Buy Acura TSX Hood

Quick Summary

The Acura TSX hood-also called the front bonnet, engine cover, or hood panel-fits two generations of TSX sedans and the Sport Wagon (2004-2008 and 2009-2014). It is normally stamped from galvanized steel, shaped with built-in crush zones for crash energy control, and secured by a dual-stage latch that must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 113. Good crash scores, straightforward bolt-on replacement, widely available aftermarket options (including carbon-fiber shells), and reasonably low latch-repair costs make this a popular DIY project. Correct alignment, corrosion protection, and paint code matching are the keys to a long-lasting result.

Fitment Details

• First-generation TSX hoods fit 2004-2008 (chassis CL9) vehicles; wheelbase 105.1 in and length 183.3 in mean generous engine-bay access for bolt removal (Wikipedia).
• Second-generation hoods fit 2009-2014 sedans and 2011-2014 Sport Wagons (chassis CU2/CW2). The shell grew 2.4 in in length and 3 in in width, so panels are not cross-compatible with Gen 1 (, Wikipedia).
• Acura's recall-lookup site confirms no open hood campaigns for TSX today, but owners should still run their VIN after installing any safety-related part (Acura Owners).
• Typical hood-latch replacement on a TSX costs about $213-$226 in total, with $53-$67 of that in labor (RepairPal.com).

Design & Materials

• Factory panels use corrosion-resistant, multi-grade steel integrated into Honda's ACE body structure to channel crash forces away from occupants (Wikipedia).
• The underside shows stamped crush (collapse) zones; once deformed they must not be reshaped, according to I-CAR repair guidance (rts.i-car.com).
• Lightweight aftermarket choices such as a gloss 3K-weave carbon-fiber hood can cut weight sharply yet reuse OE hinges and latch hardware-but require hood pins and a heat shield (Seibon Carbon).
• Galvanized-steel shells typically weigh 50-55 lb; carbon or aluminum versions can reduce that by 20-35 lb, improving front-end response and fuel economy (MotorTrend).

Common Problems

• Front-edge dents from road debris are the number-one cosmetic issue; steel can be PDR-repaired if the paint is intact.
• Latch corrosion or mis-adjustment may let the primary hook release; without the secondary catch the hood can fly up-a risk spotlighted in recent hood-striker recalls and investigations .
• Paint fade on Bali Blue, Milano Red, and Nighthawk Black Pearl is common in sun-belt climates; confirm paint-code sticker in the driver-door jamb before refinishing (Dealer eProcess).

Safety & Regulations

• FMVSS 113 requires a two-stage latch; periodic lubrication and functional checks help keep both stages engaging. NHTSA notes that a separated striker at highway speed can fully block the driver's view .
• The 2006 TSX earned a "Good" rating in IIHS moderate-overlap tests, thanks partly to hood crush management and ACE structure (IIHS Crash Testing).
• Always disconnect the battery when working near pyrotechnic hood-hinge sensors on ADAS-equipped later models.

Installation Tips

1. Prop the engine cover with a padded stand and mark hinge outlines with painter's tape before unbolting.
2. Transfer the latch, striker, insulation pad, and washer-nozzle tubing. Torque hinge bolts to 16 ft-lb, latch bolts to 9 ft-lb.
3. Align gaps: 4-5 mm at fenders, 2-3 mm at grille. A thin shim or hinge-slot adjustment corrects uneven reveal.
4. Check latch pull force (should "pop" with moderate tug) and verify secondary catch engagement.

Paint & Finish

• Acura lists more than 20 TSX exterior colors; the alphanumeric code (e.g., NH-700M) sits above the door-jamb striker (Dealer eProcess).
• Use a water-borne basecoat and 2-stage clear for OEM-like depth.
• EPA guidance stresses local-exhaust booths and full-face respirators when atomizing isocyanate clears (EPA).

Upgrades & Mods

• Heat-extraction vents improve under-hood temps and may reduce lift, but poorly placed vents can raise drag per MotorTrend aero testing (MotorTrend).
• Gas-strut conversions free up workspace but must be matched to lighter carbon hoods to avoid cracking (Seibon Carbon).
• For track duty, riveted aluminum splitters tied into the front-bumper beam work with the hood's leading edge to build downforce.

Maintenance & Care

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What years of Acura TSX use the same hood?
A: 2004-2008 share one shell; 2009-2014 (sedan and Sport Wagon) share another. They are not interchangeable because the later front end is wider and longer (Wikipedia).

Q: Is the TSX hood aluminum?
A: No. Factory hoods are galvanized steel; aftermarket options include aluminum and carbon fiber for weight savings (Seibon Carbon).

Q: How do I find my paint code?
A: Open the driver door and read the small sticker above the door-jamb latch; the two- or three-letter/number code (e.g., NH-731P) identifies the exact color (Dealer eProcess).

Q: What does a replacement hood weigh?
A: OEM-style steel: ~55 lb; carbon fiber: ~25-35 lb depending on reinforcement layers (Seibon Carbon).

Q: Are hood pins really necessary on a carbon-fiber bonnet?
A: Yes. Because carbon panels are lighter, factory gas struts or wind pressure can lift them; manufacturers require pins for safety .

Q: How much clearance should there be between the hood and fenders?
A: Factory spec is roughly 4 mm at the sides and 2 mm at the grille; even gaps help the latch sit squarely and seal rain gutters (rts.i-car.com).

Q: Can I straighten a bent hood?
A: If crush-zone ribs or striker mounts are bent, I-CAR guidelines call for full replacement to maintain crash integrity .

Q: What standard governs hood safety?
A: FMVSS 113 sets the rules for primary and secondary latching; recent recalls across several brands stress why both catches must work flawlessly .

Q: How long does a hood swap take?
A: With two people and proper tools, removal, transfer of hardware, alignment, and latch test typically take 60-90 minutes.

Q: Does installing a vented hood void my warranty?
A: Altering sheet-metal panels can void corrosion perforation coverage if rust starts at modified areas; keep records and apply proper rust-proofing.

By following the fitment notes, safety checks, and finish guidelines above, owners can replace or upgrade an Acura TSX hood confidently, preserve crash protection, and avoid common pitfalls.