VehicleVerdict

2002 Acura RSX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 91 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.9 times the median RSX year — the 2002 model ranks #1 of 8 RSX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (21), engine (18), and airbags (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

91

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other RSX years?

RSX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted91 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 91 complaints2003: 30 complaints2004: 19 complaints2005: 38 complaints2006: 28 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 1 complaints
RSX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RSX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Acura RSX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2123%
Engine1820%
Airbags1415%
Brakes67%
Body & Structure55%
Fuel System55%
Lighting44%
Seat Belts33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Electrical System22%
Other22%
Seats22%
Steering22%
Suspension22%
Tires & Wheels11%
Latches & Locks11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2002 Acura RSX have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

06E064000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 4,029 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

06E038000LightingMay 8, 2006 · 724 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

06E023000LightingMarch 13, 2006 · 292,000 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 12, 2006 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 12, 2004 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE CONSUMERS SON WAS CUT OFF BY ANOTHER MOTORIST. HER SON LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A METAL DIVIDER HEAD ON. THE VEHICLE THEN FLIPPED OVER AND ROLLED THREE TIMES, LANDING ON IT'S ROOF. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS, OR THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 19, 2004 · crash

“ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATE WHEN STOPPING ON DRY PAVEMENT WITH ANY KIND OF BUMPS OR POTHOLES. THIS OCCURS AT LEAST 2-3 TIMES PER MONTH. THE BRAKES DO NOT FEEL SAFE WHEN THIS HAPPENS, AND COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, HAD THEM LOOK AT THE CAR, THEY TOLD ME THIS IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 29, 2003

“MY 2002 ACURA RSX EMITS A TERRIBLE ROTTEN EGG ODOR AFTER I DRIVE IT FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES AND STOP FOR A STOP SIGN. THE SMELL COMES BACK INTERMITENTLY WHILE DRIVING SOMETIMES BECOMING QUITE OVERPOWERING IN THE CAR. THE DEALER HAS NO SOLUTION. HYDROGEN SULFIDE IS A POISONOUS GAS. THE SITUATION IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 4, 2002

2002 Acura RSX — common questions

Is the 2002 Acura RSX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 91 complaints put the 2002 model at #1 of 8 RSX years. It is one of the RSX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 RSX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (21 complaints), engine (18 complaints), airbags (14 complaints).

Does the 2002 Acura RSX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Acura RSX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Acura RSX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the RSX years to avoid are 2002, 2005. The cleanest record among RSX years belongs to 2008.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.