Acura TSX Maintenance and Repair

redkey1

I agree....150 miles is a long way if there is any type of problem. Although, I think acura's can be serviced by any Honda dealer as well.

robr2

Checking the local Honda place for service might be a good idea.

I asked at my Honda dealer and he said stuff like oil changes and the such fine but more than that and go to Acura. Then again, there are 5 Acura dealers within 30 miles.

superking

So far so Good. Got my TSX w/ Navi Aug 2004. Have about 800 miles. Still very new ^^" I will keep you guys posted if there are any problems occur.

ronabi

You have nailed my concern. I do feel reasonably confident about the car and have never been in the 1-2% lemon group, but -- as they say -- there's a first time for everything! I still have not decided for sure, but am leaning toward the side of caution. My local options (at least those I would consider) are Accord, Camry, and Altima with the Accord probably at the top of that list for now.

Thanks to you and everyone who has responded. This has been very helpful and I do appreciate it.

Ron

c_hunter

Also consider looking at a Subaru Legacy if there is a dealer in the area -- it is smack in the middle of that group you mentioned in 2.5i trim, and pairs up nicely against the TSX in GT trim. Car & Driver and Road & Track have just done thorough reviews comparing the Legacy GT and the TSX. Good reading for anyone shopping the segment. There are pluses and minuses to each choice. C&D liked the TSX better, R&T liked the Legacy GT better.

Craig

kyfdx

I am almost certain that the Honda dealer cannot do warranty repairs for an Acura.. (not for free, anyway). I'm sure they could get the parts and service your car, but I still think an Accord V-6 is the way to go...

regards,
kyfdx

thepdmm

irisheyes205
Acura has a fix for your creak in your windshield, the tabs that they use to hold the windshield square are laying up against the metal in the windshield bay, they take the windshield out and take the clips out and use differant smaller clips.. not a big deal about a day fix

jkobty2
have you taken your car to a differant dealer?? Wait, a differant dealer is a too far away right?? How much time do you spend mad at your car, is it worth it? are you the same person that asked why the bumper popped off your car when your wife hit a curb??

redkey1

Do you have a TSB or any type of information we can provide to the dealer on the windshield fix? I took my in and they "could not duplicate". It is an annoying clicking sound coming from just above the rearview mirror.

thepdmm

My dealer said that it was in the acura "database" or whatever. try to push on the winshield from the inside a little bit sometimes it will make the same kind of pop sound. but what you have described is exactly what I had.. I could actually attribute it too lower dash snaps too.. the easiest way I get it to do it for them is to hit a man hole cover so that the car flexes (only one side of the car encounters the bump). and make sure it is cool out.. (or don't leave it in the sun all day and take it to them).. My dealer actually had me do the driving so that I could point it out to them..

I don't know what a TSB is other then some kind of post.. I don't have one of those if that is what your referring too..

I have noticed a HUGE differance in people's service at the dealerships.. I actually travel an extra half hour to go to a dealership that I like.. I am not say you should just letting you know that if you should fail the first time don't feel like you can't try again.... somewhere else....:)

saruhhh

My dad bought (and I have been driving full-time), a 2003 Altima last year. That car is GREAT! We've had it in for a broken console lock (cheap plastic, 5 minute repair). That was it's only problem in this entire year that he's had it.

He bought the S version (I think). It has some comfort package on it (Bose sound system, sunroof, steering wheel radio controls) but no V6. The thing is still totally fast and I love driving it.

I'm getting the TSX because I don't want the same car as my dad. And, personally, I think the TSX is nicer looking.

But, if I had to choose from the cars you listed, I would take the Altima. The current Accord sedan is awful looking. The Camry is just so plain looking.

If there's a Nissan dealer near you, get the Altima. Great car!

redkey1

thanks, sometimes it lists the parts etc on the work order / reciept. It is so much easier when they know what to look for, and I have noticed it is much worse when the car "flexes" w/ only one wheel hitting the bump.

thepdmm

My receipt just stated my complaint then it said that the tech was able to reproduce and then said that the winshield is was resealed by some subcontracted place

the way I found out wha the problem was is by asking them.. that is how I heard about the "tabs". Also I have heard this at more then one place (I usually like to get more then one opinion, before I have people start ripping things off my car)..

