Au7o mascotAu7o
Known IssuesTest Hub demo
  1. Au7o
  2. /
  3. Known Issues
  4. /
  5. Acura
  6. /
  7. RSX
Acura · Known Issues

2006 Acura RSX Problems: 13 Known Issues

2006 model year · 2,780+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

Share:@au7o.io

2006 · All trims · All engines

Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.

No email neededHow interest is saved

Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy

Visual coming soon

Your interest helps us choose what to build next.

Visual Known Issues · Coming soon

$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today

Preview the XT6 example
Known IssuesMotorcycle IssuesDTC LookupDrivePricingAboutTermsPrivacyCookiesConsentData rightsCopyrightFeedback
Share:@au7o.io

Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data protection representation

DataRep representative in the United KingdomDataRep representative in the European Union
Au7o · 2026
Built for DIY mechanics. Privacy-first.
Explore free Hub demo
Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,780+ owner reports, the 2006 Acura RSX has 13 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Valve Lash Tightening and Exhaust Valve Recession on K20 Engines (Skipped Valve Adjustment) ($150-$400 repair) and Brake Booster Loses Vacuum - Reduced Brake Assist (NHTSA Recall 13V246000) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 3rd Gear Synchro Grind on Manual Transmission with 2,100 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $20 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • RSX Engine3
  • RSX Brakes1
  • RSX Transmission2
  • RSX HVAC2
  • RSX Body/Panels1
  • RSX Suspension1
  • RSX Interior1
  • RSX Steering1
  • RSX Electrical1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ
Get Started
Back to top

In This Article

  • Engine3
  • Brakes1
  • Transmission2
  • HVAC2
  • Body/Panels1
  • Suspension1
  • Interior1
  • Steering1
  • Electrical1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ

All 13 Known Issues

NHTSA Recalls6 recalls

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

Campaign #09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

Campaign #06E03800008/05/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get ahead of Acura RSX problems — free
Leave your email and we'll alert you the moment there's a new recall or known issue for your Acura RSX. Free, no account needed.

Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or .

Other Acura Models

Acura Integra19Acura RDX17Acura TLX15Acura TL14Acura MDX12Acura ILX12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura RSX problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,780+ owner reports, the 2006 Acura RSX has 13 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Valve Lash Tightening and Exhaust Valve Recession on K20 Engines (Skipped Valve Adjustment), Brake Booster Loses Vacuum - Reduced Brake Assist (NHTSA Recall 13V246000), 3rd Gear Synchro Grind on Manual Transmission. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura RSX reliable?

The 2006 Acura RSX has 13 known issues documented across 2,780+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Valve Lash Tightening and Exhaust Valve Recession on K20 Engines (Skipped Valve Adjustment) and Brake Booster Loses Vacuum - Reduced Brake Assist (NHTSA Recall 13V246000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Acura RSX problems?

Repair costs for known Acura RSX issues range from $0 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Valve Lash Tightening and Exhaust Valve Recession on K20 Engines (Skipped Valve Adjustment), typically costs $150-$400 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2002-2006 Acura RSX Valve Lash Tightening and Exhaust Valve Recession on K20 Engines (Skipped Valve Adjustment)?

K-series engines use solid rocker-and-screw valve adjusters with no hydraulic lash compensation, so clearance must be checked and reset by hand. The RSX factory service manual only calls for it at 110,000 miles, and the community's repeated finding is that this interval is far to… Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: high.

What is the 2006 Acura RSX Brake Booster Loses Vacuum - Reduced Brake Assist (NHTSA Recall 13V246000)?

