VehicleVerdict

2006 Acura RSX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 2006 Acura RSX — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

28

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other RSX years?

RSX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted91 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 91 complaints2003: 30 complaints2004: 19 complaints2005: 38 complaints2006: 28 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 1 complaints
RSX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RSX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Acura RSX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission518%
Lighting518%
Suspension518%
Body & Structure414%
Brakes311%
Airbags27%
Electrical System27%
Engine14%
Seats14%

Does the 2006 Acura RSX have recalls?

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

13V246000BrakesJune 13, 2013 · 18,352 units

Defect

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2006 Acura RSX vehicles manufactured January 18, 2006, through August 12, 2006; and model year 2006-2007 Honda S2000 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2006, through November 13, 2006. The brake booster may be unable to maintain a vacuum when the brake pedal is depressed, decreasing brake assist.

Consequence

With reduced braking assistance, the vehicle may require additional brake pedal force to prevent a lengthened stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster assembly. If necessary, the dealers will replace the booster assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's recall number is JA4. Acura's recall number is JA5.

06V270000OtherJuly 26, 2006 · 1,190,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.

Consequence

THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy

HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009, ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 OR HONDA MOTORCYCLES AT 1-866-784-1870.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WATER LEAKS IN TO THE TRUNK (WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IS KEPT).IT PUDDLES AND CAUSES RUST AND MOLD. IT CAUSES ASTHMA EXACERBATION AND RESPITORY ILLNESS. DUE TO THE WATER, THE TAIL LIGHTS GET FOGGED UP AND IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE BRAKE LIGHTS. IT ALSO FOGS UP THE INSIDE OF THE CAR AND MAKES IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 2, 2013

“WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND THE TRANSMISSION GRINDS. WHEN GOING FROM 3RD TO 2ND IT'S MORE OF A KLUNK WITH A LESSER GRIND. THE COLDER THE TEMP. IS THE WORSE THE GRINDING. THE TRANSMISSION HAS POPPED OUT OF 3RD TO NEUTRAL A FEW TIMES (VERY SELDOM). *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 24, 2006

“SUSPENSION PROBLEM - ACURA RSX TYPE S 2006 MODEL YEAR. AT 1300 MILES, STARTED HEARING A POPPING/CLICKING SOUND WHEN MAKING SLOW TURNS. TURNS OUT THE SOUND CAME FROM THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT ASSEMBLY. SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW, THE ENTIRE STRUT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. NOW THE SOUND IS REAPPEARING (2300…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 15, 2005

“WATER LEAKS IN TO THE TRUNK (WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IS KEPT).IT PUDDLES AND CAUSES RUST AND MOLD. IT CAUSES ASTHMA EXACERBATION AND RESPITORY ILLNESS. DUE TO THE WATER, THE TAIL LIGHTS GET FOGGED UP AND IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE BRAKE LIGHTS. IT ALSO FOGS UP THE INSIDE OF THE CAR AND MAKES IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 2, 2013

“PURCHASED CAR ON JULY 31, 2006 AND DROVE CAR DIRECTLY HOME. OVERNIGHT, PARKING BRAKE FAILED AND CAR CRASHED INTO TREE & BOAT TRAILER DAMAGING REAR BUMPER AND REAR LEFT PANEL (DRIVER'S SIDE). SUBSEQUENT FOLLOW-UP REVEALED THAT BRAKE WOULD NOT HOLD AS IT SHOULD - VIDEO AND OTHER EVIDENCE INCLUDING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 1, 2006 · crash

2006 Acura RSX — common questions

Is the 2006 Acura RSX reliable?

The record is thin — 28 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2006 RSX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (5 complaints), suspension (5 complaints), lighting (5 complaints).

Does the 2006 Acura RSX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 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.