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Acura · Sports Car · 2002–2006

Acura RSX DC5

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Engine Overview

The Acura RSX DC5 is available with 2 engine variants — from 160 to 196 hp.

2.0L I4 · Petrol· 160 PS
2002 2006
Be Careful 1 weakness
Show all weaknesses →
Type S · Petrol· 196 PS
2002 2006
Be Careful 1 weakness
Show all weaknesses →

The Acura 2.0L I4 (Petrol, 160 PS) has the K20 (2.0L I4) — rated: "Be Careful", 1 known weaknesses.

The Acura Type S (Petrol, 196 PS) has the K20 (2.0L I4) — rated: "Be Careful", 1 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Manual Transmission: 2nd Gear Synchro Wear

Same issue as engine-level — 2nd gear synchro rings wear prematurely. Type S with spirited driving especially affected.

Symptoms: Grinding when shifting into 2nd, worse when gearbox is cold, pops out of gear under acceleration
from 120,000 km
Ad 2nd gear synchro ring RSX Type SY2M3 transmission RSX DC5
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
195 complaints · 2002–2006
Powertrain
51 ⚠ 1
Airbags
34 ⚠ 16
Engine & Cooling
27
Suspension
21 ⚠ 1
Lighting
12

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain (51 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (34 complaints)
⚠ Engine & Cooling (27 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 2 weaknesses have been documented for the Acura RSX DC5 (2002–2006) — 1 engine-related and 1 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox.

RSX (K20, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: Manual Transmission: 2nd Gear Synchro Wear. Power: 160 PS.

RSX (K20, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: Manual Transmission: 2nd Gear Synchro Wear. Power: 196 PS.

What to watch out for with the Acura RSX? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Acura RSX DC5 have? +
The Acura RSX DC5 has 1 known engine weaknesses and 1 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Acura RSX DC5? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: K20 (2.0L I4). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the K20 (2.0L I4).
Which Acura RSX DC5 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Acura RSX DC5 — rated: "Decent". {description} 160 hp K20A3, auto or 5-speed manual. Nice car but the Type S is a different class. Budget option: get it, but get the manual.
Is the Acura RSX DC5 worth buying used? +
The Acura RSX DC5 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Acura RSX DC5? +
The Acura RSX DC5 is available with engine variants from 160 to 196 hp. Petrol: K20 (2.0L I4).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee