RSX

Acura RSX — MPG, VIN Decoder, Recalls, Reliability & Specs

Everything on the Acura RSX — 16 recalls, common problems, the best & worst years, full specs, MPG and NHTSA safety, by model year.

Data · NHTSA & EPA · 2002–2006 · 5 model years · Updated Jul 26, 2026 · 3.5 ★★★★★★★★★★ ForCar Score
Quick answer

The Acura RSX spans 2002–2006 with 16 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2002, 2005, 2003 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2004, 2006, 2003. It delivers up to 26 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.

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2002–2006
Years
16
Recalls
26
Top MPG
—★
NHTSA
195
Complaints
FIG.01·Acura RSX — ForCar Reliability Score
3.5/5
★★★★★★★★★★
ForCar Reliability Score
Our editorial rating · 5 model years
Acura RSX
Safety (NHTSA)3.5
Recall record3.9
Complaint severity3.0

How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.

Overview

The Acura RSX is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2002 to 2006 across multiple generations.

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How to read a Acura RSX VIN — every digit explained

Every Acura RSX carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.

FIG.02·How to Read a Acura RSX VIN
1–3 · WMI1XX
4–8 · VDSCM826
9 · Check5
10 · YearR
11 · PlantA
12–17 · Serial004352
  • WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Acura and the country it was built in.
  • VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
  • Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
  • Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
  • Plant (11) — which factory assembled this RSX.
  • Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
17 CHARS·SOURCE SAE / ISO 3779 · NHTSA vPIC

Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your RSX, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.

How many recalls does the Acura RSX have?

The Acura RSX has 16 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2002–2006. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.

2006 Acura RSX recalls 2

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum13V246000

What's wrong. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2006 Acura RSX vehicles manufactured January 18, 2006, through August 12, 2006; and model year 2006-2007 Honda S2000 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2006, through November 13, 2006. The brake booster may be unable to maintain a vacuum when the brake pedal is depressed, decreasing brake assist.

Risk. With reduced braking assistance, the vehicle may require additional brake pedal force to prevent a lengthened stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster assembly. If necessary, the dealers will replace the booster assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's recall number is JA4. Acura's recall number is JA5.

Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual06V270000

What's wrong. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.

Risk. THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.

Fix. HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009, ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 OR HONDA MOTORCYCLES AT 1-866-784-1870.

2005 Acura RSX recalls 2

Exterior Lighting:headlights06E023000

What's wrong. 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.

Fix. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E064000

What's wrong. 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.

Fix. 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.

2004 Acura RSX recalls 4

Exterior Lighting:headlights06E023000

What's wrong. 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.

Fix. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E064000

What's wrong. 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.

Fix. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E038000

What's wrong. 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.

Fix. 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.

Exterior Lighting09E012000

What's wrong. 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.

Fix. 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.

2003 Acura RSX recalls 4

Exterior Lighting:headlights06E023000

What's wrong. 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.

Fix. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E064000

What's wrong. 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.

Fix. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E038000

What's wrong. 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.

Fix. 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.

Exterior Lighting09E012000

What's wrong. 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.

Fix. 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.

2002 Acura RSX recalls 4

Exterior Lighting:headlights06E023000

What's wrong. 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.

Fix. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E064000

What's wrong. 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.

Fix. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E038000

What's wrong. 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.

Fix. 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.

Exterior Lighting09E012000

What's wrong. 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.

Fix. 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.

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Best and worst years for the Acura RSX

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 5 tracked years, the worst years are 2002, 2005, 2003 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2004, 2006, 2003.

ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.

FIG.03·Best & Worst Years — Acura RSX
YearOwner complaintsTop issueVerdict
2002 RSX91Power TrainAvoid
2003 RSX31Air BagsAvoid
2004 RSX17Power TrainBest
2005 RSX32SuspensionAvoid
2006 RSX24Exterior LightingBest
ROWS 5·SOURCE NHTSA + ForCar
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What are the most common Acura RSX problems?

The most-reported Acura RSX problems are Air (1 reports), Other (2 reports) and Seats (4 reports) — out of 195 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:

28
involved a crash
1
involved a fire
24
injuries reported
0
deaths reported

Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.

Acura RSX specifications & dimensions

The 2002–2006 Acura RSX measures 172″ long on a 101″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,705 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Acura RSX window sticker.

FIG.04·Acura RSX Dimensions by Generation
YearsLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseCurb weight
2002–2006172″68″55″101″2,639 lb
ROWS 1·SOURCE NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada

Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.

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Acura RSX cargo space, seating & interior room

How much the RSX holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 81 cu ft of passenger volume and 16 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.

81
Passenger ft³
16
Cargo ft³
97
Total interior ft³

Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.

Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.

Acura RSX tire size, oil type & owner specs

The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.

Wheels & tires
Wheel sizeby VIN
Tire sizeby VIN
Bolt patternby trim
Tire pressure32–36 PSI
Engine oil
Oil typeFull synthetic
Gradeon oil cap
Capacityby engine
Battery
Main battery12V · group by trim
Key-fob cellCR2032
Wiper blades
Front bladesby generation
Rear bladeif equipped
Fuses
Fuse boxeshood + dash
Diagramon box lid
Light bulbs
Headlightby trim
Tail / brakeby trim
Fogif equipped

Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.

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What MPG does the Acura RSX get?

The Acura RSX returns up to 26 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,400/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:

The 2006 Acura RSX (2L 4-cyl) gets 26 mpg combined and costs about $2,400/yr to fuel, emitting 342 g/mi CO₂ (smog 5/10) — about $1,000 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.

FIG.05a·Acura RSX MPG, CO₂ & smog — 4-cyl
YearCityHwyCombFuel/yrCO₂ g/miSmogEngine
2006 RSX243126$2,4003425/102L 4-cyl
2005 RSX243126$2,4003425/102L 4-cyl
2004 RSX243026$2,4003425/102L 4-cyl
2003 RSX243026$2,4003422L 4-cyl
2002 RSX233026$2,4003422L 4-cyl
ROWS 5·SOURCE EPA (ForCar database)

Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.

See how the RSX stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this RSX's real yearly fuel cost.

What engines does the Acura RSX have? Power & range

The Acura RSX is offered with 1 powertrain — 2L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.

FIG.06·Acura RSX Powertrains
EngineDisplacementTransmissionDriveFuel
4-cyl2.0L · 4-cylManual 5-spdFWDRegular
ROWS 1·SOURCE EPA + NHTSA vPIC

Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.

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How much does a Acura RSX cost to own?

A used Acura RSX sells for a median of about $6,000 for a 2006 — most listed between $3,400 and $12,000, from 31 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:

FIG.07·Acura RSX Used Prices by Year
YearTypical priceMarket rangeListings
2006 RSX$6,000$3,400–$12,0006
2005 RSX$5,750$5,000–$8,99512
2004 RSX$7,850$7,650–$14,8114
2003 RSX$4,800$3,999–$14,0005
2002 RSX$7,500$4,200–$15,2004
ROWS 5·SOURCE ForCar market · real US listings

For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a RSX is worth today, or browse used-market prices for sedans.

A Acura RSX holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.

84%
Value @ 1 yr
68%
Value @ 3 yrs
56%
Value @ 5 yrs
$12,000
Est. 5-yr fuel
FIG.08·Acura RSX Depreciation & Resale
$
AgeValue retainedEst. resale valueLost to depreciation
Year 184%$25,200−$4,800
Year 276%$22,800−$7,200
Year 368%$20,400−$9,600
Year 461%$18,300−$11,700
Year 556%$16,800−$13,200
ROWS 5·SOURCE ForCar estimate

What goes into the five-year cost to own:

  • Depreciation — the biggest cost: this RSX loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
  • Fuel — ≈ $12,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
  • Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the RSX ages.
  • Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.

Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.

How much is a Acura RSX to insure?

A Acura RSX costs about $2,344 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 63% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (163, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.

FIG.09·Acura RSX Insurance Cost
$2,344/yr
estimate · typical driver · full coverage · US average
$2,344
Est. / year
+63%
vs average car
$1,992–2,696
Typical range
163
HLDI loss index
CheaperAveragePricier
Where the money goes · full coverage
Liability (BI + PD)$1,125
Collision$656
Comprehensive$281
Other (UM / PIP)$281
LOSS INDEX 163·UNIT est. $/yr·SOURCE HLDI × NAIC
★ This is a typical-driver estimate. Go Pro to dial in your coverage, age & deductible — and see this car inside the full 5-year cost-to-own.Upgrade to Pro →

Estimate = US-average premium × the RSX's HLDI loss index. See Acura insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.

Is the Acura RSX safe?

NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the RSX yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.

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How many miles does a Acura RSX last?

A well-maintained Acura RSX typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.

RSX

Check your Acura RSX’s VIN — history, recalls & specs

Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.

Check this RSX’s VIN free →

All Acura RSX model years

A year-by-year snapshot of the Acura RSX — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.

FIG.11·All Acura RSX Model Years
YearRecallsBest MPGSafety
2006 RSX2 recalls26 mpg
2005 RSX2 recalls26 mpg
2004 RSX4 recalls26 mpg
2003 RSX4 recalls26 mpg
2002 RSX4 recalls26 mpg
ROWS 5·SOURCE NHTSA + EPA

Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).

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Frequently asked questions

What are the worst years for the RSX?

By owner-complaint volume, 2002, 2005, 2003 drew the most reports. 2004, 2006, 2003 have the cleanest records.

How many recalls does the RSX have?

16 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2002–2006. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Acura recalls and reliability across every model.

What MPG does the RSX get?

Up to 26 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.

How many miles does a RSX last?

A well-maintained RSX typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.

Is the RSX reliable?

Our ForCar Reliability Score for the RSX is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.

What's the Acura RSX warranty?

New Acura models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 6 years / 70,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Acura dealer.

Where is the Acura RSX made?

The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your RSX's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Acura may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.

How much does a RSX weigh?

The RSX's curb weight is around 2,705 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.

How much ground clearance does the RSX have?

Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.

Data sourced from NHTSA (recalls, complaints, safety ratings) and EPA fueleconomy.gov (MPG). Best/worst-year analysis is ForCar's own aggregation of complaint volume. Last updated Jul 2026. — ForCar Editorial Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.
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