How happy are you with your dealership in general? seems like it is a known enough problem that they should have tested it when it was cool anyway??

kagedude

Hi, just went in for my 10K service on my 04 Acura TSX and the dealer held the car a little longer due to a recall regarding the Trunk Wiring Harness. I checked Acura's website and don't see it on the recall page. Anyone get this?

Also, I saw other posts complaining about the car drifting which I also have. It seems to have gotten worse after I had the tires rotated. I did verify the tire pressure and it is okay. I've no faith in the dealer fixing this problem since they didn't fix it the last time under warranty. Has anyone taken it to another shop that uses Hunter Diagnostics equipment? Thanks.

robr2

Go to NHTSA - http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.c- - fm

and enter in the following campaign number:

04V429000

It'll tell you everything.

If you click the document search, you'll see that notification of owners only began on Oct 1. Your lucky your dealer took care of it proactively.

uncledavid

If you have a Acura product, you can also track any recalls that are relevant for your car through the online "owner link."

rsf

I too have noticed a whining sound that seems to only occur with acceleration, and occurs when I am going about 70 miles per hour. I don't hear it in local traffic, just highway driving.
I was wondering if a new transmission fixed your problem. I, myself, would be a little nervous changing the entire transmission for this seemingly minor problem.
Has anyone else in the group experienced this whining sound with acceleration and what was done to correct it?
rob
robncarin at comcast dot net

kagedude

Sweet. I got my service on Oct 1. Perfect timing. The dealer was McGrath Acura of Westmont in Chicago. Decided to give my TSX a break after a long drive from NYC. The dealership was pretty good and they have a nice waiting area more important a view of the workarea. Thanks.

kagedude

I checked the Acura Owners link first but it didn't show anything. Just checked just now and it still shows "There are no current safety recalls for your 2004 Acura Tsx."

saruhhh

San Fran dealers have told me it won't be in until November. "Ships in October, takes weeks to get over here"

klengen

did they find out what was causing all of the power to go? the same thing happened to me a few days ago, my car is at the dealer right now, and they can't find anything. please help!!
thanks

indydriver

Just started researching TSX amid all the glowing reviews etc. Sounds like a piece of junk on this forum.

redkey1

Edmunds tends to catch only a small % of owners. Some of the dedicated tsx sites will give you a better view. Also, note this is a "problems" thread.

 

I own one and have some of the "creaking" issues, but it is still an excellent car. No car is perfect.

kyfdx

I used to monitor the Saab forum, when the new 9-3 came out... but, it just got too depressing..

 

Believe me, the problems you see here are minor, in comparison.

igiban

Can you find any Problem and Solution forum of a car at Edmunds and say, "Boy I want to jump on it"? Pls. let us know when you find one.

xplorx4

Nobody speaks up much when their car does what it's expected to. In this forum, titled "Problems and Solutions" you're generally going to find only complaints. So of course it sounds like a piece of junk! The topic of this forum is biased!

 

Take into consideration also that Acura has sold thousands of TSX's, and this forum is only 451 posts long.

 

Google for "acura tsx forums" to get a better sampling of internet-savvy TSX owner opinions.

c_hunter

Yeah, I agree with the previous posters.

 

Our TSX has been a real gem of a car, no problems at all. I do wish my wife would wash it more ofthen though! That is a problem...

