My check engine light is on. Is it safe to drive?

Basic rule that holds true with any vehicle, if the check engine light is on steady, and the vehicle is running ok with good oil pressure and not overheating, then it should be safe to drive until you can have the vehicle checked by your shop. If however the check engine light is flashing, and or you detect a performance problem, then it’s not recommended to drive the vehicle any distance.

My battery light is on in the dash. Is it safe to drive?

Normally when the battery light is on, that indicates a possible issue with the alternator. If indeed the alternator isn’t recharging the battery, you run the risk of being stranded if driven as the battery voltage will become depleted.

When should I have maintenance items like spark plugs, driveline fluids, timing belt, filters, etc?

By far the easiest way to keep up with all the maintenance items on your vehicle is to stay close to the Manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Remember all vehicles may not have the same service intervals for a certain item. So It’s always best to check the owner's manual for your specific vehicle.

We are driving on a long trip soon, but my car isn’t due for any maintenance yet. Should I have the vehicle looked over before leaving?

Absolutely 100% you should have the vehicle checked over before driving on any long trips. Things like spare tire pressure, quick visual inspection of tires for nails/cuts and pressures. Visual inspection under the hood to assure no leaks and all fluid levels are good. These things take maybe 15 minutes and are totally worth the piece of mind while traveling long distances.

There is a warning light on in my dash. What should I do? It seems to be running ok.

Every warning light on the instrument panel has a purpose. Warning lights are there to alert us that a computer/module has detected an abnormality in one of the systems on your vehicle. If you’re not sure what the light indicates, there is a section in your owner's manual that will give detailed information related to the light in question.

I have noticed a fluid leak under my car when parking ?

Any fluid leak should be inspected by your shop to verify the source. Trying to identify fluid on your driveway or parking lot can be a bit tricky. Coolant while water based, can have an oily feel on your fingers and may lead you to think it’s engine oil. Engine oil and transmission fluid are similar, but transmission fluid if not too spent, will have a red look unless it’s a CVT transmission. Engine oil could be darker looking, or clear if you just had the oil changed recently. Brake fluid is usually clear, but oily feeling much like engine oil. Checking the under hood fluid levels many times can lead you in the right direction.

How often should I change my engine oil?

I don’t think any 2 vehicle manufacturers are the same. At Creech Import Repair, we recommend every 5,000 miles to change the oil and filter. Many mfg’s recommend longer intervals, but if they extend past 5k we highly recommend checking the engine oil level every 1,000 miles. By nature of design, any internal combustion engine is going to use or consume some amount of oil. Also detergent in oil is designed to suspend by-products of combustion, which is what eventually turns the engine oil dark. At some point the detergent content will become loaded and can’t store anymore. This is the point when the engine can start to gum up inside with deposits and can be harmful to your engine and shorten its life.

Acura NSX Repair - Creech Import Repair

What Makes the Acura NSX Special?

The NSX was Honda’s answer to Ferrari—but with Japanese engineering. It brought daily drivability to the supercar market. It was also the first mass-production car to feature an all-aluminum monocoque body, a major step in both performance and corrosion resistance. From 1990 through 2005 (first generation), the NSX evolved gradually—adding improvements to suspension, engine power, and electronic systems.

The second-generation NSX (2016 and up) introduced a new chapter. With a twin-turbocharged V6, three electric motors, and a 9-speed dual-clutch, it became a technological powerhouse—yet still retained Acura’s core values of balance, poise, and driver confidence.

But even icons have issues—and the NSX is no exception. Let’s break down known problems by generation and year.

Common Problems by Model Year

First Generation NSX (1990–2005)

1990–1994 Acura NSX (NA1)

Climate Control Unit Failure: The capacitors in the CCU were known to leak over time, resulting in loss of A/C functionality. The blower would stop, or hot air would blow uncontrollably.
➤ Fix: CCU rebuild with updated capacitors.
Window Regulator Wear: A design flaw in the window regulators caused them to slow down or jam. If ignored, it could lead to cable breakage.
➤ Fix: A design flaw in the window regulators caused them to slow down or jam. If ignored, it could lead to cable breakage.
Main Relay Failure: Like many Hondas of the era, the NSX's main relay would fail intermittently—especially in warm weather—resulting in a no-start condition
➤ Fix: Replace with updated relay or resolder joints in the original unit.

1995–1996 Acura NSX (NA1/NA2 Transition Years)

Targa Top Leaks (NSX-T Models): When Acura switched to the removable Targa roof, many owners began reporting leaks around the seals during rainstorms or car washes.➤ Fix:Replacing weather stripping and properly adjusting latch tension often solves the issue.
ABS System Glitches:The older ABS pump was noisy and tended to stick. Some cars experienced constant cycling or no activation under braking. ➤ Fix:Rebuild the ABS modulator or upgrade to the newer 2000+ unit.

