How long will the Acura TSX last?

In general, a well-maintained Acura TSX is capable of surpassing 200,000 miles, with many owners reporting 250,000 miles or more and a significant number reaching 300,000 miles given proper care.

The TSX is a compact luxury sedan produced from 2004 to 2014 in North America, built on Honda’s robust K-series engine family. Its longevity hinges on maintenance history, driving conditions, and how the vehicle is cared for over time. Below is a closer look at how long the TSX can last, what influences its lifespan, and concrete steps to maximize life on the road.

Longevity drivers

Several factors determine how long a TSX will remain reliable and drivable. The following list highlights the primary contributors to long life.

• Engine and drivetrain durability: K-series engines are known for durability when properly serviced, and many long-running TSXs rely on regular maintenance to sustain performance.


• Regular maintenance discipline: Adhering to factory-recommended oil changes, fluid services, and parts replacements is a top predictor of longevity.


• Driving conditions and usage: Highway driving with steady speeds typically causes less wear than constant aggressive driving, heavy traffic, or frequent short trips.


• Environmental factors and corrosion risk: Climate, road salt, and exposure to moisture can affect the chassis and underbody; rust prevention helps in harsher regions.


• Quality of parts and service history: Using OEM or equivalent parts and having repair work done by reputable shops supports longer life.


• Ownership and maintenance history: A documented, timely maintenance record and fewer mechanical abuses correlate with higher mileage endurance.

Conclusion: These factors collectively shape the practical lifespan of an Acura TSX and its likelihood of reaching high-mileage benchmarks.

Maintenance milestones and practical tips

To maximize the TSX’s lifespan, follow a structured maintenance plan. The following list outlines essential actions and typical intervals.

• Oil and filter changes: Use synthetic oil and follow the owner’s manual, commonly every 5,000–7,500 miles (adjust for severe driving conditions).


• Fluids and cooling system: Regularly inspect and replace transmission fluid (automatic) or gear oil (manual), and perform coolant flushes as recommended; brake fluid should be refreshed every 2–3 years.


• Spark plugs and ignition: Replace iridium or copper spark plugs around 105,000–120,000 miles, or sooner if you notice misfires or reduced performance.


• Cooling system components: Inspect hoses and the water pump; replace worn hoses and maintain proper coolant levels and concentration.


• Belt and hose inspection: Check the serpentine belt and replace if wear is evident, typically around 60,000–100,000 miles depending on use and environment.


• Brakes and tires: Regularly inspect pads, rotors, and tire tread; rotate tires and maintain correct tire pressure for even wear and safety.


• Clutch (manual transmission): If equipped, monitor clutch wear and plan for replacement if slipping or heavy operation occurs, commonly around 60,000–100,000 miles with spirited driving.


• Rust prevention: In salted or coastal regions, wash and inspect the undercarriage and treat any corrosion promptly to extend chassis life.

Conclusion: Sticking to a proactive maintenance routine and addressing wear early significantly increases the likelihood of reaching high-mileage milestones with an Acura TSX.

What owners report in the real world

Across regions and ownership styles, real-world mileage varies. Many TSX owners reach or exceed 200,000 miles with thorough maintenance; a notable subset reports 250,000–300,000 miles or more. Long-term success tends to align with consistent service, careful driving, and timely repairs rather than any single design fix.

Regional and usage differences

Owners in milder climates or those who drive primarily on highways often see higher longevity compared with those in harsh winter climates or who do frequent short trips with high engine load.

In all cases, the TSX’s durability is best supported by a documented maintenance history and a willingness to address issues as they arise.

Bottom line

With diligent maintenance, the Acura TSX can be a durable, long-lasting vehicle. Expect to reach 200,000 miles or more, and 250,000–300,000 miles is achievable for many owners, especially when preventive care and timely repairs are part of the ownership routine. Longevity hinges on maintenance discipline, favorable driving conditions, and proactive rust and wear prevention.

Summary

• Durability: The TSX has a reputation for reliability when properly cared for, thanks to Honda’s K-series engineering.


• Typical life: Reaching 200k miles is common; 250k–300k miles is achievable with consistent maintenance and considerate driving.


• Maintenance focus: Regular oil changes, fluid services, spark plug replacement, cooling system care, belt/hose inspections, brake/tire upkeep, and rust prevention are key.


• Real-world factors: Driving style, climate, and complete maintenance history strongly influence actual longevity.

Are Acuras good after 200k miles?

Yes, Acuras can be very reliable after 200,000 miles, often lasting between 250,000 and 300,000 miles or more with proper and consistent maintenance. Reliability beyond this mileage depends heavily on a history of good maintenance, including regular oil changes, timely transmission fluid flushes, and other routine services like timing belt replacement at the recommended intervals.
 
Factors contributing to long-term reliability

• Regular maintenance: This is the most crucial factor. Owners who consistently follow the service schedule, especially for oil and transmission fluid changes, report fewer issues. 
• Proper parts: Using high-quality parts and addressing issues like the timing belt proactively can prevent major engine damage. 
• Driving conditions: Vehicles with a history of primarily highway driving tend to have fewer wear-and-tear issues compared to those in stop-and-go city traffic. 
• Body and frame: While the engine can be durable, it's important to check for rust and accident damage, as these issues can be costly and challenging to repair. 

