EZ Swap LLC services the Acura RSX in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2005 to 2008. If your RSX has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help RSX owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 58 owner complaints on file for the RSX and 4 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are suspension (18), power train (7), air bags (6).
Most-Reported Acura RSX Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the RSX (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 18 | 31% | |
| Power Train | 7 | 12% | |
| Air Bags | 6 | 10% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 | 10% | |
| Structure | 5 | 8% | |
| Electrical System | 4 | 6% | |
| Visibility | 3 | 5% | |
| Steering | 2 | 3% |
Suspension
18 of the 58 complaints (31%) mention the suspension. Suspension wear shows up as clunks, pulling and uneven tires. We inspect shocks, struts, bushings and joints and align the car after repairs. See our suspension & alignment page.
Power Train
7 of the 58 complaints (12%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Air Bags
6 of the 58 complaints (10%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Acura RSX Complaints by Model Year
The RSX model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2007. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 32 | |
| 2006 | 24 | |
| 2007 | 1 | |
| 2008 | 1 |
Acura RSX Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the RSX, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Acura.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your RSX? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Acura RSX Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the RSX in these model years, most often involving exterior lighting, equipment, service brakes, hydraulic. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2013 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 13V246000): American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2006 Acura RSX vehicles manufactured January 18, 2006, through August 12, 2006;
- 2006 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 06E064000): CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- 2006 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 06E023000): CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- 2006 recall, Equipment (campaign 06V270000): 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.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the RSX, 7 involved a crash, 1 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Acura RSX Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Acura will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a RSX that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for RSX owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Acura RSX, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Acura RSX Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Acura RSX repair service, or choose a service below.
Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Pre-Purchase Inspection
Know the car before you buy it.
Details →Acura RSX FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Acura RSX?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Acura RSX are suspension (18), power train (7), air bags (6). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which RSX model years have the most complaints?
The RSX model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2007. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Acura RSX?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Acura RSX. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Acura RSX have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the Acura RSX across model years 2005 to 2008. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Acura RSX in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Acura vehicles including the RSX, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Acura RSX?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Acura RSX in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Acura Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.