Certain 2006 Acura RSX vehicles built between January 18, 2006 and August 12, 2006 were recalled because the brake booster may be unable to maintain vacuum when the brake pedal is depressed. A production error allowed brake booster components to be made outside specification, so… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 2,780+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Filter:
ALL YEARS20062005200420032002

On the 2002-2006 Acura RSX, k-series engines use solid rocker-and-screw valve adjusters with no hydraulic lash compensation, so clearance must be checked and reset by hand. The RSX factory service manual only calls for it at 110,000 miles, and the community's repeated finding is that this interval is far too long: owners routinely find valves well out of specification at 30,000-60,000 miles. Because the valves recede into the seats as they wear, clearance TIGHTENS rather than opens - and a valve held slightly off its seat cannot shed heat, which is how K-series engines have gone on to burn and drop exhaust valves. Early symptoms are a subtle loss of power and crispness rather than noise, which is exactly why the check gets skipped. Both the base K20A3 and the Type-S K20A2/K20Z1 are affected, though the higher-revving, higher-compression Type-S engines see it sooner.

This issue also affects: Acura Integra, Acura MDX, Acura RDX

Common Symptoms

  • Gradual loss of power and throttle crispness
  • Rough idle or occasional misfire
  • Ticking from the valvetrain (or, more dangerously, no noise at all as clearance tightens)
  • Low compression on one cylinder
  • Hard starting when hot

How to Fix

Check and adjust valve clearance every 30,000-40,000 miles rather than waiting for 110,000 - this is the single highest-value preventive service on a K20. Specification on the K20A2 is 0.21-0.25 mm (.008-.010 in) intake and 0.28-0.32 mm (.011-.013 in) exhaust; measure with the engine fully cold and the cam lobes pointing away. Adjustment is done by loosening the outer 10 mm locknut and setting the gap with the center screw. Owners consistently report a noticeable return of power and throttle response afterward. If exhaust clearance is already at or near zero, do a compression or leakdown test before assuming an adjustment fixes it - a receded, heat-damaged valve needs a head off and seat work.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $400

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2002-2006 Acura RSX, the RSX uses four mounts: a passenger-side fluid-filled hydraulic mount, a driver-side transmission mount, a front torque rod and a rear mount. The passenger-side hydraulic mount is the most common failure point on 2002-2006 cars - the rubber tears and the fluid leaks out, after which the engine is effectively unsupported on that side. Owners report heavy vibration at idle that shakes the mirrors and shifter, a clunk on acceleration and on lift-off, and shifting that suddenly feels rough because the whole powertrain rocks. The rear mount is the second most common and the most expensive to replace. Worn mounts are also a common secondary cause of complaints that get blamed on the transmission, and on automatic cars they produce engagement shock going into Drive or Reverse.

This issue also affects: Honda Civic

Common Symptoms

  • Heavy vibration at idle felt through the seat, shifter and mirrors
  • Clunk or thud on acceleration and when lifting off throttle
  • Excessive engine rock when blipping the throttle in neutral
  • Rough or harsh shifting
  • Engagement shock into Drive or Reverse on automatics

How to Fix

Replace the failed mounts with OEM Honda/Acura parts. This is worth insisting on: the ClubRSX community repeatedly documents that cheap aftermarket mounts substitute solid hard rubber for the fluid-filled passenger mount and make idle vibration WORSE, with owners re-doing the job in OEM after chasing new vibration. Inspect all four - it is common for more than one to be gone at the same age - and replace the front torque rod while access is open. Expect roughly $80-200 per mount in OEM parts; the rear mount typically runs over $500 installed because of the labor.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $900

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2002-2006 Acura RSX, k-series engines including those in the RSX develop a loud metallic rattle for roughly one to two seconds on the first cold start of the day. The cause is wear inside the variable timing control (VTC) actuator on the intake cam sprocket: the internal locking pin that is supposed to hold the actuator at its 'home' position on shutdown no longer holds, so on start-up the actuator clatters until oil pressure fills it. Honda documented the identical defect and remedy on sibling K24 applications in service bulletins 09-010 and 10-024 ('at cold start-up the engine rattles loudly for about 2 seconds due to a defective VTC actuator - replace the VTC actuator'). It is progressive rather than sudden and affects both the base K20A3 and the Type-S K20A2/K20Z1, since all share the VTC intake actuator.

