2000 maintenance schedule
2000 Acura NSX Preventive Maintenance & Service Schedule
The 2000 Acura NSX represents a unique intersection of precision engineering and age.
Last updated
May 26, 2026
Reviewed for service schedule clarity.
The 2000 Acura NSX represents a unique intersection of precision engineering and age. Your car is now over 20 years old, which means time-based maintenance (rubber seals, belts, and hoses) is just as critical as mileage. The 2000 NSX is powered by the 3.2L V6 (C32B) engine producing 290 horsepower, featuring titanium connecting rods .
> CRITICAL ENGINE WARNING: The C32B is an interference engine that uses a timing belt (not a chain). If the belt breaks, the pistons will strike the valves, causing catastrophic engine damage and potentially totaling the car financially. Replacement is mandatory, not optional .
Key Takeaways
- The NSX uses a timing belt (NOT a chain) on an interference engine. Replacement is required at 105,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first . This is the single most critical maintenance item.
- Canadian owners and those with short trips must follow the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule. The Normal schedule is only for ideal highway driving .
- Brake fluid replacement is time-sensitive, not mileage-sensitive. Independent of the maintenance schedule, replace brake fluid every 3 years .
- By age, your 2000 NSX should have had its timing belt replaced in 2007, 2014, and 2021. If history is unknown, do it immediately.
- For major periodic service, this should generally be done every 2 years or after 30,000 kilometers (approximately 18,600 miles) .
- Transmission fluid: The 2000 NSX uses either a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Use Honda MTF for manuals and Idemitsu ATF Type H Plus (or Honda ATF-DW1) for automatics .
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
The 2000 NSX is the facelift model featuring fixed headlights and the larger 3.2L engine.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.2L V6 (C32B1), DOHC VTEC |
| Horsepower | 290 hp @ 7,100 rpm |
| Torque | 224 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm |
| Redline | 8,000 rpm |
| Engine type | Interference engine |
| Fuel requirement | Premium (91 octane or higher) |
| Engine oil capacity (with filter) | 5.0 liters (5.3 quarts) |
| Coolant capacity | 16.0 liters (16.9 quarts) |
Engine Architecture: The C32B features titanium connecting rods and forged pistons. Replacement engines are exceptionally rare and expensive—this makes proper maintenance financially mandatory.
Selecting the Correct Maintenance Schedule
The 2000 NSX Owner's Manual provides two maintenance tracks. Use the Severe Conditions schedule if any of these apply to you :
| Condition | Trigger |
|---|---|
| Short trips | Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip |
| Sub-freezing short trips | Driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip when below freezing |
| Hot weather operation | Driving in climates over 90°F / 32°C |
| Stop-and-go traffic | Extensive idling or low-speed driving |
| Mountain driving | Driving on hilly or mountainous roads |
| Dusty or salted roads | Driving on treated roads |
> Canadian owners must follow the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule .
Service Codes Defined
The 2000 NSX Owner's Manual organizes maintenance around letter-coded service items (A, B, C, D, E) :
| Code | Services to be Performed |
|---|---|
| A | Replace engine oil; rotate tires |
| B | Replace engine oil filter; inspect brakes, tie rods, steering, suspension, driveshaft boots, brake hoses/lines, fluid levels, cooling system, exhaust, fuel lines |
| C | Replace air cleaner element; inspect and adjust drive belts; replace dust and pollen filter |
| D | Replace automatic transmission fluid (if equipped) |
| E | Replace manual transmission fluid (if equipped) |
Factory Maintenance Schedule – Severe Conditions
The following schedule is required for Canadian owners and recommended for U.S. owners driving under severe conditions. Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first .
