2002 Acura RSX

The 2002 Acura RSX is a sporty, front-wheel-drive coupe that replaced the Integra in Acura’s lineup. It was available in two trims: the base RSX and the higher-performance RSX Type-S. The base RSX was powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine (K20A3) producing 160 horsepower and 141 lb-ft of torque. The Type-S boasted a more potent 2.0-liter inline-4 (K20A2) generating 200 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic for the base model, and a 6-speed manual for the Type-S. Owners generally praise the RSX for its fun driving dynamics, sporty styling, and reliability. Common complaints revolve around the relatively harsh ride, road noise, and some specific issues related to its age.

Engine

K20A3 (Base RSX)

• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced engine performance, sulfur smell from exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic idle, stalling, especially when the engine is cold.
  • Solution: Cleaning or replacement of the IAC valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

K20A2 (Type-S)

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Gradual increase in oil consumption over time, requiring more frequent oil top-ups. Often noticeable after high-RPM driving.
  • Solution: While some oil consumption is considered normal, excessive consumption might require valve stem seal replacement or, in severe cases, piston ring replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ (depending on the severity and repair method)
  • Recalls: None Found
• VTEC Solenoid Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, loss of power in the higher RPM range (VTEC not engaging properly).
  • Solution: Cleaning or replacement of the VTEC solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual (Base RSX)

• No Issues Found

5-Speed Automatic (Base RSX)

• No Issues Found

6-Speed Manual (Type-S)

• Second Gear Grinding
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting into second gear, particularly at higher RPMs.
  • Solution: The most common solution is to replace the synchro for second gear. Some owners might opt for a complete transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ (depending on the extent of the repair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Popping out of Gear
  • Description/Symptoms: While driving and accelerating, the transmission can pop out of gear, commonly in 3rd or 4th gear.
  • Solution: The most common solution is to replace the synchro for the gear that the transmission is popping out of. Some owners might opt for a complete transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ (depending on the extent of the repair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Trailing Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noise from the rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. Uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear trailing arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Mounts
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise from the struts. Worn tires.
  • Solution: Replacement of the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Dimming or Flickering Headlights
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights intermittently dim or flicker, often caused by a failing alternator or corroded ground connections.
  • Solution: Test the alternator and replace if necessary. Clean and tighten ground connections.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ (depending on whether the alternator needs replacing)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows stop working or operate slowly and erratically.
  • Solution: Replacement of the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicles rust in common areas such as the rear wheel wells, quarter panels, and rocker panels.
  • Solution: Cutting out the rust and welding in new metal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof motor can fail to operate correctly, resulting in the sunroof being stuck or not working.
  • Solution: Replacement of the sunroof motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks forming on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Acura RSX, while generally reliable, exhibits some common issues due to its age. The Type-S is more prone to oil consumption and second gear grinding in the manual transmission. Electrical problems, suspension wear, and rust are also concerns. The cost of repairs can vary greatly depending on the severity of the issue, but many common fixes fall within the $200-$800 range.