The 2005 NSX is Honda's hand-built supercar with legendary reliability, but age and heat cycles bring specific challenges. Most issues stem from the mid-engine layout's thermal stress and parts that are simply 20+ years old now.
Snap Ring Transmission Failure (Pre-1997 5-speeds, but awareness needed)
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: sudden loss of all gears, transmission locked in gear, catastrophic failure without warning
Fix: Though 2005s have the 6-speed and aren't affected, buyers often confuse model years. If you're looking at earlier NSXs, the snap ring can shear without warning. Transmission rebuild required, 18-24 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $4,000-6,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid leaking near rear wheel well, burnt fluid smell, low fluid level on dipstick, slipping shifts if neglected
Fix: Rubber lines harden and crack from engine bay heat. Requires transmission drop or significant subframe work depending on which line fails. 6-8 hours labor plus lines and fresh ATF.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Transmission Mount Deterioration
Common · low severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: clunk when shifting into gear from neutral, excessive drivetrain movement, vibration at idle in gear, rough engagement
Fix: Rubber mounts fail from heat and age. Mid-engine placement makes access tedious. Trans must be supported while mounts are replaced. 4-6 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Window Regulator Failure
Common · low severityTypical onset: 80,000+ mi
Symptoms: window drops into door, grinding noise when operating window, window stuck down or crooked, slow window operation
Fix: Plastic gears and guides crack. Common failure point that leaves the car vulnerable to weather and theft. Door panel removal and regulator replacement, 2-3 hours per side.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000 per side
Head Gasket Seepage (Not Failure, But Monitoring Needed)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: slight coolant weepage at head/block interface, slow coolant loss without external leaks, oil in coolant or vice versa in severe cases
Fix: The C-series V6 is generally bulletproof, but gaskets age. If caught early, it's maintenance. If ignored, coolant intrusion damages bearings. Engine-out service, 24-30 hours labor for both banks, timing belt service done simultaneously.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
ABS Modulator Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: any mileage, age-related
Symptoms: ABS light on, firm brake pedal with no assist, brake accumulator pump runs constantly, no power braking
Fix: The integrated ABS/brake booster unit fails internally. NLA from Honda, requires used/refurbished unit or ABS delete modification. 4-6 hours labor if you source the part.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,500 depending on part availability
Climate Control Servo Motors
Common · low severityTypical onset: any mileage, age-related
Symptoms: clicking behind dash, no airflow direction control, stuck on defrost or floor only, temperature blend stuck hot or cold
Fix: Multiple servo motors control blend doors, they fail from age. Dash removal required for some, 3-6 hours labor depending on which motor(s). Parts can be NLA, aftermarket or used required.
Estimated cost: $600-1,500
Fuel Pump Degradation
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: hard start when hot, stumble under hard acceleration, limp mode on track days, fuel pressure drops under load
Fix: Original pumps lose pressure capacity. Requires dropping the fuel tank (mid-engine complication). If you're in there, replace filter and hoses too. 5-7 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Buy one if you accept $3k-5k annual care costs and can find NSX-specialist service — the drivetrain is bulletproof, but age-related trim and ancillary failures are inevitable on a 20-year-old hand-built exotic.
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.