2018 Acura NSX Hybrid Service Requirements & Maintenance Schedule

The 2018 Acura NSX is a hybrid supercar combining a 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 (JNC1) with a three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system . Unlike the original NSX, which required expensive timing belt changes, the 2018 NSX uses a durable maintenance-free timing chain.

> HYBRID SAFETY WARNING: The NSX contains high-voltage components (orange wiring harness, high-voltage battery). Do not touch these components. High voltage service requires specialized training—call ahead to confirm capability before booking .

Key Takeaways

• The NSX uses a Maintenance Minder system, NOT fixed odometer intervals. The vehicle's computer analyzes driving habits (speed, temperature, time) and displays specific codes when service is due .
• The NSX has a timing chain, NOT a belt. Unlike the classic NSX which required costly 105,000-mile belt changes, the 2018 NSX's timing chain is designed to last the engine's lifetime under normal conditions.
• The NSX has severe service intervals for its hybrid components. If you drive in mountainous areas or track the car:
• Transmission fluid + clutch fluid: Change every 20,000 miles (32,000 km)
• Twin Motor Unit (TMU) fluid: Change at 7,500 miles, then every 15,000 miles
• Brake fluid is time-sensitive. You must replace the brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage .
• Low and medium voltage services (oil changes, brakes, tires, alignments) can be performed by independent shops. High voltage services (battery, inverter) require specialized training—call ahead to confirm capability .
• 93 octane fuel is recommended, but 91 octane is required. Premium unleaded only—do not use lower octane .

Engine & Drivetrain Specifications

The 2018 Acura NSX features a sophisticated twin-turbo hybrid powertrain.

The "No Timing Belt" Advantage

According to the official Acura documentation, replacing a timing belt is not required on the 2018 NSX. This is a major shift from classic NSX models that required a timing belt change every 7 years or ~105,000 miles. Focus your maintenance budget on high-performance fluids, not belt services.

Maintenance Minder Codes

The Maintenance Minder communicates service needs through alphanumeric codes. A code consists of a main item (A or B) optionally followed by sub‑item numbers (1 through 6) .

Main Item Codes (A, B)

Sub-Item Codes (1-6)

Example Code Combinations

Engine Oil Change Guidance

Factory Requirements

How to Check Oil Level

The 2018 NSX features an Oil Level Check Assist display:

1. Display the Oil Level Check Assist on the driver information interface
2. Warm up the engine until the Warm-Up gauge is fully lit
3. Park on level ground in Park
4. Idle until the Idle Time gauge is fully lit
5. When "Ready to Check Oil Level" appears, open the hatch and remove the right engine compartment cover
6. Remove the dipstick (orange), wipe clean, reinsert, then remove again
7. Level should be between the upper and lower marks

> NOTICE: Do not fill above the upper mark. Overfilling can cause leaks and engine damage.

Owner Guidance

• The rate of oil consumption can be up to 1.05 US quart (1 liter) per 625 miles (1000 km) depending on driving conditions
• Oil consumption is likely to be higher when the engine is new
• Your Acura does not require any oil additives

Transmission & Clutch Fluid Service (9-Speed DCT)

Severe Condition Requirement:

> *"Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds results in higher transmission temperature. This requires transmission fluid and clutch fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under this condition, have the transmission fluid and clutch fluid changed every 20,000 miles (32,000 km)."*

Critical Warning: Do NOT mix Acura ATF DW-1 with other transmission fluids. Using non-equivalent fluid may adversely affect operation and durability, and damage the transmission. Damage caused by using non-equivalent fluid is not covered by warranty .

Twin Motor Unit (TMU) Service (AWD-Specific)

The NSX's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system uses a Twin Motor Unit (TMU) for the front wheels.

Severe Condition Requirement:

> *"Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds results in higher level of mechanical (Shear) stress to fluid. This requires Twin Motor Unit fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the Twin Motor Unit fluid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)."*

Critical Warning: Do NOT mix Acura ATF DW-1 with other transmission fluids. Using non-equivalent fluid can damage the Twin Motor Unit and is not covered by warranty .

