2005 Acura RSX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2005 Acura RSX has a Complaint Index of 67, ranked 2nd worst among 4 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues dominate, making up 50% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 1,050.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #2 of 4 RSX years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 32
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2005 Acura RSX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires16 (50%)
- Airbags4 (13%)
- Electrical System4 (13%)
- Other4 (13%)
- Engine2 (6%)
- HVAC2 (6%)
- Steering2 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (6%)
- Brakes1 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Front suspension makes squeaking or clunking noises that dealers sometimes could not duplicate or fully fix, even after alignment or strut replacement.
- Owners report popping or clicking noises from the front suspension when turning the wheel at low speed, sometimes tied to a defective strut or spring.
- A tire blowout at highway speed led to loss of control and a crash, along with wheel and bumper damage.
- The HVAC system emitted a toxic mildew-like odor from the vents starting on the first day of ownership, which dealers could not resolve beyond masking it.
- A 6-speed manual transmission popped out of third gear during shifting even with the clutch fully engaged.
- Headlight aim was reported to shift with vehicle loading, pointing the beam higher than intended and reducing visibility for oncoming traffic.
2005 Acura RSX recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2005 Acura RSX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other RSX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Acura RSX reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2005 RSX a Complaint Index of 67 with a Caution verdict, the second-worst of the 4 model years with data. Suspension, Wheels & Tires problems account for half of all complaints.
- What is the main problem with the 2005 Acura RSX?
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues are the top problem area, making up 50% of complaints (16 of 32), with a median failure mileage of 1,050 and 2 crashes reported.
- Does the 2005 Acura RSX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2005 RSX, compared with 2 recalls on the 2006 model year.
- How does the 2005 RSX compare to other RSX years?
- The 2005 RSX ranks 2nd worst of 4 model years with a Complaint Index of 67, behind the 2006 RSX which has an index of 100 and an Avoid verdict.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Acura RSX?
- The EPA rates the 2005 RSX at 25 mpg combined (22 city / 31 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600.