Acura RSX Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 174 consumer complaints across the 5 model years of the Acura RSX (2002–2006) that have at least 5 complaints. 2002 has the most, with 76. Across all years, the part named most often is transmission and drivetrain (41 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All RSX model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 24 | 28,760 | 2 | 16 | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 32 | 1,500 | 0 | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 17 | 24,500 | 0 | 30 | — | Falling |
| 2003 | 25 | 50,250 | 0 | 31 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 76 | 46,500 | 0 | 30 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Transmission and drivetrain41 26%
- Air bags32 20%
- Engine cooling23 14%
- Suspension21 13%
- Brakes13 8.2%
- Exterior lighting11 6.9%
- Body and structure9 5.7%
- Electrical system9 5.7%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2002: “My car had a strong gas smell inside and outside vehicle whenever I drove it. I looked and found that the gas pump plastic housing was cracked in multiple places and a large amount of gas had leaked into the compartment under the seat and down below my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11231529, filed 2019-07, 140,000 miles2005: “Takata recall my airbag light keeps on coming on for many years. The Acura dealer does not know the issue and will not repair the airbags until there is a recall of the airbags. The light has come on probably once per year (I've owned the car for 7 years).”
NHTSA complaint #10821827, filed 2016-01, 99,999 miles2006: “There is water and condensation build up inside the tail lights. I have replaced them a few times and still have issues. This can be a serious electrical hazard and I've read many forums of people having the same issue. I feel Acura should take care of this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10568220, filed 2014-03, 40,000 milesOther Acura models
3,322 complaintsAcura TL
3,117 complaintsAcura RDX
2,177 complaintsAcura TLX
891 complaintsAcura TSX
671 complaintsAcura Integra
658 complaintsAcura CL
585 complaintsAcura RL
417 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology