There are no safety recalls for the 2003 Acura RSX, but owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA.
2003 Acura RSX problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Power Train | 8 | |
| Air Bags | 7 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | |
| Electrical System | 1 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
| Equipment | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 5
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
- Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Solenoid — 1
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 1
- Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 1
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 55,500 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Acura RSX complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 139,000 miles · reported Feb 5, 2014
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 · at 178,000 miles · reported Jan 7, 2014
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.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 70,000 miles · reported May 25, 2011
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…
Air Bags · at 82,000 miles · reported Mar 6, 2010
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.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 86,000 miles · reported Mar 1, 2010
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…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Acura RSX have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 Acura RSX as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Acura RSX?
Owners report power train problems most often (8 reports), followed by air bags (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 55,500 miles.
Are Acura recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Acura dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.