Nothing but Problems
Megan Evans
on 08/11/2016
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating:
3
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating:
3
Safety Rating: 5
Technology Rating:
4
Value Rating: 3
In August 2015 - Just 1 year ago, I purchased a 2004 Acura TSX with 88,000 miles on it. I purchased this car from Paragon Acura in Queens NY, & it has been an absolute nightmare ever since.
In 1 year I have replaced/repaired:
Serpentine Belt & Tensioner
2 Rear Wheel Hubs
3 Motor Mounts
1 Transmission Mount
Seat Belt Sensor
8 Brake Pads & 4 Rotors - warped at time of purchase
Alignments - bad at time of purchase
I've also preformed scheduled maintenance on this car, including:
Oil Changes
Cabin Filter
Air Intake Filter
Spark Plugs
4 Brand New Tires
I've replaced other broken or worn things that I simply cannot think of at the moment.
5 Months ago my car started trembling in gear while idling. I've taken it to 3 shops & an Acura dealer. NO ONE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM! Acura wants to tear my engine apart to the tune of $600 (just in labor), with NO guarantee that they'll find the problem. I paid $130 dollars for them to turn around & say sorry we don't know what's wrong with it, here's your car back. The only good thing about that whole dilemma was getting to drive a brand new TLX for 4 days.
The most recent issue I am having is the dreaded Center Stack Lights/HVAC - NOT working. I'm saddened that Acura would NOT call a recall on this, instead just extended the warranty (100K miles, or 7 years) & post a bulletin that NO ONE was notified about. I'm out of the warranty period by about 7K miles, or 5 years. Total BS.
My first car was a 1997 Honda Civic DX & it did me justice, I purchased the 04 TSX thinking - "Hmm, my Civic lasted me so well, & the TSX is a LUXURY version of Honda, so this should be an even better experience." Unfortunately, I was SO wrong. Acura DOES NOT stand behind the cars they produce. I called Acura to ask about the radio & what I can do. I talked with a man who was more concerned that his shift was over at 5, than with helping me.
I have read countless forums in the last month about the center stack lights/HVAC lights not working, caused by a faulty PCB (Printed Circuit Board) which has been discontinued, I'd assume because people were repairing it themselves for cheaper. This seems to be an issue A LOT of owners are faced with. It really is a shame that Honda & Acura owners represent this brand with so much dedication, however, they don't support their fans. This is a money devouring car, & there is NO recall for an issue Acura knows is present & persistent. STAY AWAY FROM ACURA.