The 2009 Acura TSX has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Premature rear brake pad wear.” Acura's Maintenance Minder calculates oil life from real engine conditions and shows service codes instead of fixed mileages — code A or B (oil / oil + inspection) plus sub-codes for items like tire rotation (1), air filters (2), or transmission fluid (3). Follow the codes, not the calendar. One interval you should never stretch: most Acura 3.5L V6 engines (MDX, TL) use a timing belt with a roughly 105,000-mile / 7-year replacement — a snapped belt on this interference engine means bent valves. SH-AWD models add a rear-differential fluid service that's essential for the torque-vectoring unit.
No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2009 Acura TSX.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
19 NHTSA complaints · 2010-01 → 2012-06
“THE INNER REAR BRAKE PADS WENT FROM 6 IN SEPTEMBER TO 1 - WORN TO THE SENSOR IN LESS THAN SIX MONTHS”
“I HAVE A 2009 ACURA TSX. AT 17K MILES THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS 7 MM LEFT OF REAR BRAKE PADS”
“PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, SQUEALING NOISE”
SERVICE BRAKES
4 NHTSA complaints · 2012-11 → 2019-01
“WHENEVER THE WEATHER DROPS BELOW FREEZING, MY BRAKES STOP WORKING”
“I HAVE A 2009 ACURA TSX AND WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS INTO THE SINGLE DIGITS ( F) OR WE HAVE A VERY COLD OVERNIGHT WEATHER (I'M IN WESTERN NY) I AM EXPERIENCING BRAKE ISSUES”
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DESCENDING A STEEP HILL, SHE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THEY FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY”
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
13 NHTSA complaints · 2009-03 → 2015-03
“ENGINE MAKING PINGING SOUND AROUND 1800-2500 RPM GIVE OR TAKE WHILE UNDER ANY KIND OF ACCELERATION”
“ENGINE PINGS EXCESSIVELY UNDER LOAD AT BETWEEN 2,000 - 2,500 RPM”
“UPON ACCELERATION, ENGINE MAKES A RATTLING NOISE”
VISIBILITY
4 NHTSA complaints · 2009-09 → 2016-06
“ACURA TSX 2009 - MILEAGE 3949 - PURCHASED CAR LESS THAN 6 MONTHS BEFORE”
“WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON ROUTE 80 IN PATERSON, NJ ON 8/5/13, I HEARD A LOUD POP THAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN AND LOOKED UP TO SEE THE SUNROOF HAS SHATTERED ON MY 2009 ACURA TSX FOR NO REASON”
“AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, I GLANCED OVER TO MY PASSENGER AND NOTICED SOMETHING VIBRATING OUTSIDE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD”
ENGINE
12 NHTSA complaints · 2015-11 → 2020-01
“I AM HAVING TO PUT 2-3 QUARTS OF OIL IN MY VEHICLE ONCE A MONTH”
“EXPERIENCING HIGH ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION”
“VEHICLE BURNS EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL, 1 QUART EVERY 1200 MILES”
AIR BAGS
16 NHTSA complaints · 2016-07 → 2017-10
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 ACURA TSX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V030000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE”
“TAKATA RECALL - THEY STILL DON'T HAVE A REMEDY FOR THIS!!”
“"TAKATA RECALL" IT'S BEEN ALMOST SEVEN MONTHS SINCE THE RECALL WAS INITIATED ON MAY 23, 2016”
AIR BAGS
6 NHTSA complaints · 2009-06 → 2018-05
“DRIVER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE HIGH SPEED IMPACT ON PASSENGER SIDE”
“RAN INTO BEAR WHILE TRAVELING DOWN ROUTE 58 EAST, BOYDNTON, VA, AIR BAG OF DRIVER DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT AIR BAG OF FRONT PASSENGER DEPLOYED”
“THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 ACURA TSX. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AGGRESSIVELY WITHOUT WARNING”
STEERING
3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2021-08
“I was driving car to work and when I was making a turn my car steering wheel stop working it was so hard to maneuver I almost crashed I took it to the shop and they asked to call the acura dealer before making repairs”
“STEERING LOCKS UP MID-TURN WHILE DRIVING”
“MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AROUND A CURVE AND SHE SAID THE WHEEL LOCKED AND SHE COULD NOT TURN STRIKING A MAIL BOX AT 20 MPH”
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Change when the Maintenance Minder reaches 15% oil life or shows code A/B — typically every 7,500-10,000 miles with 0W-20 synthetic. Short-trip city driving triggers the code sooner; that's the algorithm doing its job.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
J-series V6: replace the timing belt around 105,000 miles or 7 years (Maintenance Minder sub-code 4). It's an interference engine — a failed belt destroys valves. Replace the water pump and tensioner in the same job. (2022+ MDX 3.5L remains belt-driven; the Integra's turbo four is chain-driven.)
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$935–$1175
Shop
~$655–$825
DIY
Pro only
On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.
Rotate when sub-code 1 appears — roughly every 7,500 miles. SH-AWD models: keep tread depths matched across all four corners.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Inspect pads, rotors, and fluid level with every A/B service. Type S models with Brembo front calipers: pads wear faster and cost more — budget ahead.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
Replace every 3 years regardless of mileage — Honda/Acura schedules this on time because the fluid absorbs moisture.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Replace ATF when sub-code 3 appears — commonly every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on duty. Use Honda/Acura ATF only (DW-1, or the 10-speed's specified fluid); aftermarket 'universal' ATF causes shudder in these gearboxes.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$330–$500
Shop
~$235–$355
DIY
~$60–$180
Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.
SH-AWD (MDX, TLX, RDX): replace the rear differential fluid roughly every 30,000 miles (sub-code 6) — the torque-vectoring clutch packs run in this fluid, and whining or binding in tight turns is the classic overdue symptom.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$150–$195
Shop
~$105–$135
DIY
~$20–$50
Iridium plugs around 100,000 miles on most models. Turbocharged Integra/ADX engines: check the manual — forced induction typically shortens the interval.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Replace with sub-code 2, roughly every 30,000 miles — sooner in dusty conditions.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Replace with sub-code 2 alongside the engine air filter. Behind the glovebox — an easy DIY on most Acuras.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Honda/Acura Type 2 coolant: first change around 10 years / 100,000 miles, then every 5 years / 50,000. Use the blue Type 2 coolant only.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
21 crashes 1990–2024
How the 21 occupant deaths break down
18
driver deaths
3
passenger deaths
21
occupant deaths
Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2013 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.
FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number
FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.
Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.
Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.
IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.
Owner-reported problem signals
Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.
7
complaints mentioning a crash
0
complaints mentioning a fire
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 2009 Acura TSX reflects Acura's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.