Model year guide

2003 Acura RSX

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Acura RSX is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 40 on record.

2003 Acura RSX — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Acura RSX at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints31
Combined24–26 mpg
Typical price$3,802

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2003 Acura RSX recalls 4

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E064000 · 17/07/2006

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.

Fix: 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.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E038000 · 08/05/2006

CERTAIN ALFAOTTO COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: ALFAOTTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ALFAOTTO AT 626-656-2992 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.ALFAOTTO.COM.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #06E023000 · 13/03/2006

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."

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2003 Acura RSX common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

2003 Acura RSX safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Frontal crash test — 2003 Acura RSX 2-DR. w/SABFrontal crash test
Side barrier test — 2003 Acura RSX 2-DR. w/SABSide barrier test

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2003 Acura RSX 2-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2003 Acura RSX MPG & running costs

Combined24–26 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,900
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Passenger volume81 cu ft
Cargo volume16 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,500 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2003 Acura RSX worth?

Low
$1,800
Typical price
$3,802
High
$5,600

From 37 comparable 2003 Acura RSX listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Acura RSX costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,500
Fuel only$14,500
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
172.4 in
Width
68.1 in
Height
55.1 in
Wheelbase
101.2 in
Curb weight
2,639–2,771 lb
Front track
58.3 in
Rear track
58.3 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2003 Acura RSX — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 71

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 71.

Sending vehicle data to tech line.

Bulletin BJA46167 · Equipment · Jan 2017

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

Bulletin B98015 · Equipment · Mar 2016

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.

Bulletin DLR MSG - Acura · Air Bags · Aug 2014

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-Press…

Bulletin DLR MSG - Stop S · Air Bags · Jul 2014

SEARCHING ISIS FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE INFORMATION. 1996 - 2003 MODELS. *TT UPDATED 12/12/11. *PE

Bulletin 1202 · Dec 2011

ACURA: THERE ARE GUIDELINES FOR VARIOUS SITUATIONS AND PROCEDURES INCLUDING: TIRE PRESSURE VALVE STEM INSTALLATION, TRAILER STABILITY MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ON, ENGINE OIL APPLICATION GUIDE, NEW SOFTWARE, NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID, NOTCHY STEERING FEELING. *RM

Bulletin SB-0708 · Tires · Nov 2010

ACURA: 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION GRINDS WHEN SHIFTING INTO 3RD GEAR, POPS OUT OF 3RD GEAR, OR IS HARD TO SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR. TRANSMISSION HAS A FAULTY 3RD GEAR SYNCHRONIZER OR 3-4 SHIFT SLEEVE. *PE

Bulletin 08-018 · Power Train · Jul 2008

LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY REDUCED LABEL FOR ALL ACURA VEHICLES. *PE

Bulletin 08-026 · Equipment · May 2008

WARRANTY EXTENSION: VEHICLE WARRANTY MILEAGE. *KB AFFECTS 2002 THROUGH 2006 ACURA MODELS. UPDATED 8/15/08. *PE

Bulletin 06050 · May 2008

ACURA: WARRANTY EXTENSION: VEHICLE WARRANTY MILEAGE. A FEDERAL COURT PROVIDED FINAL APPROVAL OF THE SETTLEMENT OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ALLEGING THAT THE ODOMETERS ON CERTAIN MODELS WERE OVERSTATING MILEAGE. VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS SETTLEMENT INCLUDE CERTAI…

Bulletin SB-06-050 · Electrical System, Equipment · May 2008

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RSX. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Acura RSX

The Acura RSX is an automobile nameplate used by Honda for its upmarket brand Acura. The nameplate has been used for two different car models:A rebadged Japanese market Honda Integra sold between 2001 and 2006. A cancelled battery electric coupe SUV that was slated for production in 2026.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2003 Acura RSX trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Type-S
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 160 hp · 2.0L 4-cyl 200 hp

2003 Acura RSX vehicles on record

2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX Type-SJH4DC53043C007052 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC54843C020047 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC54863C003914 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX Type-SJH4DC53073C007501 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC54823C801634 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX Type-SJH4DC53053S002688 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC54853C016928 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC54823C011055 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC54883C004207 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC54803C007442 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC54803S003459 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX Type-SJH4DC53023C007566 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC53803S001700 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC53803S002524 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC53863C011237 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC54863C009700 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX Type-SJH4DC530X3S001326 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX Type-SJH4DC53093S002242 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC53893C012706 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX Type-SJH4DC53073C002492 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC53893C011443 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX Type-SJH4DC53063C001656 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC54863C006215 2003 Acura RSX 2003 Acura RSX BaseJH4DC54883C021217

Other Acura RSX model years

2006 2005 2004 2002

2003 Acura RSX — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Acura RSX have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2003 Acura RSX. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Acura RSX?

Across all 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, power train, engine and engine cooling.

What is the 2003 Acura RSX safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2003 Acura RSX crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Acura RSX get?

The 2003 Acura RSX has U.S. EPA estimates of 24–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

How much is a 2003 Acura RSX worth?

Comparable 2003 Acura RSX listings run roughly $1,800–$5,600, typically around $3,802 (from 37 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.