2002 Acura Rsx
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2002 Acura Rsx. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2002 Acura Rsx. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
76 complaints10 involved a crash1 involved a fire11 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact owned a 2002 Acura SRX. The contact stated that the vehicle was sold to a friend in a private sale. The new owner then attempted to sell the vehicle to another person, and upon obtaining the Carfax report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. At the…
Odometer Fraud. The contact owned a 2002 Acura SRX. The contact stated that the vehicle was sold to a friend in a private sale. The new owner then attempted to sell the vehicle to another person, and upon obtaining the Carfax report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 115,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 213,288.
- Electrical system · Steering
Duralast 12volt battery post are smaller than they should be. It cause the battery terminal to came loose after a hard bump on the road. It resulted in my car losing power steering.
- Seats
The contact owns a 2022 Acura RSX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that there were holes underneath the front driver’s and passenger’s side seats. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 261,000.
- Power train
The car stopped at an traffic intersection when making a left turn. Fortunately, the traffic was light. Later, a broken driver side cv axel was identified, which had sever corrosion inside the damper. the narrowest diameter is only 16mm vs 25mm of the axel.
- Air bags · Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control
The light for my air bag IS on and the passenger air bag light flickers on too. the cruse control does not work.
- Fuel/propulsion system
My car had a strong gas smell inside and outside vehicle whenever I drove it. I looked and found that the gas pump plastic housing was cracked in multiple places and a large amount of gas had leaked into the compartment under the seat and down below my vehicle.
- Fuel/propulsion system
While driving I started to smell fuel in the passenger compartment. Upon inspection of the fuel pump, I discovered that the plastic on top of the fuel pump had cracked filling up the top of the fuel tank cover with raw fuel. Some of the fuel had made its way into the passenger compartment while the…
While driving I started to smell fuel in the passenger compartment. Upon inspection of the fuel pump, I discovered that the plastic on top of the fuel pump had cracked filling up the top of the fuel tank cover with raw fuel. Some of the fuel had made its way into the passenger compartment while the rest leaked under the car on to the ground. my fear IS if this goes undetected, the leaking fuel could make contact with exhaust components and cause a fire. While the fuel was leaking, there were no drivability issues other than the smell of fuel.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
Ever since I purchased the car it has had a smell of gas. I thought it would go away after a certain time but it didn't so I got the car checked out. I come to find out it has a gas leak. This IS something very dangerous because it puts my life at risk and if anything happens the car could blow up. I purchased this car in june 2016 and im just a young 20 year man that IS trying to make it through college.
- Exterior lighting
Headlamps are very dull making visibility at night very difficult. There IS currently an aftermarket recall for exterior lighting from (4) mfg's. I believe I have originals from the manufacturer.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2002 acura rsx. While driving approximately 15 mph and attempting to make a right turn, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. After turning the engine off and restarting the vehicle, it resumed normal operation.…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 acura rsx. While driving approximately 15 mph and attempting to make a right turn, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. After turning the engine off and restarting the vehicle, it resumed normal operation. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000.
- Engine
While driving approx 60 mph freeway, my car suddenly and without warning started running very rough and noisily and shuddered, a very frightening experience. My vehicle has been perfectly maintained since purchase and had only a few weeks earlier undergone a 75,000 mile tune-up. My mechanic…
While driving approx 60 mph freeway, my car suddenly and without warning started running very rough and noisily and shuddered, a very frightening experience. My vehicle has been perfectly maintained since purchase and had only a few weeks earlier undergone a 75,000 mile tune-up. My mechanic diagnosed and confirmed the problem IS a damaged/loosened timing chain due to a defective auto tensioner. This IS my only means of transportation. Nhtsa records discloses service bulletin #090105 clearly identifying a "defective auto tensioner". These repairs will cost nearly $2,000! Why IS this not a recall instead of a simple service bulletin when your records indicate numerous cars are affected? This IS a safety issue in addition to being a factory defect as the tensioner can seize the engine upon failure and cause the car to lose control, endangering not only myself and my passengers but other drivers who may be around me. Acura of lynnwood service manager [xxx] has been hostile and uncooperative and refused to meet with me after I scheduled an appointment with him, and will not authorize the repairs and the manufacturer has not authorized repairs. I was victimized once before by lynnwood acura when the car engine on my first rsx blew up (at 5000 miles!) due to error of mechanics (double-gasketed oil filter) and now the replacement vehicle IS defective. I've been trying to get this resolved since september 2013. please help! *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
2002 acura rsx. Consumer states problem with valve assembly *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle was diagnosed with a drc code of 91077. The dealer followed the repair step in order to correct the problem. They installed 17120-ppa-a01 valve assembly. However, when she went to pick the vehicle up…
2002 acura rsx. Consumer states problem with valve assembly *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle was diagnosed with a drc code of 91077. The dealer followed the repair step in order to correct the problem. They installed 17120-ppa-a01 valve assembly. However, when she went to pick the vehicle up, the light came back on and the dealer ordered another valve assembly. The consumer was informed that the light may still come on and they would have to follow certain diagnostic steps in order to get the engine light to go out. *Jb
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2002 acura rsx type s. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10-60 mph, the third gear shifted out of gear. In addition, there was a very loud grinding noise. The vehicle had not been inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
- Power train
2002 ford explorer xlt 4.0 liter jerks when engaging into reverse. Vehicle jerks hard enough that the brakes are not enough to stop it from moving. No other gear IS like this. Upon further study from online journals and discussions pages as well as speaking with transmission technician, this IS a very common problem in these. *tr
- Air bags · Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 acura rsx. While driving at approximately 45 mph, the srs service light illuminated on the instrument panel and the front driver side seat belt would not latch. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the seat belt was replaced. The vehicle was then…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 acura rsx. While driving at approximately 45 mph, the srs service light illuminated on the instrument panel and the front driver side seat belt would not latch. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the seat belt was replaced. The vehicle was then taken to another independent repair shop where the contact was informed the seat belt would not function in the event of a crash. The vehicle was not repaired for the srs service light failure. The failure mileage was 91,136 and the current mileage was 92,862.
- Power train › Manual transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 acura rsx. when switching from second to third gear, the shifter would pop out of gear and make a grinding noise. the manufacturer could not assist because there were no recalls. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 76,500.
- Power train › Manual transmission
I've had transmission problems ever since I purchased the new rsx in 02... This problem has been widely reported on the internet... However acura has failed to address this issue... The problem only got worse over time and finally the engine blew out completely and starting smoking while driving on…
I've had transmission problems ever since I purchased the new rsx in 02... This problem has been widely reported on the internet... However acura has failed to address this issue... The problem only got worse over time and finally the engine blew out completely and starting smoking while driving on the freeway... Was very fortunate that no crash occurred but injuries/fatalities could have easily resulted. acura has failed to own-up to this engine/transmission failure issue, even in cases where the warranty IS still valid... I feel very much mislead as I have complained to my dealer since purchase and they always refused to acknowledge that there IS a problem... I think the fact that acura has stopped making the rsx IS an indication of the severity of these "hidden" issues. *Tr
- Air bags · Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 acura rsx. while driving at an unknown speed, the srs warning light illuminated on the instrument control panel, which indicated that the restraint assembly was inoperative. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 01v166002 (seat…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 acura rsx. while driving at an unknown speed, the srs warning light illuminated on the instrument control panel, which indicated that the restraint assembly was inoperative. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 01v166002 (seat belts:front:buckle assembly). the contact would have to replace the wiring harness for the seat belt assembly at the cost of $500. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer would not assume any responsibility because the vehicle exceeded its warranty. the failure mileage was 78,000 and current mileage was 80,000. Update 09/10/08 *cw updated 09/15/08. *Jb
- Power train › Manual transmission
I was driving and shifted from 2ND to third and I let out the clutch at 30 mph and the transmission came apart with gears on the ground. Acura never called the warranty company so it was never fixed and they reposed it. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 acura rsx. the contact stated that the light bulbs in the headlights fail every month and have to be replaced. there IS a safety recall on his vehicle's headlights, however the dealer stated that a recall does not exist. the engine size was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 77,000.
- Tires › Sidewall
I purchased 4 sigma regent touring 205/55tr16, 7E55 from tire kingdom in may 2006 when my card had ~77K now in january 07 with tires being rotated properly and car having 91K two of the tires have split on the inside around the rim. both tires appear as though the have been sliced with a razor…
I purchased 4 sigma regent touring 205/55tr16, 7E55 from tire kingdom in may 2006 when my card had ~77K now in january 07 with tires being rotated properly and car having 91K two of the tires have split on the inside around the rim. both tires appear as though the have been sliced with a razor around the inside seam, this was pointed out to me by my acura dealer mechanic. I have pictures which can be provided. I am having a time getting tire kingdom to make right. *jb
- Air bags · Power train › Manual transmission
Dt*: the contact stated the srs light illuminated which made the contact concerned that the air bags may not deploy in the event of an accident. there was a technical service bulletin #637638. the contact expressed this was safety defect. there also has been trouble with switching gears from…
Dt*: the contact stated the srs light illuminated which made the contact concerned that the air bags may not deploy in the event of an accident. there was a technical service bulletin #637638. the contact expressed this was safety defect. there also has been trouble with switching gears from first to second gear. it made a grinding sound while going into second gear. this problem developed at 12,7000 miles. the vehicle has not been to a service dealer to address either problem.