| Distance / Time | Service Items | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7,500 mi | A | Replace oil |
| 15,000 mi / 1 yr | A, B | Oil + comprehensive inspection |
| 22,500 mi | A | Oil change |
| 30,000 mi / 2 yrs | A, B, C | Oil + inspection + air filters/drive belts |
| 37,500 mi | A | Oil change |
| 45,000 mi / 3 yrs | A, B | Oil + inspection |
| 52,500 mi | A | Oil change |
| 60,000 mi / 4 yrs | A, B, C | Oil + inspection + filters |
| 67,500 mi | A | Oil change |
| 75,000 mi / 5 yrs | A, B | Oil + inspection |
| 82,500 mi | A | Oil change |
| 90,000 mi / 6 yrs | A, B, C | Major service |
| 97,500 mi | A | Oil change |
| 105,000 mi / 7 yrs | A, B | Oil + inspection |
| 105,000 mi | Replace timing belt, inspect water pump | CRITICAL |
| 105,000 mi | Replace spark plugs | — |
| 105,000 mi | Inspect valve clearance | Adjust only if noisy |
| 120,000 mi / 8 yrs | A, B, C | Major service |
| 120,000 mi (auto) | Replace ATF | Use Honda ATF-DW1 or Idemitsu ATF Type H Plus |
Independent Maintenance Requirements (Outside the Schedule)
The following requirements apply independently of the mileage schedule :
| Requirement | Interval |
|---|---|
| Check engine oil and coolant | At each fuel stop |
| Brake fluid replacement | Every 3 years (independent of mileage) |
| Engine coolant (first replacement) | 120,000 miles or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles or 5 years |
| Manual transmission fluid | Every 60,000-90,000 miles recommended |
| Valve clearance | Inspect at 105,000 miles; adjust only if noisy |
| Tire inflation | Check monthly |
| Major periodic service | Every 2 years or 30,000 km (≈18,600 miles) |
Normal Conditions Maintenance Schedule
If you do not drive under severe conditions, follow this schedule. However, for a 2000 NSX, the Severe schedule is recommended for most owners.
| Distance | Service Items |
|---|---|
| 7,500 mi | A |
| 15,000 mi | A, B |
| 30,000 mi | A, B, C |
| 45,000 mi | A, B |
| 60,000 mi | A, B, C |
| 75,000 mi | A, B |
| 90,000 mi | A, B, C |
| 105,000 mi | Timing belt, water pump, spark plugs, valve inspection |
Timing Belt – The Most Critical Service
The C32B engine requires timing belt replacement on a strict schedule. This is the single most important maintenance item for the 2000 NSX.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Interference engine—belt failure destroys the engine |
| Replacement interval (Normal) | 105,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first |
| Severe condition interval | If regularly operated in temperatures under -20°F or above 110°F: 60,000 miles |
| Water pump | Replace with timing belt—driven by the timing belt |
Why Timing Belt Replacement Is Critical
According to MITA Motorsports :
> *"The timing belt is typically made of rubber, which will degrade and wear over time, especially if the car is driven in hot or cold temperatures. If the timing belt breaks, it can cause the engine valves to collide with the pistons, causing severe engine damage."*
The C32B is an interference engine: the pistons occupy the same space as the valves at certain points. If the timing belt breaks, the pistons will strike the open valves. The result is bent valves, damaged pistons, and typically requires complete engine replacement—often $10,000-$20,000.
The Age Factor – Critical for 2000 NSX Owners
For a 2000 NSX in 2025, the age factor is paramount. The 7-year interval means:
| Replacement Window | Year (based on 7-year interval) |
|---|---|
| First replacement | 2007 |
| Second replacement | 2014 |
| Third replacement | 2021 |
| Fourth replacement | 2028 (future) |
If the timing belt has never been replaced, it is drastically overdue. A 2000 NSX in 2025 is 25 years old—the belt should have been replaced at 7 years (2007), 14 years (2014), and 21 years (2021).
