2006 Acura RSX

The 2006 Acura RSX is a sporty coupe known for its handling, reliability, and fuel efficiency. It was offered with two engine options: a 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC inline-4 producing 160 horsepower and 141 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC inline-4 (K20Z1) producing 201 horsepower and 143 lb-ft of torque, found in the Type-S model. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 5-speed automatic (for the base model), and a close-ratio 6-speed manual (for the Type-S). Owners generally appreciate the RSX’s sporty handling, relatively low running costs, and Honda reliability. Common dislikes include road noise, a somewhat firm ride, and the lack of some modern features.

Engine

2.0L DOHC i-VTEC (Base Model)

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks around the valve cover, visible oil residue on the engine block, burning smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L DOHC i-VTEC (Type-S - K20Z1)

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks around the valve cover, visible oil residue on the engine block, burning smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine consuming excessive amounts of oil, requiring frequent top-ups, blue smoke from exhaust.
  • Solution: This can be caused by worn valve stem seals or piston rings. Repairing this can be expensive and require engine disassembly. Consider using a thicker oil as a temporary solution or rebuilding the engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (thicker oil) - $3000+ (engine rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or jerky shifts between gears, especially when cold.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid change might help, but it could also indicate worn-out clutches or solenoids. In some cases, a transmission rebuild or replacement is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change) - $2000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual

• Grinding into Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting into certain gears, particularly 3rd or 5th, especially at higher RPMs.
  • Solution: Could be caused by worn synchros. Replacing the synchros, or rebuilding the transmission, is the fix.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Pop Out of Gear
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission pops out of gear, especially when decelerating in lower gears.
  • Solution: This is often caused by worn shift forks or synchros. Requires transmission disassembly and repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Trailing Arm Bushings Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noise from the rear suspension, especially over bumps. Uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the rear trailing arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window failing to go up or down, or moving very slowly.
  • Solution: Replace the window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close, or moving very slowly.
  • Solution: Replace the sunroof motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rear Quarter Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the rear quarter panels, especially near the wheel wells.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the affected panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ (depending on severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaching from the backing and sagging down.
  • Solution: Replace the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Acura RSX, while generally reliable, has a few common issues to watch out for. Engine issues like valve cover leaks and oil consumption (especially on the Type-S) can occur. Transmission issues, particularly with the manual gearbox (grinding, popping out of gear), can be costly to address. Suspension wear, electrical problems, and rust are other potential concerns. Overall, while some repairs can be expensive, many of these issues are age-related and manageable with proactive maintenance and repairs.