The Honda NSX is one of those machines that still carries a legendary status among car fans. When it first appeared, it combined exotic car styling and performance with the kind of everyday usability people usually don’t associate with high-performance sports cars.
It was engineered to demonstrate that a reliable, daily-drivable supercar could exist. While many owners have enjoyed years of excitement behind the wheel, that dependability can fade quickly if the car is not cared for properly.
Like any high-performance machine, the NSX demands consistent attention and thoughtful maintenance.
Over time, owners sometimes fall into habits or make missteps that seem small but have serious long-term consequences. These mistakes don’t just affect how the car feels on the road.
They can directly harm the engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems. What makes the NSX unique is that it blends precise Japanese engineering with exotic car components, meaning replacement parts are specialized, often expensive, and sometimes hard to source. This makes preventing unnecessary wear or breakage even more important.
Car enthusiasts and collectors who value the NSX for its heritage and engineering need to understand that preservation requires more than casual care. Neglecting vital tasks, ignoring warning signs, or rushing modifications can all shorten the car’s lifespan.
On the surface, these mistakes may seem tempting because they save money or appear harmless. However, the damage they cause may be irreversible or require significant repair costs to fix.
With the NSX becoming more collectible and prices climbing, smart ownership is about avoiding the common traps that cause reliability to collapse.
Focusing on proper care ensures that the car continues delivering the thrilling yet balanced experience it has become famous for, without burdening the owner with preventable headaches.
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Mistake 1: Neglecting Regular Oil Changes
An error that can quickly destroy the reliability of a Honda NSX is skipping or delaying oil changes. The NSX is equipped with a high-revving, precision-built V6 engine that depends on a continuous supply of clean, high-quality oil.
This oil not only lubricates internal parts but also plays a critical role in cooling and reducing friction. Skipping even one interval may not show immediate consequences, but the buildup of contaminants begins to compromise engine performance right away.
Older NSX models in particular are sensitive because many of them have accumulated decades of driving, often under spirited conditions. The oil system endures extreme heat, especially during aggressive driving or track sessions.
If the oil becomes degraded, its protective properties diminish, leading to accelerated wear of piston rings, cams, and bearings. Once internal wear sets in, repair costs skyrocket, often exceeding what preventative maintenance would have cost several times over.
Another factor that makes oil changes essential is the limited aftermarket support compared to more mass-produced sports cars. Incorrect or low-grade oil can damage internal seals and gaskets, which are not only costly to replace but may also take time to source. Classic NSX parts aren’t as readily available, making the damage even more frustrating for owners.
Properly maintaining oil quality is also crucial for preserving the car’s signature responsiveness. Dirty or oxidized oil slightly increases friction, dulling the crisp throttle response that sets the NSX apart.
For enthusiasts chasing the original driving feel, skipping oil maintenance is one of the quickest ways to ruin the character of the car.
The solution is simple: adhere strictly to a short oil service interval, even shorter than factory recommendations if the car is driven aggressively.
Using premium synthetic oils designed for high-performance engines and replacing the filter every time ensures the lubrication system stays healthy. This simple, relatively inexpensive routine is one of the strongest defenses against reliability issues in the Honda NSX.
Mistake 2: Overlooking Timing Belt Replacement
The Honda NSX’s engine is famous for its durability, but one overlooked item can instantly destroy it: the timing belt. This component keeps the camshafts and crankshaft synchronized, ensuring valves open and close in proper sequence.
If the belt fails, pistons and valves collide, causing catastrophic internal damage. Unfortunately, many owners underestimate how vital this service is, especially on older models.
The NSX was engineered with precision, but that also means its tolerances are tight. Unlike non-interference engines, the NSX’s V6 cannot survive a snapped timing belt without major internal destruction.
Typical intervals recommend replacement around every 90,000 miles or every six years, whichever comes first. Yet, owners who drive fewer miles often think their belt is safe, ignoring the effects of age and heat. Rubber deteriorates over time, and in a high-performance motor that often runs hot, this wear accelerates.
Skipping this maintenance is almost like gambling with the car’s life. A timing belt replacement costs much less than rebuilding or replacing an entire engine. Additionally, many owners pair this service with water pump replacement, since both are accessible together.
