Acura NSX Problems
The Acura NSX is the pinnacle of the luxury car manufacturer's technological advancement. The coupe shows how a luxury car manufacturer can compete in a class full of performance. The NSX Type S adds in more power and treats the enthusiast for the latest iteration, before bidding a sweet adieu to the world. But still, people had to go through some niggles in their ownership, some of which include:
Electrical issues:
- Battery issues: Some owners of the 2017 NSX have reported the battery of the coupe to die. The issue happens at very low miles, leaving the car with no electrical assist. This disables all the electrical components of the car making driving dangerous.
Mechanical issues:
- Cracks on brake rotors: Some owners have reported the carbon-fiber brakes to crack. This causes grinding noises and reduces the braking performance drastically.
- Suspension noise: The suspension of the car rattles during acceleration. People have also complained of rattling while driving over uneven patches on roads.
Exterior issues:
- Uneven panel gaps: Some people have complained of uneven panel gaps near the doors of the car that had let water inside the cabin.
- Doors rattling: The doors are reported to be rattling near the locks and joints at highway speeds. This causes distractions and can be dangerous at highway speeds.
Miscellaneous complaints:
- Unknown: There have been complaints registered on the NHTSA’s website with no apparent information available, but the affected components are listed as “Airbags, Structure” and “unknown or other”.
Acura NSX Recalls
The Acura NSX is a reliable offering in the sports segment and its recall history reflects the same. The Japanese car has been recall-free for two model years now. The last recall made was for the 2018-2019 model year, the reason for which we’ll discuss below:
The first recall for the Acura NSX was made on September 7, 2018, with NHTSA Campaign Number 18V599000. American Honda Motor Co. recalled 793 Acura NSX cars because road vibrations may loosen the bolts in the high mounted center brake light. This may cause it to come in contact with the circuitry and blow a fuse. This would disable all the lighting in the rear, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. The affected units did not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment”. Dealers replaced the high-mounted brake light, free of charge.
The second recall for the sports coupe was made on September 7, 2018, as well with NHTSA Campaign Number 18V600000 where American Honda Motor Co. recalled 2017-2018 Acura NSX cars. In 967 potentially affected units, leakage of fuel from crossover pipe couplers between the left and right fuel tanks may result in a fire. Honda dealers replaced both the left and the right fuel tanks free of charge.
The latest recall for the car consisted of many other Honda and Acura vehicles as well with NHTSA Campaign Number 20V314000. Under this, nearly 135,995 potentially affected units of models like the Acura RDX, the Acura RLX, the Honda Accord, the Honda Fit, and the Honda Civic were recalled. Failure of the low-pressure pump in the fuel tanks of these vehicles may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers replaced the fuel pump assembly, free of charge.
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Model Year
|
Exterior Lighting
|
Fuel System (Crossover Coupling)
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Fuel System (Fuel Pump)
|
|
2017
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
|
2018
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
|
2019
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
|
2020
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
2021
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
2022
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
What model year of the Acura NSX to avoid?
The Acura NSX has been a constant source of joy and enthusiasm for the people and enthusiasts but, as with all the cars, the coupe has had a rocky start. The 2017 NSX has had the most frequent of complaints and has also been recalled a couple of times. These are the only reasons for which we’ll suggest avoiding the 2017 NSX.
Should you buy the 2022 Acura NSX?
The 2022 Acura NSX is the last model year for the car before it will be discontinued forever. If you want to buy one, now would be a good time since the NSX Type S has entered the market with a more powerful engine and reduced times. If you want to go for the pre-owned route, the 2020 NSX and the subsequent years should be enough for anyone to enjoy the ownership experience.
