1992 Acura NSX
The 1992 Acura NSX is a mid-engine, two-seat sports car that was revolutionary for its time, blending exotic car performance with Honda’s renowned reliability and build quality. It came with a 3.0L V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners love the car for its balanced handling, engaging driving experience, and timeless design. Common complaints often revolve around the age of the vehicle, leading to increased maintenance needs and potential difficulty in sourcing specific parts. The NSX is known for its comfortable ride for a sports car, and its relatively good reliability when compared to its exotic competitors. However, as with any car of this age, issues do arise.
Engine
3.0L V6 (C30A)
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various seals and gaskets due to age. Common areas include the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the car, low oil levels, and the smell of burning oil.
- Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+, depending on the location and complexity of the repair.
- Recalls: None Found
- Distributor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The original distributor can fail over time, leading to misfires, rough running, and eventually a no-start condition.
- Solution: Replace the distributor with a new or remanufactured unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from the water pump, hoses, or radiator. Overheating can result if the coolant level drops too low.
- Solution: Replace the leaking components (water pump, hoses, radiator).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+, depending on the component that needs to be replaced.
- Recalls: None Found
- Snap Oversteer
- Description/Symptoms: Inexperienced drivers may find themselves fighting to correct the car in situations where they are pushing the car.
- Solution: Adjust driving habits.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: N/A
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
- Synchro Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Grinding or difficulty shifting into certain gears (especially 2nd) is common in high-mileage examples due to synchro wear.
- Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Clutch Master Cylinder Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clutch pedal sticking to the floor.
- Solution: Replace the clutch master cylinder.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
4-Speed Automatic
- Shift Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh shifts, or failure to shift into certain gears.
- Solution: Replace the faulty shift solenoid(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission Slippage
- Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement, slipping between gears, or a general lack of power transfer.
- Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Damper (Shock) Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Worn dampers result in a bouncy ride, reduced handling performance, and increased stopping distances.
- Solution: Replace the dampers (shocks/struts).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ (depending on the brand of damper used)
- Recalls: None Found
- Bushing Degradation
- Description/Symptoms: Rubber bushings throughout the suspension system can degrade over time, leading to sloppy handling, clunking noises, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replace worn bushings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Ball Joint Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Ball joints wear over time and cause clicking/clunking noises in the suspension, as well as poor wheel alignment.
- Solution: Replace worn ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Main Relay Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent no-start condition, especially in hot weather. The main relay is responsible for providing power to the fuel pump and ECU.
- Solution: Replace the main relay.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
- Gauge Cluster Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent gauge failures (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge), dim or flickering lighting.
- Solution: Repair or replace the gauge cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Power windows that operate slowly or not at all.
- Solution: Replace the power window motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Headlights not raising or lowering properly.
- Solution: Replace the headlight motor or repair the linkage.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per headlight
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Handle Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Door handles can become brittle and break, especially in hot climates.
- Solution: Replace the door handle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per handle
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Climate Control Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Failure of the automatic climate control system, including issues with the blower motor, AC compressor, or temperature sensors.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the faulty components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the component that needs to be replaced
- Recalls: None Found
- Center Console Delamination
- Description/Symptoms: The soft-touch material on the center console and other interior trim pieces can peel or delaminate over time, giving a sticky or unsightly appearance.
- Solution: Refinish or replace the affected trim pieces.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 1992 Acura NSX, while a highly desirable and well-engineered sports car, is prone to issues stemming from its age. Engine and transmission problems, particularly oil leaks, synchro wear, and automatic transmission slippage, can be costly to address. Suspension issues like worn dampers and bushings can affect handling and ride quality. Electrical problems such as main relay failures and gauge cluster issues can also arise. Exterior issues with headlight motors and door handles are also common. Owners should be prepared for potential repairs and maintenance to keep their NSX in top condition. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be more significant, with costs potentially reaching several thousand dollars. Despite these potential issues, the NSX remains a rewarding car to own for those who appreciate its unique blend of performance, design, and Honda engineering.