The 2017 NSX is a technological marvel with a twin-turbo hybrid powertrain, but early production units suffer from catastrophic engine failures due to rod bearing defects and transmission cooling issues. These are low-mileage problems that can turn a $150k supercar into a six-figure repair bill.
Connecting Rod Bearing Failure Leading to Complete Engine Destruction
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 15,000-40,000 mi
Symptoms: Metallic knocking or ticking from engine bay, often worse on cold starts, Metal shavings in oil during routine changes, Check engine light with low oil pressure codes, Sudden catastrophic failure with locked engine if ignored
Fix: Complete engine teardown reveals spun rod bearings on cylinders 2, 4, or 5 most commonly. Requires full short block replacement or engine rebuild with updated bearings. 60-80 labor hours for engine-out rebuild at specialized shop. Acura issued a TSB but no recall; some goodwill coverage reported under 50k miles.
Estimated cost: $25,000-45,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks and Inadequate Cooling
Common · high severityTypical onset: 20,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under vehicle, often passenger side, Burning smell after spirited driving, 9-speed DCT hesitation, rough shifts, or limp mode activation, Transmission overheat warnings on instrument cluster
Fix: Early oil cooler lines crack at crimp points; revised parts released mid-2018. Replacement requires front fascia removal and cooler line replacement. If transmission overheated before catching leak, clutch packs may be damaged requiring DCT rebuild. 8-12 hours for lines only, add 25-35 hours if DCT internal damage.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500 for lines; $15,000-22,000 if DCT rebuild needed
Hybrid Battery Pack Coolant Leaks at Manifold Connections
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Sweet coolant smell in cabin or rear cargo area, Hybrid system error messages with reduced power mode, Visible coolant staining on battery pack housing, Battery temperature warnings during normal driving
Fix: Coolant manifold O-rings for the lithium-ion battery pack deteriorate prematurely. Requires battery pack partial disassembly with high-voltage lockout procedures. Only dealer or certified hybrid shops can legally perform this. 6-9 labor hours plus mandatory HV safety protocols.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Front Electric Motor Inverter Overheating and Failure
Rare · high severityTypical onset: 25,000-55,000 mi
Symptoms: Loss of Sport Hybrid SH-AWD functionality, rear-drive only, Reduced power mode with multiple warning lights, Clicking or buzzing from front wheel area during acceleration, Inverter cooling fan running constantly even when parked
Fix: Twin Motor Unit (TMU) inverter boards fail due to thermal cycling and inadequate cooling design. Requires complete TMU replacement as inverter is not serviceable separately. 12-16 hours labor, parts are dealer-only and extremely expensive. Acura extended warranty coverage to 6yr/70k miles for this specific issue.
Estimated cost: $18,000-28,000 if out of extended coverage
Rear Transmission Mount Hydraulic Failure
Common · low severityTypical onset: 35,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive driveline vibration at idle in gear, Visible transmission movement when applying throttle from standstill, Metallic banging over rough roads
Fix: Rear transmission mount is hydraulic-filled and fails internally, allowing excessive drivetrain movement. Replacement requires drivetrain support and subframe lowering. 4-6 hours labor. Use OEM mount only; aftermarket versions fail faster.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Fuel Pump Control Module Failure (Recall 19V-073)
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: No-start condition with fuel pump not priming, Engine stalling at idle or during deceleration, Intermittent stalling that worsens over time, Check engine light with fuel pressure sensor codes
Fix: Internal fuel pump control module has faulty fuse that can overheat and fail. Covered under recall 19V-073 but many owners experienced issues before recall issued. Replacement requires fuel tank drop and pump module replacement. 5-7 hours labor, parts covered if recall applies.
Estimated cost: $0 under recall; $2,200-3,000 if recall expired/not applicable
Buy only with comprehensive extended warranty or documented proof of engine/transmission updates; the drivetrain grenades are financially catastrophic and too common on early production units to risk going naked.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.