1998 ACURA NSX

Typical onset: any mileage—time bomb if in range

Symptoms: Transmission pops out of gear under load, especially 2nd gear, Grinding or clunking during shifts, Complete loss of gears if snap ring fails and counter shaft walks out

Fix: Trans-out job to replace snap ring with updated part, counter shaft, bearings. 18-24 hours labor for removal, repair, reinstall. Some owners do full rebuild while it's out.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Temperature gauge creeping above normal, especially in traffic, Coolant loss with no visible leaks—head gasket seepage, White smoke from exhaust, oil/coolant mixing, Scored cylinder walls if severe overheat occurs

Fix: Head gaskets on these require engine-out or near-engine-out access. If overheated badly, expect piston ring damage, scored bores, warped heads. Full top-end or short block replacement not uncommon. 40-60 hours for complete engine-out head gasket job, more if internal damage found.

Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000

Typical onset: 60,000+ mi, 20+ years

Symptoms: Window drops into door, regulator clips brittle and break, Exterior door handles crack or snap off, Weatherstripping dry-rotted, wind noise, water intrusion

Fix: Window regulator repair kits available, ~2 hours per side. Door handles need OEM or aftermarket replacements, 1-2 hours each. Weatherstripping is time-consuming but low-skill.

Estimated cost: $500-1,500

Typical onset: any mileage—time and heat related

Symptoms: Transmission fluid drips or puddles under car, Hard or delayed shifting as fluid ages and breaks down, Burnt smell from transmission area

Fix: Cooler lines and connections corrode, leak at fittings. Replace lines, flush system, new OEM Honda MTF. 2-3 hours. If fluid neglected, synchros wear—full rebuild territory.

Estimated cost: $400-800

Typical onset: every 60,000-90,000 mi or 6-8 years

Symptoms: No symptoms until catastrophic failure—interference engine, Coolant weep from water pump, squealing from idler bearings

Fix: Timing belt, water pump, tensioners, seals—engine-out recommended for thorough access though some techs do in-chassis. 12-18 hours labor. Skipping this service destroys the engine if belt snaps.

Estimated cost: $2,500-4,500

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive vibration at idle, Clunking when shifting or on/off throttle, Engine movement visible in bay during acceleration

Fix: Rubber mounts deteriorate. Replace all engine and trans mounts as a set for best results. 4-6 hours labor. OEM Honda parts strongly recommended.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000

Typical onset: any mileage—heat-cycle related

Symptoms: No-start when hot, starts fine when cool, Fuel pump doesn't prime intermittently, Dash lights flicker or accessories cut out

Fix: Main relay under dash develops cracked solder joints. Remove, resolder, reinstall. DIY-friendly, 1 hour. Can also replace unit outright.

Estimated cost: $150-300