Acura NSX (second generation) buying guide

The big dividing line is 2019. That year Acura gave it bigger anti-roll bars at both ends, firmer bushings on the rear toe links and reworked rear hubs, then retuned the SH-AWD, adaptive dampers, steering and stability control. It also developed a new Continental SportContact 6 tire. Acura claims the update lapped Suzuka nearly two seconds quicker. Octane Files picks the 2019 revision, which owners call the NC2, for anyone who plans to drive the car hard.

Motor1 points to a 2019-2021 car as the one to look for, with better chassis tuning and sharper responses. Autojunket rates 2019 to 2022 as the best years and says none is outright to avoid, though the 2017 needs the most vetting. Later model years only added colors: Indy Yellow for 2020 and Long Beach Blue Pearl for 2021.

Earlier cars are softer. Motor1 and Octane Files both say a 2017 or 2018 with the right service history could be the value play, and the price guide and the market page show how those years are trading now.

Every 2022 NSX was a Type S, and only 350 were built, 300 of them for the US. It makes 600 hp and 492 lb-ft, with bigger turbochargers taken from the NSX GT3 Evo racer, plus lower front motor gearing, wider tracks and bespoke semi-slick Pirellis. Honda says it laps two seconds quicker than a 2019 car. An optional Lightweight Package took another 26kg out and included carbon-ceramic brakes. Motor1 points to the standard NSX, not the Type S, as the one to hunt for value.

Fuel system recalls dominate the record, and the rest are mostly irritations.

Fuel pump failure

A 2018-2019 recall covered the in-tank low-pressure pump, which could fail and stall the engine. A later recall covers 2017-20 cars whose pump motors have defective impellers that can swell and seize the pump, and affected cars are on stop sale until repaired. Acura's bulletin lists difficulty starting, hesitation while driving and a check engine light with code P0087 as the symptoms.

Fuel tank crossover couplers

Certain 2017 and 2018 cars were recalled because the crossover pipe couplers between the fuel tanks could leak. The repair replaced both fuel tanks, so ask for proof it was done.

Brake light fuse

Certain 2017 cars were recalled because road vibrations could loosen screws in the center high-mount brake light and blow the fuse. It is a small job but a real safety item.

Battery problems

A flat 12-volt battery lights up the dash and may leave the pop-out door handles stuck in, which Octane Files says usually is not serious. Exotic Car Hacks adds that some 2017 owners reported premature battery failures.

Brake disc clicking

Clicking from the wheel area on 2017-21 cars can come from debris build-up on the brake discs. Acura's service bulletin gives cleaning all four discs as the fix.

Rattles and carbon rotors

Owners have reported cracked carbon rotors, suspension rattles, uneven panel gaps and door rattles, according to Exotic Car Hacks. Those are owner reports, not a pattern the sources put a number on.

Servicing is not cheap. Exotic Car Hacks puts an oil change at about $350 at independent shops and as much as $500 at a dealer, and a major service at about $1,800 at a dealer. A set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires could be around $1,500, it says.

The big items are larger. Carlyle quotes $4,000 to $8,000 for a dual-clutch clutch or mechatronic service from about 30,000 miles, $6,000 to $12,000 for a hybrid battery pack and $8,000 to $15,000 to replace carbon-ceramic brakes. Those brakes were a $9,900 option on the 2020 car, so check which a car has before you budget.

Buy a clean 2019 to 2021 car with a full inspection and every recall closed. Both Motor1 and Autojunket back that range, and Motor1 says the NSX has no horror-story reputation despite its complexity. Pick a 2017 only if the history is thorough, since it needs the most vetting. Compare against the first-generation guide if the older car appeals, or see other used sports cars.

Skip any car with open fuel recalls or no record of the valve adjustment, and do not accept a general body shop's word on the space frame. Motor1 sees the value in the standard car.