Owners have filed 30 complaints
about the 2003 Acura RSX with NHTSA between 2003 and 2018.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 36
Against the median year of the Acura RSX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 69
13.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 66
39% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2003 Acura RSX
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
826.7%
Median failure at 10,600 miles
Airbags
723.3%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 65,000 mi
Engine & Cooling
516.7%
Median failure at 43,137 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
310.0%
Median failure at 112,500 miles
Brakes
310.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 55,500 mi
Equipment & Accessories
13.3%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
13.3%
Median failure at 12,000 miles
Steering
13.3%
Electrical System
13.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
15.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
211.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
422.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
15.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
422.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
422.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
15.6%
150,000+ miles
15.6%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2003 Acura RSX 2-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2003peak 4Aug 2018
Recalls on the 2003 Acura RSX
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E064000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E038000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06E023000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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 VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 82,000 milesSouth SAN Francisco, CACrash4 injured
AIR BAGS
MY TEENAGE SON WAS DRIVING HIS 2003 ACURA RSX-S ON HIGHWAY I60 IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. HIS CAR WAS HIT IN THE LEFT REAR WHICH PUSHED HIM IN THE TAIL OF A BIG RIG. HIS CAR THEN FLEW OFF THE FREEWAY AND OFF A CLIFF, APPROX 80-90 FEET DOWN. CAR ROLLED OVER ESTIMATED A 7-8 TIMES. NEITHER OF THE TWO FRONT OR TWO SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE 4 PASSENGERS INCLUDING THE DRIVER. ALL WEARING SEATBELTS. 1 SERIOUS AND 3 MINOR INJURIES. CAR COMPLETELY TOTALLED. NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL INVOLVED.
NHTSA complaint #10317410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,500 milesBrighton, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
FOR SOME TIME NOW I HAVE FELT MY BRAKES DO NOT PERFORM UP TO PAR. RECENTLY, IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, I WAS UNABLE TO STOP ON TIME WHEN A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES. I BUMPED THE OTHER DRIVER IN THE REAR OF THEIR CAR AND NOW IT IS COSTING ME A SURCHARGE ON MY INSURANCE. I FEEL MY BRAKES ARE FUNCTIONING INADEQUATELY AND I ALSO FEEL THAT IT IS NOT MY BRAKE PADS OR ROUTERS. I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING MECHANICALLY WRONG WITH MY BRAKES. I DRIVE AT 2003 ACURA RSX. I HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING YET, AS I DO NOT WANT TO PAY THE DEALERSHIP TO TELL ME I NEED NEW BRAKES OR SOMETHING OF THAT NATURE. ALSO I RECENTLY NOTICED TECHNICAL BULLETIN'S ON THE BRAKES AT ROCKAUTO.COM SO I WONDER IF OTHER DRIVERS OUT THERE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10185081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesKutztown, PACrash
AIR BAGS
AFTER BEING REAR ENDED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK A SECOND TIME AT 55 MPH IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER SIDE AIR BAGS NOR THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK THE VEHICLE WAS HIT WITH SUCH FORCE THAT THE FRONT AXLE SNAPPED. *BF
NHTSA complaint #10117027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Spring Valley, NY
AIR BAGS
THE SRS LIGHT JUST TURNED ON IN MY VEHICLE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM SOMETIME IN 2012 OR 2013.
