1991 Acura Nsx problems
The Honda NSX, marketed in North America as the Acura NSX, is a two-seater, rear mid-engined, rear-wheel drive sports car manufactured by Honda.
The origins of the NSX trace back to 1984, with the HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental) concept, for a 3.0 L (180 cu in) V6 rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car. Honda, with the intention of meeting or exceeding the performance of the then V8 engine Ferrari range, committed to the project, aiming at both reliability and a lower price. The concept evolved and had its name changed to NS-X, which stood for "New", "Sportscar" "eXperimental", although the production model was launched as the NSX.
Gordon Murray, the designer of the McLaren F1 supercar, stated that he used the NSX as the inspiration after test driving many high-performance cars and finding that the NSX chassis performed the best. Murray found the design was "monumental" for sportscar design. He claimed the car could "easily" have handled more power and attempted to convince Honda to develop a more powerful engine, but Honda declined. This resulted in Murray developing his F1 with a BMW engine, but he was so fond of the NSX that he bought one for personal use - and drove it for 75,000 kilometres (47,000 mi). Murray said the NSX was "dear to his heart".
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Common 1991 Acura Nsx problems
The Acura NSX, produced from 1991 to 2005, is a highly desired vehicle among car enthusiasts due to its performance, design, and historical significance. However, like any other vehicle, it is not without its common problems and challenges. This article will explore some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1991 Acura NSX, based on complaints and discussions from the car's owners and experts.
- Suspension Design Flaws: The NSX's suspension design has been reported to cause snap oversteer, which can lead to a loss of control and potentially result in a crash. This issue is particularly concerning for those who enjoy pushing the car's limits on the track or in spirited driving situations.
- Clutch Complications: The NSX's clutch is known to have a limited lifespan, with many owners reporting the need for replacement every 40,000 miles or less. This can be a significant expense, especially considering the labor costs associated with replacing the clutch in an NSX.
- Mandatory Maintenance: The NSX requires regular and specific maintenance, such as timing belt changes, to ensure its longevity and reliability. Failing to keep up with this maintenance can lead to costly repairs and potential engine failure.
- ABS Anguish: The NSX's Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) has been reported to cause issues for some owners. These problems can range from minor annoyances to more serious concerns that may require professional attention.
- AC Anxiety: The NSX's air conditioning system has been known to cause issues for some owners, with problems ranging from minor leaks to complete system failures.
- Questionable Compression: The NSX's engine may experience issues with compression, which can lead to reduced performance and fuel efficiency. This issue can be caused by various factors, including wear and tear on the engine's internal components.
- Window Issues: The NSX's automatic windows have been criticized for being poorly designed and prone to failure. This can be a significant inconvenience, especially in situations where quick window operation is necessary.
- Tire Wear: The NSX's unique suspension design and handling characteristics can lead to uneven tire wear, which can result in the need for frequent tire replacements. This can be a significant ongoing expense for NSX owners.
- Electrical Issues: Like many older vehicles, the NSX can experience various electrical issues, including problems with the car's wiring, sensors, and electronic control units. These issues can range from minor annoyances to more serious concerns that may require professional attention.
In conclusion, while the Acura NSX is a highly desirable and capable vehicle, it is not without its common problems and challenges. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when evaluating the car's overall value and suitability for their needs. Regular and proactive maintenance can help mitigate many of these issues, ensuring that the NSX remains a reliable and enjoyable vehicle for years to come.
Is 1991 NSX reliable?
Plus, these cars are spectacularly reliable. NSXs were never about power, but the car's V-6 is now so far down in the plebeian zone that even Accord drivers scoff. Still, the full-bodied roar that culminates in a titanium-connecting-rod-enabled 8000-rpm redline never gets old.
Is the Acura NSX reliable?
The nature of the question, “Which NSX has the most miles,” makes it an ever-changing, and difficult-to-settle one. However, with two examples racing towards 500,000 miles (804,672 km), it's safe to say that the NSX is no exception to the legend of Honda reliability.
Why is Acura NSX not selling?
The Acura ILX has been discontinued because the company plans to focus on the Acura Integra for the sedan market in the United States. The Acura NSX, on the other hand, has been discontinued due to declining sales and the company's focus on electric vehicles.
Why did the Honda NSX fail?
The NSX's powertrain, with its one-off hybrid setup, was simply too much for the world at the time. The gimmick was cool, but no one wants to say they have a V6 under the hood. Everyone wants the status quo or something similar to it. Acura's VTEC was mainly meant for Honda Civics and the tuned-out Fits.
