Acura RSX reliability: common problems by model year
Across 2 model years, the Acura RSX has 123 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine and engine cooling. 2002 drew the most complaints (91), 2005 the fewest (32).
2
Model years tracked
123
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
91
Median per year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Acura RSX vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $9,900–$15,022.
Which RSX years have the most problems?
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Deeply divided sentiment for sport compact coupe, polarizing enthusiasts between passionate Type S advocates versus dismissive critics of base models. Type S (K20A2/K20Z1 engine, 200-212 hp) praised extensively for rev-happy i-VTEC engine delivering thrilling
Ripped/torn leather seats, driver bolster wear extremely common 100,000+ miles, leather cracks and tears exposing foam, aftermarket seat covers temporary solution, reupholstery $400-$800 per seat, replacement seats $200-$600 used market, very frequent
Timing chain tensioner wear, produces rattle noise particularly cold starts, tensioner extends over time losing tension, replacement required 180,000-250,000 miles (290,000-402,000 km), neglect causes chain jump and catastrophic valve damage, replacement cost $800-$1,500 including labor, recurrent
Trunk/hatch water leaks, failed taillight gaskets allow water intrusion, collects under spare tire well causing rust, replacement gaskets $20-$40 per side plus labor, check spare tire area for water damage and rust, very frequent
Hood latch failure, notorious weak point causing hood to fly open while driving creating life-threatening situation, latch mechanism breaks allowing unlatched hood, replacement $80-$150 plus labor, inspect and replace preventively, recurrent
Rust development, rear wheel wells, fenders, rocker panels, spare tire well, windshield top edge vulnerable especially salt-belt climates, surface treatment essential before spreading, comprehensive rust repair $1,500-$4,000 depending on severity, recurrent (climate-dependent)
Owner insights cover all generations of the RSX. Individual model years are broken down above.