1988 ACURA LEGEND

2 recalls, 42 complaints - 3 TSBs

95V103001 May 24, 1995
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
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 SECUR... Read more
3,700,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
87V171000 Oct 29, 1987
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Defect Description
OWNERS MANUAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, SECTIONS 6A AND 6B WAS OMITTED FROM THE MANUAL.
Consequence
VEHICLES MANUAL INFORMATION DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS210.
Remedy
UPGRADE EXISTING MANUALS BY INSERTING ADHESIVE BACKED CORRECTION PAGES.
99,088 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

Complaint Statistics

42 total complaints 11 crashes 13 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL12
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
POWER TRAIN2
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS1
POWER TRAIN Aug 30, 2023
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
My rear locker is trying to lock while driving in 2H causing the light to flash constantly. Now due to that occurring the service locker is on this is a known issue and needs to become a recall as most Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators have this same issue
POWER TRAIN Feb 15, 2012
Incident date: Feb 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 ACURA LEGEND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT ABLE TO BE ENGAGED IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILUR... Read more
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Jun 15, 2003
I EXPERIENCED SUDDEN VIOLENT FULL ACCELERATION WITH A 1988 ACURA LEGEND, WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH INTO A BUILDING, AND A VERY BADLY BROKEN LEG FOR ME. I HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF POSSIBLY THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 1986-1988 ACURA LEGEND, AND AM SURE THERE MUST BE THOUSANDS... Read more
Crash 1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Jun 15, 2003
I EXPERIENCED SUDDEN VIOLENT FULL ACCELERATION WITH A 1988 ACURA LEGEND, WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH INTO A BUILDING, AND A VERY BADLY BROKEN LEG FOR ME. I HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF POSSIBLY THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 1986-1988 ACURA LEGEND, AND AM SURE THERE MUST BE THOUSANDS... Read more
Crash 1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL May 23, 2003
Incident date: May 23, 2003
WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A WALL. *JB
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Feb 27, 2003
Incident date: Feb 3, 2003
ON FEB 3, 2003, I WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND PUT CAR IN REVERSE, I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR NO MATTER HOW MUCH PRESSURE I PUT ON THE BRAKES. THE CAR BACK UP ON THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE, INTO MY NEIGHBORS FENCE, WHICH CAUSED FENCE TO BREAK IN SEVERAL PLACES. *JB
Crash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Feb 25, 2000
Incident date: Jan 24, 2000
BELT WEBBING FAILED. SAFETY BELT FAILURE WAS INVESTIGATED BY OFFICER ELROD. POINT OF CONTACT: CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL, CENTRAL DIVISION MULTIDISCIPLINARY ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEAM, ATTENTION: OFFICER MIKE SEDAM, (559)277-7250 EXT. 234 CASE #CL-008-00. *AK
1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Dec 2, 1999
Incident date: Nov 29, 1990
WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AND PUTTING IT IN REVERSE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE, THE CAR TOOK OFF AT HIGH SPEED AND WOULD NOT STOP WITH APPLICATION OF BRAKES. DRIVER HAD TO TURN CAR OFF IN ORDER TO STOP. VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. MECHANIC CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. *AK *ML
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Nov 24, 1999
VEHICLE TOOK OFF AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN IT WAS PUT INTO DRIVE. THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP VEHICLE. SO THE DRIVER HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL. DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Nov 24, 1999
VEHICLE TOOK OFF AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN IT WAS PUT INTO DRIVE. THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP VEHICLE. SO THE DRIVER HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL. DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL May 18, 1999
Incident date: Feb 6, 1998
CONSUMER STARTED VEHICLE UP AND PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE, VEHICLE ACCELERATED IN HIGH SPEED. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND VEHICLE DIDN'T STOP. IT WENT INTO A BURNING SLOPE AND HIT A TREE AND SLOWED DOWN. CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE IN PARK, AND IT WENT FORWARD AND KEPT GOING AT HIGH SPEED. VEHICLE W... Read more
Crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Apr 22, 1999
Incident date: Feb 25, 1999
COOLANT WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE ENGINE. ALSO, TRANSMISSION OIL WAS LEAKING/FUEL INJECTORS WERE LEAKING GASOLINE, AND ENGINE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS Apr 22, 1999
Incident date: Feb 25, 1999
COOLANT WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE ENGINE. ALSO, TRANSMISSION OIL WAS LEAKING/FUEL INJECTORS WERE LEAKING GASOLINE, AND ENGINE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES Apr 22, 1999
Incident date: Feb 25, 1999
COOLANT WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE ENGINE. ALSO, TRANSMISSION OIL WAS LEAKING/FUEL INJECTORS WERE LEAKING GASOLINE, AND ENGINE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Apr 22, 1999
Incident date: Feb 25, 1999
