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2003 Acura RSX problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Acura RSX is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 10,600 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical RSX model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
73/100
Owner complaints
25
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
71
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
24-26mpg

The worst 2003 Acura RSX problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    8
  • Airbags
    7
  • Engine
    5
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Brakes
    3
  • Electrical
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Acura RSX

Grinding brakes 9

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Acura RSX 71

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 71 bulletins for the 2003 Acura RSX

2003 Acura RSX fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD21-2428-3024-26

What 2003 Acura RSX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 22, 2018 · Airbags · NY

The SRS light just turned on in my vehicle. There was a recall for this same problem sometime in 2012 or 2013.

Filed Apr 18, 2018 · Airbags · IL

2003 acura rsx. Consumer writes in regards to takata airbag safety recall. *ld consumer sent additional correspondence. *ld

Filed Feb 5, 2014 · Acceleration · 139,000 miles · CA

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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

Filed Jan 7, 2014 · Transmission · 178,000 miles · WA

When trying to shift into 2nd gear it grinds and pops out. It is so bad that now it will not allow you to put it in 2nd at all. Synchros are bad...common problem with rsx. Acura should be forced to fix this issue since it is so common in these vehicles.

Filed May 25, 2011 · Engine, Transmission · 70,000 miles · NC

The mechanics at acura found galling on one or more cam shaft lobes in my engine. The symptoms of this problem are loss of engine power and a noticeable, louder than normal, clicking/tapping noise from the valve cover area. This is a significant issue that has caused me great concern. Galling is a condition whereby excessive friction between high spots results in localized welding with subsequent splitting and a further roughening of rubbing surfaces of one or both of two mating parts. With respect to my camshaft, it should have a mirror-like surface to prevent friction during normal operation, but instead it appears pitted and is subsequently affecting my car's performance and safety. Additionally, due to the location of this problem and its subtle symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose/find without physically removing the engine's valve cover and inspecting the camshaft lobes; it could very well exist for tens of thousands of miles undetected. In my communications through several honda dedicated enthusiast websites, I have found that many other people worldwide have experienced the same problem with the early k-series engines. I have heard/read rumors that this is a result of poor casting and improper heat treating in the manufacturing process. The mechanic at acura even stated could be due to improper heat treatment, which leads me to believe they are aware of this problem, yet it goes undetected and unannounced at our expense. Obviously, I am concerned for my safety as well as the safety of my passengers. I take great pride in my car as well as the honda/acura name written upon it and I would not be very helpful if I did not bring this issue to your immediate attention.

Filed Mar 6, 2010 · Airbags · 82,000 miles · CA · crash · 4 injuries

My teenage son was driving his 2003 acura rsx-s on highway i60 in southern california. His car was hit in the left rear which pushed him in the tail of a big rig. His car then flew off the freeway and off a cliff, approx 80-90 feet down. Car rolled over estimated a 7-8 times. Neither of the two front or two side airbags deployed. There were 4 passengers including the driver. All wearing seatbelts. 1 serious and 3 minor injuries. Car completely totalled. No drugs or alcohol involved.

Filed Mar 1, 2010 · Acceleration, Engine · 86,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 acura rsx with a 4-cylinder, 2.0 liter engine. While driving at speeds of 65 MPH, there was a tapping noise coming from under the hood. The vehicle then stalled without warning and shortly after, he was able to restart the vehicle. Once the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle abnormally accelerated and increased in engine rpms of 9,000. He was able to put the vehicle into neutral and maneuver off the highway. The engine then blew itself and made a loud popping noise. He was unable to restart the vehicle at that point. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they performed a diagnostic and determined the failure to be driver error. The engine was replaced at the owner's expense. The failure and current mileages were approximately 86,000.

Filed Aug 6, 2009 · Airbags · 80,000 miles · MO

Srs light on my 2003 acura rsx, car only has 80,000 miles. Dealer (st louis acura) says that it is not covered under the federal safety agency # because it is a different part. Although this part (SRS unit) works with the opds they say it is not covered. As of right now they do not wish to take any action on this and if I wish to not "die" to pay 1240 dollars and have them replace this part.

Filed Oct 17, 2007 · Acceleration · NV

2003 acura rsx. Accelerates for no reason, without pushing on the throttle pedal. This usually occurs after the vehicle has first started, and about 30-60 seconds after starting. This is an on-going problem for the past 10 months.

Filed Jun 4, 2007 · Airbags · 65,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 acura rsx. She stated that the airbag SRS light remains illuminated at all times. The SRS light was inspected and reset however, the problem continued to occur. The contact also stated that the opds unit needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 80,000. The VIN and engine size was unavailable. Returned usps, 2nd attempt made 07/06/07 failed . *lj 10/17/07.

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Questions about the 2003 Acura RSX

Is the 2003 Acura RSX reliable?

Owners have filed 25 complaints about the 2003 Acura RSX, close to a typical RSX model year.

What is the 2003 Acura RSX year score?

The 2003 Acura RSX scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Acura RSX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Acura RSX?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 8 complaints, typically around 10,600 miles. Next is airbags (7).

How many recalls does the 2003 Acura RSX have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Acura RSX get?

Official estimates for the 2003 Acura RSX range from 24 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-24 city and 28-30 highway.

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