2003 Acura Rsx problems
The fourth-generation Honda Integra (chassis code DC5), produced by Honda, was introduced in Japan on 13 April 2001, and produced from July 2001 until August 2006. It was introduced in North America on 2 July 2001 as the Acura RSX, the name a part of Acura's naming scheme changing the names of its models from recognizable names like "Integra" or "Legend" to alphabetical designations in order for buyers to build more recognition to the marque, and not the individual cars.
Chassis and drivetrain
In concordance with the introduction of the Integra's platform mate, the seventh-generation Civic being introduced in 2000, the Integra joined the Civic in abandoning Honda's traditional double wishbone suspension at both ends and adopted MacPherson struts in the front and trailing arm type suspension in the rear along with the new K-series engine supplanting the B-series.
The K-series engine features intelligent VTEC (or i-VTEC), which electronically adjusts valve lift and duration between separate cam profiles, as well as valve timing with the implementation of a continuously variable sprocket, giving the 2.0 L engine a flatter torque curve relative to previous VTEC implementations which only adjusted valve lift and valve duration.
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Common 2003 Acura Rsx problems
The 2003 Acura RSX is a popular sports car that has garnered a reputation for its performance and style. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its flaws. In this article, we will explore some of the most common problems with the 2003 Acura RSX, based on complaints from owners of this car.
One of the most common issues with the 2003 Acura RSX is compromised braking. In 2013, Honda issued a safety recall for certain 2006 Acura RSX cars due to problems with the power braking system. The recall was attributed to a manufacturing error that allowed power braking components to be made outside of specification, resulting in brake boosters that had a tendency to fail. This meant that drivers had to apply more force to their brake pedals in order to shorten their stopping distance. Although no accidents or injuries have been reported, a compromised power braking system can put you and your passengers at risk. If you suspect any problems with your brake system, don't hesitate to call your mechanic for help.
Another common problem with the 2003 Acura RSX is engine oil leaks. These are sometimes caused by holes or loose connections in the engine's components. All model years of the Acura RSX (2002 to 2006) have been known to leak motor oil due to bad or failing oil pressure sensors. The oil pressure sensor is an important part of your engine because it maintains the engine's oil pressure level. Without it, your Acura RSX can produce high emissions and become less fuel-efficient. There's also the chance of motor oil getting inside the spark plugs, causing a fire in your engine bay. A bad or failing oil pressure sensor can give inaccurate readings, causing your oil pressure light to blink even if your oil levels are normal. If you have a bad oil pressure sensor, you'll need to replace it right away to avoid costly repairs down the line.
The 2003 Acura RSX has also been known to have issues with the filling actuator, which is destined to fail
. Replacing one of these could be very expensive, but if you do it yourself, it's going to take you multiple hours to complete. The brake line is another common problem, especially in cars with a lot of mileage. The handbrake typically won't work because one of the brake lines will need to be replaced
. The valve cover gasket leak is another common problem, and if it's leaking oil, it's probably coming from the valve cover gasket. Look around here and all the way around to check for leaks
. The taillight gasket leak is another issue that can cause water to get inside your taillights or in your spare tire compartment. It's very important to keep an eye on this to prevent any rust issues
The biggest issue with the 2003 Acura RSX is rust, which tends to grow around the rear fenders, underneath the car, and on the door side. If you're planning on buying one of these cars and you plan on keeping it for a very long time, make sure to search for an RSX that's not been driven during the winter in the snow
In conclusion, while the 2003 Acura RSX is a popular sports car, it's not without its flaws. Common problems with this car include compromised braking, engine oil leaks, issues with the filling actuator, brake line problems, valve cover gasket leaks, taillight gasket leaks, and rust. If you're planning on buying an RSX, it's important to be aware of these issues and to take steps to prevent or address them.
What is the common problem with the Acura RSX?
Common Acura RSX issues include compromised braking, engine oil braking, engine oil leaks, and failed engine timing valves.
Is Acura RSX a reliable car?
Fun reliable car
Its a nice styling car and comfortable/sporty on the interior. You can never go wrong with a honda/acura. Very reliable.
How long do RSX engines last?
