2005 Acura Rsx
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2005 Acura Rsx. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2005 Acura Rsx. Newest first.
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 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
32 complaints3 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
The transmission it’s going bad
- Electrical system
I bought a vehicle last year and never ran the carfax but now I have it and it appears the mileage has been tampered with
- Unknown or other
On sat dec 10 2018 I was bulling in to a parking space at walmart after 7AM. I was going slowly and started a left turn into a parking space. as I turned I was lightly on the brake, suddenly the engine revved to a high speed and the car surged forward. I pushed hard on the brakes but it still…
On sat dec 10 2018 I was bulling in to a parking space at walmart after 7AM. I was going slowly and started a left turn into a parking space. as I turned I was lightly on the brake, suddenly the engine revved to a high speed and the car surged forward. I pushed hard on the brakes but it still kept going at a lower rate but I could not stop, it was making straining creaking sounds. I had turned left to avoid the SUV facing me in the other space facing me when it surged forward. there was a cart corral there that I hit and pushed it and it swung around and moved into the driving lane still moving. I pushed the gear shift into neutral and the revves dropped immediately and the car stopped then. there was no reason for the engine to speed up, I was braking lightly as I approached the parking space and I continued trying to brake until it finally stopped. I was at no time on the gas peddle, there was not carpet or other object to interfere with the gas peddle. when I moved the shift lever to neutral the engine dropped to a idle immediately. there was scratches on the hood, bumper and headlight cover and small dent in driver door. no injuries and I was able to push the corral back in place by hand. I researched unexplained acceleration for acura and honda and found accounts of honda incidents very similar to mine with much worse .outcomes. I filed an insurance claim and now I am going to contact acura. I took pictures with my phone but haven't gotten them to the computer
- Service brakes
The car failed to stop for an intersection. luckily there was no cross traffic, so we did not have an accident. mechanic diagnosed the problem: power brake booster failed to keep vacuum, making brakes weak. I see that this exact failure was recalled for the next model year (2006). both model…
The car failed to stop for an intersection. luckily there was no cross traffic, so we did not have an accident. mechanic diagnosed the problem: power brake booster failed to keep vacuum, making brakes weak. I see that this exact failure was recalled for the next model year (2006). both model year cars use the same booster, so it IS likely the same cause and same risk to all 2005 acura rsx models. I feel this should be recalled to make sure no-one has an accident due to weak brakes, especially where the problem was identified for the same model car one year later, that uses the same part.
- Air bags
Takata recall my airbag light keeps on coming on for many years. The acura dealer does not know the issue and will not repair the airbags until there IS a recall of the airbags. The light has come on probably once per year (i've owned the car for 7 years).
- Unknown or other
Drivers side seat appears to be loose at a rivited joint.
- Air bags
My airbag light came on for no reason - I had a mechanic reset it but it came back on few days later. I read on the internet that honda IS recalling hondas & acuras for this type of problem , IS this one of them ? Am I expecting a recall letter from honda in the mail soon ? regards *tr
- Tires
On 11/20/12, I drove my 2005 acura rsx to acura of manhattan (aom) in ny, ny. The service included 4 new tires -- michelin 215/45/17. on 12/01/12, after 40-50 miles with new tires, the vehicle starts vibrating. I stop and notice a blown-out front right tire. emergency road assistance puts on…
On 11/20/12, I drove my 2005 acura rsx to acura of manhattan (aom) in ny, ny. The service included 4 new tires -- michelin 215/45/17. on 12/01/12, after 40-50 miles with new tires, the vehicle starts vibrating. I stop and notice a blown-out front right tire. emergency road assistance puts on the spare tire, notices the other 3 tires are under-inflated and adds air. I return to aom on 12/03/12, mentioning the vibrations, blown-out tire, and 3 under-inflated tires. Aom guarantees that all remaining tires are in good condition and replaces the blown-out tire. on 12/14/12, on a divided parkway the car again starts vibrating. I slow down to stop, but the rear of the car yanks to the right, the car spins wildly, I smash head-on into the median divider, the air bags deploy, the car spins around, the rear hits the median, I come to a standstill. No other car IS involved. I am unhurt. I leave the car; I notice one rear tire off the rim and the other one flat. the police write up an accident report. The car IS towed to a garage. My insurance company rapidly determines it IS a total loss. it was the first time ever that a car of mine vibrated -- not once but twice in two weeks. The first time, one tire blew out; the second time, both rear tires were either off the rim or flat. And this immediately after aom had replaced all 4 tires. I sent a certified mail letter to [xxx], president and chairman of aom, asking for an explanation. I got 3 non-explanatory e-mails from a [xxx]; none addressed the questions raised in my letter. I report this to nhtsa to prevent further accidents caused by improper service by aom. were the tires defective? Did the local distributor provide old tires with reduced elasticity? Did the tires properly fit my car's rims? did aom correctly install, calibrate and balance the tires? as of this writing, no response has been given by aom which IS avoiding the issue. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags · Electrical system
