Acura models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Integra | 1986-2001, 2023-present | One of Acura's launch models in 1986; the RSX coupe and TSX sedan replaced it after 2001. |
| TL | 1996-2014 | 2000-2004 TLs are in Honda recall 04V176000 for second-gear damage inside the automatic transmission. |
| CL | 1997-1999, 2001-2003 | The 2001-2003 CL shares the TL's V6 automatic and the same transmission recall. |
| MDX | 2001-present | Acura's first SUV; 2001-2002 models from salt states were recalled for front coil springs that rust and break. |
| TSX | 2004-2014 | 2004-2008 cars registered in Illinois are in recall 13V093000 for engine computer corrosion under wet carpet. |
| RDX | 2007-present | The 2016-2018 RDX is one of the Acuras whose AcuraLink connected service ended on July 21, 2025. |
| ILX | 2013-2022 | 2016-2022 ILX models also lost AcuraLink service in July 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book. |
Known Acura problems that end up at the scrapyard
Second-gear failure in 2000-2004 V6 automatics
Recall 04V176000 covers 2000-2004 TL, 2001-2003 CL and 2001-2002 MDX automatics. Heat builds up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears, which can chip or break gear teeth and lock the transmission. On a car this age, a failed gearbox usually means a used or rebuilt unit, and that is often the point to weigh selling instead. source
Rusted front coil springs on 2001-2002 MDX
Honda recalled 2001-2002 MDXs sold or registered in heavy road-salt states, Illinois included, because the front coil springs had too little corrosion protection (05V385000). A spring that breaks can puncture a front tire. If one has already snapped, don't drive the SUV to a shop; have it towed. source
Engine computer corrosion in 2004-2008 TSX
Recall 13V093000 covers 2004-2008 TSXs from salt states including Illinois. De-icing salt carried in on shoes can soak the carpet that touches the engine control unit, rust its case, and make the engine stall. Before paying for diagnosis on a TSX that dies after a slushy winter, find out whether this recall was ever done. source
Why Acuras end up junked around Chicago
Acura engines tend to outlast the rest of the car. What usually retires one here is a single expensive system on a high-mileage car, plus what fifteen or twenty Illinois winters do to everything underneath.
Three Honda recalls show where to look. The 2000-2004 TL, 2001-2003 CL and 2001-2002 MDX share an automatic transmission recalled for second-gear damage. The first MDX also had front coil springs that Honda recalled only in salt states, and Illinois is on that list. And the 2004-2008 TSX was recalled because slush tracked in on boots could rust the engine computer under the carpet. If your Acura has one of these years, check the recall history before paying a mechanic to chase symptoms. Our guide to how road salt finishes off older cars covers the frame, brake line and rocker damage that often comes with them.
What moves the offer on a junk Acura
We don’t publish numbers, because the offer depends on the actual car. These are the things that change it:
- Model and drivetrain. An all-wheel-drive MDX or RDX is heavier and has more resalable parts than a TSX sedan.
- Engine and transmission. A V6 that runs but won’t shift still has a reusable engine. A seized engine doesn’t.
- Completeness. Catalytic converter, wheels, seats and body panels still attached. A stripped shell is priced as scrap.
- Rust. Rotted spring seats and subframes cut into parts value.
- Access. Driveway, garage, alley or street all work. Tell us if it’s boxed in or the steering is locked.
Getting an Acura ready for pickup
Gather every key and remote and leave them with the car. Then clear your data: AcuraLink stopped working on July 21, 2025 for many 2014-2022 models, including the 2014-2020 MDX and 2016-2022 ILX, but the car still remembers paired phones, home addresses and HomeLink garage-door codes until you erase them. Peel off parking permits, pull your I-PASS transponder, and check the spare-tire well and glovebox for papers.
Have your title in hand if you can. If you only have a registration card or an old bill of sale, mention that when you call so we can tell you what Illinois will accept for a scrap sale. Looking for a different make? Every brand we cover is on the junk cars by brand page.
Selling a junk Acura: questions
Do you buy a TL or CL whose transmission already failed?
Yes. A dead transmission doesn't stop the sale, and towing a car that won't move is free. Tell us whether it shifts into any gear, roughly how many miles it has, and whether the engine still runs, since a good V6 counts in the offer.
My MDX has a broken front spring. Can you still pick it up?
Yes. Leave it parked, because a broken coil can cut into the tire. Tell us which corner has dropped and whether it sits in a driveway, a garage or on the street, so the driver arrives ready to load it safely.
Is there an AcuraLink account to cancel before I sell?
On the 2014-2022 models that lost AcuraLink in July 2025 there is no live service left to cancel. Paired phones, saved addresses and HomeLink garage codes are still stored in the car, though, so erase them in the settings menu before pickup.