 

CRaig

saruhhh

I don't know if it's just because I'm not used to the car yet, but, it seems like it kinda "jumps" when I press the gas, even lightly. Is it just a really sensitive pedal? Has anyone else noticed this? Should I get it checked or am I just adjusting to a new car? It's like a really light tap makes it move pretty quick. Normal?

tommyijr

What kind of transmission do you have?

saruhhh

Automatic.

lancaster

Regarding TSX window/dashboard rattles or creaks, Acura issued a Technical Bulletin on December 17th describing the problem and fix. There are clips that hold the molding/window for the A-Beam that are temperature sensitive. When it is cold, the clips could rattle which may sound like the window is rattling. Contact your dealer if you have this problem and ask about the Bulletin.

after11

i have a 2-month old 2004 tsx w/ nav. Since the first day driving it out of my garage I noticed a whirring high pitched noise when going in reverse. possibly the engine? very different sound when going forward. is this normal? Haven't taken it into the dealer for this because I trusted a new car cannot possibly have a problem already! (how ignorant of me). But now I'm also experiencing the dashboard squeeking noise that started soon after a couple of days of rain. I'm very disappointed and paranoid that something else will go wrong.

c_hunter

It's the reverse gear making noise. Perfectly normal.

 

Craig

tressie

where do you find the recent technical bulletin

johnny420

Check Acura's website. They usually post them there for specific models. Really, you don't need to see it for yourself, just take it into the dealer. They've been pretty good about addressing creaking issues.

 

After all, the car is under warranty for four years. FWIW, my '04 has been creak-free for one year now.

 

Johnny

johnny420

"Since the first day driving it out of my garage I noticed a whirring high pitched noise when going in reverse."

 

I'm curious. Is this your first MT car? FYI, I've never had a stick shift car that didn't make that sound.

 

Johnny

c_hunter

Even the auto trans TSX makes that noise, which was a surprise to me (still normal though).

 

Craig

tressie

thanks for the info. i experience problems with power windows that would not go down in 12 degree

weather. my last car did not have power windows, so i am new at this

tblazer503

Sorry, have to make a comment... lemon law is a great thing to have around, unfortunately, it usually only accounts for issues that affect the drivability or safety of the vehicle, such as the engine dying when trying to leave an intersection, or the transmission failing, etc. I don't think(it may) the lemon law was ever intended to cover any vehicles that are "squeaking, or rattling" since PA lemon law defines a nonconforming vehicle as "A defect or condition which substantially impairs the use, value or safety of a new motor vehicle and does not conform to the manufacturerÍs express warranty." Just turn the stereo up! j/k, all that aside, I had a first year ('02) Trailblazer 4x4, which was the subject of over 15(i believe) recalls within the first year for things ranging from fuel filter fittings popping off for no reason, to bad suspension parts, Park not engaging correctly(meaning it would roll in park), in fact, there was a recall to install a gasket in the rear hatch because the insert for the license plate would rub so bad it rubbed all the paint off... I think that a few squeaks and rattles in a otherwise great car is acceptable. Just my opinion.

 

And about the reverse whine... don't drive so fast in reverse

jccai1

I suspect that you're not yet used to the drive-by-wire throttle. I haven't driven a TSX, but I used to own a BMW 330Ci with a similar bottom-hinged electronic gas paddle. When I first got the car, I also had a hard time getting used to its sensitivity. Combined with the torque of the engine, I had trouble with a smoothe launch. But once I adjusted to it, I loved the responsiveness! Now that I'm back to owning a car with the regular throttle control, I hate it as any change in throttle requires a much bigger movement of my right foot.

saruhhh

I took it to the Pleasanton dealer last week (Avoid!! Avoid!!!!). The car literally drives itself. If I let my foot off the brake, the car goes. I'm not talking rolling. The car goes up to around 10 miles per hour. (Even on level pavement) I've seen the engine gauge thing jump, without my touching the gas pedal. Anyway, it feels like I'm always having to slam on the brakes, because of the thing going by itself. Watching me pull into a parking spot is probably funny for anyone watching. I have to basically ride the brake and then slam on it, because I can't get the car to go slow enough to just glide in.

 

They (the moron dealership) kept it for two days (the driver seat was also shifting when I'd make hard turns). Anyway, they didn't adjust the idle speed, because it's "within parameters" and they'd have to take the engine apart. So what??? That's why you had it for two days!!!!! take the thing apart and fix it!! They tried to tell me that it was the floormats pressing on the gas pedal!! They're from the dealer!! They were made for the car!! Aside from that, I had the car for a week before I got the floormats. It was a problem in that week, too.