1991 Acura Nsx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Acura Nsx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Tires problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Acura Nsx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Acura Nsx complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Acura Nsx.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-09
- VIN: JH4NA1159MT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DEAR NHTSA: WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL ACCELERATION I NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE FROM THE TRANSMISSION. I SUBSEQUENTLY DISCOVERED THAT A TRANSMISSION PART FAILED. SEE ATTACHED PHOTO. I LEARNED BY FURTHER INVESTIGATION THAT ACURA OF AMERICA IS AWARE OF THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND HAS ISSUED MULTIPLE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN IN THE UNITED STATES SEE ATTACHED. IN JAPAN HONDA ISSUED AN OFFICIAL SAFETY RECALL IS ACTIVE FOR THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. THERE ARE NO DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE JAPANESE PARTS AND THE AMERICAN PARTS. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT HONDA OF JAPAN ADOPTED A MORE STRINGENT AND ETHICALLY SOUND STANCE WHEN REGARDING THE LIVES OF THEIR CUSTOMER AND OTHERS ON THEIR ROADWAYS. I THEN CONTACTED ACURA OF AMERICA FOR GOODWILL ASSISTANCE. ON 3/15/19 DURING A RECORDED PHONE CALL [XXX], SELF-IDENTIFIED AS REGIONAL MANGER OF CUSTOMER RELATIONS AMERICAN HONDA, NOTIFIED ME THAT ACURA HAS DENIED THIS CLAIM, ACURA CASE NO. 09421151 . FURTHER, ACURA HAS NO SAFETY RECALLS OPEN ON THIS VEHICLE, AND SHE DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS EVIDENCED BY THE PHOTO ATTACHED SHOWING PIECES OF HARDENED METAL FROM A BROKEN SNAP RING INSIDE MY TRANSMISSION. THIS BROKEN METAL WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION CASE CAN CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND LOCKING OF THE TRANS-AXEL AT SPEED WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE ALSO ATTACHED GRAPHS OF A YEARS LONG - LIVE SURVEY BY AN ONLINE ACURA NSX OWNERS GROUP WHICH ILLUSTRATES THAT THIS SAFETY DEFECT IS STILL AFFECTING NUMEROUS OWNERS TO THIS DATE. HTTP://WWW.NSXPRIME.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP/208278-SNAP-RING-FAILURES-DATA-NEEDED?FBCLID=IWAR1IFYNHKJ0XNW4IA1ATGQ7I-QSAMILMNWOZ4YW6M8POFSRQZPORKLBU2RM THERE ARE LIVES AT STAKE HERE, WHICH IS WHY I AM FILING A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA. I HAVE COPIED ACURA OF AMERICA SINCERELY, [XXX] - 3/15/19 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-03
- VIN: JH4NA126XMT
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM MUST BE REPLACED DUE TO MODULATOR LEAKING PUMP METAL FILINGS INTO RESERVOIR.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JH4NA126XMT
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS MODULATOR IS LEAKING PUMP METAL INTO THE RESERVIOR CAUSING ABS FAILURE.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-04
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: PREMATURE WEAR/BALDNESS OF TIRES, RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *SKD
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-20
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRES WEAR PREMATURELY. *SKD
1991 Acura Nsx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 Acura Nsx.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES. CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. CHECK THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUG ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, THEN PRESS THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS ANY SIGN OF BREAKAGE OR CRACKING, OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, PROMPTLY CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED HONDA/ACURA DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
Positive 1991 Acura Nsx car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Acura Nsx problems:
What are the main problems with NSX's? - Honda-Tech - Honda ...
May 21, 2004 ... IMO the most common problem with used NSXs is lack of scheduled maintenance. For example, there are lots of early NSXs on which the timing belt ...
10 Mechanical Issues You May Have With the Used Acura NSX ...
Nov 16, 2015 ... Officially known by Acura as the “Broken Countershaft Bearing Snap Ring” problem, this manufacturing defect was widespread cause for concern in ...
Buying an NSX, what to look for? - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...
Feb 13, 2011 ... Snap ring, coolant hoses, TB/WP are the biggest issues, IMHO. Clutch isn't really a "problem" item just needs replacing like every wear item.
I am in love with this car (NA1 specifically) and plan to get one ...
Oct 7, 2020 ... Problem years, rare options, common problems, what to look for? What are some things to consider when switching to an NSX from a 3rd gen ...
What to Look for When Buying a 1991-2005 Acura NSX
Apr 10, 2023 ... “Snap-ring failure is a potential problem that affects mainly the 1991 and 1992 models with manual transmissions. If the snap ring that holds ...
Other years of Acura Nsx
Are you having problems with your 1991 Acura Nsx?
Bobbie Jacobi 2024-09-29
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying driving again since you bought your 91 Acura NSX! It sounds like the car really fits around you and provides a great driving experience with its excellent acceleration, cornering, and handling. It's no surprise that people are always asking what kind of car it is - it's a real eye catcher! I'm also happy to hear that you haven't had any major expenses with the car so far. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with us!
Marquis Ledner 2024-08-28
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with this amazing vehicle. It's honestly the best car I've ever driven - fun, exotic, and incredibly low maintenance. I know some people have concerns about the cost of replacing the clutch, but in my opinion, it's a small price to pay for such a fantastic driving experience. Plus, if you're used to owning a Ferrari, you know that $2,000 won't even cover the cost of a couple of oil changes! Thanks for reading.
Keshawn Streich 2024-08-05
After owning Porsches, Corvettes, Jaguars, BMWs, etc. NOTHING can compare to the NSX.
Alberto O'Conner 2024-04-24
This car is perfect for muscle car enthusiasts who don't want to break the bank. It's a great ride, a lot of fun, and an excellent buy.
Sydney Zboncak 2024-03-27
I've owned my NSX for over a year now. Initially, I was looking for a Z, but when I saw the Black Beauty, I knew I had to have it. It works flawlessly on both short and long trips. However, due to its low height (and the height of trucks), it's important to drive defensively. But when I'm in the mood for a rocking good time with plenty of excitement, I take it for a drive. I currently have the 1991 model with an automatic transmission, but I would love to add the 2015 manual to my collection. Do you know when they will be available for retail?