I have 2005 rsx type s, and within past 2.5 years I had circuitry related to the airbags passenger and driver failed. At 64,000 miles passenger detection sensor in the seat failed and was replaced when srs light came on, at 87,584 miles airbag control unit failed and airbag not functioning light…
I have 2005 rsx type s, and within past 2.5 years I had circuitry related to the airbags passenger and driver failed. At 64,000 miles passenger detection sensor in the seat failed and was replaced when srs light came on, at 87,584 miles airbag control unit failed and airbag not functioning light came on. I would like to know if this IS just my car happen to have bad airbag circuitry or it IS an ongoing issue that acura does not want to address. I checked multiple boards of rsx owners like www.clubrsx.com and see many of them have similar problems. *Tr
- Wheels
All the aluminum wheels on my 2005 acura rsx-s are showing signs of early corrosion due to bubbling & erosion of the painted surface. one IS particularly bad and IS losing pressure at a rate of ~3lbs/sqin per week. this was first discovered on normal monthly pressure check when the tire pressure…
All the aluminum wheels on my 2005 acura rsx-s are showing signs of early corrosion due to bubbling & erosion of the painted surface. one IS particularly bad and IS losing pressure at a rate of ~3lbs/sqin per week. this was first discovered on normal monthly pressure check when the tire pressure was 12lbs/sqin below specification. on inspection no puncture of the tire was found and the leak was traced to corrosion at the rim and valve seat. on complaining to the acura dealer under warranty, I was told that wheel damage IS not covered but this IS not "damage" - it's corrosion due to poor materials and especially paint finish. the wheels are all completely free of accidental dents or nicks and the leak IS entirely due to corrosion and I now fear that it will show up in all the other wheels. this IS a serious safety hazard and I now have to check all tire pressures weekly and re-inflate the currently affected single wheel. my only remedy here IS to have all four wheels refinished at considerable expense. *Tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
Transmission grinds when shifting into 3RD gear, pops out of 3RD gear, or IS hard to shift into 3RD gear. these symptoms can be intermittent andsometimes more noticeable in colder climates. *Tr
- Visibility
The issue I am having IS not a one time problem but seems to be ongoing in the winter months. when it gets cold outside, the windows of my car, including front and back windshields, fog and ice up significantly. I have the defroster going at full blast on highest heat, but I still have this…
The issue I am having IS not a one time problem but seems to be ongoing in the winter months. when it gets cold outside, the windows of my car, including front and back windshields, fog and ice up significantly. I have the defroster going at full blast on highest heat, but I still have this issue. the safety issue with this IS that I cannot see out of my windows when I need to change lanes or look for oncoming traffic when making a right/left turn. I need to roll down my windows to ensure that traffic IS clear. I wasn't sure if this IS the type of complaint that should be submitted but I thought it was better to submit, than not. thank you. *Tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
My 05 acura rsx type s with a 6-speed manual transmission has a problem where during shifting from 2ND to 3RD gear (with the clutch fully engaged during the shift) it pops out of 3RD gear when the clutch IS disengaged. This problem occurs about once every 7 hours of driving for me. When this…
My 05 acura rsx type s with a 6-speed manual transmission has a problem where during shifting from 2ND to 3RD gear (with the clutch fully engaged during the shift) it pops out of 3RD gear when the clutch IS disengaged. This problem occurs about once every 7 hours of driving for me. When this occurs, the car shifts easily into third, like it normally would, then pops out when the clutch IS disengaged. Occasionally there IS a pop sound when this happens but sometimes it cannot be heard. This has lead to some frightening instances where the car has been in neutral, when I though the shift was successful. On my commute this often happens when turning left through an intersection and when merging on to the freeway. I had one instance where I merged onto the freeway in second gear on a snowy day, attempted to shift to third, and had the car pop out of gear twice, slowing me down significantly and unexpectedly without the benefit of brake lights. Luckily the car behind me was able to move into the other lane to avoid braking hard in snowy conditions. I have brought the car in 12 times to have this problem repaired and it still IS not fixed. This appears to be a growing issue with honda 6-speed transmission. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer · Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar · Suspension › Front
