2003 Acura RSX Type S from North America - Comments

Driver side window is malfunctioning. Gear shift top was scratched.

Headliner was stained.

Car pulls very hard to the right when braking... dangerous.

Seats uncomfortable on trips over an hour.

Paint quality is questionable, clear coat scratches very easily.

Car has decent acceleration, but lacks low end power. Need to get high revs to get it to go... and I have the Type S.

Gauges look very nice at night.

Fit and finish is not what I would expect from Acura, have had too many problems with the car.

Car has braking problem or tire problems. When braking at low speeds, it grabs the grooves in the road and pulls hard to the right.

I have thought about selling the car... very disappointed.

The problems you seem to have had would lead me to believe that the car was used or perhaps a dealer demo model. A new RSX Type-S shouldn't have exhibited any of the problems you have mentioned. Have you taken the car to the dealer to address these issues? My car was in excellent condition and the performance and fit and finish are unmatched in this price range. I am sad to hear your disappointment with the car, it really is an unbelievable machine. I would definitely take the vehicle back to the dealer so that each issue can be taken care of. If the car is brand new with those problems, I would consider asking the dealer to replace the car.

In response to the comment... my car was purchased brand new with few miles. I have another appointment with the dealer this coming week to fix a couple things and to discuss about the brakes. Also I have sent correspondence to Acura direct with very poor results... only a form letter response.. that thanks me for contacting them and they are sorry to hear about my problems... but nothing else.

Very sorry to hear of your difficulties and Acura's lack of response. However, other readers should note my experience is polar opposite. My wife's 2003 RSX Type S is the only vehicle we have ever purchased without a single mechanical or fit & finish defect @ delivery. (Contrast that with the 13 defects @ delivery in my vastly more expensive BMW 325.)

However, the dealer experience (both purchasing the vehicle and service) is well short of "premier" brand competition.

Ray.

I just recently bought a 2003 Acura RSX Premium model. So far my door panel rattles and there is a rattling somewhere in the dashboard. Has anyone has those problems?

I've had my RSX Type-S since August and so far I've had no problems. My previous vehicle was a 99 Ford Mustang and in my opinion the quality of the RSX is much better. However I have noticed a few rattles and in the dash board, but I have yet to contact the dealership about it.

Yes, my car has several rattles coming from the dash. I think I have traced it to the radio plate.. but not too sure.

I bought my RSX in Aug, 2003. The brakes began to rust within the first week. When making U turn, or turning the steering wheel all the way, the engine shuts off; don't get it confused with stalling. When I brake, there are clanking sounds. For an Acura, I am disappointed.

I leased a 2002 RSX as soon as I could get my hands on one. I loved the car for about 6 months. Now, after two years I cannot wait to get rid of it. My leather seats are cracking & falling apart. (The car has never been parked in the sun.) My dash has more rattles than the 1973 Volkswagen Beetle I drove in high school and this car dents so easily! Don't apply too much pressure when waxing or you may end up at the body shop. Trust me, with 3 stage paint, that's no place you want to be unless you're loaded. Acura quality really went down the tubes with this one. I absolutely hate this car.

My RSX has had various repairs: shock absorbers has been changed twice in three months, The motor has been repaired completely including valves, sunroof has rust, paint has rust. I requested the dealer to change the car because it has been for service and repairs mothly for the last year.

In response to the comment made on Nov. 20, 2003. I bought my RSX Type-S in January 2003. After a few weeks, I started having rattles in my door panels. I did not know before that it was the door panel until recently. I thought it was the dash board and brought it to the dealer. They were not able to fix it and the noise just keeps occurring on and off. Recently, I started to have vibration noise in my dash board. I suspect it is somewhat connected to the CD player/changer inside. This is, in addition to my unfixed door panel noise. I will have it fixed by the dealer next week and follow-up a comment on the result for all to know.

It's nice to know we weren't the only ones who were misled by Japanese advertising and biased magazine writers. NO MORE Japanese cars for us...EVER!!

Trade up if possible to an Acura TL. You will not be disappointed! No vibration, great performance, sound system etc. Maybe a higher payment, but it's outstanding.

To the original poster: All you needed to do was get an alignment.

To your comments above, it's not the dash rattling, it's your muffler that's loose. I have the same problem in my 03 Type S. Get the muffler welded on.