2000 ACURA NSX

Symptoms: grinding or whining in gear, inability to shift into certain gears, sudden loss of drive, metallic debris in transmission fluid

Fix: Snap-ring issue mainly affects 1991-early '92 5-speeds (out-of-range serial numbers); requires transmission removal and case replacement or rebuild with updated snap-ring groove. 2000 models have the 6-speed, which can suffer countershaft bearing failures from hard use or fluid neglect. Full rebuild involves 18-25 hours labor, new bearings, synchros, and fluids. Some owners opt for used known-good transmissions.

Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: clunking on acceleration or deceleration, excessive engine movement visible from cabin, vibration at idle, drivetrain slap during shifts

Fix: Rubber mounts collapse over time and mileage. The transmission mount is notorious for failure. Replacement involves lifting the drivetrain slightly; transmission mount alone is 3-4 hours, full engine/trans mount set is 6-8 hours. OEM or upgraded polyurethane options available.

Estimated cost: $800-1,800

Symptoms: sudden loss of power, metallic knocking or ticking, oil pressure warning, seized engine, bent valves after over-rev

Fix: C32B is extremely reliable if maintained, but money-shifts (accidental 2nd instead of 4th at high speed) bend valves or break rods. Neglected timing belt (should be every 90k/6yr) can jump or snap, causing valve-piston contact. Full engine rebuild (pistons, rings, bearings, head gaskets, machine work) is 40-60 hours. Many opt for used JDM engines or short-block swaps to save time.

Estimated cost: $12,000-20,000

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: hard starting when hot, loss of power under load, stumbling or hesitation at WOT, fuel smell from tank area

Fix: In-tank fuel filter not serviceable separately on NSX; requires fuel pump assembly replacement. Pump itself can fail from age or contaminated fuel. Tank drop and pump R&R is 4-6 hours due to mid-engine layout and sub-frame interference. Use OEM pump or quality aftermarket.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: transmission fluid puddles under car, low fluid level on dipstick, burnt smell, slipping or delayed shifts if level drops significantly

Fix: Rubber hoses to the external transmission oil cooler crack and leak. Lines run along undercarriage and are exposed to heat cycling. Replacement involves lifting car, draining fluid, and replacing hoses and fittings; 2-3 hours labor. Refill and bleed system carefully.

Estimated cost: $500-900

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: slow window operation, window drops into door, grinding noise from door, window will not go up or down

Fix: Power window regulators and motors wear out, especially driver side. Door panel removal and regulator replacement is straightforward but time-consuming due to tight quarters; 2-3 hours per side. OEM parts expensive; aftermarket hit-or-miss.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi

Symptoms: A/C blows warm, refrigerant leak detected at evaporator, musty smell from vents, oily residue on passenger floorboard

Fix: Evaporator core can develop pinhole leaks. Replacement requires full dashboard removal, which is a nightmare on the NSX due to mid-engine packaging. 15-20 hours labor, plus refrigerant evacuation/recharge. Many owners live with it or use aftermarket sealants as a band-aid.

Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000