NHTSA complaint #11121761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, IL
AIR BAGS
2003 ACURA RSX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD
NHTSA complaint #11088288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesBakerfeild, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 ACURA RSX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE ONLY WAY THE CONTACT COULD STOP THE FAILURE WAS BY SHIFTING INTO PARK AND BRAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
NHTSA complaint #10563176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,000 milesOlympia, WA
POWER TRAIN
WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR IT GRINDS AND POPS OUT. IT IS SO BAD THAT NOW IT WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO PUT IT IN 2ND AT ALL. SYNCHROS ARE BAD...COMMON PROBLEM WITH RSX. ACURA SHOULD BE FORCED TO FIX THIS ISSUE SINCE IT IS SO COMMON IN THESE VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10558969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesHuntersville, NC
POWER TRAIN
THE MECHANICS AT ACURA FOUND GALLING ON ONE OR MORE CAM SHAFT LOBES IN MY ENGINE. THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS PROBLEM ARE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND A NOTICEABLE, LOUDER THAN NORMAL, CLICKING/TAPPING NOISE FROM THE VALVE COVER AREA. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT ISSUE THAT HAS CAUSED ME GREAT CONCERN. GALLING IS A CONDITION WHEREBY EXCESSIVE FRICTION BETWEEN HIGH SPOTS RESULTS IN LOCALIZED WELDING WITH SUBSEQUENT SPLITTING AND A FURTHER ROUGHENING OF RUBBING SURFACES OF ONE OR BOTH OF TWO MATING PARTS. WITH RESPECT TO MY CAMSHAFT, IT SHOULD HAVE A MIRROR-LIKE SURFACE TO PREVENT FRICTION DURING NORMAL OPERATION, BUT INSTEAD IT APPEARS PITTED AND IS SUBSEQUENTLY AFFECTING MY CAR'S PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY. ADDITIONALLY, DUE TO THE LOCATION OF THIS PROBLEM AND ITS SUBTLE SYMPTOMS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE/FIND WITHOUT PHYSICALLY REMOVING THE ENGINE'S VALVE COVER AND INSPECTING THE CAMSHAFT LOBES; IT COULD VERY WELL EXIST FOR TENS OF THOUSANDS OF MILES UNDETECTED. IN MY COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH SEVERAL HONDA DEDICATED ENTHUSIAST WEBSITES, I HAVE FOUND THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE WORLDWIDE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE EARLY K-SERIES ENGINES. I HAVE HEARD/READ RUMORS THAT THIS IS A RESULT OF POOR CASTING AND IMPROPER HEAT TREATING IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. THE MECHANIC AT ACURA EVEN STATED COULD BE DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT, WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, YET IT GOES UNDETECTED AND UNANNOUNCED AT OUR EXPENSE. OBVIOUSLY, I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AS WELL AS THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS. I TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN MY CAR AS WELL AS THE HONDA/ACURA NAME WRITTEN UPON IT AND I WOULD NOT BE VERY HELPFUL IF I DID NOT BRING THIS ISSUE TO YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.
NHTSA complaint #10402713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesHuntersville, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE MECHANICS AT ACURA FOUND GALLING ON ONE OR MORE CAM SHAFT LOBES IN MY ENGINE. THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS PROBLEM ARE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND A NOTICEABLE, LOUDER THAN NORMAL, CLICKING/TAPPING NOISE FROM THE VALVE COVER AREA. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT ISSUE THAT HAS CAUSED ME GREAT CONCERN. GALLING IS A CONDITION WHEREBY EXCESSIVE FRICTION BETWEEN HIGH SPOTS RESULTS IN LOCALIZED WELDING WITH SUBSEQUENT SPLITTING AND A FURTHER ROUGHENING OF RUBBING SURFACES OF ONE OR BOTH OF TWO MATING PARTS. WITH RESPECT TO MY CAMSHAFT, IT SHOULD HAVE A MIRROR-LIKE SURFACE TO PREVENT FRICTION DURING NORMAL OPERATION, BUT INSTEAD IT APPEARS PITTED AND IS SUBSEQUENTLY AFFECTING MY CAR'S PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY. ADDITIONALLY, DUE TO THE LOCATION OF THIS PROBLEM AND ITS SUBTLE SYMPTOMS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE/FIND WITHOUT PHYSICALLY REMOVING THE ENGINE'S VALVE COVER AND INSPECTING THE CAMSHAFT LOBES; IT COULD VERY WELL EXIST FOR TENS OF THOUSANDS OF MILES UNDETECTED. IN MY COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH SEVERAL HONDA DEDICATED ENTHUSIAST WEBSITES, I HAVE FOUND THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE WORLDWIDE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE EARLY K-SERIES ENGINES. I HAVE HEARD/READ RUMORS THAT THIS IS A RESULT OF POOR CASTING AND IMPROPER HEAT TREATING IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. THE MECHANIC AT ACURA EVEN STATED COULD BE DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT, WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, YET IT GOES UNDETECTED AND UNANNOUNCED AT OUR EXPENSE. OBVIOUSLY, I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AS WELL AS THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS. I TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN MY CAR AS WELL AS THE HONDA/ACURA NAME WRITTEN UPON IT AND I WOULD NOT BE VERY HELPFUL IF I DID NOT BRING THIS ISSUE TO YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.