Just like any engine it is how you take care of it, anywhere from 60,000 to a good 300,000 miles.
Is the RSX safe?
In government crash tests, the RSX received five out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts.
2003 Acura Rsx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Acura Rsx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Acura Rsx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Acura Rsx
The NHTSA has received 31 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Acura Rsx. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Acura Rsx vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-22
- VIN: JH4DC54893C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE SRS LIGHT JUST TURNED ON IN MY VEHICLE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM SOMETIME IN 2012 OR 2013.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-02
- VIN: JH4DC53873C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2003 ACURA RSX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD *JS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-05
- VIN: JH4DC54833C
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-03
- VIN: JH4DC53073C
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-12-05
- VIN: JH4DC54883C
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-03-04
- Number Of Injuries: 4
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JH4DC53063S
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-28
- VIN: JH4DC53053C
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-10
- VIN: JH4DC54883C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-17
- VIN: JH4DC54803S
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-01
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-07
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JH4DC53813C
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-28
- VIN: JH4DC54813C
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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. *JB
STEERING,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-26
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2HNYD18613H
- Components: STEERING,AIR BAGS
- Summary: WE WERE TRAVELING WEST ON ROUTE 76 IN MY 2003 ACURA MDX JUST OUTSIDE DENVER COLORADO. DEBRIS CAME ACROSS THE ROAD. THE DRIVER SWERVED TO AVOID THE DEBRIS. WE THEN SWERVED BACK TO STRAIGHTEN OUT. THE BACK END OF THE CAR BROKE LOOSE ONTO THE MEDIAN. THE CAR THEN ROLLED ONCE, FLIPPED UP INTO THE AIR AND REVOLVED THREE TIMES AND LANDED UPRIGHT. THE BACK SEAT PASSENGER WAS EJECTED AND MIRACULOUSLY JUST BRUISED. THE DRIVER WAS ONLY BRUISED AS WELL. THE PASSENGER HOWEVER WAS TAKEN TO TWO LOCAL HOSPITALS AND HAS A BROKEN NECK AND MANY LACERATIONS ON HIS HEAD. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS WENT OFF AND THE CAR WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET CONTROL OF AND TO STEER DURING THIS ACCIDENT. DID ALL THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT IN THIS CAR FUNCTION THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED TO? *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-11
- VIN: JH4DC53083C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JH4DC53813C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 *NM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JH4DC54873C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE SKIDDED-HIT DIVIDER-PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED-DRIVER AIRBAG DID NOT. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-20
- VIN: 2HNYD18943H
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WE HAVE AN '03 MDX WITH JUST ABOUT 6K MILES ON IT. AROUND 4.2K WE STARTED NOTICING THE THUD. MOSTLY JUST WHEN WE'RE BREAKING. SO TODAY MY WIFE GOES IN AND THEY ARE NICE ABOUT IT, BUT SAY IT'S "JUST THE WAY THE MDX IS..." THEY GIVE HER SOME "SERVICE NEWS" BULLETIN THAT SAYS: "SOME BRAKE CLICK IS NORMAL - ON ANY ACURA VEHICLE, CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE CALIPER BRACKETS AND THE ENDS OF THE BRAKE PAD BACKING PLATES CAN CAUSE THE PADS TO HIT THE CALIPER BRACKETS WHEN YOU FIRST APPLY THE BRAKES IN A NEW DIRECTION OF TRAVEL (FOR EXAMPLE: BACKING UP, APPLYING THE BRAKES, THEN DRIVING FORWARD AND APPLYING THE BRAKES). THE CLICKING YOU HEAR IS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM; THE CLEARANCE IS THERE TO ALLOW FOR HEAT EXPANSION AN / OR CORROSION OF THE PADS." THIS HAS GOT TO BE BS IN THE CASE OF THE CLUNK / THUD NOISE. I'VE GOT TWO FRIENDS WITH MDX'S AND NO [XXX] NOISE... ANYONE CARE TO COMMENT? I'M CONSIDERING TAKING OURS IN MYSELF AND SEE IF I GET THE SAME RUN AROUND. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-10
- VIN: JH4DC53843C
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-14
