What are the most common Honda NSX problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1991-1999 Honda NSX has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Cooling System Age Failures: Cracked Radiator End Tanks and Overheating, Timing Belt / Water Pump Service on an Interference Engine, Transmission Countershaft Snap Ring Failure (1991-1992). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Honda NSX reliable?
The 1991-1999 Honda NSX has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Cooling System Age Failures: Cracked Radiator End Tanks and Overheating and Timing Belt / Water Pump Service on an Interference Engine and Transmission Countershaft Snap Ring Failure (1991-1992). 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 Honda NSX problems?
Repair costs for known Honda NSX issues range from $200 to $7,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Cooling System Age Failures: Cracked Radiator End Tanks and Overheating, typically costs $900-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Honda NSX is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Honda NSX. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1991-1999 Honda NSX with 6 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 1991-1999 Honda NSX Cooling System Age Failures: Cracked Radiator End Tanks and Overheating?
The all-aluminum C30A/C32B is sensitive to overheating, and the factory cooling system is now decades old. The original radiator's plastic end tanks become brittle from years of heat cycling and crack at the seams/hose outlets, while original rubber hoses, a tired thermostat, wea… Repairs typically run $900-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1991-1999 Honda NSX Timing Belt / Water Pump Service on an Interference Engine?
The C30A and C32B are interference engines: if the timing belt breaks or jumps, valves contact pistons and the engine is destroyed. The belt and the water pump (driven by the belt) are age/mileage wear items with a service interval of roughly 7 years or ~90,000-105,000 miles rega… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1991-1992 Honda NSX Transmission Countershaft Snap Ring Failure (1991-1992)?
Early 5-speed manual NSX transmissions have a documented defect where the countershaft bearing retaining snap ring can break, allowing the shaft to walk and destroy the gearset and case. The root cause is a case groove machined too wide on some units: Honda used a three-piece cut… Repairs typically run $2,500-$7,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1991-1999 Honda NSX Climate Control Unit (CCU) Capacitor Leakage and Board Failure?
The dash-mounted Climate Control Unit is a chronic first-gen NSX failure. Over the decades the factory electrolytic capacitors on the CCU circuit board dry out and leak corrosive electrolyte onto the PCB, eating copper traces and cracking solder joints, and the electrolyte can cr… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 1991-1999 Honda NSX ABS/TCS Accumulator and Pump Overrun Failure (NA1)?
The first-gen NSX uses a Nissin high-pressure ABS (ALB) system shared conceptually with the traction control. The gas-charged accumulator sphere loses its charge with age, so stored pressure bleeds down and the pump must cycle far more often; ultimately the system can't hold pres… Repairs typically run $795-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 1991-1999 Honda NSX Clutch Master and Slave Cylinder Hydraulic Leaks?
The hydraulic clutch on the manual first-gen NSX develops leaks at both the master and slave cylinders as the internal seals age and fluid gets dirty. A leaking master can also weep brake fluid into the footwell, and internal seal bypass makes the clutch fail to fully disengage (… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: low.
