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DC5 · Coupe

2002 Acura RSX

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2002 Acura RSX.

Safety record

Recalls on the 2002 Acura RSX

Recall·09E012000

Exterior lighting

THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.

Recall·06E038000

Exterior lighting

CERTAIN ALFAOTTO COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.

Recall·06E064000

Exterior lighting

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.

1 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 93 owners reported

Power train27
Engine and engine cooling20
Air bags12
Service brakes5

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

2002 Acura RSX at a glance

Trims
BaseType-S
Engine
2.0L 4-Cylinder
Transmission
Manual 5-spd, Automatic 5-spd, Manual 6-spd
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Coupe
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2002 Acura RSX?

Owners have filed 93 complaints about the 2002 Acura RSX with NHTSA, most often about the power train. There are 4 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 2002 Acura RSX reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 4 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2002 Acura RSX?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2002 Acura RSX listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.