The Lemon Index
2008
20102nd generation
Worse than average · most complaints: brakes
43 owner complaints, first 3 years 23–25 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2009 Lincoln MKZ2009 Infiniti G37 742009 Cadillac CTS 122
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 2,500 and 23,000 miles (4,000–37,000 km) (the middle half of the 39 complaints, of all 43 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 19V502000 (airbags), 19V378000 (airbags) and 18V042000 (airbags) done? It has 6 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Acura sent dealers 49 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Because of a defective variable valve timing control, the engine rattles loudly for about two…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Acura's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 43 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 2K to 23K miles (4K to 37K km) on the car (39 of all 43 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Engine pings excessively under load at between 2,000 - 2,500 rpm. I am running premium fuel (91 octane) as dictated by the owner's manual. This happens every time I drive the car.
2009 Acura TSX owner · NHTSA complaint 10264122
More owner reports
Rear brakes on a 2009 Acura TSX have worn early, well before the front brakes have worn down. Front brakes are at 70+% life, while the rears are already worn to within 1mm.
NHTSA complaint 10322158
No incidents yet. But--the engine of my brand new 2009tsx "pings"--produces "metallic noise" every time I accelerate. I have called a local dealer in brooklyn, ny and they assured me that it was a norm...
NHTSA complaint 10264903
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 6.2M views · 2009–2014 Acura TSX
Most-watched topics
- Infotainment, battery & electrical362K views
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Acura TSX Radio Upgrade - Double Din Install - Radio Receiver InstallationAcura Audio Garage · 69K views · 12 videos - Oil changes & service141K views
Quick Acura TSX Oil Change: 2009- 2014 2nd Generation TSXBlu-TSX · 104K views · 4 videos - Transmission & shifter130K views
Acura tsx 2010 fail abs vsa brake system check transmission what to resolve your problem herescoobydjj · 41K views · 7 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door128K views
2009-2014 Acura TSX Cabin Air Filter Replacement -EricTheCarGuyEricTheCarGuy · 64K views · 2 videos
Show 4 more
- Spark plugs & ignition coils35K views
Acura TSX Replace Spark Plugs 2009 - 2014Blu-TSX · 35K views - Brakes & ABS27K views
How To Change Tailight Brake Bulb | Acura TSX (2009-2014) - EASY DIYSkyShadow Media · 27K views - Timing chain & engine18K views
how to fix 2010 2014 Acura TSX VSA system, cilinder misfire ,code p0341,code p1009willbekabbin · 9K views · 2 videos - Fuel pump, filter & tank17K views
2009 Acura TSX Fuel Injector Replacement (Vivration on D and N Issue)Healthy Criticism Game Reviews · 17K views
Before you buy, watch
2009-2014 Acura TSX Reliability & Common Problems - Full Buyer's GuideDiscerning Cars · 79K views
2010 Acura TSX POV Test Drive Should You buy Acura TL or TSXPOV Nelson · 19K views
2013 Acura TSX Review, Walkaround, Exhaust, & Test DriveRedline Reviews · 274K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2009 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Problems Acura told dealers about
Acura sent dealers 49 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Because of a defective variable valve timing control, the engine rattles loudly for about two…
- American honda is extending the warranty coverage on the piston rings and pistons for
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 6
- Airbags · recall issued 2019
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 …
- Airbags · recall issued 2019
The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
- Airbags · recall issued 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 6 recalls
- Airbags · recall issued 2017
One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
- Airbags · recall issued 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Airbags · recall issued 2016
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★★
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,000–$3,250 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl.
Every Acura TSX year. 2009 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Show 1 older years (2007–2007, YouTube reviews only, no complaint data)
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 8 Acura TSX years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2009 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/acura-tsx/?y=2009" title="Acura TSX reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="307" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/acura-tsx/2009/">Lemon Index</a> (2009 Acura TSX reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2009 Acura TSX reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew about twice the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 187; 100 is average, lower is better). 2009 is one of the weaker years of a model that usually draws about two-thirds as many complaints as the average car. The Acura TSX year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2012.
What are the most common 2009 Acura TSX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (40%), engine (28%) and body structure (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2009 Acura TSX have?
6 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Acura TSX get?
23 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2009 Acura TSX problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 2,500 and 23,000 miles (4,000–37,000 km) (the middle half of the 39 complaints, of all 43 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2009 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2009 Acura TSX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2009 Acura TSX cost in fuel a year?
About $3,000 to $3,250 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2009 Acura TSX have?
2.4L 4-cyl.
What Acura TSX year is better than the 2009?
Nearby, the 2012 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a fifth as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works