NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 32 owner complaints for the 2005 Acura RSX. Most complaints involve suspension (13) and air bags (4). The EPA rates it 23–26 mpg combined.
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.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I PURCHASED A 2005 ACURA RSX TYPE-S ABOUT A YEAR AND HALF AGO AROUND 4/20/05. I DROVE IT FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS AND I STARTED HEARING A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM MY SUSPENSION, I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY INSTALLED A NEW STRUT. THE NEXT MONTH THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STRUT. THAT SAME WEEK MY CAR STARTED DRIFTING TO ONE SIDE AND MY STEERING WHEELING WASN'T ALIGNED, I BOUGHT IT BACK AND EVERYTHING WAS OKAY. THE NEXT MONTH I STILL HEARD THE SAME CLICKING NOISE BUT I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO GO TO THE DEALER. THAT SAME WEEK, I HEARD A TAPPING NOISE COMING FROM MY ENGINE, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS SO I KEPT DRIVING. NEXT DAY, IT GOT WORSE AND I KNEW THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG, I CHECKED MY OIL LEVEL ON A SLOPED HILL BUT DIDN'T REALIZE IT, AND IT DIDN'T READ PROPERLY. SO, I ADDED TWO QUARTS OF OIL TO THE ENGINE, BUT IT STILL HAD THAT SAME TAPPING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD ME I HAD DESTROYED MY ENGINE(CONNECTING RODS ARE BENT, PISTON #4 WAS DAMAGED) AND I WILL NEED A NEW ENGINE. THE WARRANTY WASN'T GOING TO COVER IT BECAUSE I ADDED EXTRA OIL. SO, I IMMEDIATELY GOT A LAWYER, BUT…”
“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).”
“The transmission it’s going bad”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSX Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| RSX Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| RSX Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $3,350 | 386 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (13), air bags (4), electrical system (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2005 Acura RSX at 23–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).