Ignoring these items can result not only in breakdowns but in a permanent loss of value for the car itself. Collectors prize well-documented maintenance, and a missing belt service instantly raises questions about overall care.
The NSX is already known for its balance between usability and performance, so protecting its engine with preventive work should be a top priority.
Taking shortcuts with the timing belt is one of those errors that can transform an otherwise reliable supercar into a money pit. Staying disciplined about timely replacement ensures the car continues delivering the strong and smooth V6 performance it was built for.
Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Coolant or Ignoring Cooling System
Another mistake that compromises NSX reliability is ignoring the cooling system or using the wrong fluids. The NSX’s mid-engine layout naturally creates more heat around the engine and transmission.
Proper cooling is essential to protect seals, gaskets, and aluminum components. When drivers overlook coolant maintenance or top off with the wrong type, the damage can appear slowly but becomes severe over time.
Older NSX cooling systems often suffer from aging hoses, brittle clamps, and radiators that have endured years of expansion and contraction. If these aren’t inspected and serviced, leaks can develop.
A small drop in coolant levels may seem harmless, but once heat begins climbing, it can warp cylinder heads or damage sensors. These repairs are both labor intensive and costly, especially for owners who want original parts.
Another underestimated issue is the type of coolant used. The NSX demands the correct anti-corrosion properties because its engine and radiator use aluminum extensively. Cheap or incorrect coolants can cause internal corrosion, clogging passages and reducing efficiency.
This hidden problem builds slowly, but when overheating eventually happens, it jeopardizes the entire motor and compromises dependability.
Routine flushing and inspection are the only defenses against this. Factory-approved coolant paired with new hoses and clamps as needed ensures the system continues doing its job.
Many veteran owners also recommend replacing thermostats preventively, since a stuck thermostat may cause sudden overheating. Given how sensitive the NSX is to temperature issues, this minor service protects against a disaster.
Failing to respect the cooling system is one of the most preventable reliability killers. A properly cared-for NSX runs cool and consistent, while a neglected one surprises its owner with expensive failures that could have been easily avoided.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Transmission Health
While the Honda NSX has a reputation for a durable manual gearbox, overlooking transmission health is a common mistake.
The early manual transmission models are known for the infamous “snap ring” issue, where a retaining snap ring can fail inside the transmission casing.
This causes gears to misalign, leading to catastrophic internal destruction. Unfortunately, some owners delay inspections or assume their gearbox is immune.
Even aside from the snap ring concern, transmissions are central to performance and reliability. Skipping fluid changes, using incorrect lubricants, or neglecting clutch health gradually weakens the driving experience.
Though manual gearboxes can feel robust, the NSX’s precision synchros and engagement mechanisms require proper lubrication to stay smooth. Ignoring this adds wear that becomes obvious when gears grind, shift quality worsens, or synchros fail.
Automatic transmission models face their own problems. Though rarer, they suffer if fluid levels or cooling are neglected.
Overheating automatic transmissions are costly to repair, and replacement units are scarce. Both manual and automatic versions highlight why careful transmission upkeep is so vital.
The proper approach includes frequent fluid changes with recommended lubricants, inspections for leaks, and early attention to shifting irregularities.
Snap ring failures often give subtle warnings such as noise in certain gears, so owners must act promptly. Skipping transmission service is one of the costliest corners an NSX owner can cut.
Keeping the transmission healthy ensures the car retains both performance and reliability. Considering that parts for gearboxes are harder to replace as the car ages, preventive care is one of the smartest investments an owner can make.
Mistake 5: Poor Electrical System Maintenance
The NSX, despite its reputation for Honda reliability, requires detailed attention to its electrical system as it ages. A common mistake is disregarding small electrical issues until they grow into major faults.
Corroded grounds, weak alternators, or old wiring harnesses often present subtle symptoms like dimming lights, intermittent starting, or malfunctioning sensors. Ignoring these can strand an owner unexpectedly.
Like any classic performance car, the NSX’s reliability depends heavily on its electronics because numerous systems are interconnected. Engine management relies on stable voltage, and a failing alternator or battery can cause misleading fault codes or irregular fuel delivery.
When overlooked, owners often chase performance issues for months, only to later discover an aging electrical foundation was the root cause.
Aging NSXs are also susceptible to main relay failure, a well-documented problem that causes sudden starting issues. By not refreshing these components, owners end up frustrated with reliability that should otherwise be solid.
Another frequent mistake is modifying the car with aftermarket electrical parts without considering compatibility.
Poorly installed stereos, alarms, or lighting setups draw excessive current, damaging factory wiring. This shortcut often sets off a chain of electrical headaches, gradually reducing the car’s dependability.
Regular inspections of fuses, grounds, connectors, and battery condition help keep the system strong. Replacing old relays and ensuring alternator output remains healthy prevents surprise breakdowns.
Treating electrical health seriously is essential as the NSX continues aging. Otherwise, preventable faults quickly ruin the car’s dependable reputation.
Mistake 6: Skipping Suspension and Chassis Care
The NSX is recognized for its handling balance, but suspension wear directly threatens reliability and driving quality. Ignoring bushings, control arms, and dampers is one of the biggest mistakes owners make.
Though the car may still run, worn suspension components strain the chassis, affect alignment, and cause uneven tire wear. Left unchecked, this stress spreads to steering racks and other expensive parts.
The mid-engine balance of the NSX amplifies both the rewards and risks of suspension condition. A smooth setup delivers precision handling, while a neglected one makes the car unpredictable.
Many owners assume suspension can be ignored longer than engine maintenance, but once rubber components dry out or shocks lose damping, reliability declines rapidly.
Because the NSX is now considered collectible, original suspension parts are often expensive and limited. This makes proactive attention even more essential. Simple signs like clunks, uneven tread wear, or poor turn-in indicate wear that should be addressed before it cascades into larger failures.
Suspension upkeep also protects the car’s long-term value. Collectors look for examples that maintain handling integrity, and an NSX with neglected suspension quickly gains a reputation as a “tired” car.
The best way to preserve reliability is consistent alignment checks, refreshing bushings, and replacing dampers before they fully fail. That way, the car continues delivering the precise handling balance it is famous for.
Mistake 7: Improper Storage or Sporadic Use
While many owners view light use as preservation, infrequent driving and poor storage conditions harm the NSX. Allowing the car to sit unused causes seals to dry, fluids to degrade, and batteries to drain.
Over time, this neglect invites corrosion in the cooling system, brakes, and electrical components. Sporadic use without preparation is one of the most underestimated threats to reliability.
High-performance engines like the NSX’s benefit from consistent oil circulation. When a car sits unused for long stretches, internal metal surfaces lose protection, creating wear risks upon startup.
Similarly, old fuel sitting for months can varnish injectors, leading to weak performance once the car is finally driven.
Storage mistakes such as leaving the car in humid environments or without proper tire care only add further issues.
Flat spots in tires, corrosion under the body, and rodent damage to wiring are common consequences. Owners often fail to realize that improper storage transforms their cherished supercar into a restoration project.
Regular fluid cycling, battery maintainers, tire pressure monitoring, and clean dry storage spaces all prevent these issues.
A Honda NSX thrives when actually driven, so balanced, consistent use is the healthiest approach. Sporadic, careless storage ranks among the most damaging reliability mistakes an owner can commit.
Mistake 8: Rushing Modifications Without Proper Planning
Car culture often celebrates modifying performance cars, but when it comes to the NSX, rushed or poorly planned upgrades can instantly destroy reliability.
The car was engineered with an incredibly balanced setup, so even small changes done without knowledge can upset harmony across the drivetrain, suspension, and cooling.
Common mistakes include installing turbo or supercharger kits without upgrading supporting systems such as fueling, cooling, or braking.
This approach pushes the car far beyond what its stock components can sustain, leading to overheating, premature wear, or engine failures. Another error is using cheap aftermarket parts that don’t match factory tolerances, which creates stress and reduces lifespan.
Electrical modifications are especially risky. Poorly wired performance gauges or piggyback engine controllers often compromise factory harnesses. Once electrical gremlins start, owners spend months trying to chase the causes.
Cosmetic or chassis changes can be equally harmful when cheap suspension kits replace precision-engineered factory gear. Instead of improving the experience, the NSX loses stability and comfort.
