2006 Acura Rsx problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train:manual Transmission (5) · Structure (3) · Exterior Lighting (3)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Acura Rsx model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum 2013-06-13 · campaign 13V246000 · 18,352 vehicles
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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (16)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Equipment 2016-03-18 · B98015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
special tool loan program: under tools available for loan, the list has been updated.
Air Bags 2014-08-06 · DLR MSG - Acura · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Air Bags:frontal 2014-07-23 · DLR MSG - Stop S · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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
Electrical System:starter Assembly 2012-01-12 · SB-12-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) 2011-10-22 · SB-06-023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
acura: the engine coolant temperature input in misinterpreted by the ecm/pcm/ the mil comes on. *pe
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System 2011-07-22 · SB-07-019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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
Showing the 6 most recent of 16 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2025-07-03 · Seats“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. …”
2021-04-18 · Structure:body · 193,000 mi“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 clo…”
2014-03-10 · Structure · 40,000 mi“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…”
2013-08-19 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic“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…”
2013-06-01 · Structure · 60,000 mi“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…”
2013-05-03 · Structure · 88,000 mi“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 neve…”
2011-02-21 · Power Train:manual Transmission“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 pu…”
2010-06-23 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System · 73,000 mi“fans wont start while in a stop and go traffic with a/c in the off position. *tr…”
2010-05-13 · Power Train:manual Transmission · 98,000 mi“acura 2006 rsx s vehicle was bought new. we had drive train problems with this vehicle shifting into gears and popping out of third gear. repair work was done numerous times while under warranty, but the problem was never fixed. acura corporation, and the acura dealer kept claiming there was no problem with the vehicle. while operating the vehicl…”
2010-01-26 · Exterior Lighting · 3,000 mi“exterior lighting - headlights burn out regularly. acura dealer has replaced my headlight 4 times while still under warranty. i have replaced those 4 more times myself. acura denies any faulty manufacturing, but do say that this happens often as the light must vibrate and thus burn out. they also (while under warranty) attempted to blame the proble…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.