What to consider when buying a high-mileage Acura

• Service history: Look for a vehicle with complete and detailed service records to confirm it has been well-maintained. 
• Current condition: Beyond the engine, check the condition of the transmission, body, and interior. A vehicle with a clean body and a well-maintained interior is a good sign, even with high mileage. 
• Potential for repairs: Be prepared for the possibility of repairs. While Acuras are generally reliable, parts wear out. Having the ability to do some work yourself or having a trusted mechanic can save money. 
• Model and transmission: While many models are reliable, some, like the automatic TLs from certain years, may be more expensive to repair if they have transmission issues, say Reddit users. 

Is the Acura TSX a reliable car?

The Acura TSX is a reliable vehicle with an average annual repair cost of around $415$ 415$415, a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal, and can often last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. While generally dependable, some common issues include premature wear on the lower control arms and potential automatic transmission problems, though regular fluid changes can help prevent transmission issues.
 
This video discusses the reliability and common problems of the Acura TSX (2009-2014): 50sDiscerning CarsYouTube · Jun 16, 2023
What makes it reliable

• High reliability rating: The TSX consistently receives high reliability ratings from automotive review sites, with some models like the 2013 achieving a 4.9 out of 5.0 rating. 
• Low ownership costs: With an average annual repair cost of just $415$ 415$415, the TSX is less expensive to own and maintain than many other luxury midsize cars. 
• Long lifespan: Many owners report their TSX lasting for hundreds of thousands of miles, often between 250,000 and 300,000 miles, with no major repairs needed. 
• Infrequent and minor issues: When problems do arise, they are typically not severe. Major issues are uncommon, and the frequency of repairs is average. 

Potential issues to watch for

• Automatic transmission problems: Some models may experience rough shifting or gear slippage. Keeping up with regular transmission fluid changes can help mitigate this risk. 
• Lower control arms: Premature wear on lower control arms and bushings has been reported in some models. 
• Oil consumption: Some engines, particularly in certain model years like the 2010 model, have a known issue of consuming oil between changes. 
• Other minor issues: Depending on the model year, other minor issues like intermittent electronic problems, loud cabin noise, and melted door trim have been reported. 

How to ensure reliability

• Perform regular maintenance: Stick to the recommended maintenance schedule, especially for the automatic transmission. This includes regular fluid changes and oil changes. 
• Choose a well-maintained model: When buying used, look for a TSX with a complete service history to ensure it has been properly cared for. 
• Consider newer models: If oil consumption is a concern, newer model years (after 2010) may be a better choice as the issue was reportedly resolved in later models. 

Is Acura reliable after 100K miles?

Yes, Acuras are generally very reliable after 100k miles, especially with consistent maintenance, as they are built with quality engineering from their Honda roots. Key to this reliability is following the recommended maintenance schedule, which includes performing major services like transmission fluid changes and, for models with a timing belt, replacing it around the 100k mark. 
Key factors for long-term reliability

• Follow the maintenance schedule: Regular oil changes, fluid replacements, and other services are crucial for longevity. 
• Pay attention to major service intervals: At around 100,000 miles, certain components, like the timing belt in older models, need to be replaced. 
• Transmission fluid is critical: Changing the transmission fluid at recommended intervals is one of the most important aspects of keeping the car running smoothly long-term. 
• Consider the engine: While many Acura engines are very reliable, some J-series engines have a history of oil consumption issues, especially older ones. 
• Potential for issues: As with any car, some issues can arise after 100k miles, such as air conditioning system problems or oil consumption, so it's wise to factor in potential repair costs. 

What drivers say

• Many owners report driving their Acuras for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues if proper maintenance was performed.
• Owners of older models like the TL and MDX often report that the engines remained in good condition even after the transmission began to show wear. 

How long does an Acura TSX last?

An Acura TSX can last for 250,000 to 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance, with some owners reporting well over 300,000 miles. Lifespan varies significantly based on driving habits, maintenance, and specific model year, though a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 indicates it's a durable and well-engineered car. 
Factors influencing longevity

• Maintenance: Adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule is crucial for longevity. 
• Driving habits: How the car is driven and how often it's driven plays a large role in its lifespan. 
• Model year: Some earlier model years, specifically 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2009, have been cited for issues with the transmission, engine, and brake system, which can lead to more expensive repairs. 
• Engine and transmission: The TSX's engine and transmission are known to be very durable, with many owners reporting high mileage on the original parts. 

What to expect

• Average lifespan: The average expected lifespan based on data is around 142,268 miles, or about 10.8 years. 
• Potential for higher mileage: However, due to its strong engineering, many TSXs can exceed this average, with a 15% chance of reaching at least 200,000 miles. 
• Common issues: Be aware of potential issues like the OEM brakes wearing out quickly, which may need earlier replacement than expected.