NHTSA complaint #10402713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesSouth SAN Francisco, CACrash4 injured
AIR BAGS
MY TEENAGE SON WAS DRIVING HIS 2003 ACURA RSX-S ON HIGHWAY I60 IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. HIS CAR WAS HIT IN THE LEFT REAR WHICH PUSHED HIM IN THE TAIL OF A BIG RIG. HIS CAR THEN FLEW OFF THE FREEWAY AND OFF A CLIFF, APPROX 80-90 FEET DOWN. CAR ROLLED OVER ESTIMATED A 7-8 TIMES. NEITHER OF THE TWO FRONT OR TWO SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE 4 PASSENGERS INCLUDING THE DRIVER. ALL WEARING SEATBELTS. 1 SERIOUS AND 3 MINOR INJURIES. CAR COMPLETELY TOTALLED. NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL INVOLVED.
NHTSA complaint #10317410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesMechanicsburg, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA RSX WITH A 4-CYLINDER, 2.0 LITER ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH, THERE WAS A TAPPING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND SHORTLY AFTER, HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND INCREASED IN ENGINE RPMS OF 9,000. HE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND MANEUVER OFF THE HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE THEN BLEW ITSELF AND MADE A LOUD POPPING NOISE. HE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AT THAT POINT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND DETERMINED THE FAILURE TO BE DRIVER ERROR. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #10315171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesMechanicsburg, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA RSX WITH A 4-CYLINDER, 2.0 LITER ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH, THERE WAS A TAPPING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND SHORTLY AFTER, HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND INCREASED IN ENGINE RPMS OF 9,000. HE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND MANEUVER OFF THE HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE THEN BLEW ITSELF AND MADE A LOUD POPPING NOISE. HE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AT THAT POINT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND DETERMINED THE FAILURE TO BE DRIVER ERROR. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #10315171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesO Fallon, MO
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
SRS LIGHT ON MY 2003 ACURA RSX, CAR ONLY HAS 80,000 MILES. DEALER (ST LOUIS ACURA) SAYS THAT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE NHTSA # BECAUSE IT IS A DIFFERENT PART. ALTHOUGH THIS PART (SRS UNIT) WORKS WITH THE OPDS THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED. AS OF RIGHT NOW THEY DO NOT WISH TO TAKE ANY ACTION ON THIS AND IF I WISH TO NOT "DIE" TO PAY 1240 DOLLARS AND HAVE THEM REPLACE THIS PART.
NHTSA complaint #10279583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2003 ACURA RSX. ACCELERATES FOR NO REASON, WITHOUT PUSHING ON THE THROTTLE PEDAL. THIS USUALLY OCCURS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS FIRST STARTED, AND ABOUT 30-60 SECONDS AFTER STARTING. THIS IS AN ON-GOING PROBLEM FOR THE PAST 10 MONTHS.
NHTSA complaint #10206156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesELK Grove, CA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA RSX. SHE STATED THAT THE AIRBAG SRS LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. THE SRS LIGHT WAS INSPECTED AND RESET HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE OPDS UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WAS UNAVAILABLE. RETURNED USPS, 2ND ATTEMPT MADE 07/06/07 FAILED . *LJ 10/17/07.
NHTSA complaint #10192411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,500 milesBrighton, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
FOR SOME TIME NOW I HAVE FELT MY BRAKES DO NOT PERFORM UP TO PAR. RECENTLY, IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, I WAS UNABLE TO STOP ON TIME WHEN A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES. I BUMPED THE OTHER DRIVER IN THE REAR OF THEIR CAR AND NOW IT IS COSTING ME A SURCHARGE ON MY INSURANCE. I FEEL MY BRAKES ARE FUNCTIONING INADEQUATELY AND I ALSO FEEL THAT IT IS NOT MY BRAKE PADS OR ROUTERS. I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING MECHANICALLY WRONG WITH MY BRAKES. I DRIVE AT 2003 ACURA RSX. I HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING YET, AS I DO NOT WANT TO PAY THE DEALERSHIP TO TELL ME I NEED NEW BRAKES OR SOMETHING OF THAT NATURE. ALSO I RECENTLY NOTICED TECHNICAL BULLETIN'S ON THE BRAKES AT ROCKAUTO.COM SO I WONDER IF OTHER DRIVERS OUT THERE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10185081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roseville, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM A DEALER IN AUGUST 2006, IN JANUARY OF 07 I NOTICED MY 2003 ACURA RSX ENGINE MAKING A TICKING SOUND AND THE ENGINE REVVING REALLY HIGH. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO SAID THE VALVES NEEDED REPLACING AS DO THE CAMSHAFTS. AFTER MANY SEARCHES ONLINE REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, AND FINDING SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE I AM SHOCKED ACURA HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10183832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,800 milesPompano Beach, FL
AIR BAGS
THIS CASE RELATES TO A 2003 RSX TYPES. I HAVE EXPERIENCED RUST PROBLEMS, TRANSMISSION FAILURE, ENGINE OIL LEAKS, SRS SYSTEM FAILURE, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FAILURES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO ALL THREE DEALERSHIPS IN THE AREA, FOR A TOTAL OF 34 DAYS. THE SRS SYSTEM LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON.
