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Acura · Sports Car · 1991–2005 Custom Search

Acura NSX NA1

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Acura NSX NA1 is available with 2 engine variants — from 256 to 284 hp.

3.0L V6 VTEC · Petrol· 252–270 PS
1991 2001

All-aluminium V6, VTEC at 5,800 rpm, Senna tuned the chassis. 250k+ km verified when timing belt is changed every 60k miles. Interference engine — no mercy on belt failure. Parts getting scarce.

  • !! Timing Belt — Critical 60k Mile Interval from 96,000 km

    Interference engine: belt failure means instant catastrophic destruction. Honda specifies 60k-mile intervals. Always verify belt history when buying used.

    Symptoms: No warning signs before failure — belt snaps without notice
    800–12,000 $
    Ad timing belt C30A NSX13400-PR7-A01
3.2L V6 VTEC · Petrol· 284 PS
2002 2005

The stronger sibling — 3.2L, 290 hp, six-speed manual only. Revs more freely and rewards VTEC more. Same maintenance as C30A.

  • !! Timing Belt — Critical 60k Mile Interval from 96,000 km

    Interference engine: belt failure causes catastrophic valve damage. Honda specifies 60k-mile intervals. Same maintenance as C30A — identical belt service procedure.

    Symptoms: No warning signs before failure — belt snaps without notice
    800–12,000 $
    Ad timing belt C32B NSX13400-PR7-A01
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above average
9 complaints · 1991–2005
  1. 01 Brakes
    3
  2. 02 Hydraulic
    3
  3. 03 Tires
    3 ⚠ 2
  4. 04 Engine & Cooling
    2
  5. 05 Powertrain
    1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Brakes (3 complaints)
⚠ Hydraulic (3 complaints)
⚠ Tires (3 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 2 weaknesses have been documented for the Acura NSX NA1 (1991–2005).

NSX (C30A, 1991–2001) — Be Careful: Timing Belt — Critical 60k Mile Interval. Power: 270 PS.

NSX (C30A, 1991–2001) — Be Careful: Timing Belt — Critical 60k Mile Interval. Power: 252 PS.

NSX (C32B, 2002–2005) — Be Careful: Timing Belt — Critical 60k Mile Interval. Power: 284 PS.

What to watch out for with the Acura NSX? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Acura NSX NA1 have? +
The Acura NSX NA1 has 2 known engine weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Acura NSX NA1? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: C30A (3.0L V6 VTEC), C32B (3.2L V6 VTEC). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the C32B (3.2L V6 VTEC).
Which Acura NSX NA1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Acura NSX NA1 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} C32B makes 290 hp naturally aspirated. Senna dialed in the suspension at the Nurburgring, chassis 50% stiffer than prototype — because Senna said it felt fragile and Honda listened.
Is the Acura NSX NA1 worth buying used? +
The Acura NSX NA1 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Acura NSX NA1? +
The Acura NSX NA1 is available with engine variants from 256 to 284 hp. Petrol: C30A (3.0L V6 VTEC), C32B (3.2L V6 VTEC).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee