What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2002–2006) RSX?

RSX owners have made 20 complaints about the 2002–2006 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 18th out of 30 Acura generations in overall reliability, with real interior and engine concerns.

Common 2002-2006 Acura RSX Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation RSX owners have to deal with.

  1. TRW Crash Sensor Defect

    There's growing concern that some sort of electrical overstress is messing with airbag control units (ACU) in certain Acura vehicles. And that's a problem since it's the sensor that senses when a crash occurs and tells the airbags to deploy…

    Continue reading article "TRW Crash Sensor Defect" ZF corporate headquarters with the sign out front and towering building in the back.

  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

    Continue ZF corporate headquarters with the sign out front and towering building in the back.

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2002–2006) RSX Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 20 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 18th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 30 eligible generations.