NHTSA complaint #10121721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesKutztown, PACrash
AIR BAGS
AFTER BEING REAR ENDED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK A SECOND TIME AT 55 MPH IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER SIDE AIR BAGS NOR THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK THE VEHICLE WAS HIT WITH SUCH FORCE THAT THE FRONT AXLE SNAPPED. *BF
NHTSA complaint #10117027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oceanside, CA
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
THE AIR CONDITIONER ON MY 2003 ACURA RSX DID NOT WORK VERY WELL WHEN I BOUGHT IT. I PROCRASTINATED TO TAKE IT IN BECAUSE IM VERY BUSY. AFTER 19,000 MILES IT STOPPED BLOWING COLD AIR ALTOGETHER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID ROAD DEBRIS MUST HAVE PUT A HOLE IN THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER, WHICH NEITHER THE DEALER NOR ACURA WOULD COVER. THE RSX AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER IS WAY TOO EXPOSED.
NHTSA complaint #10103972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,275 milesFolsom, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
PROBLEMS SHIFTING FROM 3RD INTO 4TH GEAR. CAR SHIFTS INTO SECOND AND REDLINES ENGINE. COMPUTOR FAILS TO SHUT ENGINE DOWN AND ENGINE BLOWS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. ACURA BLAMES IT ON DRIVER ERROR. MECHANIC TOLD ME GEAR PATTERN IS VERY TIGHT AND THIS HAS OCCURED TO AN ACURA TECHNICIAN.
NHTSA complaint #10100523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
BRAKES MAKE GRINDING NOISE AND POWER STEERING FLUID GOES DOWN, I HAVE HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED ABOUT 4 TIMES IN THE FRONT, THE REAR BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED ONE, WITHIN A MONTH AFTER PURCHASING MY ACURA RSX I BEGAN TO HEAR THE BRAKE NOISES, HAD THEM FIXED WITH ACURA, BUT THE NOISED CAME BACK SO I HAD THEM DONE WITH SEARS TWICE AND ONCE AGAIN AT ACURA AND AS OF TODAY THEY ARE MAKING GRINDING NOISE, I THINK THE ROTORS NEED CHANGING. ALSO I HAVE ABOUT 31,000 MILES AND MY POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING WAY BELOW THE LOWER LEVEL AND THE POWER STEERING BEINGS TO MAKE A LOUD SCREECHING NOISE AS WELL, I HAVE TAKEN IT TO GET THE POWER STEERING CHECKED, AND THEY SAY ITS FINE.
NHTSA complaint #10091158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
BRAKES MAKE GRINDING NOISE AND POWER STEERING FLUID GOES DOWN, I HAVE HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED ABOUT 4 TIMES IN THE FRONT, THE REAR BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED ONE, WITHIN A MONTH AFTER PURCHASING MY ACURA RSX I BEGAN TO HEAR THE BRAKE NOISES, HAD THEM FIXED WITH ACURA, BUT THE NOISED CAME BACK SO I HAD THEM DONE WITH SEARS TWICE AND ONCE AGAIN AT ACURA AND AS OF TODAY THEY ARE MAKING GRINDING NOISE, I THINK THE ROTORS NEED CHANGING. ALSO I HAVE ABOUT 31,000 MILES AND MY POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING WAY BELOW THE LOWER LEVEL AND THE POWER STEERING BEINGS TO MAKE A LOUD SCREECHING NOISE AS WELL, I HAVE TAKEN IT TO GET THE POWER STEERING CHECKED, AND THEY SAY ITS FINE.
