005 acura tsx; nhtsa campaign id number 07v097000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump). The failure mileage was 76,400 and current mileage was 77,000. Updated 01/29/08 *bf the dealer replaced the fuel pump relay and cam shaft sensor. The air bag light illuminated occasionally, the battery was replaced. The seat belt buckle was replaced. Updated
Dt*: the contact stated all occupants of the vehicle are having symptoms associated with what is believed to be carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicle. The occupants are having headaches and coughing. These symptoms dissipate when the vehicle is not being occupied. The dealership cannot duplicate the problem. *Ak
On the evening of june 10th, 2005, the engine in my acura 2004 tsx blew out. Car had approximately 11,000 miles on it,a d was purchased brand-new in september 2004 from rallye acura at 1750 northern boulevard, roslyn, ny, 11576. As a result, the entire engine had to be replaced. It was noted by steve greiner in the rallye acura service dept. That the blown engine was by no means as the result of my driving. He stated that as the car had a computer that documents the events, and it was clear that there was some...
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sort of defect in the engine that was present when the car was purchased by myself. And the events were not the result of my driving behavior and also not the result of anything on the highway that may have bounced up under the engine. The car was given back to me on june 29th, 2005, after being out of service for 19 calendar days, by the rallye acura service department. Subsequent to this, it was noted on july 9th, 2005, that the tsx was leaking oil. The car was brought back to the rallye acura dealership, only to be told that there was a part missing that had not been installed when the engine was replaced. It was not until 8:30am august 3rd, 2005, that I was to bring the car back in for repairs. When I arrived back at 4pm later that afternoon (which was the original scheduled pickup time on that same day) to pick up the vehicle, I was told that the part had been put into the car, but that it was still leaking oil. The car remained there from august 3rd through august 4th, 2005. Leaving the car out of service for an additional two calendar days. As of august 17th, it is too early to tell if there will be no further oil leaks and/or problems. I was told by mr. Greiner in the rallye acura service dept. That they did not understand why the engine had blown and that it would have to be sent to the factory. There, the engine would be taken apart in order to determine what caused the damage.*Ak
While driving. Fire started underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was completely burnt inside. Consumer stated the o-ring was not seated properly and all the oil leaked completely out of the vehicle. Consumer contacted the dealership and manufacturer. *Ak the oil was changed 2 days before the fire occurred. *Tt
Acura TSX engine complaints by year
TSX engine problems, every yearSource: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data