Acura Nsx Years to AvoidThe weakest years — and the one you should buy instead
After reviewing every Acura Nsx we've analyzed (19 years), these are the 1 weakest. Each one has either an absolute low reliability score, chronic repair issues, or unusually high ownership costs relative to other Nsx years.
Proceed with caution
2017 Acura Nsx
The 2017 Acura NSX, a technological marvel, represents a surprisingly solid, albeit complex, choice in the used supercar market. While its advanced hybrid powertrain and sophisticated dual-clutch transmission demand vigilant maintenance, it exhibits the underlying build quality expected of Acura. Expect high running costs, but major catastrophic failures are less frequent than with many European rivals, making it a compelling option for those who appreciate cutting-edge performance with a touch of Japanese dependability.
Why this year scores low
While generally robust, the integrated electric motors, battery pack, and associated power control units are complex. Recalls existed for battery cable issues (NHTSA 16V-740). Failure of these components, though rare, would be exceptionally expensive to diagnose and repair.
The bespoke 9-speed DCT offers rapid shifts but can exhibit occasional jerky behavior or hesitation, particularly at low speeds or during specific software iterations. While not widespread failures, long-term clutch wear in high-performance use or mechatronic unit issues are a possibility, leading to costly rebuilds or replacements.
The sophisticated infotainment system, various sensors, and hybrid system wiring harness (subject to NHTSA 16V-728 recall) can present intermittent glitches or failures. While often minor, diagnosing these issues requires specialized tools and expertise, leading to high labor costs.