Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| At 160,000 mi | Universal Vehicle Operation (inspect idle speed) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2008 TSX.
The 2008 Acura TSX is a passenger car equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission and a 4.4-quart oil capacity requiring 5W-20 viscosity, achieving EPA ratings of 20 city, 28 highway, and 23 combined mpg. With 34 total owner complaints—the most common concerning steering—and three recalls, this model year falls in the middle of the nameplate’s reliability history, which spans 2004 to 2014 and peaks at 142 complaints for the 2004 model while bottoming out at just seven for the 2014. For researchers, the 2008 represents a transitional point where early-generation issues had been partially addressed but before later refinements brought complaint counts to their lowest.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
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.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S5) |
| Overall length | 183.1 in |
| Overall width | 69.3 in |
| Overall height | 57.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.7 in |
| Curb weight | 3280 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 59.4 / 59.1 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 60/40 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 20 / 28 / 23 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 91 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 13 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
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.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | w/Nav Sedan 2.4L I-4 | 7.20 sec | 15.70 sec | 205 hp | FWD |
| 2004 | w/Nav Sedan 2.4L I-4 | 7.20 sec | 15.60 sec | 200 hp | FWD |
| 2004 | w/Nav Sedan 2.4L I-4 | 7.50 sec | 15.70 sec | 200 hp | FWD |
| 2004 | w/Nav Sedan 2.4L I-4 | 7.60 sec | 15.90 sec | 200 hp | FWD |
| 2004 | w/Nav Sedan 2.4L I-4 | 8.10 sec | 15.80 sec | 200 hp | FWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 4.4 qt of 5W-30 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.
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | ATF |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 3 |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 3 |
| Engine Oil | 5W-30 · API |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 4.4 qt |
| Manual Transmission Fluid | Acura part number 08798-9031-A |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity | 4 |
| Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs | 8mm Bolts: 16 ft-lbs, 6mm Bolts: 9 ft-lbs |
| Engine Flywheel Bolts | AT: 54, MT: 76 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 16 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 33 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 16 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 33 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | 33.0 ft-lbs |
| Engine Valve Cover Bolts | 8.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 80 ft-lbs |
| Automatic Transmission Drain Plug | 36.0 ft-lbs |
| Front Wheel Hub | 181 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Curb Idle Speed (No Load) | AT: 800, MT: 750 rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load) | 50 rpm |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | NGK |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.039-0.043 in |
| Spark Plug Torque | 16.0 ft-lbs |
| Ignition Timing | 8 degrees |
| Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance | 2 degrees |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.10-1.21 lbs |
| Oil Type | PAG 46 |
| Oil Capacity | 4.33-5.00 oz |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 51R |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 430 cca |
| Pressure Test | 14-18 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 14-18 psi |
| Thermostat Opening Temperature | 169-176 °F |
| Pressure Test | 14-18 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 14-18 psi |
| Thermostat Opening Temperature | 169-176 °F |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | 48.0-55.0 psi |
| Intake Valve Lash | 0.08-0.10 in |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 17 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 57 ft-lbs |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 37 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 80 ft-lbs |
| Rotor Max Parallel Variation | 0.0006 in |
| Rotor Runout Limit | 0.0016 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness From | 1.09 in / 0.35 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness To | 1.11 in / 0.36 in |
| 1 | 27 ft. lbs., Step 2: 120 | 27 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 36 ft. lbs., step 2: 90 | 36 ft. lbs |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| At 160,000 mi | Universal Vehicle Operation (inspect idle speed) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Following a steady decline from 142 complaints in 2004 to 22 in 2007, the 2008 model posts 34 complaints, 3 recalls, and 27 TSBs, representing a modest rebound in complaints but maintaining the tied-lowest recall exposure and minimal manufacturer service activity seen before the sharp mid-record escalation. The year sits immediately adjacent to a pronounced surge, as complaints jump to 91 in 2009 and the 2009-2012 period sustains 6 to 7 recalls annually alongside 49 to 57 TSBs, levels that dwarf the 2008 figures. Within the 2008 data, steering leads complaint categories at 15 instances, while electrical system and hydraulic brakes each account for 3; the data does not specify root causes, and the year records 3 crash-related and 1 fire-related complaint. Relative to the broader arc, 2008 marks the final calm before the storm, with zero investigations compared to the single investigation that appears each year from 2012 through 2014. Because it avoids the elevated complaints, recalls, and TSBs that define 2009-2012, the 2008 TSX represents one of the more stable and attractive purchase options within this federal dataset.
All 34 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda… Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may…
Honda is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Acura TSX vehicles originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan… Remedy: Honda will notify owners and Acura dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any damaged ECU, free of charge. All vehicles will have a waterproof cover installed onto the ECU…
Showing 5 of 27 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B23040A | 2023-05-17 | Electrical System | Service News - The navigation clock and date are incorrect. This is due to a limited GPS… |
| B21120A | 2022-01-25 | Electrical System | ServiceNews Article - The clock shows the incorrect time. This issue is due to a limited… |
| DORE5C4S09 | 2019-07-11 | Suspension | This SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of… |
| B13-006 | 2018-12-19 | Engine And Engine Cooling | "Service bulletin - American Honda is extending the warranty coverage on the Piston Rings… |
| B18100D | 2018-10-16 | Electrical System | Servicenews article - Is the MIL on with DTC P2271 (secondary HO2S [sensor 2] circuit… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
4.4 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined mpg.