2002 Acura RSX: common problems and reliability

The 2002 Acura RSX has 91 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine and engine cooling. Owners most often flag 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.

Safety record for the 2002 model year

91
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
10
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Acura RSX vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
30
engine and engine cooling
20
air bags
14
structure
6
service brakes
5

Recalls affecting the 2002 RSX

exterior lighting

Campaign 09E012000

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMEN…

exterior lighting

Campaign 06E038000

CERTAIN ALFAOTTO COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VE…

exterior lighting

Campaign 06E064000

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MO…

exterior lighting:headlights

Campaign 06E023000

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHI…

What owners say across generations

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.

Typical used price

Used RSX listings typically run $9,900–$15,022 across 2002 to 2006 model years.

Other RSX model years

2005 RSX
Full Acura RSX owner reportCompare against another car