KnownCarProblems2004 Acura Tsx Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 142 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Acura Tsx, most often about the air bags (20% of complaints, typically around 62,500 miles). It is the most complained-about Tsx model year since 2000 and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2004 Acura Tsx problems
Air bags
29 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 62,500 miles. Parts named most often: side/window, frontal.
Takata recall upon getting in the vehicle I simply sat in the driver seat, and closed the door. As soon as the door shut closed, the driver side curtain air bag deployed hitting me in the head neck and shoulder area. Triggering me to have muscle spasms in my back, severe head ache, and to be disoriented after being…
I was driving down a normal street at 5:00pm with the front windows down. With no prior indication or warnings the side impact air bag deployed with a disorienting "pop", violently punching me in the left arm. This caused my car to swerve, but I was able to maintain control and avoided any accidents. By all accounts…
Electrical
29 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 105,000 miles. Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery.
Passenger side head light malfunction. Head light works on and off; does not turn on sometimes. Some days it works, some days it never does. Problem appears to be related to rainy/dump weather. Dealer did not acknowledge that it is wiring issue and recommended that the hole system be changed and it cost me $909. 00.…
Center stack HVAC lights have stopped working. I've read countless threads & forums that state this is a known issue.it does pose a safety issue, I'm not sure why this has not been recalled yet. The warranty was extended, however, no one was notified & I purchased this car after the warranty period expired for the…
Engine
24 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 84,000 miles. Parts named most often: cooling system, engine, exhaust system.
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…
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.
Seats
22 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 5,000 miles. Parts named most often: front assembly.
I have a 2004 Acura Tsx. It has a power drivers seat. Whenever I brake a little harder than normal or when I brake suddenly, the drivers seat moves forward. I talked to my local Acura dealer and they said this is normal. I do not consider a seat that moves forward when you brake to be safe.
Driver's seat moves forward and backward during acceleration and braking. Also, moves from side to side while cornering. Dealer noted the following "test drove vehicle. Duplicated concern. As of this moment, Acura is still working on solution to concern. No corrections made at this time".
Transmission
16 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 56,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission, clutch assembly.
The clutch failed at 56,000. I have driven a clutch for 24 years. The clutch lasted over 125,000 miles in my last vehicle. I also have experience driving trucks with manual transmission. The dealer would not support any warranty since the clutch is a "wear part".
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.…
Steering
14 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 109,500 miles. Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist system, hydraulic power assist.
Steering rack is popping loudly and rapidly going out. Car is barely 100k. I've seen several reported cases where the steering rack requires replacing in this model vehicle and all cases were at or below 100k. This is certainly a safety issue and several acuras have this issue and there are a few related tsbs for…
The power steering hose has a leak. The power steering fluid is dripping all over the place. I can smell burning oil everytime I stop. Last time I saw smoke. The smoke was from the power steering fluid dripping onto the exhaust manifold.
Lights
12 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 105,000 miles.
Passenger side head light malfunction. Head light works on and off; does not turn on sometimes. Some days it works, some days it never does. Problem appears to be related to rainy/dump weather. Dealer did not acknowledge that it is wiring issue and recommended that the hole system be changed and it cost me $909. 00.…
Center stack HVAC lights have stopped working. I've read countless threads & forums that state this is a known issue.it does pose a safety issue, I'm not sure why this has not been recalled yet. The warranty was extended, however, no one was notified & I purchased this car after the warranty period expired for the…
Brakes
8 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 91,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components.
When applying brakes, they travel lower and feel softer than normal and are not responsive. Brakes will lose traction, causing the car to roll when stopped. At a national brake repair service provider, I was told that they could flush the brake system (which temporarily improved the issue for about a week), but air…
The contact owns a 2004 Acura Tsx. The contact stated that the vsa warning lamp illuminated which made the ABS system engage abnormally. The contact mentioned that he attempted to engage the brakes but it failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2004 Acura Tsx recalls
Electrical: electrical system
Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: hose, piping, and connections
Risk: Oil leaking onto a hot exhaust pipe will generate smoke and a burning smell, and could potentially result in an under hood fire.
Fix: Honda will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began may 28, 2010. Owners may contact acura client services at 1-800-382-2238.
Full defect summary
Honda is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2008 acura tsx passenger vehicles manufactured between september 25, 2002 and february 13, 2008. Prolonged high under hood temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely and may cause the hose to crack and leak power steering oil.
Lights: tail lights
Risk: A damaged harness can cause a blown fuse, a short circuit and it can result in a loss of license plate lights, back-up lights and tail light function. Loss of a tail light could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the harness and if any damage is found, the harness will be replaced. If no damage is found, dealers will install corrugated plastic tubing over the harness to prevent future damage. The recall began on september 15, 2004. Owners should contact honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Full defect summary
On certain passenger cars, the wire harness located in the trunk hinge area is not adequately protected and over time could be damaged when the trunk is opened and closed.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2004 Acura Tsx
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Acura Tsx?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (29 complaints, typically around 62,500 miles); electrical (29 complaints, typically around 105,000 miles); engine (24 complaints, typically around 84,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2004 Acura Tsx have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 15, 2013 (electrical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2004 a bad year for the Acura Tsx?
- It is the most complained-about Tsx model year since 2000, with 142 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.