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Acura · Compact · 2004–2008 Custom Search

Acura TSX CL9

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
5.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Acura TSX CL9 is available with one engine variant at 152 hp.

2.4L I4 · Petrol· 192 PS
2004 2008

Honda K24 — one of the most reliable four-cylinders ever built. VTC rattle on cold start is normal at higher mileage. Chain-driven, no belt. 400,000 km examples documented.

  • ! VTC Actuator Cold-Start Rattle from 160,000 km

    Variable timing control actuator produces metallic rattle for 1-3 seconds on cold start due to oil pressure loss during shutdown.

    Symptoms: Brief metallic rattle on cold start, disappears when oil pressure builds
    300–800 $
    Ad VTC actuator K24 TSX14310-RAA-A01

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!A/C Compressor: Failure with System Contamination

A/C compressor shatters internally, spreading metal debris throughout refrigerant circuit. Condenser, drier, and expansion valve must be replaced together.

Symptoms: A/C stops cooling, metallic clicking from compressor, clutch pulley seizes
from 130,000 km
Ad A/C compressor Acura TSX CL9receiver drier TSX
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
298 complaints · 2004–2008
  1. 01 Steering
    76 ⚠ 1
  2. 02 Airbags
    52 ⚠ 13
  3. 03 Electrical
    48 ⚠ 1
  4. 04 Seats
    27
  5. 05 Engine & Cooling
    26

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Steering (76 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (52 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (48 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 5 weaknesses have been documented for the Acura TSX CL9 (2004–2008) — 1 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect HVAC, Other, Electronics. Considered reliable: K24 (2.4L I4).

What to watch out for with the Acura TSX? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Acura TSX CL9 have? +
The Acura TSX CL9 has 1 known engine weaknesses and 4 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Acura TSX CL9? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: K24 (2.4L I4). The most reliable engine is the K24 (2.4L I4) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the K24 (2.4L I4).
Which Acura TSX CL9 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Acura TSX CL9. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 1 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Acura TSX CL9 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Acura TSX CL9 — rated: "Decent". {description} K24 with i-VTEC, 6-speed manual, FWD. Drives better than it looks. AC compressor failure is the known risk.
Is the Acura TSX CL9 worth buying used? +
The Acura TSX CL9 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Acura TSX CL9? +
The Acura TSX CL9 is available with engine variants from 152 to 211 hp. Petrol: K24 (2.4L I4).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee