Is the Acura NSX a reliable car?
Overall, the Acura NSX is reasonably reliable for a high-performance hybrid, but ownership comes with higher maintenance costs and model-year caveats.
The question of reliability for the NSX depends on which generation you’re talking about and how the car is cared for. With two very different generations—one aging sports car and one modern hybrid supercar—the reliability picture is nuanced and guided by owner experiences, professional reviews, and recall history.
Reliability data and ownership sentiment
First-generation NSX (1990–2005) reliability snapshot
Overview of the early NSX’s reliability profile helps set expectations for aging performance cars.
- Mechanical robustness for its era: Many examples remain dependable with regular maintenance, especially given the NSX’s reputation for build quality.
- Aging components raise maintenance risk: As these cars age, oil leaks, worn suspension components, and electrical gremlins become more common on higher-mileage units.
- Parts availability and cost: With the model now retired for decades, OEM parts and specialized service can be pricey and sometimes harder to source, increasing ownership costs.
- Overall reliability nuance: When well maintained, the first-generation NSX can offer solid reliability for a collectible-era performance car, but maintenance is less predictable than newer mainstream models.
Conclusion: For collectors and enthusiasts, the first-generation NSX can be reliable with diligent upkeep, but aging components and parts availability create extra risk and expense.
Second-generation NSX (2016–2022) reliability snapshot
Overview of the modern NSX’s reliability profile, focusing on the hybrid and high-tech components.
- Robust powertrain with caveats: The twin-turbo V6 paired with three electric motors delivers strong performance, and the drivetrain is generally dependable when serviced properly.
- Early-model software and drivetrain quirks: Some 2016–2017 examples experienced software glitches, DCT shifting quirks, and cooling concerns under intense driving; many issues were addressed by updates and recalls.
- Maintenance intensity and cost: Maintenance for a modern, high-performance hybrid is expensive, with specialized fluids (like DCT oil) and labor driving up upkeep costs compared with standard Acura models.
- Reliability ratings and data limitations: Peer reviews broadly praise the engineering, but the NSX has limited owner sample sizes, so formal reliability scores are less granular than mainstream cars.
Conclusion: The second-generation NSX is generally reliable for a modern exotic, especially when covered by updates and proper service, but expect higher-than-average maintenance needs and attention to software and cooling systems.
What owners should watch for
Before you buy or own an NSX, it helps to know where problems tend to surface and how to mitigate them. Below is a practical guide drawn from owner feedback and expert reviews.
- Generation-specific checks: For the 1990–2005 NSX, inspect for age-related wear, leaks, and suspension components; for the 2016–2022 NSX, pay attention to the dual-clutch transmission behavior, hybrid-system cooling, and software/infotainment updates.
- Service history and recalls: Verify a complete service history and that all applicable recalls have been performed by an authorized dealer or NSX specialist.
- Warranty and maintenance planning: Consider extended warranty options and set aside a budget for higher maintenance costs typical of exotic/high-performance hybrids.
Careful pre-purchase inspection and ongoing maintenance with qualified NSX technicians are the best safeguards for reliability.
Summary
The Acura NSX offers credible reliability within the high-performance hybrid segment. The two generations tell two different reliability stories: the original NSX rewards meticulous maintenance but ages into a more unpredictable long-term proposition, while the 2016–2022 NSX delivers strong performance and generally solid reliability when properly serviced, albeit with higher maintenance and specialized care. For prospective buyers, a thorough service history, recent updates, and access to experienced NSX technicians are key to maximizing reliability and ownership enjoyment.
What are the common problems with Acura NSX?
According to carhp.com, here are the most common troubles with the Acura NSX:
- Battery troubles.
- Cracks on the brake rotors.
- Noise in the suspension system.
- Uneven gaps in the panels.
Is the Acura NSX expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance cost of an Acura NSX is $354. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
How many miles can an Acura NSX last?
Again, here's what the experts had to say: MotorAsk.com – “Acuras can last anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. According to Acura owners, some of the brand's vehicles can even last 400,000 miles or more in ideal conditions and with a responsible owner…
Why is the Acura NSX not selling?
The NSX failed to sell in high numbers because exceptional engineering met a weak market fit: expensive, complex hybrid performance from a non-exotic badge produced a car that neither satisfied purist drivers nor satisfied prestige buyers, while overall demand for low-volume sports cars declined.
