VehicleVerdict

2003 Acura RSX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2003 Acura RSX sits mid-pack among RSX years: 30 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 23, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 8 reports (27% of the total).

30

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other RSX years?

RSX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted91 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 91 complaints2003: 30 complaints2004: 19 complaints2005: 38 complaints2006: 28 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 1 complaints
RSX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RSX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Acura RSX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission827%
Airbags723%
Engine517%
Speed Control310%
Brakes310%
Electrical System13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Steering13%
Visibility & Wipers13%

Does the 2003 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 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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 7, 2004

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 25, 2005 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 14, 2004

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 7, 2007 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 5, 2014

2003 Acura RSX — common questions

Is the 2003 Acura RSX reliable?

It is close to typical for the RSX: 30 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2003 RSX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (8 complaints), airbags (7 complaints), engine (5 complaints).

Does the 2003 Acura RSX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 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.