1991 Acura NSX

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 1991 Acura NSX, formatted for your website.

The 1991 Acura NSX is a mid-engine, two-seat sports car that was groundbreaking for its time. It was offered with a 3.0L V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Buyers had a choice between a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The NSX was praised for its handling, innovative aluminum construction, and comfortable ride for a sports car. Criticisms often centered on the somewhat underwhelming power delivery compared to its competitors and the relatively high price point. Over time, common dislikes also revolve around the expense of maintenance and the age-related wear and tear on specific components.

Engine

3.0L V6 (C30A) - Manual Transmission

• Oil Leaks (Rear Main Seal, Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Pan)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can appear in several areas. The rear main seal leak will typically show as oil accumulation near the transmission bellhousing. Valve cover gasket leaks often result in oil dripping onto the exhaust manifolds, causing a burning smell. Oil pan leaks are generally evident as oil stains on the lower engine and potentially dripping onto the ground.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected seals and gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Rear Main Seal: $800 - $1500+. Valve Cover Gaskets: $200 - $500. Oil Pan Gasket: $300 - $700.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Distributor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic engine performance, misfires, difficulty starting, or complete failure to start. Often caused by a failing ignition control module (ICM) or the distributor itself.
  • Solution: Replacing the ICM or the entire distributor assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: ICM: $100 - $300. Distributor Assembly: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from the water pump, hoses, or radiator. Overheating can occur.
  • Solution: Replacing the damaged parts. Pressure testing the cooling system can help identify the source of the leak.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Water Pump: $300 - $600. Hoses: $50 - $200. Radiator: $400 - $800.
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6 (C30A) - Automatic Transmission

• Oil Leaks (Rear Main Seal, Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Pan)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can appear in several areas. The rear main seal leak will typically show as oil accumulation near the transmission bellhousing. Valve cover gasket leaks often result in oil dripping onto the exhaust manifolds, causing a burning smell. Oil pan leaks are generally evident as oil stains on the lower engine and potentially dripping onto the ground.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected seals and gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Rear Main Seal: $800 - $1500+. Valve Cover Gaskets: $200 - $500. Oil Pan Gasket: $300 - $700.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Distributor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic engine performance, misfires, difficulty starting, or complete failure to start. Often caused by a failing ignition control module (ICM) or the distributor itself.
  • Solution: Replacing the ICM or the entire distributor assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: ICM: $100 - $300. Distributor Assembly: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from the water pump, hoses, or radiator. Overheating can occur.
  • Solution: Replacing the damaged parts. Pressure testing the cooling system can help identify the source of the leak.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Water Pump: $300 - $600. Hoses: $50 - $200. Radiator: $400 - $800.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Synchro Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or difficulty shifting into certain gears, especially 2nd. This is due to worn synchros.
  • Solution: Rebuilding or replacing the transmission with new synchros.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $5000+ depending on the extent of the rebuild.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch Master/Slave Cylinder Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, soft or spongy clutch pedal, or clutch pedal sticking to the floor.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch master and/or slave cylinder.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 for parts and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation or slipping during gear changes, harsh or jerky shifts. This can indicate internal wear or failure of the transmission.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $6000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fluid Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaks, usually visible as red fluid under the car. Could be from seals or lines.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking seals or lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the location and severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Damper Failure (Shocks/Struts)
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll, and/or leaking fluid from the shocks/struts.
  • Solution: Replacing the shocks and struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ for a complete set, including installation.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises from the suspension, especially over bumps or during turns. Worn ball joints can also cause play in the steering.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per corner.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Pop-Up Headlight Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: One or both headlights failing to pop up or down. Often caused by a failed motor or a sticking linkage.
  • Solution: Replacing the headlight motor or lubricating the linkage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Motor Replacement: $200 - $500 per side. Linkage lubrication: $50 - $200.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Gauge Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of gauges, flickering lights, or inaccurate readings. Often caused by bad capacitors or cold solder joints on the circuit board.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the gauge cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Repair: $200 - $500. Replacement: $500 - $1500+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent cooling or heating, blower motor malfunction, or unresponsive controls. Vacuum leaks can also cause issues with the HVAC system.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the climate control system. This may involve replacing the blower motor, repairing vacuum leaks, or replacing the control unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• T-Bar Roof Leaks (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks into the cabin around the T-bar roof seals, especially during heavy rain.
  • Solution: Replacing or resealing the T-bar roof seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the severity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Handle Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken or loose door handles, making it difficult to open the doors.
  • Solution: Replacing the door handles and related hardware.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 per handle.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Center Console Delamination
  • Description/Symptoms: The soft-touch coating on the center console and other interior trim pieces can become sticky and delaminate over time, especially in hot climates.
  • Solution: Refinishing or replacing the affected trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Refinishing: $200 - $500. Replacement: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Speaker Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Distorted or non-functional speakers.
  • Solution: Replacing the speakers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the quality of the replacement speakers.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1991 Acura NSX, while a revolutionary sports car, is now subject to age-related issues. Common problems range from manageable oil leaks and electrical glitches to more significant concerns like transmission wear and suspension component failures. The severity of these issues varies, but the cost to address them can quickly escalate, especially for major repairs. Owners should be prepared for potentially expensive maintenance and repairs to keep their NSX running and performing as intended. The severity ranges from minor annoyances like the delaminating center console, to catastrophic failures such as a transmission failure. The cost can range from $100 all the way into the several thousands.