I purchased a 2005 acura rsx type-s about a year and half ago around 4/20/05. I drove it for about 4 months and I started hearing a clicking noise coming from my suspension, I brought it back to the dealership and they installed a new strut. The next month the same problem occurred and they had to…
I purchased a 2005 acura rsx type-s about a year and half ago around 4/20/05. I drove it for about 4 months and I started hearing a clicking noise coming from my suspension, I brought it back to the dealership and they installed a new strut. The next month the same problem occurred and they had to replace the other side of the strut. That same week my car started drifting to one side and my steering wheeling wasn't aligned, I bought it back and everything was okay. The next month I still heard the same clicking noise but I didn't have time to go to the dealer. That same week, I heard a tapping noise coming from my engine, I didn't know what it was so I kept driving. Next day, it got worse and I knew there was something wrong, I checked my oil level on a sloped hill but didn't realize it, and it didn't read properly. So, I added two quarts of oil to the engine, but it still had that same tapping noise from the engine. I went to the dealership, and they told me I had destroyed my engine(connecting rods are bent, piston #4 was damaged) and I will need a new engine. The warranty wasn't going to cover it because I added extra oil. So, I immediately got a lawyer, but nothing has been done in a year im still in the same boat and I'm money. I have spoke to several mechanics from various dealers and shops and they told me there's no way adding oil could damage a engine in just a matter of one day. Im running out of ideas and my life IS at a stand still if there's anything you can do please help. *Jb
- Tires
Tire blew out while driving approximately 55 mph on highway resulting in loss of control of vehicle, and a crash. The crash caused major front bumper damage and damaged the wheel of the blown out tire to the point where it needed to be replaced. Furthermore, the check engine light came on, which was diagnosed by the dealership as an over rev code, presumably at the point after which the tire blew out. *nm
- Suspension
I bought an 05' rsx and have had nothing but problems. The car sounds like a rattling cab, has a terrible suspension and makes a clunking noise that the dealership has been unable to fix since I got the car almost a year ago. They have been nothing but rude and condescending, and are obviously not capable of selling a car that IS functional, nor fixing it correctly. I wish I never bought it. *jb
- Suspension › Front
Loud clunking noise coming from right front of vehicle. possibly struts. sounds happen at slow speeds, i.e. Parking lots, backing up. *nm
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
The new bright blue headlights are an outstanding inovation when they are properly aimed, however the aim of the headlight IS affected by vehicle loading and manufacture and bodyshop/dealer misalligmnment. This allignment IS critical. When too much weight IS place in the rear of the vehicle, the…
The new bright blue headlights are an outstanding inovation when they are properly aimed, however the aim of the headlight IS affected by vehicle loading and manufacture and bodyshop/dealer misalligmnment. This allignment IS critical. When too much weight IS place in the rear of the vehicle, the portion of the headlight that IS supposed to be pointing down on the roadway IS now directed at oncomming traffic. If manufacturers cannot control this problem by automatically adjusting the horizontal tilt of this lighting system, they should be banned! *nm
- Suspension › Front
I purchased my rsx type-s in july 2005, after approx. 1000 miles it began making a loud popping noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. After 2000 miles it continued to get louder so I took it in for service. The service writer claimed it was normal noise, they greased some bushings…
I purchased my rsx type-s in july 2005, after approx. 1000 miles it began making a loud popping noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. After 2000 miles it continued to get louder so I took it in for service. The service writer claimed it was normal noise, they greased some bushings and he told me that if I returned they would be unable to do anything for me. It's odd, why didn't my car make this noise when I purchased it, and if it IS normal, why wasn't it making it during the test drive? *jb
- Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut
Front suspension safety defects. new 2005 acura rsx required front strut assembly replacements due to clunking noise when turning at slow speeds. strut assemblies both on back order, taking three (3) weeks for repairs. american honda motors co., inc., originally claimed that "the fix" for the…
