2009 ACURA TSX

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Shuddering or juddering during light acceleration or cruising at 35-50 mph, Slipping between 2nd and 3rd gear, Delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive, Check Engine light with P0740 or P0730 codes

Fix: The torque converter lock-up clutch material delaminates and contaminates the valve body. Requires complete transmission rebuild or replacement (8-12 hours labor). Fluid flushes are temporary Band-Aids at best. Acura issued TSB 10-015 but never a recall.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Burning 1 quart or more per 1,000 miles, Blue smoke from exhaust on cold start or acceleration, Fouled spark plugs (oil-soaked), Low oil warning light between oil changes, Eventually: engine knock, loss of compression

Fix: The K24A2 suffers from oil control ring land wear and ring flutter. Only real fix is engine rebuild with updated pistons and rings (20-30 hours labor) or short-block replacement. Some owners limp along adding oil religiously. Acura settled a class-action but coverage expired for most 2009s.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking noise when accelerating from stop or shifting into Drive/Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle, especially with A/C on, Engine rocks visibly when revved in Park, Steering wheel vibration during acceleration

Fix: The hydraulic front mount and rubber transmission mount wear out predictably. Replace both at once (3-4 hours labor). Aftermarket mounts are cheaper but OEM lasts longer. Do NOT ignore—broken mounts can let the engine contact the frame.

Estimated cost: $450-750

Symptoms: Recall notice in mail (6 separate recalls for this year), SRS light may or may not illuminate, No symptoms until deployment—then metal shrapnel can kill occupants

Fix: This is a safety recall. Parts were backordered for YEARS, but most should be available now. Takes 1-2 hours per inflator. DO NOT BUY a 2009 TSX until you verify recalls are complete—check VIN at Acura dealer or NHTSA site. Free fix at dealer.

Estimated cost: $0 (recall)

Typical onset: 100,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Whining or groaning noise when turning, especially when cold, Steering feels heavy or stiff at low speeds, Power steering fluid leak from pump or high-pressure line, Squealing on startup

Fix: The pump seals leak and the bearing wears. Replace pump and flush system (2-3 hours labor). Check the high-pressure line while you're in there—it cracks at the crimp and sprays fluid on the exhaust. OEM pump is pricey but remanufactured units fail quickly.

Estimated cost: $400-650

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Loud rattling or knocking for 1-3 seconds on cold start, Check Engine light with P0341 (VTC system fault), Rough idle when engine is cold, Noise disappears once oil pressure builds

Fix: The cam phaser actuator fails due to oil sludge or worn screen. Replace VTC actuator and oil control valve, change oil and filter (3-4 hours labor). Use Honda 0W-20 only and change it every 5k miles religiously to prevent recurrence. Not a breakdown risk but annoying and embarrassing.

Estimated cost: $500-800