Before you buy
This 2004 Acura Rsx has 17 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2004 Acura Rsx Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2004 Acura Rsx trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2004 Acura Rsx Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
ACURA RSX 2004 has 17 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls. Top issues include transmission/drivetrain (6 complaints), airbag malfunctions (5), and tire issues (5). Buyers should inspect these areas and verify recall repairs. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- Rsx
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 17
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2004 Acura Rsx problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Airbag Malfunctions
Tire Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Airbag Malfunctions, Tire Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2004 Acura Rsx?
The 2004 Acura RSX may be worth considering if you are aware of its potential transmission and airbag issues. However, with low confidence in the data, proceed with caution and a thorough inspection.
Transmission and airbag problems can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, making pre-purchase inspection critical.
May Suit
This year may suit a buyer who is handy with repairs or willing to invest in addressing common issues for a lower upfront cost.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a worry-free, low-maintenance vehicle should avoid this year due to the reported transmission and airbag complaints.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2004 Acura Rsx
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission for slipping, rough shifting, or leaks.
- Check airbag system warning lights and recall status.
- Examine tires for uneven wear, age, and proper inflation.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission for any issues.
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and airbag repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Acura Rsx, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Acura RSX has 17 total complaints and 4 recalls. The top complaint components are transmission/drivetrain (6 complaints), airbag malfunctions (5 complaints), and tire issues (5 complaints). Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Without data on other model years, this 2004 RSX shows a moderate complaint count, but low confidence limits comparison.
Recall context: With 4 recalls, it is essential to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Transmission/drivetrain accounts for 6 of 17 total complaints.
- Airbag malfunctions are reported in 5 complaints.
- Tire issues are reported in 5 complaints.
- Transmission / Drivetrain failures may lead to costly repairs.
- Airbag Malfunctions pose a safety risk if not addressed.
- Tire Issues could indicate improper maintenance or defects.
Full breakdown
All 2004 Acura Rsx complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Acura Rsx. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 4 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Acura Rsx. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 ACURA RSX. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, A DRUNK DRIVER WENT THROUGH A STOP SIGN AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING THE CONTACTS HEAD TO HIT THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA RSX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE ACTIVATION OF THE HEADLIGHTS. THE ILLUMINATION OF THE HEADLIGHTS WAS EXTREMELY DIM AND OBSTRUCTED THE VISION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDE…
VERY HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE TO CAR CAUSED BY RUNAWAY DUMPTRUCK. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HAD AIRBAGS DEPLOYED THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN A LESSER AMOUNT OF INJURIES. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA RSX. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 65-70 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP OUT OF GEAR FOLLOWED BY A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. WHEN THE CONTACT WOULD DOWNSHIFT TO A LOWER GEAR, THERE WAS A LOW POWER RESPONSE AND A G…
MY PROBLEM IS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE A 2004 RSX-S. IT HAS A SIX SPEED TRANSMISSION. WHEN SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND, GEAR GRINDS, AND SOMETIMES LOCKS OUT. WHEN SHIFTING FROM SECOND TO THIRD, GEAR GRINDS AND SOMETIMES POPS OUT. DEALERSHIP GIVES ME THE RUN-A-ROUND SAID TH…
MY TIRE MICHELIN PILOT HX MXM4 BLEW WHILE DRIVING. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR IT TO BLOW LIKE IT DID. IT SEEMS THAT THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE. *TR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONDITION OF THE ROAD WAS DRY. WHEN THE DRIVER TRIED TO TURN BACK TOWARDS THE ROAD, THE WHEEL WOULD NOT RESPOND RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE HITTING THE CENTER DIVIDER. THE U…
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF SUSPENSION PRODUCES CLICKING/POPPING NOISE WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. *JB
I HAVE A 2004 RSX-S A-SPEC . IT HAS A SIX SPEED TRANSMISSION. WHEN SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND, GEAR SOMETIMES GRINDS, WHEN SHIFTING FROM SECOND GEAR TO THIRD, GEAR GRINDS AND SOMETIMES POPS OUT. DEALERSHIP GAVE ME THE RUN-A-ROUND SAYING THEY "COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM". I …
DT: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER REAR ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 45 MPH HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STROKE A FENCE AND A NEIGHBOR'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED ON THE FRONT AND THE SIDES. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTA…
CONSUMER IS DISSATISFIED WITH THE 2004 RSX ACURA HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES. *TS *JB
THE ACURA RSX 2004 HAS VERY POOR TRACTION ON ICY SURFACES, EVEN WITH GOOD WINTER TIRES. FIRST NOTICED LAST YEAR WHEN WE PUT EXTRA SAND BAGS IN THE TRUNK. THIS YEAR MY DAUGHTER LOST CONTROL ON THE ICE AND HIT A WALL. SHE WAS INJURED. THE AIRBAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
MY PROBLEM IS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE A 2004 RSX-S. IT HAS A SIX SPEED TRANSMISSION. WHEN SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND, GEAR GRINDS, AND SOMETIMES LOCKS OUT. WHEN SHIFTING FROM SECOND TO THIRD, GEAR GRINDS AND SOMETIMES POPS OUT. EVENTUALLY LOCKING OUT. DEALERSHIP GIVES ME…
TRANSMISSION KEEPS BREAKING. TWO FAILURES SO FAR. 2ND GEAR CRUNCH TURNING INTO GRIND AND EVENTUAL LOCKOUT, 3RD GEAR POPPING OUT, 4TH OCCASIONALLY POPPING OUT. ACURA KEEPS REBUILDING TRANSMISSION INTERNALS, REPLACING SYNCROS, BUT TRANSMISSION BREAK AGAIN IN A FEW MONTHS OF DRIV…
I HAVE 7,000 MILES ON MY CAR AND THIS IS THE SECOND TIME MY SRS SYSTEM HAS FAILED. THE SRS COMPUTER HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE ALREADY. MY BUSINESS PARTNER ALSO HAS A 2004 RSX AND HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM 5 TIMES ALREADY. THERE ARE ALSO NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS POSTED ACROSS THE INTERNET…
THIRD GEAR WOULD CONSTANTLY ENGAGE 1/2 WAY, THEN POP OUT. SOMETIMES IT WOULD JUST GRIND INTO PLACE. ON A QUICK TRIP TO A STORE, WHEN I SHIFTED FROM 1 TO 2, 1ST GEAR SHATTERED INTO A MILLION PEICES. DEALER BLAMED IT ON AN AFTERMARKET EXHAUST MANIFOLD, NOT ON THE OBVIOUS: A FAUL…
VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS IN SNOW DUE TO ITS TIRES. CAUSING INABILITY TO CONTROL VEHICLE EVEN WITH CONCENTRATED ATTENTION. *LA (NAR) *CB
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Acura Rsx.
Safety recalls
2004 Acura Rsx recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Acura Rsx. With 4 recalls, it is essential to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Acura Rsx buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Acura Rsx reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 17 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Acura RSX may be worth considering if you are aware of its potential transmission and airbag issues. However, with low confidence in the data, proceed with caution and a thorough inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Acura Rsx?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (6 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (5 complaints). #3: Tire Issues (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Acura Rsx?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Acura Rsx?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Acura Rsx, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 17 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Acura Rsx have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Acura Rsx. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. With 4 recalls, it is essential to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Acura Rsx?▾
The 2004 Acura RSX may be worth considering if you are aware of its potential transmission and airbag issues. However, with low confidence in the data, proceed with caution and a thorough inspection. Transmission and airbag problems can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, making pre-purchase inspection critical. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Acura Rsx reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Acura Rsx based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.