2002 Acura RSX from North America - Comments

My car smells like rotten eggs. I assumed it was the catalytic converter, but they checked it and said it was fine.

I contacted the Service Dept and Acura and they said it was normal.

Your RSX is running rich (too much fuel, too little air). Take your car to another dealer for service.

Change brand of gas some have more sulfur in than others.

I have a 2003 Acura RSX base type and I notice the same pungent odor from the exhaust. Did anyone have any luck with seeing a dealer or changing fuel brand?

I am having the same problem also when two of my other friends RSX's smell just fine. We all use 91 octane gas from chevron and mine is the only one that smells bad. I don't know why either? My dealer told me it was the catalytic converter, but I just don't know.

As some of you may know the rotten eggs smell is probably coming from the formation of H2S (hydrogen sulfide). This smell is usually formed in the catalytic converter and is detectable at very low concentrations. I think this is caused by having a hot catalytic converter, sulfur in the fuel and a rich fuel-air ratio. The sulfur in gasoline is highly regulated in North America, but regulations may vary by location. All gasoline contains some sulfur.

From reading other treads, this problem is common with some Honda/Toyota engines, but goes away over time (after a few weeks). If you are unsure ask your mechanic, but I would wait and see if the problem goes away before doing a major repair. Especially on a new car.

I am thinking of buying an RSX, appreciate your comments before I buy.

Don't buy an rsx esp type s biggest mistake of my life too many problems and hard to upgrade parts.

Upgrade parts?

I was looking to purchase a used RSX and I do understand that with any used car, if you put about a grand in to it, It sould be fine. I was thinking what ever little flaws it may have,I can handle it. I hope this will be a alright car for me, as long as the handling holds up and the gas is as good as a 1993 thunderbird. I had the Bmw, Saab etc, this will be the first time I will get in to a acura. It seems the major complaints are the headlights going out with bulb issues and the rotten egg smell. I can handle that petty stuff, but the one comment of the car having a hard time starting in the winter scares me a bit.. Louis at 1nnovative@myway.com.

Don't listen to the people complaining about the car, they are just nit pickers. The car is awesome, I just sold my 02 RSX cause my family got bigger, I am now in the market for an RDX. Very low maintenance, unlike BMW 3 Series, which are designed so delicate one missed oil change and it's goodbye head gasket.