Install Chrome Extension Chrome Extension
Acura · Sports Car · 2002–2006 Custom Search

Acura RSX DC5

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

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

The K20A2 revs to 8,100 rpm, VTEC switches personality at 5,800. NA benchmark for FWD cars. 2nd gear synchro is the known weak point — gearbox otherwise bulletproof.

  • !! Manual Transmission: 2nd Gear Synchro Wear from 120,000 km

    2nd gear synchro rings wear prematurely, causing grinding especially when cold. Common even in normal use.

    Symptoms: Grinding when shifting into 2nd, worse when cold, pops out of gear at speed
    800–2,000 $
    Ad 2nd gear synchro ring RSX DC5S4C transmission rebuild RSX
Type S · Petrol· 196 PS
2002 2006

The K20A2 revs to 8,100 rpm, VTEC switches personality at 5,800. NA benchmark for FWD cars. 2nd gear synchro is the known weak point — gearbox otherwise bulletproof.

  • !! Manual Transmission: 2nd Gear Synchro Wear from 120,000 km

    2nd gear synchro rings wear prematurely, causing grinding especially when cold. Common even in normal use.

    Symptoms: Grinding when shifting into 2nd, worse when cold, pops out of gear at speed
    800–2,000 $
    Ad 2nd gear synchro ring RSX DC5S4C transmission rebuild RSX

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
!3rd gear grinds and locks out

Third gear grinds especially when cold. Same synchro issue as 2nd gear. Carbon synchros as permanent fix.

Symptoms: Grinding to 3rd gear, occasional lockout, worse in cold
from 100,000 km
Ad synchro ring RSX Type-S
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
195 complaints · 2002–2006
  1. 01 Powertrain
    51 ⚠ 1
  2. 02 Airbags
    34 ⚠ 16
  3. 03 Engine & Cooling
    27
  4. 04 Suspension
    21 ⚠ 1
  5. 05 Lighting
    12

Top Reported Issues

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

Alternatives

Same Segment

Honda S2000 AP2

Sports Car (2004–2009)

Same Segment

Porsche 911 997

Sports Car (2004–2012)

Same Segment

Subaru STI GD

Sports Car (2004–2007)

Same Segment

Alfa Romeo GT 937C

Sports Car (2003–2010)

Same Segment

Hyundai Tiburon GK

Sports Car (2003–2008)

Same Segment

Mazda RX-8 SE3P

Sports Car (2003–2012)

Explore more

All Acura models
Honda S2000 AP2 Sports Car (2004–2009)
Porsche 911 997 Sports Car (2004–2012)
Subaru STI GD Sports Car (2004–2007)
Alfa Romeo GT 937C Sports Car (2003–2010)
Hyundai Tiburon GK Sports Car (2003–2008)
Mazda RX-8 SE3P Sports Car (2003–2012)
Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 5 weaknesses have been documented for the Acura RSX DC5 (2002–2006) — 1 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, HVAC.

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 4 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: "Legendary!". {description} K20A2 has two personalities: below VTEC adequate, above it screams to 8,100 rpm. Rear double-wishbone, unusually good for FWD. Drive this in its element and you'll understand why prices are rising.
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