COOLANT WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE ENGINE. ALSO, TRANSMISSION OIL WAS LEAKING/FUEL INJECTORS WERE LEAKING GASOLINE, AND ENGINE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 17, 1999
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FROM BANK ATM LINE. MOTOR IDLING. TOOK OFF AT HIGH SPEED WHEN SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE. COULDN'T CONTROL. CRASHED INTO TREE OPPOSITE SIDE OF PARKING LOT.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 3, 1999
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED RANDOM SUDDEN ACCELERATION.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS Feb 17, 1999
Incident date: Jan 7, 1999
HAVING BATTERY RECHARGED WITH THE HOOD UP, A FEW MINUTES LATER, HOOD FELL ON BATTERY CABLES. MECHANIC CHECKED & FOUND THE GAS CYLINDERS WERE DEFECTIVE & NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PART #74145-SG0-A00. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Jan 22, 1999
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK IT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR INTO REVERSE AT VERY HIGH SPEED, HIT SOMEONE AND STUCK TWO HOUSES BEFORE STOPPING. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Crash
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION Aug 5, 1998
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL May 17, 1998
Incident date: May 10, 1997
DRIVER ENTERED VEHICLE, RELEASED PARKING BRAKE AND PUT TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN A COLLISION/INJURIES. ALSO VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
3 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jun 19, 1997
Incident date: Jun 6, 1997
THE CAR WAS IN REVERSE AND THEN IT ACCELERATED, AND THE CAR WENT UP IN THE AIR AND OVER A STONE WALL. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED. *AK *NLM
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jun 11, 1997
Incident date: May 10, 1997
UPON PUTTING TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE AND LIGHTLY TOUGHING GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN A CRASH/INJURIES. *AK
Crash 3 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH Mar 18, 1997
Incident date: Sep 1, 1995
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH THAT CONTROLS DIRECTIONAL BLINKER AND HEALDIGHTS FAILED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Feb 1, 1997
Incident date: May 10, 1994
WITH 45,684 MILES THE ABS MODULATOR BEGAN TO LOSE FLUID AND FAIL. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE LEAK, BUT FLUID LEVAL WOULD DECREASE AND RENDERER THE SYSTEM INOPERABLE. THE MODULATOR WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE AND THUS REPLACED. AFTER ANOTHER 45,000 MILES THE MODULATOR IS LOSING FLUID AGAIN. THIS APPEARS ... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Dec 31, 1996
Incident date: Jun 26, 1996
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURIES.
Crash 4 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Sep 16, 1996
Incident date: Sep 12, 1996
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE HE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE JUST STOPPED. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT ALL. HAD VEHICLE TOWED AND THE IGNITOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Sep 11, 1996
Incident date: Aug 1, 1996
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN TOWN, HEARD A LOUD BANG LIKE HITTING A POT HOLE, STOPPED VEHICLE AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, WOULD NOT START AGAIN, HAD TO PUSH OUT OF TRAFFIC, HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, MECHANIC CHECKED, TRANSMISSION HAD A HOLE IN IT.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY Jul 3, 1996
Incident date: Jan 23, 1994
WHERE THE GAS IS PUMPED INTO THE CAR THAT AREA IS ALL RUSTED OUT AND COULD CAUSE A POTENTIAL HAZARD.PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL Mar 18, 1996
Incident date: Feb 17, 1996
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A HILL WITH THE EMERCENCY PARKING BRAKE ACTIVATED THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE HILL AND HIT A WALL. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Crash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Dec 14, 1995
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO IN REVERSE GEAR, DURING COLD WEATHER. TT
TIRES Dec 7, 1995
Incident date: Aug 5, 1995
REPLACED 3 OUT OF 4 MICHELIN TIRES DUE TO BUBBLES ON SIDE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS Dec 7, 1995
Incident date: Jan 1, 1995
ABNORMAL WEAR OF RIGHT FRONT BRAKE PAD.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS Dec 7, 1995
Incident date: Aug 5, 1995
REPLACED SHOE/DRUM SYSTEM.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jun 12, 1995
Incident date: Jun 12, 1995
REPLACED OIL PAN. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Jun 12, 1995
Incident date: Nov 22, 1993
THE CAR HAS A SHIFTING PROBLEM AND SOMETIMES LURCHES FORWARD. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP May 8, 1995
THE ABS SYSTEM NO LONGER WORKS, AND DEALER CLAIMS IT CAN NOT BE FIXED. TT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT May 4, 1995
Incident date: Dec 1, 1994
C.V. JOINT FAILURE. *AW
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS Apr 12, 1995
Incident date: Nov 30, 1994
ABS MODULATOR AND PRESSURE HOSE ARE LEAKING. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Apr 12, 1995
Incident date: Nov 30, 1994
ABS MODULATOR AND PRESSURE HOSE ARE LEAKING. TT
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT Mar 28, 1995
THE JACK THAT COMES WITH THE VEHICLE HAS COLLAPSED ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 15, 1995
Incident date: Dec 17, 1994
BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY VEHICLE ACCELERATED ALSO COMING OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. TT

EPA Fuel Economy, 1988 ACURA LEGEND

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 16.0 21.0 18.0 Regular $3,400
2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 17.0 22.0 19.0 Regular $3,250

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1988 ACURA LEGEND

3 manufacturer communications from 3 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT1
141100 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE1
199000 TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS1
SB-0708 Nov 1, 2010
199000 TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
ACURA: THERE ARE GUIDELINES FOR VARIOUS SITUATIONS AND PROCEDURES INCLUDING: TIRE PRESSURE VALVE STEM INSTALLATION, TRAILER STABILITY MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ON, ENGINE OIL APPLICATION GUIDE, NEW SOFTWARE, NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID, NOTCHY STEERI
1002 Oct 16, 2002
141100 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
INTERMITTENT SRA DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 1-1 TO 1-5, DRIVER'S AIRBAG INFLATOR CIRCUIT. OCTOBER TECH LINE INFORMATION. *TT
92009 Feb 1, 1995
105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
CLICKING NOISE WHILE CLICKING. *TW

NHTSA Safety Investigations, ACURA LEGEND

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

DP99003 Opened: Apr 27, 1999 , Closed: May 28, 1999
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1992
BRAKING SYSTEM
THE PETITIONER ALLEGE THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT DEPRESSED
EA95024 Opened: Aug 31, 1995 , Closed: Aug 30, 1996
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1992
OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
AIR BAG CAN DEPLOY WITHOUT VEHICLE CRASH
PE93092 Opened: Oct 15, 1993 , Closed: Feb 28, 1994
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1987
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
There is no summary currently available
PE88062 Opened: Jun 21, 1988 , Closed: Nov 16, 1988
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1986
FUEL SYSTEM VENTING
SUMMARY: THE FOUR OWNER COMPLAINTS INVOLVE FIVE VEHICLES, THREE ACCORDS AND TWO LEGENDS. A SEARCH OF ODI RECORDS PERTAINING TO HONDA SAFETY RECALLS AND DEALER SERVICE BULLETINS REVEALED NO INFORMATION RELATED TO THIS SUBJECT.===
EA88026 Opened: Mar 8, 1988 , Closed: Jan 10, 1991
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1986
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:UNDER DP88-005 AMERICAN HONDAPROVIDED THE STATISTICS GIVEN ABOVE.HONDA ALSO VERIFIED THAT THE POWER-TRAIN INSTALLED IN THE ACCURA LEGEND IS ALSO SOLD TO AUSTIN ROVER AND USEDIN THE STERLING VEHICLE.A NUMBER OF THE COMPLAINTS REPORTED DIRECTLY TOHONDA HAVE BEE... Read more
DP88005 Opened: Nov 10, 1987 , Closed: Mar 8, 1988
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1986
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
There is no summary currently available

ACURA LEGEND - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the ACURA LEGEND across all model years (1986, 1995).

34 Total Recalls
508 Total Complaints
6 Investigations
73 Reported Crashes
17 Reported Fires
0 Reported Deaths

ACURA LEGEND - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
1995 5 20 View
1994 4 26 View
1993 4 30 View
1992 6 111 View
1991 7 158 View
1990 2 45 View
1989 2 47 View
1988 (current) 2 42
1987 1 9 View
1986 1 17 View

Other ACURA Models

Model Recalls Complaints
MDX 510 4,287 View
TLX 340 1,306 View
RDX 335 2,540 View
ILX 275 337 View
RLX 187 163 View
NSX 161 20 View
INTEGRA 132 758 View
TLX TYPE S 120 2 View