Front suspension safety defects. new 2005 acura rsx required front strut assembly replacements due to clunking noise when turning at slow speeds. strut assemblies both on back order, taking three (3) weeks for repairs. american honda motors co., inc., originally claimed that "the fix" for the problem, ("not a safety issue") was to apply a "special lubricant" coming from japan, as determined by "our engineers." ten (10) days later, honda says that the "special lubricant" was not "the fix" but that "shaving down the lower springs was "the fix." within an hour, american honda motors co., inc., by its legal team, claimed that "shaving down" the springs was "not entirely accurate" for the current fix, but rather they would "tweak" the suspension. no further description of this "tweaking" was provided. finally, after deciding not to repurchase the car with defective strut assemblies, honda claims that its engineers have determined that the struts were bent in shipping. the current "fix" IS to bend the strut in the opposite direction, i.e., away from the spring, and that all will be well. no consideration was given to any metallurgical defects from bending the steel in opposite direction, nor on any other part of the suspension system as a result of this "tweaking." the identical suspension defects have been reported to this website as early as april 6, 2005, and to various acura dealers in the washington metropolitan area. a single dealer replaced struts on four (4) 2005 rsx cars. moreover, honda has known about the defect at least since mid-july, 2005, if not before, yet refuses to replace the car or to definitively determine the precise problem and a uniform and proper correction since the replacement struts have the same defect as those installed originally. indeed, honda admits that all 2005 rsx base model cars have the problem because a new strut supplier has been providing the struts and springs than has done so previously. *jb
- Suspension › Front
When turning left at slow speeds (15-25 mph) I hear a clicking/clunking noise coming from the front left of the car. I just purchased the car 2006 rsx and will be taking in tomorrow to see if they can fix it. although I have read that many have had this problem with no fix. *jb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
The hvac (air conditioning / heating system / defroster) started smelling bad with a toxic mildew odor the very first day with a brand new automobile. I took it to the dealer and they denied anything was wrong. However, they put a citrus smelling chemical into the vents that only partially masked…
The hvac (air conditioning / heating system / defroster) started smelling bad with a toxic mildew odor the very first day with a brand new automobile. I took it to the dealer and they denied anything was wrong. However, they put a citrus smelling chemical into the vents that only partially masked it. It smells bad after running the air conditioning for a couple of minutes and turning it off, leaving the fan running for a few minutes, while driving. Then, it disappears after a few minutes. This happens every time I drive the car or cycle the air conditioning. Again, this IS a brand new car with less than 500 miles on it. It started occurring with 100 miles on it. I rented another (different brand) car for a week with no problems. *Jb
- Suspension › Front
The front right wheel started making a banging noise going over some bumps with a brand new automobile. I took it to the dealer and they denied anything was wrong. Again, this IS a brand new car with less than 500 miles on it. It started occurring with 100 miles on it.*jb
- Unknown or other
Please move odi 10132694 and 10132696 to the honda rsx area as I was unable to find the honda rsx area when first submitting the complaint. thank you. *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
This IS a safety design failure whereby the front passenger can easily get their feet trapped and/or broken in an accident because some unknown oem piece of equipment IS located where the feet normally go. it IS probably part of some air bag assembly. the only exception, where this would not be a…
This IS a safety design failure whereby the front passenger can easily get their feet trapped and/or broken in an accident because some unknown oem piece of equipment IS located where the feet normally go. it IS probably part of some air bag assembly. the only exception, where this would not be a problem, IS if the passenger had very small feet. this has not been reported to the dealer. This report IS for an acura rsx automobile. there IS no selection for the acura rsx automobile on this website (next page).*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.
- 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.
- 10043249Acura: update on some model vehicles regarding testing of alternators with the GR8 alternator/starter tester (ast) module that IS installed on GR8 diagnostic battery station.
- 10041772Acura: the engine coolant temperature input in misinterpreted by the ecm/pcm/ the mil comes on.
- 10039535Honda acura: 2005-2006 rsx. The malfunction light IS on with a trouble code stored due to the air/fuel sensor damaged by moisture in the exhaust.
- 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.
- 10023972Emissions recall: incorrect throttle body installed.
- 10021971Warranty extension: vehicle warranty mileage. Affects 2002 through 2006 acura models. Updated 8/15/08.
- 10018865Transmission grinds at shifts, skip shifting.
- 10018241Rear window wiper IS noisy or does not work.
- 10018238Malfunction indication light comes on with diagnostic trouble code p0973.
- 10018114Cd malfunction caused by adhesive labels.
- 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.
- 10018040Bent lower spring seat can cause popping or knocking. Acura servicenews.
- 10018036Engine won't start at all; or does it intermittently. Check immobilizer system status with the hds. 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.
- 10013628Wind noise at the top of the windshield.
- 10008370Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) comes on with diagnostic trouble code p0122.
Every Acura Rsx model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.