Engine Coolant Service

Owner Guidance:

• Do not use generic green coolant. Honda/Acura Type 2 coolant is specifically formulated for aluminum engine components
• Do not add straight antifreeze or water; the factory coolant is premixed
• Check the coolant level in the reserve tank when the engine and radiator are cold
• The inverter coolant should be checked regularly and replaced by an authorized Acura NSX dealer

Brake Fluid Replacement

Why it's critical: The NSX uses an advanced electro-hydraulic braking system with regenerative braking. Brake fluid is hygroscopic – it absorbs moisture from the air over time, lowering its boiling point and causing potential brake fade under hard braking.

Owner Guidance: A complete system flush is required. Topping off is not sufficient.

> From the Owner's Manual: *"Independent of the Maintenance Minder information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years."*

Drive Belt & Air Filters

Owner Guidance: Both filters can be replaced without special tools. A clogged engine air filter can reduce twin-turbo performance on the NSX's V6.

Valve Clearance & Fuel System Inspection

Owner Guidance: The 3.5L twin-turbo V6 uses mechanical lifters (not hydraulic). While the manual states "adjust only if noisy," many Acura specialists recommend checking clearances at major service intervals regardless of noise—especially on turbocharged engines that see high thermal stress.

Severe Driving Conditions Summary

The following severe condition requirements are explicitly stated in the 2018 NSX Owner's Manual:

Severe Conditions – Quick Reference

If you track your NSX or drive in mountainous areas:

• Transmission fluid + clutch fluid: Change at 20,000 miles (not when Minder says)
• TMU fluid: Change at 7,500 miles, then every 15,000 miles
• This is significantly more frequent than the standard Maintenance Minder schedule

Resetting the Maintenance Minder Display

After performing the required maintenance service, the engine oil life display must be reset. Failure to reset results in the system showing incorrect maintenance intervals.

Reset Procedure:

1. Set the power mode to ON (do not start the engine)
2. Navigate to the Maintenance Minder screen on the driver information interface
3. Press and hold the SEL/RESET button for about 10 seconds to enter reset mode
4. Select "Reset" or "All due items" and confirm
5. The oil life display returns to 100%

> Note: The dealer will reset the Maintenance Minder after completing service. If someone other than a dealer performs service, reset the display yourself.

Scheduled Maintenance Summary

Since the NSX uses the Maintenance Minder system, always follow your vehicle's displayed codes. The table below shows reference intervals based on the 2018 Owner's Manual :

Maintenance & Repair Flexibility

You do not need to take your 2018 Acura NSX exclusively to a dealership for service and repairs .

Low and medium voltage services (oil changes, brakes, filters, tires, alignments, wiper replacement, A/C service) can be performed by independent shops .

High voltage services (removing the high voltage safety plug, servicing high voltage cables, the power inverter, the electric motors, the high voltage battery pack) require specialized training. Call ahead to confirm which high voltage services are offered .

Keep all receipts as proof of completion .

Long-Term Ownership Summary for the 2018 NSX

• No timing belt replacement EVER – the NSX uses a timing chain. This eliminates the expensive, recurring timing belt service required on classic NSX models. Focus your budget on the high-performance fluids.
• The Twin Motor Unit (TMU) fluid is a critical NSX-specific service. If you drive in mountains or on track, follow the severe interval: 7,500 miles, then every 15,000 miles .
• If you track your NSX, use the severe schedule:
• Transmission fluid + clutch fluid: every 20,000 miles
• Twin Motor Unit (TMU) fluid: 7,500 miles, then every 15,000 miles
• Brake fluid is time-sensitive, not mileage-sensitive. Replace it every 3 years regardless of minder .
• Use only specified fluids:
• Engine oil: SAE 0W-40 full synthetic
• DCT clutch fluid: Acura ATF DW-1 (do not mix)
• TMU fluid: Acura ATF DW-1 (do not mix)
• Brake fluid: Honda DOT 4 (DOT 3 also permitted; DOT 5 is NOT compatible)
• The 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery has no scheduled maintenance interval. However, degradation is possible over time (8-10+ years). Worsening fuel economy may be related to a failing high voltage battery pack .
• Low and medium voltage services can be performed at independent shops. High voltage services require specialized training—call ahead to confirm capability .
• Keep meticulous maintenance records. Save all receipts, especially for TMU fluid and transmission services. These records add significant value to this limited-production supercar.
• The 2018 NSX Owner's Manual is the final authority. If there is a discrepancy between this guide and your vehicle's display, follow the vehicle. The official owner's manual (Part #31T6N610) is available from Helm Inc. for $50.00 .