2012 Acura TSX Loud Rattle Type Noise from Engine After Cold Start

A loud rattle type noise may be noted from the engine after a cold start. This can be caused by a faulty valve timing control actuator. Replacing the failed actuator will commonly correct this noise issue.

Affected Model Years

This issue affects Acura TSX model years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, .

106 people reported this problem

  • 2012 108,000 Miles
    after start car makes a noise for a couple seconds then go away

  • 2012 89,000 Miles
    Started making rattling noise upon starting car. Now is happening everytime I start my car.

  • 2012 71,000 Miles
    Same issue...horrific noise made at cold start. Need to take it in. Wanted to check here first.

  • 2012 80,000 Miles
    loud rattle for a few seconds in the morning near the engine cover. usually doesn't do it again until it is cold.

  • 2012 125,000 Miles
    Loud succession of rattling sounds immediately after cold start. Lasts maybe 2-3 seconds. Goes away after car warmed up which makes it impossible to show someone unless they hold the car overnight.

  • 2012 63,500 Miles
    A loud rattle type noise may be noted from the engine after a cold start.

  • 2012 63,126 Miles
    On first startup, rattle noise heard from engine bay, once in a blue moon but annoying.

  • 2012 170,000 Miles
    Loud rattle noise when cold start. Only happens on the first start and usually last leas then 5 seconds.

  • 2012 80,000 Miles
    I started to hear a loud rattle that lasted 1-2seconds on a cold start. No one seemed to know what I was talking about when describing the problem. I got an oil flush/change which they thought might be the problem but it still makes the rattle sound occasionally. A diagnostic test revealed oh surprise, surprise its the VTC actuator. I have not fixed it yet because it is over $ 600 to fix. If Acura/Honda knows this is a common problem with this faulty part then what are they doing to cover the consumers from having to just eat this cost? Even when they know this is a common issue!!!

  • 2012 200,000 Miles
    rattle noise on cold start up for 5 second and then goes away

  • 2012 108,000 Miles
    when i leave my car for 2 hours or soo it makes this rattling sounf then it goes away and when i leave my car for like 20 mins it doesnt happen again

  • 2012 120,000 Miles
    Loud rattling when cranking car only when it's cold

  • 2012 25,000 Miles
    My 2009 TSX has an intermittent rattle or ping when accelerating. It doesn't seem to matter if at low or higher speed. Took it to the dealer a couple of times when first noticed and they said they could not duplicate the issue while test driving it. It's been a couple of years, so I will check with them again.

  • 2012 52,000 Miles
    Ioud rattling noise for a couple of seconds on cold start

  • 2012 73,500 Miles
    Same issue

  • 2012 120,485 Miles
    Replaced variable timing solenoid and clean two oil screen and changed motor oil 5w30 still rattle and cut off

  • 2012 265,000 Miles
    At 35-45 mph I get a shudder as if I am going over rumble strips, the dealer recommend a new transmission $ 3200.00, I think not. For the cold start rattle they suggested replacing the timing chain because I have an oil leak, $ 542.00, more doable than a transmission. I will be looking for a certified pre-owned real soon!

  • 2012 77,380 Miles
    After starting the car, there's a loud rattle type noise from the engine. It happens whether or not the car is cold or hot.

  • 2012 115,000 Miles
    Rattle noise on cold start, not fixed yet

  • 2012 75,000 Miles
    Same problem. Intermittent. Does anyone else have the problem like the engine almost doesn't turn over after this sound?