This issue also affects: Honda Civic

Common Symptoms

  • Loud metallic rattle for 1-2 seconds on first cold start of the day
  • Rattle absent on restarts when engine is warm
  • Noise from the passenger side/timing chain end of the engine
  • Noise worsens gradually over months

How to Fix

Replace the VTC actuator on the intake camshaft with an updated unit. Critically, the replacement actuator must be installed in its UNLOCKED position - Honda's bulletin warns the actuator can become locked during handling and installing it locked damages the internal locking pin. The timing chain, chain tensioner and guides should be inspected at the same time, since a stretched chain or weak tensioner produces a similar startup rattle and is the main misdiagnosis. Keeping oil changes on schedule with the correct viscosity slows the wear. The rattle itself is not immediately damaging, but it is the tell that the actuator is worn.

Typical repair cost:$350 - $900

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2006 Acura RSX, certain 2006 Acura RSX vehicles built between January 18, 2006 and August 12, 2006 were recalled because the brake booster may be unable to maintain vacuum when the brake pedal is depressed. A production error allowed brake booster components to be made outside specification, so brake assist decreases over time. The driver has to push much harder on the pedal to get the same braking, and stopping distance lengthens - NHTSA cited an increased risk of crash. American Honda opened the campaign on June 13, 2013 covering 13,113 RSX vehicles in the US, alongside 2006-2007 Honda S2000 models which share the booster. The defect was found through warranty claim analysis; no crashes or injuries were reported at the time of filing.

Common Symptoms

  • Brake pedal feels hard and requires much more force than normal
  • Lengthened stopping distance
  • Assist fades progressively over time rather than failing suddenly
  • Pedal firmness changes between cold and warm engine

How to Fix

A free recall remedy exists: dealers inspect the brake booster assembly and replace it at no charge if it is affected. Because this is a 2006-only, build-date-limited campaign, check the specific VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls or with an Acura dealer rather than assuming by model year - most 2006 RSX cars are outside the build window and no 2002-2005 car is included. Recall repairs never expire, so an unremedied car is still eligible. If a hard pedal and long stopping distances persist after the booster is confirmed good, check the vacuum check valve and hose, which fail with age on all model years.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
2,100 owners

On the 2002-2006 Acura RSX, the RSX 6-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions are notorious for 3rd gear synchronizer wear, causing a grinding or crunching sensation when shifting into 3rd gear during spirited driving. The brass synchro ring wears prematurely, especially on Type-S models driven aggressively on track.

Common Symptoms

  • Grinding noise shifting into 3rd gear
  • Crunchy feel engaging 3rd under hard acceleration
  • Smooth shift into 3rd when driving gently
  • Difficulty engaging 3rd gear when transmission is cold
  • Occasional pop-out of 3rd gear under deceleration

How to Fix

Replace the 3rd gear synchronizer assembly with the updated Honda brass synchro set. Flush and refill the transmission with Honda MTF — do NOT use any other fluid. For Type-S models seeing track use, consider upgrading to carbon-lined synchros from a performance supplier. Change MTF every 30,000 miles.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipUse ONLY Honda MTF in the RSX transmission. Generic 75W-90 GL-4 will accelerate synchro wear. Change the MTF every 30k miles if you drive spiritedly. Double-clutch into 3rd if you notice early grinding — this extends synchro life significantly.
Typical repair cost:$800 - $2,000

Research This Issue

Based on 2,100 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence2,100 owner reportsLast reported by owners May 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2002-2006 Acura RSX, the DC5 clutch master cylinder is a documented weak point on manual RSX cars, and the enthusiast community has traced why: compared with the Civic unit the RSX master cylinder is missing an internal triangular reinforcement, which is believed to be behind its early failure. Symptoms progress from an audible squeak or creak from the pedal as the piston rubs in the bore, to a notchy or sticky pedal feel, to a soft mushy pedal with the engagement point falling toward the floor, and finally to no clutch at all with brake fluid weeping down the firewall or into the driver's footwell. Cars fitted with stiffer aftermarket pressure plates kill the OEM master cylinder noticeably faster because it was never designed for that pressure.

