EN ES

Acura NSX VIN Number Check

A free NHTSA vPIC decode tells you which Acura NSX you are looking at. Then check its model year against 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and what owners have reported.

VIN prefix19UJH4

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Vinny, the VinNumber key mascot
Acura NSX

About the Acura NSX

Acura sold the NSX in the US for model years 1991–2022, across two generations. The Gen 1 came first (1991–2005), and the Gen 2 took over for 2017–2022. Across those years NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recall campaigns and 16 owner complaints. EPA rates the Gen 1 at 18–19 mpg combined, while the Gen 2, whose lineup includes hybrid versions, gets 21 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years1991–2022
GenerationsGen 1 · Gen 2
NHTSA recall campaigns5
Owner complaints16 at NHTSA
Acura NSX photographed at a US vehicle auction
Auction lot photo, for illustration
Generations

Acura NSX generations

Two generations since the 1991 model year. The Gen 1 (1991–2005) has the most owner complaints, the Gen 2 (2017–2022) the most recall campaigns (4).

2 / 2
Gen 2
2017–20222nd generation
Acura NSX Gen 1 (1991–2005)Acura NSX Gen 2 (2017–2022)

Photo: Matthew Lamb, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1991199520002005201020152020
2017–2022· Generation 2 of 2

Gen 2 · 2nd generation

EPA classTwo Seaters
EPA combined mpg21
NHTSA recalls4

Engines (EPA)

  • 3.5 L 6-cyl (turbo, hybrid) · 2017–2022

Drive & transmission (EPA)

  • AWD/4WD
  • automated manual/dual-clutch (2017–2022)

Known issues to check

1 high-risk recall campaign
Sample VIN pattern · Gen 219UNC1B0?HY······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2017 Acura NSX, built in Marysville, Ohio
Check an NSX VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which NSX model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 5 campaigns on file for NSX model years 1991–2022, and the 2017 and 2018 show up in the most (3 each). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

2018
Air bag inflator, fire risk or do-not-drive/park-outside advisorySafety recallCanada only
Pick a row
What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Acura NSX owners report

NHTSA data

Between them, the 2017 and 1991 hold 10 of the 16 complaints, or 62%. Tap any bar or generation.

16NHTSA complaints, 1991–2022
3mention a crash
0mention a fire
0injuries reported
Owner complaints by model yearGen 2: 7 complaints · most for the 2017 (6)

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner opinions · Reddit

What Acura NSX owners say on Reddit

Summarized from public threads

Acura NSX owners on r/nsx describe the first generation as a durable, Honda reliable exotic, and one owner has tracked his for years without trouble. The hybrid second generation wins praise for its all wheel drive, electric torque and comfort, with one 720S owner calling it more fun. Owners warn that the automatic is slower, slow window regulators are almost a given, some 1991 manuals have a snap ring issue and parts keep getting pricier. Big services, such as timing belt work, can run about $8,000.

Pros

  • First generation owners call the car durable and forgiving, and one who has tracked his for 6,000 to 8,000 miles with a turbo build says it has been very reliable
  • A 2000 NSX-T owner says that in 26 years the only faults were a common relay behind the passenger seat and a clutch slave cylinder
  • The second generation impresses with its all wheel drive and electric motor torque, and a former 720S owner says it is the most fun car he has driven and very comfortable
  • Aluminum construction means rust is not a worry, and owners say good NSX mechanics and a close owner community are easy to find, including around Seattle

Cons

  • The automatic is a 4 speed with 252 hp and a lower redline than the manual's 270 hp, and many owners advise waiting for a manual
  • Slow power window regulators are close to universal, and some 1991 manual gearboxes are affected by a snap ring problem
  • Major services cost real money, like about $8,000 for an engine out timing belt job, and parts are getting harder to find and more expensive
  • Owners say the NA1 has heavy steering, is hard to get in and out of, eats tires and has small things break more often than an S2000

Opinions of individual owners, summarized in our own words. Not verified data; check recalls and complaints above.

Owner complaints · by model year

NSX complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Hybrid NSX versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

16complaints, 1991–2022
3mention a crash
0mention a fire
0injuries reported
Most complaints: 2017 (6), 1991 (4), 1992 (2)
4’912’92’056’17

2017 · 6 complaints

Crashes 1 · fires 0 · injuries 0

Fuel/propulsion system2
Service brakes2
Unknown or other2
Air bags1
Electrical system1

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

NSX CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 34 NSX versions for model years 1991–2022 (gas and hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 420 g/mi, for the 2022 hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

Gen 11991–2005

18–19 mpg · CO₂ 468–494 g/mi

Gen 22017–2022

21 mpg · CO₂ 420 g/mi

2022
21combined MPG
420CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)
$3,900EPA yearly fuel cost
3/10Smog rating
1 = worst · 10 = cleanest
4/10Greenhouse gas rating
California LEV-III ULEV125 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 125Emission standard
Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year
3504004505005501995200020052010201520201991 · Gas: 4941992 · Gas: 4681993 · Gas: 4681994 · Gas: 4681995 · Gas: 4941996 · Gas: 4941998 · Gas: 4941999 · Gas: 4942000 · Gas: 4942001 · Gas: 4942002 · Gas: 4942003 · Gas: 4942004 · Gas: 4942005 · Gas: 4942017 · Hybrid: 4202018 · Hybrid: 4202019 · Hybrid: 4202020 · Hybrid: 4202021 · Hybrid: 4202022 · Hybrid: 420
GasHybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Acura NSX VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on an NSX

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Red Acura NSX (second generation) coupe, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

NSX carries its VIN at the lower driver's side windshield, on the door sill label, and on the door jamb sticker. The mid-mounted hybrid drivetrain compartment carries a secondary stamp in the engine bay. The Gen 2 generation starts with the 2017 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (H for 2017) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

  1. Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
    Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
  2. Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
    Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge
The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.
FAQ

Common Acura NSX VIN questions

How many recalls has the Acura NSX had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 5 vehicle campaigns for model years 1991–2022, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, Gen 2 leads with 4. Then come the Gen 1 (1), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Acura NSX recalls are high risk?

NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 18V-600. It should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which NSX generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the Gen 1 is 1991–2005 and the Gen 2 2017–2022. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (H is 2017).

What fuel economy does the Acura NSX get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2017–2022 Gen 2 at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 18–19 mpg for the 1991–2005 Gen 1 (fueleconomy.gov).

Other Acura models

Check another Acura model

MDXRDXTLXILXTSXTL
Related reading

Guides & alerts for used car buyers