2017 Acura NSX
The 2017 Acura NSX is a hybrid sports car featuring a mid-mounted 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and three electric motors. The combined output is 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. Praised for its advanced technology, impressive handling, and comfortable driving experience for a supercar, it’s sometimes criticized for its complex system which can lead to issues. Some people feel it lacks the raw emotion of some competitors. The following outlines common issues owners have reported.
Electric Motor
Direct Drive Motor
- Motor Stator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Premature motor failure. The vehicle may exhibit loss of power, error codes, and inability to drive at high speeds in electric only mode.
- Solution: Replacement of the direct drive motor and inspection of the cooling system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $10,000+ (High cost due to the complexity of the hybrid system and specialized parts.)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Management System (BMS) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Error messages related to the hybrid system, reduced electric-only range, or complete failure to start. This can be related to a faulty BMS module or individual battery cell failure.
- Solution: Diagnostics to identify the faulty component. Replacement of the BMS module or individual battery cells as needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ depending on the component.
- Recalls: None Found
- Software Glitches
- Description/Symptoms: Infotainment system freezing or crashing, navigation errors, intermittent warning lights.
- Solution: Software updates applied by a dealer.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (usually covered under warranty or as a service bulletin update).
- Recalls: None Found
- Sensor Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Issues with the parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, or other driver-assist systems. Inaccurate readings or complete failure of the system to operate.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the specific sensor and replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per sensor depending on location and complexity.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Panel Alignment Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent gaps between body panels, particularly around the doors, hood, and trunk. This is often noted during initial inspections.
- Solution: Adjustment of the body panels to achieve proper alignment.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the severity and the number of panels requiring adjustment.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Motor Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The power seats may fail to adjust correctly or make unusual noises during operation.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor or control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200+ depending on the specific motor and labor.
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Adaptive Damper Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride quality, clunking noises from the suspension, or error messages related to the adaptive damper system.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the affected damper and replacement of the damper unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+ per damper, including labor.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 2017 Acura NSX, while a technological marvel, has some reported issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The most significant concerns relate to the electric motor and battery system, which can be costly to repair. Electrical glitches and sensor malfunctions can also be frustrating. While some exterior and interior issues exist, they are generally less severe. Overall, prospective owners should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified technician familiar with hybrid systems to identify any potential problems. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor issues to several thousand for major component replacements.