NHTSA complaint #10091158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesVirginia Beach, VA
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
I NOTICED THAT MY DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW MADE A GRINDING NOISE EVERY SO OFTEN WHEN IT WAS BEING ROLLED UP OR DOWN. IT WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE IT. ON THE 4TH TIME TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY FINALLY HEARD THE NOISE AND REPLACED THE WINDOW REGULATOR. APPROX. 2 WEEKS LATER I ROLLED DOWN BOTH OF MY WINDOWS UNTILL THE AC COOLED DOWN. I THEN ROLLED THEM BACK UP AND WHEN I FINALLY PARKED MY CAR AT MY DESTINATION I NOTICED THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WAS DOWN PARTIALLY. I ATTEMPTED TO ROLL IT UP AND IT JUST MADE A GRINDING NOISE. I OPENED AND CLOSED THE DOOR TO SEE IF MAYBE SOMETHING HAD GOTTEN IN THE WAY OF THE WINDOW AND THE MOVEMENT OF THE DOOR MIGHT JAR IT LOOSE. INSTEAD THE WINDOW SLID INSIDE MY DOOR. I IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY KEPT THE CAR OVER NIGHT UNTIL THEY COULD GET ANOTHER NEW WINDOW REGULATOR IN.
NHTSA complaint #10090792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, NJ
POWER TRAIN
PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES AND TRANSMISSION ON 2003 ACURA RSX. *MR THE BRAKES SQUEALED. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE RESURFACED AND THE SOLENOID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL BUT WAS ON BACK ORDER. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10079534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:SOLENOID
PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES AND TRANSMISSION ON 2003 ACURA RSX. *MR THE BRAKES SQUEALED. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE RESURFACED AND THE SOLENOID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL BUT WAS ON BACK ORDER. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10079534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES AND TRANSMISSION ON 2003 ACURA RSX. *MR THE BRAKES SQUEALED. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE RESURFACED AND THE SOLENOID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL BUT WAS ON BACK ORDER. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10079534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12 milesRockaway, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FOG LIGHT CRACKED THEY BLAMED IT ON ME REPLACED IT AND IT CRACKED AGAIN 1 WEEK LATER AND THEY FIXED IT AGAIN BLAMING IT ON ROAD VIBRATION. IT TOOK ACURA 3 TIMES TO FIX MY STICKING MAP LIGHTS. MY CAR WAS AT ACURA FOR 1 1/2 WEEKS FOR A BUZZING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE THEY FOUND A BUZZING WIRE AFTER ALL THAT TIME. TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO GRINDING AND THEY NEVER FIXED IT. MY CAR'S OIL HAS BEEN DISAPPEARING SINCE I BOUGHT IT. MY LOW OIL LIGHT COMES ON AFTER 800 MILES AFTER TOPPING OFF. AT 13949 THEY STARTED AN OIL TEST "THEY WERE TIRING TO TELL ME IT WAS NORMAL TO LOOSE 1QT EVERY 500 MILES. THEY ALSO BLAMED IT ON MY OIL MOBILE 1. SO I PAID $75.00 FOR ACURA TO CHANGE IT. THEY INSISTED THAT TO DO ANY WORK ON MY CAR THEY NEED ME TO COME BACK TO ACURA EVERY 500 MILES FOR "ACURA" OIL WHICH I DID FOR 3 TIMES UNTIL I NOTICED OIL COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY ENGINE 23396 MILES THEY REPLACED HEAD GASKET. BROUGHT CAR HOME AND IT WAS LEAKING EVEN MORE. BROUGHT BACK AND THEY SAID NOW THAT THE TIMING COVER WAS DISTORTED AT THE RATE OF THE LEAK THERE WAS NO WAY TO DRIVE THE CAR SO IT WAS LEFT AT THE DEALER FOR A WEEK TILL THE PARTS CAME IN. THEY REPLACED TIMING COVER. CAR IS STILL LOOSING OIL AND MY TRANSMISSION IS NOW GRINDING WORSE THAN IT EVER HAS. WHICH IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG RSX MODEL CARS NOW THEY SAY THE OIL IS BURNING? STILL NOT FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10078850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
