2003 Acura Rsx
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2003 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 2003 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
25 complaints3 involved a crash4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
The srs light just turned on in my vehicle. There was a recall for this same problem sometime in 2012 or 2013.
- Air bags
2003 acura rsx. Consumer writes in regards to takata airbag safety recall. *Ld consumer sent additional correspondence. *Ld *js
- Vehicle speed control
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
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
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…
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
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…
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 › Engine · Vehicle speed control
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…
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 › Frontal
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
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 › Frontal › Sensor/control module
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…
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 › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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…
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 › Engine
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
- Air bags
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
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
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
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 › Engine › Gasoline
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
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…
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 › Power window devices and controls
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…
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
- Electrical system › Starter assembly › Solenoid · Power train · Service brakes, hydraulic
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
- Engine and engine cooling
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…
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
- Power train › Manual transmission
1. Difficulty, notchiness or grind on getting to 2ND gear - very dangerous on intersection. 2. 3RD gear pops out or grinds. *ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
I have a 2003 rsx base model, it has a manual transmission. It grinds from 2ND gear to 3RD gear above 4000 rpm. Acura claims to know nothing of my problem despite this being a reacurring complaint in many forums and petitions http://www.petitiononline.com/rsxgrind/petition.html ). *Ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
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…
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
- Power train › Manual transmission
Vehicle: 2003 acura rsx-type s with 6 speed manual transmission. with only 7,940 miles and 9 months old, the transmission IS blocking or grinding 1-2 and 2-3 shifts. this IS hazardous when you are pulling through an intersection trying to engage 2ND gear and you can not get the trans into 2ND.…
Vehicle: 2003 acura rsx-type s with 6 speed manual transmission. with only 7,940 miles and 9 months old, the transmission IS blocking or grinding 1-2 and 2-3 shifts. this IS hazardous when you are pulling through an intersection trying to engage 2ND gear and you can not get the trans into 2ND. it has been to the dealer twice (12-15-03 and 1-9-04) for this problem. they replaced synchronizers in the transmission. the problem still occurs. *ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
My acura rsx type s was parked in a local wal-mart parking lot. it was in first gear. after my wife and I went inside, our car rolled backwards through the entire parking lot, down an embankment and up on a curb in another lower parking area. fortunately, the car did not hit any person, car, or…
My acura rsx type s was parked in a local wal-mart parking lot. it was in first gear. after my wife and I went inside, our car rolled backwards through the entire parking lot, down an embankment and up on a curb in another lower parking area. fortunately, the car did not hit any person, car, or cart, but there was serious exhaust damage that cost upwards of $400 which the dealership did not cover under warranty because they argued that the emergency brake should have been on, which it wasn't. my wife and I argued that if the clutch was working properly, and the car was indeed "in gear", it should go nowhere...let alone backwards. *ak
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.
- 10211608Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10013738Sending honda diagnostic system (hds) snapshots. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10009036Srs indicator on after body shop repair. Check for srs diagnostic trouble codes. 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.