2005 Acura RSX: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 32 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (41% of complaints); the 2004 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I bought a vehicle last year and never ran the carfax but now I have it and it appears the mileage has been tampered with”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2020
“The car failed to stop for an intersection. Luckily there was no cross traffic, so we did not have an accident. Mechanic diagnosed the problem: power brake booster failed to keep vacuum, making brakes weak. I see that this exact failure was recalled for the next model year (2006). Both model year cars use the same booster, so it is likely the same cause and same risk to all 2005 acura rsx models. I feel this should be recalled to make sure no-one has an accident due to weak brakes, especially where the problem was identified for the same model car one year later, that uses the same part.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2016
“Takata recall my airbag light keeps on coming on for many years. The acura dealer does not know the issue and will not repair the airbags until there is a recall of the airbags. The light has come on probably once per year (I've owned the car for 7 years).”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“My airbag light came on for no reason - I had a mechanic reset it but it came back on few days later. I read on the internet that honda is recalling hondas & acuras for this type of problem , is this one of them ? Am I expecting a recall letter from honda in the mail soon ? Regards *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2014
“I have 2005 rsx type s, and within past 2.5 years I had circuitry related to the airbags passenger and driver failed. At 64,000 miles passenger detection sensor in the seat failed and was replaced when srs light came on, at 87,584 miles airbag control unit failed and airbag not functioning light came on. I would like to know if this is just my car happen to have bad airbag circuitry or it is an ongoing issue that acura does not want to address. I checked multiple boards of rsx owners like www.clubrsx.com and see many of them have similar problems. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2010
“The issue I am having is not a one time problem but seems to be ongoing in the winter months. When it gets cold outside, the windows of my car, including front and back windshields, fog and ice up significantly. I have the defroster going at full blast on highest heat, but I still have this issue. The safety issue with this is that I cannot see out of my windows when I need to change lanes or look for oncoming traffic when making a right/left turn. I need to roll down my windows to ensure that traffic is clear. I wasn't sure if this is the type of complaint that should be submitted but I thought it was better to submit, than not. Thank you. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · Dec 2009
“Transmission grinds when shifting into 3rd gear, pops out of 3rd gear, or is hard to shift into 3rd gear. These symptoms can be intermittent andsometimes more noticeable in colder climates. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2008
“Tire blew out while driving approximately 55 mph on highway resulting in loss of control of vehicle, and a crash. The crash caused major front bumper damage and damaged the wheel of the blown out tire to the point where it needed to be replaced. Furthermore, the check engine light came on, which was diagnosed by the dealership as an over rev code, presumably at the point after which the tire blew out. *nm”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2006
“I bought an 05' rsx and have had nothing but problems. The car sounds like a rattling cab, has a terrible suspension and makes a clunking noise that the dealership has been unable to fix since I got the car almost a year ago. They have been nothing but rude and condescending, and are obviously not capable of selling a car that is functional, nor fixing it correctly. I wish I never bought it. *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2006
“Loud clunking noise coming from right front of vehicle. Possibly struts. Sounds happen at slow speeds, I.e. Parking lots, backing up. *nm”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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."
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.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2005 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact RSX by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Acura RSX reliable?
NHTSA has 32 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Acura RSX. The most complained-about area is suspension (41% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Acura RSX problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 49,100 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Acura RSX have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.