Common Symptoms

  • Squeak or creak from the clutch pedal when pressed
  • Clutch pedal feels soft, mushy or sticks part way down
  • Engagement point drops toward the floor
  • Brake fluid reservoir level falling with no brake leak
  • Fluid dampness on the firewall or driver's footwell carpet
  • Cannot select gears with the engine running

How to Fix

Replace the clutch master cylinder, and bleed the system thoroughly afterward - trapped air in the RSX clutch circuit is stubborn and is the usual reason a new cylinder still feels soft. Inspect the slave cylinder at the same time and replace both together if either is weeping, since a failing slave produces an identical soft, poorly-engaging pedal. Many owners with upgraded clutches fit the Honda Civic EM2 clutch master cylinder instead of the RSX unit for durability. Also check the pedal-to-master pushrod and the quick-connect fitting, which can work loose and mimic a failing cylinder.

Typical repair cost:$70 - $450

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
680 owners

On the 2002-2006 Acura RSX, the RSX AC compressor clutch bearing fails prematurely, typically at 80,000-100,000 miles. The bearing seizes and causes the serpentine belt to squeal or smoke, and the AC stops blowing cold. The same Keihin compressor design is shared with the Civic and other Honda models of the same era.

This issue also affects: Honda Civic, Acura RDX, Acura TSX

Common Symptoms

  • Squealing noise from engine bay with AC on
  • AC blows warm air suddenly
  • Belt smoking or burning smell
  • AC clutch visually not spinning
  • Intermittent AC operation

How to Fix

Replace the AC compressor clutch assembly or the full compressor. Replace the serpentine belt and tensioner if damaged. Evacuate and recharge the system. Use a Denso or OEM replacement compressor for best longevity.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • RYC AI54N new A/C compressor kit for Acura RSX 2.0L

    Repair kit Compatibility table covers 2002–2006 Base and Type-S despite the shorter title. Aftermarket RYC, not Denso/OEM.

    eBay
  • GPD 9642544A A/C compressor-and-condenser component kit

    Repair kit 2002–2006 Acura RSX 2.0L; includes new compressor, condenser, receiver/drier, expansion valve, and seals.

    Rockauto

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipIf you are handy, the clutch bearing alone is a $25 part and can be pressed in with a vise. But most owners find replacing the full compressor more cost-effective long-term since the internal reed valves are usually worn at this mileage too.
Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,200

Research This Issue

Based on 680 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence680 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2002-2006 Acura RSX, the RSX condenser sits low and unprotected in the nose and is a well-documented leak point on 2002-2006 cars. Failures are of two kinds: corrosion of the thin aluminum tubes and fins from road salt and trapped debris, and physical puncture from road stones. Either lets the R-134a charge bleed out, so the A/C blows cold at first and then progressively less cold over weeks, and eventually the low-pressure switch cuts the compressor clutch out entirely so it will not engage at all. This is distinct from clutch bearing failure inside the compressor - here the compressor is healthy and simply has nothing to pump. Running a system that has lost charge is what kills the compressor next, since the refrigerant carries the oil.

Common Symptoms

  • A/C blows cold at first then gradually less cold over weeks
  • A/C stops blowing cold entirely
  • Compressor clutch will not engage
  • Oily residue or dye traces on the condenser face
  • Visible bent, corroded or stone-damaged condenser fins

How to Fix

Leak-test with dye or a sniffer rather than just recharging - a top-up on a leaking condenser buys a few weeks. Replace the condenser, and replace the receiver/drier at the same time: the drier must be renewed any time the system is opened to atmosphere or it absorbs moisture and takes the new compressor with it, and skipping it is the documented cause of repeat failures. Use new lubricated O-rings on every line fitting, pull a deep vacuum to verify the system holds, then recharge with R-134a and PAG 46 oil. If the compressor has already failed catastrophically the lines and expansion valve must be flushed of debris or the replacement will fail too.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $900

