1991 HONDA NSX NA1

Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi or 7-year intervals

Symptoms: No symptoms until catastrophic failure, Squealing on cold start if tensioner bearing worn, Coolant weep from water pump

Fix: Replace timing belt, tensioner, water pump, and all accessory belts as a package. Mid-engine access requires removing the rear cosmetic engine cover and working in tight quarters. Budget 8-10 hours labor for a thorough job including valve cover gaskets.

Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil pooling in spark plug wells causing misfires, Burning oil smell in cabin, Oil weeping at rear of valve covers near firewall

Fix: Replace valve cover gaskets, spark plug tube seals, and cam end plug o-rings. Often done during timing belt service to save on duplicate labor. Rear bank especially tedious due to firewall proximity. 6-8 hours if standalone, 2-3 hours added to timing belt job.

Estimated cost: $800-1,500

Typical onset: Any mileage, age-related

Symptoms: Windows move slowly or stop mid-travel, Grinding or clicking noise from door, Window off-track or tilted in channel

Fix: Clean and re-grease regulator tracks, replace worn nylon guide blocks, or replace entire regulator assembly if gears stripped. Common DIY fix if caught early. 2-3 hours per door for full regulator replacement.

Estimated cost: $400-800 per door

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Power steering fluid puddles under front end, Whining noise when turning at low speed, Heavy steering feel

Fix: Replace hardened high-pressure hoses and rack seals. OEM hoses are discontinued; quality aftermarket or custom stainless lines required. Rack rebuild kits available but labor-intensive. 4-6 hours for hoses, 8-10 hours for rack reseal.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200 hoses / $2,000-3,000 rack

Typical onset: Any mileage, corrosion-driven

Symptoms: A/C blows warm despite recharge, Oily film on inside windshield, Sweet smell from vents, Refrigerant loss every season

Fix: Evaporator core corrosion common in humid climates. Requires full dashboard removal to access. This is the most labor-intensive job on the NSX. 16-20 hours labor, parts are available aftermarket. Often a deal-breaker repair due to cost.

Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Metallic ticking at idle, worse when cold, Oil consumption 1 qt per 1,000-1,500 miles, Loss of VTEC engagement or delayed crossover

Fix: Hydraulic lifters wear and leak down, valve stem seals harden. Proper fix is cylinder head removal, valve job, new lifters, seals. Many owners live with mild ticking if oil pressure good. Full service is 20-25 hours for both banks due to mid-engine access.

Estimated cost: $5,000-8,000 both banks

Typical onset: Any mileage, random failure

Symptoms: Transmission pops out of 2nd or 5th gear under load, Grinding when shifting into higher gears, Sudden loss of drive

Fix: 1991-1992 manual transmissions in snap-ring range (VINs below MT002254) can experience countershaft snap-ring groove wear leading to catastrophic failure. Requires transmission removal and case splitting to replace snap-ring with updated part. 12-15 hours labor. Check VIN before purchase.

Estimated cost: $3,000-4,500

Typical onset: Any mileage, age-related

Symptoms: Coolant weeping from hose ends, Plastic expansion tank cracking at seams, Overheating after spirited driving, White residue around hose clamps

Fix: Replace all coolant hoses and expansion tank as preventive maintenance, especially if original. Main coolant pipes run under intake manifold requiring upper plenum removal. 6-8 hours for comprehensive coolant system refresh including thermostat.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000