AcuraTSX2009Overview/acura/tsx/2009/base/

2009 Acura TSX

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2009 TSX.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S5)

The 2009 Acura TSX is a passenger car that requires 4.2 qt of 5W‑20 API oil, is equipped with a five‑speed automatic transmission, and carries an EPA fuel‑efficiency rating of 21/30/25 mpg. It logged 91 owner complaints, with air bags cited as the top problem area and six recalls issued, putting its complaint total above the 2014 low of seven but well below the 2004 high of 142. This positions the 2009 model’s reliability as moderate within the 2004‑2014 TSX complaint history.

Model year201420132012201120102009200820072006

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.2 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque80 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy21/30/25 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 51R · 430 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 51R · 430 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP255-50R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S5)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length186.2 in
Overall width72.4 in
Overall height56.7 in
Wheelbase106.7 in
Curb weight3406 lb
Track (front / rear)60.2 / 62.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined21 / 30 / 25 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume95 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the TSX of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.7–7.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.70 sec — 2009 Technology Package Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2009Technology Package Sedan 2.4L I-46.70 sec15.30 sec201 hpFWD
2009Technology Package Sedan 2.4L I-47.00 sec15.40 sec201 hpFWD
2009Technology Package Sedan 2.4L I-47.00 sec15.30 sec201 hpFWD
2010V6 Technology Package Sedan 3.5L V65.90 sec14.50 sec280 hpFWD
2010V6 Technology Package Sedan 3.5L V66.00 sec14.60 sec280 hpFWD
2010V6 Technology Package Sedan 3.5L V66.10 sec14.70 sec280 hpFWD
2010V6 Technology Package Sedan 3.5L V66.70 sec15.20 sec280 hpFWD
2010Technology Package Sedan 2.4L I-47.00 sec15.40 sec201 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.2 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 80 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 33.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity3
Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.2 qt
Manual Transmission FluidAcura part number 08798-9031-A
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity4

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs8mm Bolts: 16 ft-lbs, 6mm Bolts: 9 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts36 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel BoltsAT: 54, MT: 76 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts16 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts33 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts16 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts33 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug33.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts80 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug36.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub242 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)AT: 800, MT: 750 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerNGK
Spark Plug Gap0.039-0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque16.0 ft-lbs
Ignition Timing8 degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance2 degrees

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity.99-1.10 lbs
Oil TypePAG 46
Oil Capacity4.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number51R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance430 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test14-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature169-176 °F
Pressure Test14-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature169-176 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)48.0-55.0 psi
Intake Valve Lash0.08-0.10 in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket37 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle80 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket17 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle80 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.060; Rear: 0.040 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0016 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.098 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
130 ft. lbs., Step 2: 12030 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

At 160,000 miUniversal Vehicle Operation (inspect idle speed)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

In 2009 the 2009 Acura TSX generated 91 federal complaints, 6 recalls and 49 TSBs, placing it above the 2008 level (34 complaints, 3 recalls) but below the 2012 spike (132 complaints). The complaint trajectory rose after a low of 22 in 2007, peaked again in 2012, indicating a multi‑year fluctuation rather than a single‑year anomaly. The 2009 top complaint categories were Air Bags (24) and Service Brakes, Hydraulic (15), with 7 crash‑related complaints and no fire complaints recorded. Recalls in 2009 (6) were consistent with the 4‑7 range seen from 2005 through 2011, and investigations remained zero, so no new safety‑defect investigations were opened that year. Consequently, the 2009 model represents a moderate risk and is not the optimal year to purchase compared to later years with fewer complaints.

6
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
49
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
91
Owner complaints
7 involved a crash · 0 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 91 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags24
Service Brakes, Hydraulic15
Engine8
Engine & Engine Cooling8
Service Brakes4
Steering3
Electrical System2
Visibility2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V502000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 27/06/2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic… Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer…

19V378000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 16/05/2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic… Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 49 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
B18-0222026-06-30Air BagsService Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's…
B23040A2023-05-17Electrical SystemService News - The navigation clock and date are incorrect. This is due to a limited GPS…
B21120A2022-01-25Electrical SystemServiceNews Article - The clock shows the incorrect time. This issue is due to a limited…
BPaS022620219052021-02-26Service BrakesDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2009-2014…
BPaS021020219032021-02-10Service Brakes, HydraulicDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2009-2014…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific TSX. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2009 TSX take?

4.2 qt of 5W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2009 TSX have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the TSX get?

EPA figures are 21 city / 30 highway / 25 combined mpg.