Owner Community Perspective
From NSX Prime : *"Acura recommends changing the timing belt at 7 years, regardless of miles, obviously I'm well beyond that."*
Critical advice from the community: Ensure your mechanic has NSX-specific experience. As one owner warned :
> *"I would ask the dealer how many NSX TB jobs they have done in the last 12 months before committing my car to this level of service. Many 'Master Techs' have never even seen a NSX, let alone partially disassembled the engine."*
Timing Belt Replacement – The "Full Job"
When replacing the timing belt, replace these components simultaneously :
| Component | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Timing belt | Replace (Dayco or OE) |
| Water pump | Replace (driven by timing belt) |
| Timing belt tensioner | Replace |
| Drive belts | Replace (serpentine/accessory belt) |
| Cooling system hoses | Replace all (age degradation) |
| Engine coolant | Flush and replace |
| Spark plugs | Replace (due at 105,000 miles) |
| Valve clearance | Inspect and adjust |
Engine Oil Change Guidance
Factory Requirements
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recommended oil | SAE 5W-30 premium-grade detergent oil |
| Capacity (with filter) | 5.0 liters (5.3 quarts) |
| Check frequency | At each fuel stop |
| Change interval (Severe) | Every 7,500 miles (A service) |
How to Check Oil Level
- Park on level ground and wait at least 3 minutes after engine shutdown
- Pull out the dipstick (located in the mid-engine compartment)
- Wipe completely clean, reinsert fully, then remove again
- Oil level should be between the upper and lower marks
Owner Guidance
- Check the engine oil level each time you fill the fuel tank
- Check the engine coolant level in the reserve tank at each fuel stop
- Acura Genuine Motor Oil or any quality synthetic is acceptable
- For track-driven NSXs, consider slightly thicker viscosity for better high-temperature protection
Transmission Service
6-Speed Manual Transmission
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fluid type | Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) |
| Replacement interval | Every 60,000-90,000 miles recommended |
| Capacity | Approximately 3.0-3.5 quarts |
Owner Guidance: The NSX 6-speed manual is legendary for its precision. Use only Honda MTF for optimal shift feel.
Clutch Fluid: The clutch fluid shares the brake fluid reservoir (manual transmission). Check the level monthly and flush with brake fluid every 3 years.
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fluid type | Honda ATF-Z1 (now ATF-DW1) or Idemitsu ATF Type H Plus |
| Replacement interval | Code D service (every 60,000-90,000 miles recommended) |
| Capacity | Approximately 6.5 quarts (dry) |
Idemitsu ATF Type H Plus is engineered to meet Honda DW-1 and Z-1 specifications and is an approved aftermarket alternative .
Spark Plug Replacement
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Replacement interval | 105,000 miles |
| Type | Iridium or platinum (OEM-specified NGK or Denso) |
| Quantity | 6 plugs |
Replace spark plugs during the timing belt service—the labor overlaps. Valve clearance should be inspected and adjusted at the same time .
Engine Coolant Service
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| First replacement | 120,000 miles or 120 months (10 years) |
| Subsequent replacement | Every 60,000 miles or 60 months (5 years) thereafter |
| Coolant type | Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (blue, premixed 50/50) |
| Check frequency | At each fuel stop (reserve tank) |
Owner Guidance: Do not use generic green coolant. Honda Type 2 coolant is specifically formulated for aluminum engine components. The NSX's mid-engine layout makes the cooling system critical—maintain it meticulously.
Brake Fluid Replacement
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Specified fluid | Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 |
| Replacement requirement | Every 3 years, independent of mileage |
| Check frequency | Monthly |
| DOT 5 warning | NOT compatible – never use DOT 5 fluid |
Why it's critical: Brake fluid is hygroscopic – it absorbs moisture from the air over time. This moisture lowers the fluid's boiling point (potential brake fade under hard braking) and promotes internal corrosion of the brake system.
Owner Guidance: A complete system flush (draining old fluid from each caliper) is required. Topping off the reservoir is not sufficient.
Clutch Fluid: For manual transmission NSXs, the clutch hydraulic system uses the same brake fluid reservoir. Check clutch fluid level monthly and flush at the same 3-year intervals.
