While driving under normal acceleration I noticed a grinding noise from the transmission. I subsequently discovered that a transmission part failed. See attached photo. I learned by further investigation that acura of america is aware of this manufacturer defect and has issued multiple technical service bulletin in the united states see attached. In japan honda issued an official safety recall is active for the same exact issue. There are no differences between the japanese parts and the american parts. The only difference is that honda of japan adopted a more stringent and ethically sound stance when regarding the lives of their customer and others on their roadways. I then contacted acura of america for goodwill assistance. On 3/15/19 during a recorded phone call [xxx], self-identified as regional manger of customer relations american honda, notified me that acura has denied this claim, acura case no. 09421151 . Further, acura has no safety recalls open on this vehicle, and she does not consider this a safety issue. I strongly believe this is a safety issue as evidenced by the photo attached showing pieces of hardened metal from a broken snap ring inside my transmission. This broken metal within the transmission case can cause a catastrophic failure and locking of the trans-axel at speed without warning. I have also attached graphs of a years long - live survey by an online acura nsx owners group which illustrates that this safety defect is still affecting numerous owners to this date. Http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php/208278-snap-ring-failures-data-needed?fbclid=iwar1ifynhkj0xnw4ia1atgq7i-qsamilmnwoz4yw6m8pofsrqzporklbu2rm there are lives at stake here, which is why I am filing a formal complaint with the federal safety agency. I have copied acura of america sincerely, [xxx] - 3/15/19 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *cc
The worst 1991 Acura NSX problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes2
- Tires1
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes2
- Tires1
- Transmission1
Recalls 1
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
- What is wrong
- The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
- Risk
- The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles. Carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. Check that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tug on the belt to make sure the latch is securely locked, then press the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. If either release button shows any sign of breakage or cracking, or if either buckle fails to operate properly, promptly contact your authorized honda/acura dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. The manufacturer is developing a remedy designed to prevent the failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.
Recall number 95V103001 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 1991 Acura NSX
Defect investigations
Premature rear tire wear
There is no summary currently available
PE94007
Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Acura NSX 16
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Acura: there are guidelines for various situations and procedures including: tire pressure valve stem...
- Speedometer shops CAN transfer odometer mileage
- Audio unit and navi anti-theft codes available on in
- Transmission pops out of gear, or you hear a grinding/growling noise on deceleration or acceleration
- Hard to engage 1ST gear, grinds into reverse
- Spare tire inspection
- Intermittent sra diagnostic trouble code 1-1 to 1-5, driver's airbag inflator circuit
- Information on tightening bolts using torque and angle
- Some 2000 mdx models as well as other models may exhibit brief hesitation when accelerating at high engine...
- Information regarding engine dies when the ignition key is released
What 1991 Acura NSX owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Antilock brake system must be replaced due to modulator leaking pump metal filings into reservoir.
Abs modulator is leaking pump metal into the reservior causing ABS failure.
Premature wear/baldness of tires, resulted in loss of control/accident.
Compare the 1991 Acura NSX
Other model years
Questions about the 1991 Acura NSX
Is the 1991 Acura NSX reliable?
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 1991 Acura NSX, 4.0 times a typical NSX model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1991 Acura NSX?
Brakes, with 2 complaints. Next is tires (1).
How many recalls does the 1991 Acura NSX have?
1 recall, covering seat belts.
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