Acura TSX knocking problems

Filed Dec 16, 2023 · Engine · CA

A grainding noise from the inter rod bearing

Filed Jul 3, 2017 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · WI

The transmission's final driven gear has gone out on me twice in the last year. As the attached image of another person's gear shows, two teeth somehow sheer off, and wreak havoc on the transmission bearings and transmission casing if not recognized and turned off immediately. Being a manual transmission, I have always been confident that the transmission's life would be much longer since the clutch takes most of the wear-and-tear of shifting gears. With multiple discussion forums from other consumers outlining the issue at hand (including this one: (http://www.tsxclub.com/forums/1st-gen-problems-fixes/105177-knocking-noise-only-when-power-wheels.html ), the fact that the part number has changed since the car was manufactured, and knowing that the number of vehicles effected relatively low lead me to believe that this is a manufacturing defect that acura decided to ignore rather than recall. The first time I wasn't able to rebuild the transmission, which ended up costing me over $3,000 in order to buy a used transmission and install it, and this second time, it has cost me $1,850 to rebuild it. I noticed the problem while driving on the highway both times it broke down on me. The issue is easily recognized as a ticking sound that occurs every time the wheel/axle makes a full turn. It will get progressively louder over the subsequent 30 minutes or more until the car is basically clunking down the highway. My car had approximately 116,000 miles on it the first time, and the second transmission had about 135,000 when it broke down. Though the mileage can be pointed as being 'too high', it is well-known that acura and honda are long-living vehicles, including the transmission, and should not have such an issue as this unless the car was being raced and abused. In sum, this is certainly a safety issue for anyone traveling long distances and should be recalled.

Filed Sep 17, 2010 · Steering, Suspension · 350 miles · GA

My husband and I purchased a 2010 acura tsx with approximately 50 miles on the odometer. When the vehicle reached 350 miles the left front started knocking very badly we took it to acura of columbus where we purchased the vehicle and made a service appt. We took the car in and they tightened things up they stated. A day and a half later the car started making the noise again we took it back in they kept it for a week and replaced the left front axle and greased the rack and pinion bolts..we got the car back and it again started making the noise again just not as bad and they stated they replaced the left ball joint. I still do not have the car and haven't heard anything.

Filed Jul 28, 2010 · Engine · 90,000 miles · TX

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 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.

Filed Apr 24, 2009 · Engine · 500 miles · DE

In september 2008, I purchased a new 2009 acura tsx from an authorized acura dealer in pennsylvania. After a few weeks of driving, I started to notice a knocking noise coming from the engine. The noise occurs consistently while accelerating (particularly when accelerating between 2000-3000 rpms while going uphill). Per the dealers instructions, I have used only premium fuel in the vehicle since the purchase date. I heard this knocking noise while driving the car throughout the winter; however, the noise has become progressively louder as the weather has become warmer (the noise is much louder when the temperature is above 60 degrees). I took the car into the dealer (where I purchased the car) today (4/24/09). One of the technicians rode along with me, and I was able to replicate the noise for him. The technician acknowledged the noise and said that I shouldn't worry about it, that it is a normal characteristic of the car. I received a receipt from the dealer stating this in writing. Although the dealer states that this is a normal noise, it's not something I've ever heard in any other car before (including my last car, which was also an acura) and I'm concerned that this problem may actually cause damage to the engine over an extended period of time. There are many other people that have reported the same problem on this website, and on many of the acura discussion boards. My next step is to take the car to another acura dealer to get a second opinion, and also to contact acura's corporate customer service department. Any assistance the federal safety agency could provide to the group of people that are experiencing this problem would be greatly appreciated.

Filed Mar 31, 2009 · Fuel system · PA

Engine pinging/knocking noise. Tried the highest octane gasoline from various gas stations between 8/2008 to current (4/1/09). Currently vehicle at dealership for second evaluation. Dealership is going to drain the fuel tank and fill with premium gasoline and drive the vehicle for 50 to determine if this is a fuel problem.

Filed Mar 26, 2009 · Engine, Transmission · 1,000 miles · TX

2009 acura tsx was purchased on 12/13 /08 in san antonio, tx. During the 1st month the car developed an engine/knocking noise when driving and accelerating. The car has been taken to the dealer a total of 3times. Per the dealer, this issue appears to be occurring on many 2009 tsx models. The noise is consistently produced while driving and accelerating, further pronounced while rpms are between 2000 and 2700, and has become more prevalent/louder as time goes by. As instructed, the vehicle is only run on premium fuel. The dealer has been able to replicate the noise, but is unable to determine a fix. I also called acura client services and was told that there was no known issue for the 2009 tsx, which I find hard to believe being so many owners have this problem. However, according to the dealer, many tsxs are experiencing the same issue and nothing can be done based on no resolution from corporate. Given honda?s strong root in reliability, value and customer service, I find it hard to believe that this metallic knocking/pinging from an engine would be considered ?normal?. I am very concerned that this knocking/pinging noise is a design flaw/defect that will develop into long-term safety and reliability issue given the detrimental impact to the engine/powertrain. Finally, due to the fact that I am just being ignored by the dealer and corporate, your help/intervention of this problem and any recommended solution with honda acura would be greatly appreciated.

Filed Mar 26, 2009 · Engine · 1,000 miles · NC

The engine makes a pinging, knocking sound about 80% of the time when accelerating. I've complained many many times to acura but they're refuses to do anything about; I don't know what the long term reliability issues are with the vehicle but it is known that engine pinging is damaging to the engine.

Filed Mar 20, 2009 · Engine, Transmission · 700 miles · PA

2009 acura tsx was purchased on 12/29/08 in pa. During the 1st 3 months of purchase, the car has developed an engine/knocking noise when driving and accelerating. The car has been taken to the dealer a total of 4 times thus far for investigation. Per the dealer, this issue appears to be occurring on many 2009 tsx models. . The noise is consistently produced while driving and accelerating, further pronounced while rpms are between 2000 and 2700, and has become more prevalent as time goes by. As instructed, the vehicle is only run on premium fuel. The dealer has been able to replicate the noise, but is unable to determine a fix. According to the techline, the metallic knocking/pinging the tsx makes while driving and accelerating is ?normal at this time? And the issue is under investigation. I also called acura client services per the case number above and was told that there was no known issue for the 2009 tsx. According to the dealer, many tsxs are experiencing the same issue and nothing can be done based on no resolution from corporate. Given honda?s strong root in reliability, value and customer service, I find it hard to believe that this metallic knocking/pinging from an engine would be considered ?normal?. I am very concerned that this knocking/pinging noise is a design flaw that will develop into long-term safety and reliability issue given the detrimental impact to the engine/powertrain, causing the engine to shutdown during driving, etc. If this issue is wide spread as the dealer reports across the 2009 tsx fleet, I am concerned of this issue and honda's failure to address the issue or provide an explanation of the cause. The austrilian gov't is also investigating a similar issue with the honda euro, pressuring honda to identify the issue and provide a fix before long-term safety issues arise. ? Your consideration of this problem and any recommended solution with honda acura would be greatly appreciated.

Filed Dec 26, 2006 · Transmission · 56,000 miles · AL

Acura tsx manual transmission failed at 56k. The problem caused a loud knocking noise coming from the transmission case while in gear. Noise goes away when clutch is pressed in. I am 6k over my warranty and the deal is still going to cover the replacement of a new transmission which they quoted at $4500.00 to replace. I will be responsible for covering the cost of the clutch $400. I read one other instance where the same problem happened with a tsx owner.