2002 Acura NSX: common problems and reliability

The 2002 Acura NSX has 17 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine and engine cooling. Owners most often flag timing belt replacement critical, interference engine causes catastrophic valve damage if belt fails, service required every 90,000 miles or 7 years regardless of mileage, includes water pump, tensioners, cam seals, cost $2,000-$3,500, neglect common causing $8,000-$15,000 engine rebuild, recurrent.

Safety record for the 2002 model year

17
Owner complaints
0
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Acura NSX vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
10
engine and engine cooling
4
equipment
2
structure
1
fuel system
1

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment approaching legendary reverence for first-generation model, widely regarded as revolutionary supercar redefining exotic car reliability, usability, and everyday drivability.

  • Snap ring transmission failure (1991-early 1992, specific VIN range), snap ring retaining countershaft breaks causing catastrophic transmission failure, affects transmission range serial numbers J4A4-1003542 through J4A4-1005978, repair requires complete transmission rebuild $4,000-$6,000, preventive inspection/replacement $1,500-$2,500, recurrent (specific VIN range only)
  • Timing belt replacement critical, interference engine causes catastrophic valve damage if belt fails, service required every 90,000 miles or 7 years regardless of mileage, includes water pump, tensioners, cam seals, cost $2,000-$3,500, neglect common causing $8,000-$15,000 engine rebuild, recurrent

Owner insights cover all generations of the NSX. See the full NSX owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used NSX listings typically run $129,398–$209,990 across 1991 to 2022 model years.

Compare the NSX against its rivals

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