That does not mean modification is impossible. When done with expert planning and quality parts, tasteful upgrades enhance longevity just as much as performance.
For instance, modern cooling solutions, stronger brakes, or carefully tuned ECU reflashes can give new life to the NSX. The danger comes only when owners rush, cut corners, or follow shortcuts without considering the bigger impacts.
The NSX’s value is rising, and originality is prized. By avoiding rushed or careless upgrades, owners keep both driving enjoyment and investment potential intact. The wrong modification at the wrong time is one of the most serious mistakes that will kill the legendary reliability of Honda’s supercar.
The Honda NSX earned its reputation by blending exotic looks and performance with dependability that most high-end sports cars could never match. Yet this celebrated quality is only guaranteed when owners take proper care of the car.
Because the NSX is now a classic, every slip in maintenance has a greater impact on long-term value and performance.
Overlooking even minor issues can leave the owner facing massive repair bills and a weak driving experience. The following mistakes are the most damaging when it comes to destroying reliability.
The most obvious yet most common error is neglecting oil changes. The NSX’s V6 thrives on clean lubrication, and degraded oil causes premature wear to bearings, pistons, and cams.
Owners sometimes stretch service intervals, often to save money or because they use the car rarely, but this accelerates internal wear and dulls its performance. Strict intervals with synthetic oil and fresh filters are a must.
Failing to replace the timing belt on schedule is equally dangerous. Because the NSX engine is an interference design, a snapped belt guarantees valve and piston collision. Many owners take chances, assuming low annual mileage extends belt life.
But rubber deteriorates with age, and this oversight is one of the fastest routes to a destroyed motor. Pairing replacement with a new water pump is considered smart preventive care.
The cooling system is another reliability anchor. Using the wrong coolant, ignoring hoses, or failing to flush the system leads to creeping corrosion and eventual overheating.
Once the NSX overheats, head gaskets and aluminum components can suffer irreversible damage. Maintaining the factory anti-corrosion coolant, regular pressure testing, and thermostat inspection are vital measures for keeping the car cool.
Transmission care is too often ignored. Some early manual gearboxes face the well-known snap ring failure, which can destroy the casing.
Even without this issue, neglected fluid changes result in worn synchros and poor shift quality. Automatic versions also risk overheating if their fluid or coolers are ignored. Attentive servicing prevents one of the costliest failures an NSX can encounter.
Though less glamorous, the electrical system needs constant attention as the car ages. Weak alternators, blown relays, and corroded connections produce erratic behavior ranging from no-start situations to engine management failures.
Lazy electrical maintenance, or worse sloppy aftermarket wiring for stereos or alarms can cripple the car. Replacing aging relays, testing alternator output, and avoiding improper DIY wiring are essential steps.
Suspension wear also chips away at dependability. The NSX’s stable mid-engine balance becomes unpredictable with crumbling bushings, tired shocks, or poor alignments.
Left unchecked, stress spreads into the steering rack and chassis, making everyday driving both uncomfortable and unreliable. Replacement suspension parts are expensive but protecting the handling integrity is vital for preserving the car’s character.
Storage practices make a major difference. Leaving the NSX idle for extended periods without preparation leads to degraded fluids, seized brakes, lifeless batteries, and even rodent damage to wiring.
Owners sometimes think sparing miles is preserving value, but sporadic, dry starts introduce more harm than regular, balanced use. Proper storage with battery tenders, clean fuel, and tire care keeps the car healthy between drives.
Finally, rushing modifications without thought is a growing trap. Many NSX enthusiasts want more power or modern electronics, but poorly planned upgrades don’t align with the factory balance.
Turbo kits on stock cooling, or cheap suspension swaps, often shorten life instead of enhancing it. The smart approach is only introducing modifications with full planning, quality parts, and support systems to handle the extra stress.
When taken together, these eight mistakes explain why some NSX models age gracefully while others become constant repair projects. Honda designed the car to be remarkably reliable for such a high-performing machine, but its durability is not infinite.
Parts are scarcer, costs are higher, and collector expectations are sharper. Reliability is preserved only by strict attention to detail, disciplined preventive care, and respect for the engineering that made the NSX an icon in the first place.
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