1994 Acura NSX Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know
1994 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated May 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1994 Acura NSX has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is ALB/ABS modulator pump times out and pressure sensor fails on NA1 NSX (1991-1999) ($105-$2,600 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $105 to $2,600. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 2 Known Issues
On the 1991-1999 Acura NSX, the first-generation NSX uses an Anti-Lock Brake (ALB) hydraulic modulator with a high-pressure pump, accumulator, and pressure sensor. The pump is designed to charge the accumulator and then stop within 120 seconds. When internal O-rings dry and the pump can no longer build pressure — or when the pressure sensor itself fails — the pump runs continuously for the full 120 seconds before timing out, the ABS warning light comes on, and the system disables. Once the system disables, the car still stops on its base brakes but loses ABS function entirely. Acura's North American service policy mandates replacing the modulator, pump, and accumulator as whole assemblies (about $2,100 in parts alone, $2,600 total dealer cost) — but the failure is almost always either a $100 O-ring set or a pressure sensor, both serviceable internally.
Common Symptoms
- ABS / ALB warning light comes on and stays on
- Pump runs continuously for about 120 seconds before timing out
- Loss of ABS function; base brakes still work but no anti-lock
- Audible pump motor cycling when ignition is on
- Blown ALB fuse on repeated key cycles
How to Fix
Three repair paths, from cheap to expensive. (1) DIY O-ring rebuild with the SOS or egmCarTech kit ($105-200), which replaces the brake-fluid-resistant O-rings inside the modulator; the kit includes a bleeder T-wrench and 28-piece O-ring set. (2) Professional rebuild by a specialist (AutoECU, ScienceofSpeed, etc.) for around $795 — they pull the unit, replace O-rings and the pump motor brushes if worn. (3) Dealer full-assembly replacement at $2,100-2,600. There is also a documented upgrade path to swap the 1991-1999 NA1 modulator for the 2000-2005 NA2 unit using the SOS conversion kit, which simplifies the system and improves long-term reliability. Before any repair, check that the failure isn't simply rodent damage to the pump motor wires under the car — a blown ALB fuse from chewed wires presents the same way and costs $10 to fix.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeegmCarTech sells a 28-piece O-ring rebuild kit specifically for the 1991-1996 NSX ALB modulator. ~$105 vs $2,100 for the dealer's full assembly swap. Includes bleeder T-wrench. (egmCarTech NSX ABS/ALB Modulator Rebuild Package)
- TipBefore assuming a $795-2600 repair, check for rodent damage on the pump motor wires under the car. Mice chewing the harness is a known NSX cause of ALB-fuse blowing that mimics modulator failure.
- TipThere is an SOS NA2 conversion kit that swaps the 1991-1999 NA1 modulator for the simpler 2000-2005 NA2 unit. Documented on nsxfaq.com/upgrade-to-2000-2005-abs-using-sos-kit/.
- NoteSome independent shops will sell you a full dealer-assembly replacement when an O-ring rebuild would have fixed it. Get a second opinion from an NSX specialist before approving a $2,000+ ABS bill.
On the 1991-1999 Acura NSX, the NSX climate control unit (CCU) sits in the center console and uses an LCD display plus push-buttons to set temperature and fan. Over time the LCD pixels fade — typically starting at the top of the display and progressing down — until the temperature setting is unreadable. Separately or simultaneously, individual buttons stop responding because the conductive carbon pads on the rubber button backs wear off, and the circuit board's electrolytic capacitors dry out and leak. Acura's only remedy is full CCU replacement, which is typically out of stock or back-order from Honda parts and was originally priced over $1,000. Several NSX specialists rebuild the existing CCU for $150-300 by replacing the LCD, button pads, and capacitors — the unit then works like new and the original equipment is preserved.
Common Symptoms
- Top rows of the LCD display fade or go blank
- Temperature setting unreadable in daylight
- Individual buttons (fan up/down, mode, defrost) stop responding
- Display goes completely dark intermittently
- Display works after cool weather but fades when cabin warms up
How to Fix
Mail-in CCU repair from an NSX specialist is the standard fix. ScienceofSpeed, AutoTechRescue, SpeedoFix, NSXe-repair, and ModuleRepairPro all offer rebuild service for around $150-300 with 1-3 day turnaround. Removal is a 20-30 minute job at home — pop the armrest, shift knob, ashtray, and center console trim, then four screws hold the CCU. Reinstallation requires no programming or coding. Avoid full Acura CCU replacement: even when available, the part is over $1,000 and the rebuilt original works identically. Common rebuild scope: LCD module, all rubber button pads, electrolytic capacitors C1/C2/C3 on the main board, and reflow on heat-stressed solder joints.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeScienceofSpeed CCU rebuild — $150-300 mail-in service, 1-3 day turnaround, fixes LCD pixel fade and dead buttons in one pass. (ScienceofSpeed NSX Climate Control Unit Repair)
- TipDon't pay Acura $1,000+ for a replacement CCU when the original can be rebuilt for under $300. The rebuilt unit works identically and requires no coding to reinstall.
- TipRemoval is DIY-friendly (20-30 min). Pop the armrest, shift knob, ashtray, console trim, then 4 screws hold the CCU. Two connectors disconnect by hand.
- NoteMultiple specialists offer this service — AutoTechRescue, SpeedoFix, NSXe-repair, ModuleRepairPro. Get a quote from 2+ before shipping, prices vary $50-100.