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2002-2006 Acura RSX, the signature RSX rust location is the rear wheel arch where the quarter panel meets the rear bumper cover. The bumper mounting tab creates a small shelf behind the cover that traps mud, salt and moisture against bare metal, and corrosion perforates outward from the seam. Owners in salt states document it consistently enough that it is a standard pre-purchase inspection point on the DC5. A contributing design fault the community identified: Acura fitted an inner fender liner only to the LEFT rear (to protect the fuel lines) and never made one for the right rear, so the right rear arch is typically the worse side. Rockers and the rear subframe braces corrode on the same cars - forum posts document rear subframe braces rusted nearly through.

Common Symptoms

  • Bubbling paint at the rear wheel arch where it meets the bumper cover
  • Perforated metal behind the rear bumper cover mounting tab
  • Flaking scale on the rocker panels
  • Corroded or rusted-through rear subframe braces
  • Rust worse on the right rear than the left

How to Fix

Catch it early: pull the rear bumper cover, clear the packed debris off the mounting tab shelf, treat and seal the seam, and apply cavity wax. Once metal is perforated the repair is cut-and-weld - a body shop patch of one rear arch is commonly quoted around $1,200, and full quarter panel replacement is a documented DIY on the community. Add an aftermarket right rear inner fender liner as prevention. On any RSX being bought, put it on a lift and probe the rear arches, rockers and the rear subframe braces for scale - the braces are structural and a rusted-through brace is a walk-away.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $3,000

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2002-2006 Acura RSX, the DC5's rear multilink suspension carries pressed-in rubber bushings in the trailing arm and rear knuckle that perish with age, and the RSX has the additional problem that Honda sells no service bushing for the trailing arm - only the complete arm with bushing already installed - so a worn bushing turns into an expensive OEM part or an aftermarket press-in solution. Worn bushings show as clunking over bumps, a loose or wandering rear end, rear-end steer under braking, and alignment that will not hold a rear toe setting so the inner edges of the rear tires wear out. Separately and more seriously, on salt-belt cars the rear control arm mounting point - a welded-in threaded tube in the frame rail - corrodes at the outer panel, and forum inspections document rear subframe braces rusted nearly through at the same time.

Common Symptoms

  • Clunk or knock from the rear over bumps and expansion joints
  • Rear end feels loose or wanders under braking
  • Rear alignment will not hold toe
  • Inner-edge wear on rear tires
  • Visible cracked or collapsed rear bushing rubber
  • Rust scale around the rear control arm mounting point

How to Fix

Inspect with the rear wheels loaded and pry-test each rear bushing; a rear alignment that will not hold toe is the reliable tell. Options are a complete OEM trailing arm assembly, or press-in aftermarket bushings - Energy Suspension polyurethane (part 16.3117G) and Hardrace both make trailing arm bushings for the 02-06 RSX, with poly trading some harshness for durability. Always follow bushing work with a four-wheel alignment. On any car from a salt state, probe the rear control arm mount tube and the rear subframe braces before spending money on bushings: surface scale on the outer panel with a sound inner tube is repairable, but a perforated mount or a brace rusted through is structural and must be welded.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $1,200

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2002-2006 Acura RSX, the RSX moonroof is designed to admit some water into its tray, which is why it has four drain tubes - one at each corner, the fronts routed down the A-pillars and the rears behind the C-pillar trim. On these cars the tubes silt up with pollen, leaf debris and dirt, the tray overflows, and water runs into the cabin. It shows first as brown stains spreading on the headliner around the moonroof opening, then as wet front or rear carpet, a musty smell and fogging windows. Because the drains exit near wiring and the rear tubes run down into the quarter area, prolonged neglect also produces damp trunk-area carpet and corroded connectors. A wet headliner around the moonroof is a standard used-RSX inspection point.

