Acura RSX Problems by Year
NHTSA has 178 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file for the Acura RSX, across 8 model years (2001–2008). The 2002 model year has the most complaints (76). The most reported problem area overall is power train.
Acura RSX years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical RSX year: 2002. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2002 RSX: 76 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2005 RSX: 32 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2003 RSX: 25 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Acura RSX problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 42 | 6 | 1 |
| Air Bags | 32 | 5 | 14 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 23 | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 21 | 4 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 11 | 4 | 0 |
| Structure | 10 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 9 | 3 | 2 |
| Tires | 7 | 3 | 5 |
| Visibility | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Seats | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Acura RSX model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 RSX | 1 | 0 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 2007 RSX | 1 | 0 | — | Structure | |
| 2006 RSX | 24 | 2 | — | Exterior Lighting | More complaints than other years |
| 2005 RSX | 32 | 0 | — | Suspension | More complaints than other years |
| 2004 RSX | 17 | 0 | — | Power Train | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2003 RSX | 25 | 0 | — | Power Train | More complaints than other years |
| 2002 RSX | 76 | 0 | — | Power Train | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2001 RSX | 2 | 0 | — | Power Train |
More from Acura: all Acura models · Acura VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Acura RSX years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2002 (76) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical RSX year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Acura RSX?
Power Train, with 42 complaints across 6 model years.
How many recalls does the Acura RSX have?
2 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.