Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2009 Acura TSX
The 2009 Acura TSX faces significant recall issues with passenger-side airbag inflators, posing a safety risk. It also has notable complaints about the brakes and engine, which should be carefully checked before purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2009 Acura TSX has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 91 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V502000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V378000 Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag Inflator NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V042000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V545000 Incorrectly Installed Replacement Air Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V030000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V346000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 27 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 17 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 12 complaints
- Engine 11 complaints
- Structure 7 complaints
- Electrical System 5 complaints
Of the 91 complaints on file, 7 report a crash; across all 91 complaints, owners report 7 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator failures
How to check: Verify airbag recall repairs completed with official documents.
Braking inefficiencies
How to check: Test brakes at low and high speeds for responsiveness.
Cooling system failures
How to check: Inspect for overheating signs and radiator leaks.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Loud knocks or persistent vibrations
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Illuminated check engine light
- 03
Stop-and-go driving
What to check: Feel brake pedal for responsiveness.
Red flag: Soft, unresponsive brake pedal
- 04
City acceleration
What to check: Assess smoothness and power delivery.
Red flag: Jerky or weak acceleration
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth shifting and engine performance.
Red flag: Hesitation or transmission slips
- 06
Smooth road drive
What to check: Notice steering alignment and stability.
Red flag: Veering or unstable steering
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Any recent brake repairs or replacements?
- History of engine overheating problems?
- Regular maintenance records available?
- Any unresolved electrical issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair documentation
- Service and maintenance records
- Brake service records
- Vehicle history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2009 Acura TSX at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2009 Acura TSX? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.