Acura RSX problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The 2002–2006 Acura RSX has a short recall history. The only campaign in the DOT recall data naming the RSX is 13V246, which covers 2006 models whose brake booster may lose vacuum and cut brake assist. RSX coupes are not listed in the Takata air bag recalls. Run any RSX VIN through NHTSA’s lookup to confirm.

CarWhere lists 1 documented RSX issues, including 1 NHTSA safety recall, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

RSX generations at a glance

Acura RSX generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
1st gen2002–2006Brake booster can lose vacuum and reduce brake assist (recall 13V246)

1st gen RSX problems (2002–2006)

Brake booster can lose vacuum and reduce brake assist (recall 13V246) (2006)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2002–2006)
Years:
2006
Powertrain:
All

The brake booster on 2006 RSX models built January 18 to August 12, 2006, and on 2006–2007 Honda S2000s, may not hold vacuum when the pedal is pressed, which reduces brake assist. Dealers inspect the booster and replace it if needed. The recall covers 18,352 vehicles across both models.

Symptoms

  • Hard brake pedal
  • Longer stopping distances
  • Hissing from the brake pedal area

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 13V246 (2013-06) · 18,352 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Related RSX research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how an RSX was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Acura build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Acura build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Does the Acura RSX have any recalls?

The recall data used here lists one RSX campaign: 13V246, for 2006 RSX models built January 18 to August 12, 2006, whose brake booster may not hold vacuum. Dealers inspect and replace the booster free.

Is the RSX in the Takata air bag recall?

No 2002–2006 RSX appears in the Takata recall campaigns listed in NHTSA’s dataset. Still run the VIN, because owners can only rule out an open campaign by checking.

What engines did the RSX use?

Acura’s chronology lists a 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder with 160 hp in the base RSX and 200 hp in the Type S, with five-speed manual, five-speed automatic and six-speed manual (Type S) transmissions.

Is the RSX an Integra?

Acura counts the 2002–2006 RSX as the fourth-generation Integra; it replaced the Integra in the U.S. and dropped the sedan.

Is this the same as the new electric Acura RSX?

No. In January 2025 Acura said its next all-electric SUV would revive the RSX name. This page covers the 2002–2006 RSX coupe only.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recall 13V246000: Brake Booster may have a Vacuum Leak — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. or Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. Acura and the model names are trademarks of their owners.