1997–2001 Acura NSX (NA2)

Timing Belt and Water Pump Aging: While technically maintenance rather than a design flaw, this is critical. Belts on these interference engines must be changed every 90K miles or every 6 years, whichever comes first.
➤ Fix:Replace both with OEM parts and inspect cam seals and tensioner at the same time.
Cracked Exhaust Manifolds: The stainless steel headers on later models, particularly the Type-S, were prone to hairline cracks that caused subtle loss of power and increased noise.
➤ Fix:Header replacement or welding if damage is minimal.
Steering Rack Wear: High-mileage NA2 models developed excess play in the steering. Bushing wear or fluid seepage often contributed to vague feedback.
➤ Fix:Rebuild or replace the rack depending on wear.

2002–2005 Acura NSX (Facelift)

Pop-Up Headlight System Removal Issues:In 2002, the NSX dropped pop-up headlights. However, owners who upgraded earlier models to fixed units sometimes encountered wiring mismatches or alignment issues.
➤ Fix: Rewire with factory harness or use conversion kits from reputable vendors.
Clear Coat Peeling on Roof Panels:The black painted roof panels on fixed-top versions developed peeling, especially with poor maintenance or prolonged UV exposure.
➤ Fix:Repaint and reseal roof with UV-protective clear coat.

Second Generation NSX (2016–2022)

2016–2017 Acura NSX (NC1)

Hybrid System Fault Codes: Some early NC1 owners experienced hybrid system alerts due to miscommunication between the front electric motors and battery management system.
➤ Fix: ECU update, reprogramming, or inverter module replacement.
Brake-by-Wire Sensitivity : Initial models had overly sensitive pedal feel and inconsistent modulation during spirited driving.
➤ Fix:Acura issued software updates to refine brake control maps.
Coolant Leak from Turbocharger Lines: Turbo coolant line fittings on early NC1s occasionally developed slow leaks, causing low coolant warnings or visible drips under the car.
➤ Fix:Replace affected gaskets and fittings. Pressure test during service intervals.

2018–2020 Acura NSX

Suspension Clunking:Some drivers reported clunks from the adaptive suspension, especially over uneven pavement.
➤ Fix:Replace worn strut bushings or update dampers as needed.
Battery Drain from Infotainment System: When the car sat for more than a few days, the battery could drain unexpectedly—caused by the head unit not entering sleep mode.
➤ Fix:Software patch and potential head unit replacement.

2021–2022 Acura NSX Type S

Limited Data on Failures:These are the most recent models with limited long-term owner feedback, but early concerns include slightly rougher idle under certain hybrid modes and infotainment screen lag.
➤ Fix: Software patches likely, though rare in this limited-production variant.

Services We Offer for Acura NSX Owners

At Creech Import Repair, we provide dealership-quality service without the inflated pricing. Our technicians know the NSX platform well—whether it’s the classic VTEC roar of the NA1 or the high-tech heartbeat of the NC1.

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Engine Services

Timing belt and water pump replacement
Valve adjustment and shim service (VTEC models)
Snap ring inspection (early NA1)
Main relay and ECU repairs
Turbo line inspection and gasket replacement (NC1)
Hybrid battery diagnostics (second-gen)

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A/C and Climate Control

CCU capacitor replacement
A/C recharge and leak checks
A/C recharge and leak checks
Cabin filter replacement and system flushes

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Suspension and Brakes

Adaptive damper replacement (NC1)
Performance brake pad and rotor upgrades
ABS system diagnostics and bleed procedures
Steering rack rebuilds (NA2)

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Electrical and Hybrid

Battery drain diagnosis
Infotainment reprogramming
TPMS resets and module pairing
Headlight and LED module repair or conversion

Service	Recommended Interval
Oil & Filter Change	Every 5,000 miles
Timing Belt & Water Pump (NA1/NA2)	Every 6 years or 90,000 miles
Dual-Clutch Fluid (NC1)	Every 20,000 miles
Brake Fluid Flush	Every 2 years
Hybrid Battery Check (NC1)	Every 3 years or 36,000 miles
Coolant Flush	Every 5 years
Spark Plug Replacement	Every 60,000–75,000 miles
Valve Clearance Inspection (NA1/NA2)	Every 30,000 miles

What Our NSX Clients Are Saying

Andre L., Apex, NC

Brought my '94 in after it developed a bad idle and electrical gremlins. Creech nailed it—main relay, plus a CCU rebuild. The car’s perfect now.

Mariah F., Chapel Hill

Targa leaks were driving me crazy. These guys fixed the seals and adjusted the latch. Not a drop inside since.

Kevin R., Raleigh

My NC1 had a coolant warning I couldn’t figure out. Creech found the turbo line leak and handled it fast. Total pros.

Acura NSX Repair in Raleigh, NC

Performance-Driven Repairs for a True Japanese Supercar