Valve Clearance Inspection
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Inspection interval | 105,000 miles |
| Adjustment | Adjust valves only if they are noisy |
Specifications (cold engine):
- Intake: 0.15-0.19 mm (0.006-0.007 in)
- Exhaust: 0.17-0.21 mm (0.007-0.008 in)
Owner Guidance: The C32B uses mechanical lifters (not hydraulic). Valve clearances should be checked every major service. Tight exhaust valves can lead to burned valves—this is especially important on a high-revving engine like the NSX.
Monthly & Pre-Drive Checks
From the 2000 NSX Owner's Manual :
| Frequency | Check Item |
|---|---|
| Each fuel stop | Engine oil level |
| Each fuel stop | Engine coolant level (reserve tank) |
| Monthly | Tire inflation and condition |
| Monthly | Brake fluid level |
| Monthly | Exterior lights operation |
| Monthly | Clutch fluid level (manual transmission) |
Reset the Maintenance Light
The 2000 NSX uses a simple maintenance reminder light. After performing the required maintenance service, the indicator must be reset. Consult your owner's manual for the specific procedure (typically involving the ODO/TRIP button on the instrument cluster).
Scheduled Maintenance Summary
| Component | Reference Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 7,500 miles or 12 months | Check level each fuel fill |
| Tire rotation | 7,500 miles | Part of A service |
| Air cleaner element | 30,000 miles | Code C service |
| Drive belts | Inspect every 30,000 miles | Replace during timing belt service |
| Transmission fluid (manual) | 60,000-90,000 miles | Use Honda MTF |
| Transmission fluid (auto) | 60,000-90,000 miles | Use ATF-DW1 or Idemitsu Type H Plus |
| Brake fluid | Every 3 years | Complete system flush required |
| Engine coolant | First: 120,000 mi or 10 yrs; then: 60,000 mi or 5 yrs | Honda Type 2 blue only |
| Spark plugs | 105,000 miles | With timing belt service |
| Timing belt & water pump | 105,000 miles or 7 years | Most critical service |
| Valve clearance | Inspect at 105,000 miles; adjust only if noisy | Mechanical lifters |
| Major periodic service | Every 2 years or 18,600 miles | Comprehensive inspection |
Long-Term Ownership Summary for the 2000 NSX
- The timing belt is not negotiable – and ensure the water pump is replaced. The C32B engine will self-destruct if the belt breaks. Replace when due (105,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first) . For a 2000 NSX with unknown history, replace it immediately. Also replace all cooling system hoses during this service.
- Brake fluid must be replaced every 3 years regardless of mileage—track this independently .
- Time-based maintenance matters—even if the car is driven infrequently, fluids degrade and rubber components deteriorate. A 2000 NSX is now 25 years old. Age-based replacement is critical for:
- Timing belt (should have been replaced at 2007, 2014, and 2021)
- Brake fluid (every 3 years)
- Coolant (every 5-10 years)
- Cooling system hoses (replace with timing belt)
- All rubber seals and gaskets
- For major periodic service, this should generally be done every 2 years or after 30,000 kilometers (approximately 18,600 miles) .
- The C32B engine is unique and expensive. Replacement engines are rare and costly—$10,000-$20,000+. Preventive maintenance, especially the timing belt, is financially mandatory.
- Valve clearance should be inspected at 105,000 miles or if the engine sounds noisy . The C32B uses mechanical lifters that can go out of adjustment over time.
- Use Acura-specified or approved fluids:
- Engine oil: SAE 5W-30
- Transmission (manual): Honda MTF only
- Transmission (auto): Honda ATF-DW1 or Idemitsu ATF Type H Plus
- Coolant: Honda Type 2 blue only
- Brake/Clutch fluid: Honda DOT 3 only
- The NSX is a hand-built exotic. For major services (timing belt, valve adjustment), find a reputable specialist with NSX experience . Not all Acura dealers have qualified NSX technicians.
- Keep maintenance records. Save all receipts, especially for timing belt service. These records add significant value to this collectible vehicle.
- The 2000 Owner's Manual is the final authority. Free PDF versions are available online through ManualsLib . The Official Acura Service Manual remains available from Helm Inc.