Common Symptoms

  • Brown water stains spreading on the headliner around the moonroof
  • Wet or damp front footwell or rear carpet
  • Musty or mildew smell in the cabin
  • Windows fogging persistently
  • Dripping from the A-pillar trim when cornering after rain

How to Fix

Clear the drains before assuming a seal has failed. Open the moonroof, find the drain openings at the front and rear corners of the tray, and gently feed a length of trimmer line or a straightened coat hanger down each tube - a documented ClubRSX method - then flush each with warm water and confirm it runs out under the car. Do not use compressed air at high pressure, which pops the tubes off their nipples inside the pillar. Clean the tray and check the moonroof seal afterward. If water still enters with clear drains, the tube has detached from its fitting behind the trim, which requires pulling the A-pillar or C-pillar panel. Dry the carpet and underlay fully to prevent mold and connector corrosion.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $400

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2002-2006 Acura RSX, a loud whine or groan from the power steering system, worst on cold start and when the wheel is turned toward lock, is one of the most reported RSX noises. In the majority of documented cases the pump itself is NOT the failed part: the small rubber O-ring sealing the low-pressure inlet hose at the pump hardens and shrinks with age and heat, letting the pump draw air into the fluid. The aerated fluid whines, foams in the reservoir and can appear as a milky fluid level that seems to drop. Because a whine is easy to misattribute, owners frequently replace the pump first and still have the noise - forum threads document exactly that sequence, with alternator bearings and the belt tensioner as the other two common misdiagnoses.

Common Symptoms

  • Whine or groan from engine bay that rises with steering effort
  • Noise loudest on cold start and fades as the car warms
  • Foamy or aerated power steering fluid in the reservoir
  • Fluid level appears to drop with no visible external leak
  • Heavier steering effort at parking speeds

How to Fix

Before condemning the pump, replace the power steering pump inlet and outlet O-rings and the reservoir cap, then flush the system with fresh genuine Honda PSF and bleed it by turning lock to lock with the front wheels off the ground. Parts for the whole job run about $20-40 and this fixes the noise in most cases. Check the reservoir screen for sludge at the same time. Only if the whine persists on clean fluid with no air is the pump itself the culprit. Do not use generic ATF or universal power steering fluid - Honda's system is sensitive to it and non-Honda fluid is itself a documented cause of pump noise.

Typical repair cost:$25 - $600

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2002-2006 Acura RSX, window regulator failure is among the most frequently reported RSX electrical complaints, and the community has identified a design contributor: the frameless door glass and the RSX's door ventilation path draw a large amount of airflow and dirt into the door, which packs the window track. The resulting drag makes the regulator's plastic guides and cable wear and lets the auto-up pinch-protection circuit read the friction as an obstruction, so the window stops halfway and reverses. Failures range from window falling into the door and refusing to move at all (documented as early as ~15,000 miles on the driver's door of an '03) to auto-up/auto-down function dying while manual operation still works. Tinted cars are noticeably worse because the film adds drag in the track.

Common Symptoms

  • Window goes down halfway then will not go up or down
  • Window falls into the door
  • Motor audible but glass does not move
  • Auto-up/auto-down stops working while manual still functions
  • Grinding or clicking from inside the door on operation
  • Window moves slowly or crooked in the track

How to Fix

Diagnose before buying parts - check the fuse and the master switch first, then determine whether the motor runs. If the motor hums but the glass does not move, the regulator cable or guide has broken and the regulator assembly must be replaced. If the window merely binds or stops partway, clean the window track thoroughly and lubricate the run channels with silicone; owners report this alone restores normal operation on many cars. After any regulator or battery work the auto-up/auto-down function must be re-initialized by holding the switch at full up for a couple of seconds. Preventively, keep the tracks clean and avoid running dirty windows in and out.

Typical repair cost:$20 - $450

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Campaign #06E06400017/07/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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."

Campaign #06E02300013/03/2006

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

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.

Campaign #13V24600013/06/2013

+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

get a full repair guide

What is the 2002-2006 Acura RSX 3rd Gear Synchro Grind on Manual Transmission?

