Acura Legend Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 382 consumer complaints across the 10 model years of the Acura Legend (1986–1995) that have at least 5 complaints. 1991 has the most, with 117. Across all years, the part named most often is equipment (100 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Legend model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 15 | 60,000 | 0 | 2 | — | Stable |
| 1994 | 21 | 99,000 | 0 | 2 | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 25 | 180,175 | 0 | 2 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 75 | 198,000 | 2 | 2 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 117 | 115,780 | 2 | 2 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 36 | 115,290 | 1 | 1 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 34 | 167,000 | 1 | 1 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 33 | 195,000 | 2 | 1 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1987 | 9 | 148,900 | 1 | 1 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 17 | 163,051 | 1 | 1 | — | Stable |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Equipment100 28%
- Brakes57 16%
- Air bags49 14%
- Vehicle speed control41 11%
- Transmission and drivetrain37 10%
- Engine cooling27 7.5%
- Electrical system24 6.7%
- Seat belts23 6.4%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1991: “I had major problems with the cooling system overheating. I had to replace every part of the system, radiator, thermostat, water pump, timing belt, radiator cap in order to maintain correct temp. At 118000 miles my speed gauge jumps and sometimes record speeds as high as 90+ MPH when I am approaching a stop. The speed sensor replacement is approximatley $200.”
NHTSA complaint #10069526, filed 2004-01, 96,000 miles1989: “My mother was involved in an accident in my 1989 Acura Legend, which the driver's seat belt released upon the impact of the incident. She was then citated for not wearing a safety belt. I have recently found that they were recalled in may of 1995. I purchased the vehicle on a year ago.”
NHTSA complaint #10056468, filed 2004-02, 159,000 miles1988: “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 more still on the road. Are there any group lawsuits currently being put forth, or can you provide me with any suggestions for receiving justice in this matter?”
NHTSA complaint #10070542, filed 2004-01, 180,000 milesOther Acura models
3,325 complaintsAcura TL
3,117 complaintsAcura RDX
2,178 complaintsAcura TLX
891 complaintsAcura TSX
671 complaintsAcura Integra
658 complaintsAcura CL
585 complaintsAcura RL
417 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology