2004 Acura Rsx
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2004 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 2004 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
17 complaints6 involved a crash4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2004 acura rsx. while driving at 25 mph, a drunk driver went through a stop sign and crashed into the front driver side of vehicle. The air bags did not deploy causing the contacts head to hit the windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained…
TL* the contact owned a 2004 acura rsx. while driving at 25 mph, a drunk driver went through a stop sign and crashed into the front driver side of vehicle. The air bags did not deploy causing the contacts head to hit the windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained injuries to the head and medical attention was provided. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot where deemed a total loss by the insurance company. A police report was filed. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure milage was 128,628. The vin provided was invalid. *Dt *jb
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2004 acura rsx. The contact was driving at night various speeds with the activation of the headlights. The illumination of the headlights was extremely dim and obstructed the vision. The manufacturer was notified and they advised the vehicle was not included in the recall…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 acura rsx. The contact was driving at night various speeds with the activation of the headlights. The illumination of the headlights was extremely dim and obstructed the vision. The manufacturer was notified and they advised the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 06e023000 (exterior lighting:headlights). The contact planned to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis. The failure mileage was approximately 50,294.
- Air bags › Frontal
Very heavy front end damage to car caused by runaway dumptruck. airbags did not deploy. had airbags deployed there might have been a lesser amount of injuries. *Tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 acura rsx. while driving between 65-70 mph, the transmission began to slip out of gear followed by a loud grinding noise when the accelerator pedal was depressed. when the contact would downshift to a lower gear, there was a low power response and a grinding noise was…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 acura rsx. while driving between 65-70 mph, the transmission began to slip out of gear followed by a loud grinding noise when the accelerator pedal was depressed. when the contact would downshift to a lower gear, there was a low power response and a grinding noise was heard. the failures occurred intermittently. over an extended period of time, the failures increased while the vehicle was in operation. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection, but they could not duplicate the failures. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on two separate occasions, but there were no resolutions. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the transmission was replaced. approximately four months later, the transmission failed without warning. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 30,000 and current mileage was 60,000.
- Power train › Manual transmission
My problem IS with the transmission. I have a 2004 rsx-s. It has a six speed transmission. When shifting from first to second, gear grinds, and sometimes locks out. When shifting from second to third, gear grinds and sometimes pops out. Dealership gives me the run-a-round said they couldn't fix…
My problem IS with the transmission. I have a 2004 rsx-s. It has a six speed transmission. When shifting from first to second, gear grinds, and sometimes locks out. When shifting from second to third, gear grinds and sometimes pops out. Dealership gives me the run-a-round said they couldn't fix since my car IS past warranty. why was I not contacted by american honda about this failure on an obviously important safety malfunction? I almost got into an accident caused by not being able to get the car into gear. dealer said I had to fork over the $$$ for the repair myself which IS unheard of. I bought this car for it impeccable record, now to find out I and countless of hundreds maybe thousands, have purchased a lemon when american honda knew they had a problem with the transmission. american honda, we, the unfortunate 2004 acura rsx type s owners are not !!pleased the way you take advantage of your loyal customers. *Tr
- Tires
My tire michelin pilot hx MXM4 blew while driving. There was no reason for it to blow like it did. It seems that the tire was defective. *tr
- Tires
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 50 mph on the interstate, the driver's side front tire blew out. the condition of the road was dry. when the driver tried to turn back towards the road, the wheel would not respond resulting in the vehicle hitting the center divider. the underneath of the…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 50 mph on the interstate, the driver's side front tire blew out. the condition of the road was dry. when the driver tried to turn back towards the road, the wheel would not respond resulting in the vehicle hitting the center divider. the underneath of the vehicle suffered extensive damage. a police report was taken and no injuries were sustained. there was an eight inch long slit through the tire. the brand of the tire was nexen; model # n3000. the dot # IS 8EFX. the size was: 245/45/zr16. updated 10/25/2006 - *nm
- Suspension › Front
Front passenger side of suspension produces clicking/popping noise when steering wheel IS turned. *jb
- Power train › Manual transmission
I have a 2004 rsx-s a-spec . It has a six speed transmission. When shifting from first to second, gear sometimes grinds, when shifting from second gear to third, gear grinds and sometimes pops out. dealership gave me the run-a-round saying they "could not duplicate problem". I hear of other people having the same problem. *Jb
- Air bags › Frontal · Air bags › Side/window
Dt: the contact stated after rear ending another vehicle at 45 mph he lost control of the vehicle and stroke a fence and a neighbor's residence. the vehicle was extensively damaged on the front and the sides. upon impact, the front and side airbags did not deploy. the contact was wearing a seat belt but sustained minor injuries. the vehicle was totaled by the insurance agency. *ak
- Unknown or other
Consumer IS dissatisfied with the 2004 rsx acura has been in the shop 5 times. *ts *jb
- Air bags · Tires
The acura rsx 2004 has very poor traction on icy surfaces, even with good winter tires. First noticed last year when we put extra sand bags in the trunk. This year my daughter lost control on the ice and hit a wall. She was injured. The airbags also did not deploy. *Jb
- Power train › Manual transmission
My problem IS with the transmission. I have a 2004 rsx-s. It has a six speed transmission. When shifting from first to second, gear grinds, and sometimes locks out. When shifting from second to third, gear grinds and sometimes pops out. Eventually locking out. Dealership gives me the run-a-round.…
My problem IS with the transmission. I have a 2004 rsx-s. It has a six speed transmission. When shifting from first to second, gear grinds, and sometimes locks out. When shifting from second to third, gear grinds and sometimes pops out. Eventually locking out. Dealership gives me the run-a-round. Hundreds of people have the same problem, we all can't be wrong. Accident could be caused by not being able to get the car into gear and getting rear ended. I have another appt. With the dealer on monday. Sick of getting the run-a-round and would like an inquiry as to the extent of this problem. It has happened to a lot more people than me.*jb
- Power train › Manual transmission
Transmission keeps breaking. two failures so far. 2ND gear crunch turning into grind and eventual lockout, 3RD gear popping out, 4TH occasionally popping out. acura keeps rebuilding transmission internals, replacing syncros, but transmission break again in a few months of driving.*ak
- Air bags
I have 7,000 miles on my car and this IS the second time my srs system has failed. The srs computer has been replaced twice already. My business partner also has a 2004 rsx and has had the same problem 5 times already. There are also numerous complaints posted across the internet, specifically on…
I have 7,000 miles on my car and this IS the second time my srs system has failed. The srs computer has been replaced twice already. My business partner also has a 2004 rsx and has had the same problem 5 times already. There are also numerous complaints posted across the internet, specifically on clubrsx.com about this specific issue. The dealer has told me that when the srs light IS lit that all of my airbags are disabled. I fear that this vehicle IS unsafe to drive. In addition there IS a service bulliten out that states that a cell phone charger can sometimes cause the safety system to fail in the car. I think that if plugging in a cell phone charger into the cigarette lighter causes the srs system to fail, there IS major design flaw within the srs system itself.*ak
- Tires
Vehicle IS dangerous in snow due to its tires. causing inability to control vehicle even with concentrated attention. *la (nar) *cb
- Power train › Manual transmission
Third gear would constantly engage 1/2 way, then pop out. sometimes it would just grind into place. on a quick trip to a store, when I shifted from 1 to 2, 1ST gear shattered into a million peices. dealer blamed it on an aftermarket exhaust manifold, not on the obvious: a faulty transmission/
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.
- 10017990Mil comes on with dtc p1077 (intake manifold runner control (imri) / intake manifold tuning (imt) system malfunction (low rpm).
- 10016260Cranks won't start, immobilizer light flashes.
- 10014766P1706 a/t switch short or open.
- 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.
- 10014045Dash lights inoperative with aftermarket radio.
- 10013911A/t solenoid replacement criteria.
- 10013887Sport suspension kit alignment specifications. The specs aren't entirely the same as the standard in the s/m.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10009005Use the honda diagnostic system to read srs diagnostic trouble codes. Acura servicenews. May 2004.
- 10009002Audio unit and navi anti-theft codes available on in. Acura servicenews. May 2004.
- 10008708Notchy feel when shifting.
- 10008707Engine hesitates when accelerating from a stop.
- 10008522Exhaust noise during hard acceleration.
- 10008520Engine hesitates when accelerating from a stop.
Every Acura Rsx model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.