The RSX 6-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions are notorious for 3rd gear synchronizer wear, causing a grinding or crunching sensation when shifting into 3rd gear during spirited driving. The brass synchro ring wears prematurely, especially on Type-S models driven aggressively… Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2006 Acura RSX AC Compressor Clutch Bearing Failure?

The RSX AC compressor clutch bearing fails prematurely, typically at 80,000-100,000 miles. The bearing seizes and causes the serpentine belt to squeal or smoke, and the AC stops blowing cold. The same Keihin compressor design is shared with the Civic and other Honda models of the… Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2006 Acura RSX Rear Quarter Panel and Wheel Arch Rust at the Bumper Seam?

The signature RSX rust location is the rear wheel arch where the quarter panel meets the rear bumper cover. The bumper mounting tab creates a small shelf behind the cover that traps mud, salt and moisture against bare metal, and corrosion perforates outward from the seam. Owners… Repairs typically run $150-$3,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2006 Acura RSX Engine and Transmission Mount Deterioration - Passenger Hydraulic Mount and Rear Mount?

The RSX uses four mounts: a passenger-side fluid-filled hydraulic mount, a driver-side transmission mount, a front torque rod and a rear mount. The passenger-side hydraulic mount is the most common failure point on 2002-2006 cars - the rubber tears and the fluid leaks out, after… Repairs typically run $200-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2006 Acura RSX A/C Condenser Corrosion and Stone-Strike Leaks Causing Refrigerant Loss?

The RSX condenser sits low and unprotected in the nose and is a well-documented leak point on 2002-2006 cars. Failures are of two kinds: corrosion of the thin aluminum tubes and fins from road salt and trapped debris, and physical puncture from road stones. Either lets the R-134a… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2006 Acura RSX Clutch Master Cylinder Internal Failure - Squeaking Pedal, Soft Engagement, Fluid Loss?

The DC5 clutch master cylinder is a documented weak point on manual RSX cars, and the enthusiast community has traced why: compared with the Civic unit the RSX master cylinder is missing an internal triangular reinforcement, which is believed to be behind its early failure. Sympt… Repairs typically run $70-$450. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2006 Acura RSX Rear Trailing Arm and Knuckle Bushing Wear with Rear Control Arm Mount Corrosion?

The DC5's rear multilink suspension carries pressed-in rubber bushings in the trailing arm and rear knuckle that perish with age, and the RSX has the additional problem that Honda sells no service bushing for the trailing arm - only the complete arm with bushing already installed… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2006 Acura RSX VTC Actuator Cold-Start Rattle (Loud 1-2 Second Rattle on First Start of the Day)?

K-series engines including those in the RSX develop a loud metallic rattle for roughly one to two seconds on the first cold start of the day. The cause is wear inside the variable timing control (VTC) actuator on the intake cam sprocket: the internal locking pin that is supposed… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2006 Acura RSX Moonroof Drain Tube Clogging Causing Headliner Stains and Wet Interior Carpet?

The RSX moonroof is designed to admit some water into its tray, which is why it has four drain tubes - one at each corner, the fronts routed down the A-pillars and the rears behind the C-pillar trim. On these cars the tubes silt up with pollen, leaf debris and dirt, the tray over… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: low.

What is the 2002-2006 Acura RSX Power Steering Whine from Hardened Pump Inlet O-Ring Drawing Air?

A loud whine or groan from the power steering system, worst on cold start and when the wheel is turned toward lock, is one of the most reported RSX noises. In the majority of documented cases the pump itself is NOT the failed part: the small rubber O-ring sealing the low-pressure… Repairs typically run $25-$600. Severity: low.

What is the 2002-2006 Acura RSX Power Window Regulator and Motor Failure - Window Jams Halfway or Stops Working?

Window regulator failure is among the most frequently reported RSX electrical complaints, and the community has identified a design contributor: the frameless door glass and the RSX's door ventilation path draw a large amount of airflow and dirt into the door, which packs the win… Repairs typically run $20-$450. Severity: low.