- VIN: JH4DC53073S
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.*AK
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-09
- VIN: JH4DC54843C
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-15
- VIN: JH4DC54813C
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-30
- VIN: JH4DC53053C
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-01
- VIN: JH4DC54833C
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-12
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1. DIFFICULTY, NOTCHINESS OR GRIND ON GETTING TO 2ND GEAR - VERY DANGEROUS ON INTERSECTION. 2. 3RD GEAR POPS OUT OR GRINDS. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-30
- VIN: JH4DC530X3C
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE (ABOUT ONCE A WEEK) MY TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF 3RD GEAR IN MY TYPE-S AFTER I PUSH IT ALL THE WAY FORWARD. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS POPPING OUT BUT I WAS TOLD IT WOULD GO AWAY. UNFORTUNATELY, IT HAS NOT GONE AWAY AND IT IS VERY INCONVENIENT WHEN YOU ARE IN ARE TRYING TO MAKE A TURN AND SHIFT AND THE CAR JUST CRAWLS THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BECAUSE YOU ARE GASSING IT IN NEUTRAL. A COUPLE OF TIMES IT HAS NOT POPPED OUT ALL OF THE WAY AND WHEN I RELEASED THE CLUTCH, MY GEARS STARTED TO GRIND. I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO PAY TO GET MY GEAR REPLACED BECAUSE THIS GEAR POPPING OUT DESTROYED MY 3RD GEAR.*AK
2003 Acura Rsx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2003 Acura Rsx.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Manufacturer: TRADESONIC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
- Manufacturer: ALFAOTTO AUTO ACCESSORIES
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: ALFAOTTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ALFAOTTO AT 626-656-2992 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.ALFAOTTO.COM.
- Manufacturer: ANZO USA, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Negative 2003 Acura Rsx car reviews
Positive 2003 Acura Rsx car reviews
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This is a fantastic car for anyone seeking a blend of luxury and sport at a reasonable price. I've seen $30K cars that I didn't like as much as the RSX Type-S!
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Nice car, with a few quirks.
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With all the luxurious basics, RSX seems to have improved the previous 'integra'.
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I'm happy with my Acura. I bought it from a private party and the previous owner kept it in great condition. It's fun to drive and I'm really pleased with the fact that the back seats drop, which creates a good space to store stuff. However, there are a couple of issues. The dash rattles and the headlights begin to dim.
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This is a great car.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Acura Rsx problems:
Buying a Used Acura RSX/Type S: 4 Common Problems - YouTube
Jan 13, 2016 ... I'm an original owner 2005 RSX-S and it only has 55000 miles. Sometimes thinking of selling it but there isn't anything I want.
Common RSX problems (all years) | Acura RSX, ILX and Honda ...
Mar 24, 2011 ... Common RSX problems (all years) · 2nd gear grind · http://forums.clubrsx.com/showthread.php?t=378063 · 3rd gear wall/pop out · Dash rattle · http:// ...
Top 10 common problems - Acura RSX Frank build series - YouTube
Apr 16, 2020 ... Que es la que hay! On today's vlog, I cover what I think are the Top 10 common problems on a Acura RSX. I've owned the car for almost 10 ...
2003 Acura RSX having another new problem?!? : r/MechanicAdvice
Aug 10, 2021 ... This car is literally making me question the reliability of Acura unless I'm just really unlucky because I bought this car 6 months ago.
Most Common Problems to Look Out For - Acura RSX (Type S ...
Apr 10, 2021 ... Hope this helps you find the best Acura RSX possible and helps you prevent troubles in the future to keep it looking like brand new!
Isidro Labadie 2024-06-23
The S is a great car and would be perfect for someone who lives in an area with smooth roads. Although the tight suspension provides a thrilling ride at highway speeds, it can be a bit bumpy on less-than-perfect roads. The engine produces an amazing sound when accelerating onto the highway or at red lights, but it may attract attention when driving around town unless kept under 3500rpm. The car handles beautifully, and the level of standard equipment on the S is unmatched. While some have complained about the seats, I find them both supportive and comfortable (just remember to use the lumbar adjustment!).