Acura›RSX›2005›Overview/acura/rsx/2005/base/

2005 Acura RSX

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2005 RSX.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S5)

The 2005 Acura RSX is a passenger car that employs roughly 4.4 qt of 5W‑20 API‑rated oil and is mated to an automatic S5 transmission, achieving EPA fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined. Owner complaints across its production total 32, with the suspension identified as the primary complaint area and two recall actions recorded. The model’s complaint history spans 2001‑2008, peaking at 91 complaints in 2002 and falling to a single complaint by 2007, reflecting a notable shift toward improved reliability.

Model year2006 2005 2004 2003 2002

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.4 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque80 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy22/31/25 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 51R · 400 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 51R · 400 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP205-55VR16OEM · verified

Wheel / rim6.5-JJ inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (S5)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	172.4 in
Overall width	68.1 in
Overall height	55.1 in
Wheelbase	101.2 in
Curb weight	2705 lb
Track (front / rear)	58.3 / 58.3 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	61/39

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	22 / 31 / 25 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the RSX of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.2–6.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.20 sec — 2005 Type-S Coupe

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2005	Type-S Coupe 2.0L I-4	6.20 sec	14.90 sec	210 hp	FWD
2005	Type-S Coupe 2.0L I-4	6.40 sec	14.90 sec	210 hp	FWD
2003	Type-S Factory Performance Coupe 2.0L I-4	6.80 sec	15.40 sec	200 hp	FWD
2002	Type-S Coupe 2.0L I-4	6.10 sec	14.80 sec	200 hp	FWD
2002	Type-S Coupe 2.0L I-4	6.30 sec	15.00 sec	200 hp	FWD
2002	Type-S Coupe 2.0L I-4	6.71 sec	15.11 sec	200 hp	FWD
2002	Type-S Coupe 2.0L I-4	6.90 sec	15.40 sec	200 hp	FWD
2002	Type-S Coupe 2.0L I-4	7.03 sec	15.32 sec	200 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.4 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 80 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 33.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	2.9
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.4 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	5.0 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid	Acura part number 08798-9031-A

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	8mm Bolts: 16 ft-lbs, 6mm Bolts: 9 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	AT: 54, MT: 76-87 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	16 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	33 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	16 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	33 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	33.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	8mm Bolts: 16 ft-lbs , 6mm Bolts: 9 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	80 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug	36.0 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	134 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)	720 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)	50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	800 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)	850 rpm

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.10-1.21 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	4.33-5.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	51R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	400 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	14-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	169-176 °F
Pressure Test	14-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	169-176 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	47-54 psi
Engine Compression	135 minimum PSI. 28 maximum variation PSI.

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	16 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	41 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	16 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	80 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	24 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	80 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	0.060 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0006 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

14 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

36 ft. lbs., step 2: 90

36 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	29.0 ft. lbs.	29 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	90 degrees; If using new bolts, tighten an additional 90 degrees	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	29.0 ft. lbs.	29 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	90 degrees; If using new bolts, tighten an additional 90 degrees	90 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs at 110,000 mi; coolant at 120,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 120,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 20,000 mi	Brake Linings (inspect) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Steering System (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 60,000 mi	Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 110,000 mi	Engine Valves (inspect valve lash) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 160,000 mi	Universal Vehicle Operation (inspect idle speed)
At 180,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2005 Acura RSX sits amid a decade of relatively low complaint activity, with 32 complaints and 2 recalls that year. Compared to the peak in 2002—91 complaints and 4 recalls—the 2005 figures represent a modest decline, and the trend continues downward through 2006 with 24 complaints and 2 recalls, before dropping sharply to single‑digit complaints in 2007 and 2008. The top complaint areas for 2005 are “Suspension” (12), “Unknown Or Other” (3), “Air Bags” (3), and “Visibility” (3), with only 3 crash complaints and no fire complaints recorded. This pattern suggests that while 2005 is not the most problematic year, it does not enjoy the lowest issue rate of later years; the decline in recalls and complaints after 2005 indicates improving reliability in the following generation. As a concrete takeaway, a 2005 RSX is a reasonable purchase, but buyers might prefer a slightly newer model (2006–2008) for a lower historical complaint profile.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

3 involved a crash · 0 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’01 ’02 ’03 ’04’05’06 ’07 ’08

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 32 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Suspension12

Unknown Or Other3

Air Bags3

Visibility3

Tires2

Power Train2

Steering,Electrical System,Engine1

Electrical System1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

06E064000Exterior LightingReported 17/07/2006

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL… Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

06E023000Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsReported 13/03/2006

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR… Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 25 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
BJA46167	2017-01-01	Equipment	Sending vehicle data to tech line.
B98015	2016-03-18	Equipment	Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
DLR MSG - Acura	2014-08-06	Air Bags	Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various…
DLR MSG - Stop S	2014-07-23	Air Bags	Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various…
SB-12-001	2012-01-12	Electrical System	ACURA: UPDATE ON SOME MODEL VEHICLES REGARDING TESTING OF ALTERNATORS WITH THE GR8…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific RSX. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 51R battery Vehicles taking 4.4 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2005 RSX take?

4.4 qt of 5W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2005 RSX have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the RSX get?

EPA figures are 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined mpg.