RoadVitals

2006 Acura RSX

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
24
Latest Jul 3, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jun 13, 2013
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 24 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Acura RSX, most frequently naming the exterior lighting, transmission and suspension categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 16 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Exterior lighting517.9%
  • Transmission517.9%
  • Suspension517.9%
  • Body & structure414.3%
  • Brakes310.7%
  • Airbags27.1%
  • Interior & seats13.6%
  • Other / unspecified13.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
13V246000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Jun 13, 2013
18,352 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: With reduced braking assistance, the vehicle may require additional brake pedal force to prevent a lengthened stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster assembly. If necessary, the dealers will replace the booster assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's recall number is JA4. Acura's recall number is JA5.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number JA4, JA5View on NHTSA.gov
06V270000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Jul 26, 2006
1,190,000 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.
The risk: THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.
The remedy: HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009, ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 OR HONDA MOTORCYCLES AT 1-866-784-1870.
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 24
Interior & seats
Filed Jul 3, 2025

Excessive wear on front seats recliner brace/bar. This causes unintended excessive movement/rocking (back & forth) in the seats which could create a safety hazard.

NHTSA ID
11671052
Incident
Jan 8, 2025
Body & structure
Filed Apr 18, 2021

THE HOOD LATCH IS SEPARATING FROM THE THE BRACKET ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THIS OCCURRED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SECURE THE HOOD CLOSED WHILE PARKED. THE LATCH NO LONGER ALIGNS CORRECTLY WITH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE HAS 193000 MILES. IT APPEARS THE METAL BRACKET IS OF INSUFFICIENT DESIGN STRENGTH. THE SAFETY LATCH WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HOLD THE HOOD CLOSED IF THE THERE IS VIBRATION AT HIGH SPEEDS. OTHER OWNERS REPORT FAILURES WHERE THE LATCH BREAKS LOOSE. SOME OWNERS ATTEMPT REPAIRS WITH EPOXY THAT DO NOT LAST. ALL VEHICLES OF THIS MODEL SHOULD BE INSPECTED AND THE BRACKET REPLACED TO AVOID ACCIDENTS.

NHTSA ID
11408675
Incident
Apr 18, 2021
Mileage
193,000 mi
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Mar 10, 2014

THERE IS WATER AND CONDENSATION BUILD UP INSIDE THE TAIL LIGHTS. I HAVE REPLACED THEM A FEW TIMES AND STILL HAVE ISSUES. THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS ELECTRICAL HAZARD AND I'VE READ MANY FORUMS OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I FEEL ACURA SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10568220
Incident
Mar 16, 2010
Mileage
40,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 19, 2013

2006 ACURA RSX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VACUUM LEAK WITHIN BRAKE BOOSTER RECALL NOTICE AND UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM DEALERSHIP. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS AN INCONVENIENCE TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK DONE ON A WEEKDAY. SHE WAS INFORMED INSPECTIONS AND REPAIRS WERE NOT PERFORMED ON SATURDAY'S

NHTSA ID
10535603
Incident
Aug 1, 2013
Body & structureExterior lighting
Filed Jun 1, 2013

ACURA RSX 2002 TO 2006 OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED A FLOOD IN THEIR REAR TIRE WELL, CAUSING TAIL LIGHTS, IN SOME TO RUST OUT. THIS COULD CAUSE A SAFETY ISSUE, PARTICULARLY WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT AND YOUR TAIL LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS ISSUE, YET THE BLOGS ON ACURA RSX WEB SITE ARE HUGE! IT'S AN EXPENSIVE FIX AND NOT ALWAYS COVERED BY WARRANTIES. MY CAR JACK IS RUSTED OUT AND THE SPARE TIRE WON'T COME OUT DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. *TR

NHTSA ID
10514596
Incident
Jul 2, 2012
Mileage
60,000 mi
Body & structureExterior lighting
Filed May 3, 2013

WATER LEAKS IN TO THE TRUNK (WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IS KEPT).IT PUDDLES AND CAUSES RUST AND MOLD. IT CAUSES ASTHMA EXACERBATION AND RESPITORY ILLNESS. DUE TO THE WATER, THE TAIL LIGHTS GET FOGGED UP AND IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE BRAKE LIGHTS. IT ALSO FOGS UP THE INSIDE OF THE CAR AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT OF THE CAR . THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN A REAR END COLLISION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10510466
Incident
May 2, 2013
Mileage
88,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Feb 21, 2011

WHEN SHIFTING TO 3RD GEAR FROM 2ND OR 4TH IN MY 2006 RSX TYPE S, THE GEAR WILL GRIND, EXTRA FORCE WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUCCESSFULLY SHIFT, OR THE SHIFTER WILL POP OUT INTO NEUTRAL. THE APPROXIMATE INCIDENT DATE IS THE LATEST DAY THAT THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW IN DECEMBER 2005; THE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR. AFTER BRINGING IT INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED, NO ISSUES WERE FOUND. MULTIPLE DRIVERS OF THE CAR HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS. THE PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THE CAR IS COLD OR WARM, AND IN VARIOUS TYPES OF WEATHER. AFTER OVER 85,000 MILES DRIVEN, THE PROBLEM HAS NOT GOTTEN WORSE OR BETTER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10383913
Incident
Feb 20, 2011
Engine
Filed Jun 23, 2010

FANS WONT START WHILE IN A STOP AND GO TRAFFIC WITH A/C IN THE OFF POSITION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10339781
Incident
Jun 23, 2006
Mileage
73,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B98015

EQUIPMENT

Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.

DLR MSG - Acura

AIR BAGS

Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of August 4, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and VIN status inquiry has been updated.

DLR MSG - Stop S

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of July 23, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and service bulletins 14-023, Safety Recall: Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflator Can Be Over-Pressurized, 14-029, Recall: Front Driver?s Airbag Inflator May Produce Excessive Pressure After Long-Term Exposure to High Absolute Humidity Recall, and 14-030, Recall: Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflator May Produce Excessive Pressure After Long-Term Exposure to High Absolute Humidity have been posted to ISIS. However, due to the large number of affected units, Acura is still in the process of populating the VIN status inquiry function on iN, which is expected to take several days. When this process is complete, Acura will notify all dealers again via iN message. Until that time, the existing acknowledgement procedure must be used for all potentially affected vehicles.

SB-12-001

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

ACURA: UPDATE ON SOME MODEL VEHICLES REGARDING TESTING OF ALTERNATORS WITH THE GR8 ALTERNATOR/STARTER TESTER (AST) MODULE THAT IS INSTALLED ON GR8 DIAGNOSTIC BATTERY STATION. *PE

SB-06-023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

ACURA: THE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE INPUT IN MISINTERPRETED BY THE ECM/PCM/ THE MIL COMES ON. *PE

SB-07-019

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

HONDA ACURA: 2005-2006 RSX. THE MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ON WITH A TROUBLE CODE STORED DUE TO THE AIR/FUEL SENSOR DAMAGED BY MOISTURE IN THE EXHAUST. *RM

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Acura RSX by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2008100—
2007100—
2006Viewing242049.1
2005322046.2
2004174058.4
2003254050.2
2002764057.9
2001200—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.