The Acura NSX spans 1987–2022 with 14 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2017, 1991, 1992 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1987, 1988, 1989. It delivers up to 21 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Acura NSX is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1987 to 2022 across multiple generations.
How to read a Acura NSX VIN — every digit explained
Every Acura NSX carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Acura and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this NSX.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your NSX, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Acura NSX have?
The Acura NSX has 14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1987–2022. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2020 Acura NSX recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
2019 Acura NSX recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Honda will notify owners and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 22, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
2018 Acura NSX recalls 3
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Acura NSX vehicles. The crossover pipe couplers between the left and right fuel tanks may leak.
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel tanks, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are U29, and Z28.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Honda will notify owners and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 22, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
2017 Acura NSX recalls 3
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Acura NSX vehicles. The crossover pipe couplers between the left and right fuel tanks may leak.
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel tanks, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are U29, and Z28.
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
What's wrong. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Acura NSX vehicles. Road vibrations may cause the metal screws that secure the printed circuit board for the high mounted center brake light to loosen and contact the circuitry, possibly resulting in the brake light fuse blowing and the brake lights not functioning. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk. Brake lights that do not work increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the center high mount brake light, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Acura Client Relations at 1-844-682-2872. Honda's number for this recall is B2B.
1991 Acura NSX recalls 1
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix. 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.
Best and worst years for the Acura NSX
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 26 tracked years, the worst years are 2017, 1991, 1992 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1987, 1988, 1989.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 NSX | — | Best | |
| 1988 NSX | — | Best | |
| 1989 NSX | — | Best | |
| 1990 NSX | — | Average | |
| 1991 NSX | Service Brakes | Avoid | |
| 1992 NSX | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 1993 NSX | — | Average | |
| 1994 NSX | Service Brakes | Average | |
| 1995 NSX | — | Average | |
| 1996 NSX | — | Average | |
| 1997 NSX | — | Average | |
| 1998 NSX | — | Average | |
| 1999 NSX | — | Average | |
| 2000 NSX | — | Average | |
| 2001 NSX | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 2002 NSX | — | Average | |
| 2003 NSX | — | Average | |
| 2004 NSX | — | Average | |
| 2005 NSX | — | Average | |
| 2016 NSX | — | Average | |
| 2017 NSX | Fuel/propulsion System | Avoid | |
| 2018 NSX | — | Average | |
| 2019 NSX | — | Average | |
| 2020 NSX | — | Average | |
| 2021 NSX | — | Average | |
| 2022 NSX | — | Average |
What are the most common Acura NSX problems?
The most-reported Acura NSX problems are Tires (3 reports), Air Bags (1 reports) and Hydraulic (3 reports) — out of 16 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Acura NSX specifications & dimensions
The 2016–2022 Acura NSX measures 176″ long on a 104″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,803 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Acura NSX window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–2022 | 176″ | 76″ | 48″ | 104″ | 3,803 lb |
| 2004 | 174″ | 71″ | 46″ | 100″ | 3,153 lb |
| 1998–2001 | 174″ | 71″ | 46″ | 100″ | 3,164 lb |
| 1992–1995 | 174″ | 71″ | 46″ | 100″ | 3,009 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Acura NSX cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the NSX holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 89 cu ft of passenger volume and 16 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Acura NSX tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Acura NSX get?
The Acura NSX returns up to 21 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,650/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2005 Acura NSX (3L 6-cyl) gets 18 mpg combined and costs about $4,300/yr to fuel, emitting 494 g/mi CO₂ (smog 1/10) — about $10,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 NSX | 16 | 22 | $4,300 | 494 | 1/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2004 NSX | 16 | 22 | $4,300 | 494 | 1/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2003 NSX | 15 | 22 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2002 NSX | 15 | 22 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2001 NSX | 15 | 22 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2000 NSX | 15 | 22 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1999 NSX | 16 | 22 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1998 NSX | 16 | 22 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1996 NSX | 16 | 22 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1995 NSX | 16 | 22 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1994 NSX | 17 | 22 | $4,050 | 468 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1993 NSX | 17 | 22 | $4,050 | 468 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1992 NSX | 16 | 22 | $4,050 | 468 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1991 NSX | 16 | 22 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 3L 6-cyl |
The 2022 Acura NSX (3.5L 6-cyl Hybrid) gets 21 mpg combined and costs about $3,650/yr to fuel, emitting 420 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 4/10, smog 3/10) — about $7,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 NSX | 21 | 22 | $3,650 | 420 | 3/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2021 NSX | 21 | 22 | $3,650 | 420 | 3/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2020 NSX | 21 | 22 | $3,650 | 420 | 3/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2019 NSX | 21 | 22 | $3,650 | 420 | 3/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2018 NSX | 21 | 22 | $3,650 | 420 | 3/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2017 NSX | 21 | 22 | $3,650 | 420 | 6/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl Hybrid |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the NSX stacks up against the most fuel-efficient two-seaters, or calculate this NSX's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Acura NSX have? Power & range
The Acura NSX is offered with 2 powertrains — 3L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl Hybrid. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.0L · 6-cyl | Automatic (S4) | RWD | Premium |
| Hybrid | 3.5L · 6-cyl | Automatic (AM-S9) | AWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Acura NSX cost to own?
A Acura NSX holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used NSX is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this NSX loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $18,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the NSX ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Acura NSX to insure?
A Acura NSX costs about $4,937 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 243% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (343, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the NSX's HLDI loss index. See Acura insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Acura NSX safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the NSX yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Acura NSX last?
A well-maintained Acura NSX typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Acura NSX’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this NSX’s VIN free →All Acura NSX model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Acura NSX — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 2021 NSX | 1 recall | — | |
| 2020 NSX | 1 recall | — | |
| 2019 NSX | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2018 NSX | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2017 NSX | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2016 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 2005 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 2004 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 2003 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 2002 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 2001 NSX | 1 recall | — | |
| 2000 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 1999 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 1998 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 1997 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 1996 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 1995 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 1994 NSX | 1 recall | — | |
| 1993 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 1992 NSX | 1 recall | — | |
| 1991 NSX | 1 recall | — | |
| 1990 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 1989 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 1988 NSX | 0 | — | |
| 1987 NSX | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the NSX?
By owner-complaint volume, 2017, 1991, 1992 drew the most reports. 1987, 1988, 1989 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the NSX have?
14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1987–2022. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Acura recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the NSX get?
Up to 21 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a NSX last?
A well-maintained NSX typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the NSX reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the NSX is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Acura NSX warranty?
New Acura models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 6 years / 70,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Acura dealer.
Where is the Acura NSX made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your NSX's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Acura may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a NSX weigh?
The NSX's curb weight is around 3,803 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the NSX have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.