 

Also, they had given me a loaner TSX, and it rode very smoothly. I made the technician test each out and ,of course, he said the loaner was idling higher than mine!! I drove the thing for two days. I KNOW it was normal, compared to my car. Stupid jerk.

 

Also, they put new seat rails in, and broke the plastic seat casing in the process. They can't get me back in to fix that for another week!!!

 

Needless to say, if you're in the Pleasanton, CA area, avoid taking your car to the Pleasanton Acura dealer for ANYTHING. They do nothing, aside from breaking things and making YOU wait days for them to do nothing. Drive the extra distance to Concord. I am so pissed about this.

 

I do think you are right about the jumpy engine thing, though. The pedal is different from my previous cars, and I think that's why I thought it was jumpy. But, the idle speed is way too high and that's still bugging me.

trickydick

Ethos --

 

This just happened to me as well. The clock, sound system and climate control backlighting all went dark, although everything still works and I can actually see the info on these instruments with a flashlight (in day or night). I have an appointment scheduled for later this week at the dealership. How did this work out for you? Any advice, tips or pointers for me or that I can advise the dealership before I go in? Has anyone else experienced this?

 

Rich

uncledavid

Rich,

 

There is a know problem with the HVAC controls. Acura will fix it, and it is not a serious issue. Keep in mind that the warranty on this particular issue does including support for a loaner car. The dealer can rent one from enterprise if he does not have it on the lot.

 

The problem should have causes the LEDs in the button and HVAC controls to fail. It should not have caused you clock to go out. You can turn the clock off and on manually by pressing one of the button on the audio controls and holding it for about 30 seconds. I forgot the specific button, but I think it is the third one from the left.

 

P.S. Before you have this fix done, make sure you take all of your CDs out of the player. IF Acura removes the player with your CDs still in it, it will be a PITA to get them back.

ceeece

My outside temperature gauge consistently reads about 10-11 degrees higher than what the weather guy on the radio states. Anyone experience this problem?

robr2

The weather guy is reporting the temperature where he is or from the local weather service office. Unless you are either of those locations, the numbers won't match. Here in Boston, the local temp is from the airport sticking out in the middle of the harbor. Trust me, it's colder there than where I actually am.

ceeece

Thanks Robr2. I did think about that as well. It just thought 10 degrees was a huge difference. I was Acura certified so I wouldn't think they would overlook anything!

kyfdx

Some dealers do a thorough inspection... But basically, Acura certified means you bought an extended warranty...

ceeece

Hmmm. It had 26,900 miles on it when I bought it. I think their warranty was going through 50,000. But they still asked me if I wanted 100,000 mile extended warranty. Which would be an extended, extended warranty.

jkobty2

My Acura dealer finally gave in and changed the rear wheel bearing under warranty. They start off by denying that anything could possibly go wrong with an Acura. They still insist that all the other remaining 10 plus defects are "Normal".

Now the transmission is starting to shift roughly, but they have not conceded it is a problem yet. I guess they want to wait till it becomes a total failure and possibly be past the warranty period. This piece of junk is going back to Acura. But we are stuck for another 2.5 years. Is there a way to trade this car in for another make without having negative equity or little negative equity?

kyfdx

Nope.. the purchase/lease of the car is completely separate from any maintenance issues..

 

Acuras have pretty good re-sale.. Depending on the terms of your lease, after 1.5-2.0 years, you may find that there isn't a lot of negative equity.. But, anything before that will be punitive.. But, you would definitely have to trade it... AHFC doesn't allow sales to individuals.. Unless you got a dealer to do an in-and-out transaction for you..

 

regards,

kyfdx

christina271

has anyone noticed that the 04 seems to start slowly? we have noticed it more now with the cold weather, but it has always been like this...is that how they all are ???