Component: power train:manual transmission details: when shifting from 1st to 2nd the transmission grinds. The colder the temp. Is the worse the grinding. *tr
2006 Acura RSX powertrain problems
moderate 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 5 powertrain complaints filed for the 2006 Acura RSX, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 3 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 17 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
When shifting from 1st to 2nd the transmission grinds. When going from 3rd to 2nd it's more of a klunk with a lesser grind. The colder the temp. Is the worse the grinding. The transmission has popped out of 3rd to neutral a few times (very seldom). *tr
Acura 2006 rsx s vehicle was bought new. We had drive train problems with this vehicle shifting into gears and popping out of third gear. Repair work was done numerous times while under warranty, but the problem was never fixed. Acura corporation, and the Acura dealer kept claiming there was no problem with the vehicle. While operating the vehicle the transmission locked up causing a near rear…
After my rsx type s sits for a few hours I get in it to drive, and when I shift from 1st gear to 2nd gear the gear grinds. *jb
Had powertrain trouble with your 2006 Acura RSX?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2006 Acura RSX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 5 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 49,616 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Acura/RSX.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.