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
Dt*: the contact stated the srs indicator light illuminated causing the air bags to deactivate. there was a service bulletin released by the manufacturer (tsb # 02-015) indicating the failure was due to a faulty occupant position detection sensor unit. The service dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled on 6/27/06 while stopped at a traffic light and the check engine light activated.the vehicle was restarted and was taken to a dealership. Diagnostic testing identified the failure was due to a defective throttle body position sensor. The dealer also had a…
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled on 6/27/06 while stopped at a traffic light and the check engine light activated.the vehicle was restarted and was taken to a dealership. Diagnostic testing identified the failure was due to a defective throttle body position sensor. The dealer also had a service bulliten regarding this part. The dealer offered to order the part, but refused to install the component, due to an aftermarket turbo charger being on the vehicle.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Headlight bulbs keep burning out. *Jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10193392Sending vehicle data to tech line.
- 10128558Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of July 23, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and service bulletins 14-023, Safety Recall: Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflator Can Be Over-Pressurized, 14-029, Recall: Front Driver?s Airbag Inflator May Produce Excessive Pressure After Long-Term Exposure to High Absolute Humidity Recall, and 14-030, Recall: Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflator May Produce Excessive Pressure After Long-Term Exposure to High Absolute Humidity have been posted to ISIS. However, due to the large number of affected units, Acura is still in the process of populating the VIN status inquiry function on iN, which is expected to take several days. When this process is complete, Acura will notify all dealers again via iN message. Until that time, the existing acknowledgement procedure must be used for all potentially affected vehicles.
- 10128529Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of August 4, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and VIN status inquiry has been updated.
- 10041770Acura: while the valve timing control (vtc) phase gap IS set, the mil IS on and the control solenoid valve IS contaminated or stuck.
- 10037486Acura: there are guidelines for various situations and procedures including: tire pressure valve stem installation, trailer stability malfunction light IS on, engine oil application guide, new software, new transmission fluid, notchy steering feeling.
- 10032775Acura: warranty extension: vehicle warranty mileage. A federal court provided final approval of the settlement of a class action lawsuit alleging that the odometers on certain models were overstating mileage. Vehicles affected by this settlement include certain 2002-2006. On affected vehicles, the settlement requires you to honor a 5 percent increase in the mileage coverage period for all warranties. No models were listed.
- 10026204Acura: 6 speed manual transmission grinds when shifting into 3RD gear, pops out of 3RD gear, or IS hard to shift into 3RD gear. Transmission has a faulty 3RD gear synchronizer or 3-4 shift sleeve.
- 10025524Load carrying capacity reduced label for all acura vehicles.
- 10024561Acura service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Warranty extension: opds unit or opds sensor triggers srs dtc's 15-1, 15-2, 15-3. Csc was received.
- 10021971Warranty extension: vehicle warranty mileage. Affects 2002 through 2006 acura models. Updated 8/15/08.
- 10018865Transmission grinds at shifts, skip shifting.
- 10018335Harsh or noisy downshifts when slowing down. Acura servicenews.
- 10018241Rear window wiper IS noisy or does not work.
- 10018108A loose timing chain, a defective auto tensioner, a loose timing chain sprocket, low engine oil pressure or a momentarily seized camshaft can cause an intermittent dtc.
- 10018046Power door locks won't lock or unlock. Acura. Servicenews.
- 10016260Cranks won't start, immobilizer light flashes.
- 10014549Harsh 3-2 and or 2-1 downshift.
- 10014344Atf (automatic transmission fluid) leaks from cooler line banjo bolt.
- 10014342Engine idle problems check the iac valve.
- 10014160Updating replacement ecm/pcm software.
- 10014075Srs warning light on after body shop repair.
- 10014071Odometer accuracy.
- 10014061Troubleshooting ABS or tcs diagnostic trouble code 51 and/or 53.
- 10014058Front camber adjustment.
- 10014045Dash lights inoperative with aftermarket radio.
- 10013911A/t solenoid replacement criteria.
- 10013745Automatic transmission solenoid replacement criteria. Acura tech line summary for dealer distribution.
- 10013628Wind noise at the top of the windshield.
- 10012660Squeak at the clutch pedal.
- 10012658Srs indicator comes on with srs diagnostic trouble code.
- 10009293Body clip removal tip. Acura. Servicenews.
- 10009255Keyless remote transmitter inoperative, . Check keyless, ceiling light, ignition key reminder beeper before troubleshooting keyless remote system. October tech line information.
- 10009254A/c compressor control logic. October tech line information.
- 10009253Clearing antilock braking system diagnostic trouble codes. October tech line information.
- 10009252The compact abs/tcs (modulator, pump, and accumulator all in one) system does a self-check (a brief grunt or groan) when backing out of the garage or drive forward after the vehicle's been sitting. The noise IS normal. October tech line information.
- 10009250Pops out of 2ND gear after crankshaft replacement. October tech line information.
- 10009249Special tool for fuel pressure measurement. October tech line information.
- 10009087Always update software in replacement engine control modules/powertrain control modules. Acura. Servicenews.
- 10009042Don't test-drive with the malfunction indicator lamp or d indicator on. Acura. Servicenews. April 2004.
- 10009040Repairing atf leaks under warranty. Acura. Servicenews. April 2004.
Every Acura Rsx model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.