According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997 Acura NSX has 3 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 $25 to $2,600. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
Targa roof gaskets harden, wind noise increases and water leaks under heavy rain
30K-200K
ALB/ABS modulator pump times out and pressure sensor fails on NA1 NSX (1991-1999)
50K-150K
Climate control unit display pixel fade and dead buttons (1991-1999 NA1)
60K-150K
050K100K150K200K mi
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.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed May 2026
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.
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
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.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed May 2026
On the 1995-1999 Acura NSX, the NSX-T (T = Targa, optional from 1995) uses two rubber gaskets mounted on the Targa roof panel — one above each side window — plus seals around the panel perimeter that mate to the body when the roof is installed. The rubber dries and hardens with age and UV exposure, and wind noise becomes pronounced at highway speed. Under heavy rain, water can enter between the two gaskets and the side-window glass, particularly when the car is in motion (chassis flex pulls the seal away from the glass). The seals can be replaced but Honda's installation procedure is genuinely complex — the factory service manual section runs six pages and calls for 0.5mm butyl tape, 3.0mm EPT sealer, and Honda sealant #08712-0004. DIY replacement frequently fails because the bedding and alignment require care. Regular treatment with Honda Shin-Etsu silicone grease (P/N 08798-9013) significantly extends life of the existing seals.
Common Symptoms
Noticeable wind noise at the Targa-panel-to-glass interface above 50 mph
Whistling from the side-window upper corner
Water dripping inside the cabin during heavy rain (especially driving)
Damp carpet or headliner near the A-pillar
Visible cracks, gaps, or compression-set on the rubber Targa gaskets
How to Fix
Two stages. PREVENTIVE: clean the gaskets monthly with isopropyl alcohol, then apply Honda Shin-Etsu silicone grease (P/N 08798-9013) — this is the same grease used on the door weatherstripping and prevents drying-out. A small tube ($15-25) lasts years. If gaskets are already cracked or compression-set, REPLACE: OEM Honda Targa seals run $300-500 for the set. Use the exact butyl tape (0.5mm) and EPT sealer (3.0mm) called out in the service manual, plus sealant #08712-0004. Most NSX owners use an NSX specialist (ScienceofSpeed, Driving Ambition, NSX Modified) for the install — $400-700 in labor — rather than DIY, because the alignment determines water-tightness and a mis-bedded seal leaks worse than the old one.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
UpgradeHonda Shin-Etsu silicone grease (P/N 08798-9013) — apply to Targa and door seals monthly. The same grease Honda uses on every weatherstrip in their lineup. Tube lasts years. (Honda #08798-9013)
TipIf you're DIY-replacing the Targa seals, follow the factory service manual EXACTLY. The 6-page procedure with specific butyl tape (0.5mm), EPT sealer (3.0mm), and sealant #08712-0004 is not optional — wrong bedding leaks worse than worn seals.
NoteDon't use generic silicone spray or Armor All on these seals. Petroleum-based products break down the rubber. Shin-Etsu silicone grease is the only OEM-spec option.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997-1997 Acura NSX has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: ALB/ABS modulator pump times out and pressure sensor fails on NA1 NSX (1991-1999), Climate control unit display pixel fade and dead buttons (1991-1999 NA1), Targa roof gaskets harden, wind noise increases and water leaks under heavy rain. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Acura NSX reliable?
The 1997-1997 Acura NSX has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: ALB/ABS modulator pump times out and pressure sensor fails on NA1 NSX (1991-1999). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Acura NSX problems?
Repair costs for known Acura NSX issues range from $25 to $2,600, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, ALB/ABS modulator pump times out and pressure sensor fails on NA1 NSX (1991-1999), typically costs $105-$2,600 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1991-1999 Acura NSX ALB/ABS modulator pump times out and pressure sensor fails on NA1 NSX (1991-1999)?
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 pres… Repairs typically run $105-$2,600. Severity: high.
What is the 1991-1999 Acura NSX Climate control unit display pixel fade and dead buttons (1991-1999 NA1)?
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. Sep… Repairs typically run $150-$1,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 1995-1999 Acura NSX Targa roof gaskets harden, wind noise increases and water leaks under heavy rain?
The NSX-T (T = Targa, optional from 1995) uses two rubber gaskets mounted on the Targa roof panel — one above each side window — plus seals around the panel perimeter that mate to the body when the roof is installed. The rubber dries and hardens with age and UV exposure, and wind… Repairs typically run $25-$1,200. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
