2004 Acura RSX

2004 Acura RSX

The 2004 Acura RSX is a compact sports coupe that was offered with two engine options: a 2.0-liter inline-four and a 2.0-liter VTEC inline-four. Both engines were paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission. The RSX was praised for its handling, performance, and styling but was criticized for its cramped interior and lack of features.

Engine

2.0-liter Inline-Four

• Oil Consumption: Excessive oil consumption is a common issue on the 2.0-liter inline-four. The issue is caused by worn piston rings and oil control valves. Symptoms include low oil levels and blue smoke from the exhaust. The fix involves replacing the piston rings and oil control valves. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500+
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail on the 2.0-liter inline-four. This can lead to a loss of power, rough idling, and eventually engine failure. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine. The fix involves replacing the timing chain tensioner. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak: The intake manifold gasket can leak on the 2.0-liter inline-four. This can cause a loss of power and poor fuel economy. Symptoms include a vacuum leak and a decrease in engine performance. The fix involves replacing the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Ignition Coil Failure: The ignition coils can fail on the 2.0-liter inline-four. This can lead to misfires, rough idling, and a loss of power. Symptoms include a check engine light and a decrease in engine performance. The fix involves replacing the ignition coils. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per coil

2.0-liter VTEC Inline-Four

• VTEC Solenoid Failure: The VTEC solenoid can fail on the 2.0-liter VTEC inline-four. This can prevent the engine from entering VTEC mode, resulting in a loss of power and performance. Symptoms include a lack of power at high RPMs and a check engine light. The fix involves replacing the VTEC solenoid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch Failure: The clutch can fail on the five-speed manual transmission. This can lead to difficulty shifting gears and eventually a loss of power. Symptoms include a slipping clutch and difficulty shifting gears. The fix involves replacing the clutch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000

Five-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Failure: The torque converter can fail on the five-speed automatic transmission. This can lead to a loss of power, slipping gears, and eventually transmission failure. Symptoms include a lack of power, slipping gears, and a check engine light. The fix involves replacing the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500+

Suspension

Front Suspension

• Strut Failure: The front struts can fail on the 2004 Acura RSX. This can lead to a loss of handling and stability. Symptoms include a rough ride, uneven tire wear, and a decrease in handling performance. The fix involves replacing the front struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+

Rear Suspension

• Shock Absorber Failure: The rear shock absorbers can fail on the 2004 Acura RSX. This can lead to a loss of handling and stability. Symptoms include a rough ride, uneven tire wear, and a decrease in handling performance. The fix involves replacing the rear shock absorbers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail on the 2004 Acura RSX. This can lead to a loss of electrical power and eventually a dead battery. Symptoms include a dim or flickering dashboard, a loss of electrical power, and a dead battery. The fix involves replacing the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
• Starter Failure: The starter can fail on the 2004 Acura RSX. This can prevent the engine from starting. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the engine and a dead battery. The fix involves replacing the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Battery Drain: The battery can drain on the 2004 Acura RSX due to a faulty alternator diode or a parasitic draw. Symptoms include a dead battery and difficulty starting the engine. The fix involves diagnosing and repairing the faulty diode or parasitic draw. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
• Electrical Connector Corrosion: Electrical connectors can corrode on the 2004 Acura RSX. This can lead to a loss of electrical power and various electrical problems. Symptoms include intermittent electrical problems, such as flickering lights or a malfunctioning dashboard. The fix involves cleaning or replacing the corroded electrical connectors. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+

Exterior

• Clear Coat Failure: The clear coat on the paint can fail on the 2004 Acura RSX. This can lead to a dull or faded appearance and eventually rust. Symptoms include a dull or faded appearance and signs of rust. The fix involves repainting the affected areas. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+

Interior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure: The door lock actuators can fail on the 2004 Acura RSX. This can prevent the doors from locking or unlocking. Symptoms include difficulty locking or unlocking the doors and a check engine light. The fix involves replacing the failed door lock actuators. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Power Window Failure: The power window motors can fail on the 2004 Acura RSX. This can prevent the windows from rolling up or down. Symptoms include difficulty rolling up or down the windows and a blown fuse. The fix involves replacing the failed power window motors. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Dashboard Cracking: The dashboard can crack on the 2004 Acura RSX. This is a common issue on older vehicles and does not affect the functionality of the vehicle. Symptoms include a cracked or warped dashboard. The fix involves replacing the dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+

Summary

The 2004 Acura RSX is a reliable and fun-to-drive sports coupe. However, it has several common issues that can be expensive to repair. The most severe issues include engine oil consumption, timing chain tensioner failure, torque converter failure, and electrical connector corrosion. The average cost to fix these issues ranges from $500 to $1500+, which can be a significant expense for some owners.