FaultScore

FaultScore report

1998 Acura Integra problems

Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 1998 Acura Integra with NHTSA between 1998 and 2012. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 9 worst.

C

FaultScore 49/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Acura Integra.

How this is worked out

The numbers

24

Complaints

8

Crashes reported

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries reported

1 complaint reports a death.

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 19 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure not reported
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 19
Against the median year of the Acura Integra. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
50% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.

How 1998 compares with every other Acura Integra

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1998 Acura Integra

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Electrical System 4 16.7%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 3 12.5%
Steering 3 12.5%

2 crashes, 0 fires

Suspension 2 8.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 162,000 mi

Brakes 2 8.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Airbags 2 8.3%

2 crashes, 0 fires

Engine & Cooling 2 8.3%
Equipment & Accessories 1 4.2%
Doors, Latches & Locks 1 4.2%

Median failure at 134,935 miles

Seat Belts 1 4.2%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 4.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 179,782 mi

Body & Structure 1 4.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Transmission & Drivetrain 1 4.2%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Jan 1998 peak 3 Feb 2012

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 179,782 miles Fremont, CA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT. SINCE MY CAR WAS NOT STRAIGHT, I WANTED TO BACK OUT AND PARK AGAIN. I STEPPED ONTO THE BRAKE, AND SWITCHED TO REVERSE GEAR. AS I PREPARE TO DRIVE BACKWARDS, I RELAXED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE. HOWEVER, MY CAR SUDDENLY ROARED AND CHARGED FORWARD. IT RAN OVER THE CURB, AND KEPT GOING. I HAD TRIED TO BRAKE 2 OR 3 TIMES, BUT THE BRAKE BECAME SO STIFF, IT SIMPLY WOULD NOT STOP. IT FINALLY HIT THE FIRE HYDRATE, TURNING 90 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT, THEN CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THERE WAS WATER SPILLED ALL OVER, AND STEAM COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. MY FOOT WAS STILL ON BRAKE. I WANTED TO PARK, THEN GET OUT OF THE CAR. AS I LOOKED DOWN, IT WAS STILL ON THE REVERSE GEAR. I WAS VERY SHOCKED THAT THE CAR WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE FORWARD WHILE ON THE REVERSE GEAR, AND THE BRAKE WOULD NOT WORK. IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE FIRE HYDRATE, MY CAR WOULD SURELY HAVE RAN INTO THE BUSY STREET AND HIT THE INCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE DRIVEN THIS CAR SINCE 1998, AND TAKEN MY CAR FOR ALL MINOR, INTERMEDIATE, AND MAJOR SERVICES ON TIME AT ACURA DEALER, SO IT WAS UNLIKELY THE ACCIDENT WAS MY FAULT.

NHTSA complaint #10448601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Antonio, TX Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1988 ACURA INTEGRA LS DRIVING WEST ON ADAMS HILL ST. AT FT. SUMTER IN SAN ANTONIO, TEX., ABOUT 6PM, 09/21/05. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTED SPURTING (MISSING) AND THE ENGINE STARTED SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE AS A RESULT OF AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT FIRER EXTINGUISHER AND FIRE DEPT. THE ENGINE/ELEC.WIRES WAS TOTALED AND BEYOND REPAIR AND NO REPAIRS DONE TO DATE. REPORT TO FARMERS INS., FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND PROCESS REPORTING TO POLICE. THIS IS FIRST ELECTRICAL FIRE ON THIS CARE SINCE OWNED. APPEARS MAIN FUSE BOX IGNITED. SEEMS LIKE MANUFACTURER DEFECT. QUICK ACTION PREVENTED LOSS OF LIFE. THE IGNITER WAS REPLACED IN THIS CAR AS RESULT OF RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10137800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Braselton, GA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

WHILE TRYING TO MAKE A SLIGHT TURN TO RIGHT, (BECAUSE OF BEND IN ROAD), THE STEERING LOCKED AND THEN RELEASED WHICH CAUSED AN OVER COMPENSATION TO THE RIGHT AND RESULTED IN A CRASH INTO A FENCE CAUSING EXTENSIVE PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY CAUSING A MINOR HEAD INJURY.

NHTSA complaint #10068146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 162,000 miles Costa Mesa, CA Crash

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

CONSUMER STATED WITHIN FOUR YEARS THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN TWO ACCIDENTS. THIS DUE TO LOWER CONTROL ARM BREAKAGE AND EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE BALL JOINTS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES BOTH TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM THE BACK IN EACH INSTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEED OF COMPLETE BALL JOINT AND LOWER CONTROL ARM WORK. *PH *TS

NHTSA complaint #10032435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami, FL Crash

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

WHILE FOLLOWING A SLIGHT CURVE THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER TO THE RIGHT OF THE ROAD AND CRASH AGAINST CEMENT BLOCKS WHICH WERE LINED UP ALONG THE EDGE OF THE ROAD, RESULTING IN DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF 5000.00. ACURA DOES NOT WANT TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND DID NOT WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY.

NHTSA complaint #743499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Safety Harbor, FL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

THIS WAS A 45 MPH FRONT END COLLISION AND NEITHER THE DRIVERS OR THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HIT HEAD AND CHEST ON WINDSHIELD AND DASHBOARD (DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT-BELT). HAVE CONTACTED LOCAL ACURA DEALER WHERE CAR WAS PURCHASED AND THEY REFUSE TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR ACTION REGARDING THIS MATTER. I HAVE OWNED OTHER CARS WHERE A 15 MPH FRONT END COLLISION HAS CAUSED AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. ACRUA HAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #729352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 179,782 miles Fremont, CA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT. SINCE MY CAR WAS NOT STRAIGHT, I WANTED TO BACK OUT AND PARK AGAIN. I STEPPED ONTO THE BRAKE, AND SWITCHED TO REVERSE GEAR. AS I PREPARE TO DRIVE BACKWARDS, I RELAXED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE. HOWEVER, MY CAR SUDDENLY ROARED AND CHARGED FORWARD. IT RAN OVER THE CURB, AND KEPT GOING. I HAD TRIED TO BRAKE 2 OR 3 TIMES, BUT THE BRAKE BECAME SO STIFF, IT SIMPLY WOULD NOT STOP. IT FINALLY HIT THE FIRE HYDRATE, TURNING 90 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT, THEN CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THERE WAS WATER SPILLED ALL OVER, AND STEAM COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. MY FOOT WAS STILL ON BRAKE. I WANTED TO PARK, THEN GET OUT OF THE CAR. AS I LOOKED DOWN, IT WAS STILL ON THE REVERSE GEAR. I WAS VERY SHOCKED THAT THE CAR WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE FORWARD WHILE ON THE REVERSE GEAR, AND THE BRAKE WOULD NOT WORK. IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE FIRE HYDRATE, MY CAR WOULD SURELY HAVE RAN INTO THE BUSY STREET AND HIT THE INCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE DRIVEN THIS CAR SINCE 1998, AND TAKEN MY CAR FOR ALL MINOR, INTERMEDIATE, AND MAJOR SERVICES ON TIME AT ACURA DEALER, SO IT WAS UNLIKELY THE ACCIDENT WAS MY FAULT.

NHTSA complaint #10448601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 134,935 miles Frederick, MD

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

THE HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY BECOMES LOOSE OR NO LONGER FUNCTIONS AS NORMAL WHEN CLOSING THE HOOD. THIS PREVENTS THE HOOD FROM CLOSING COMPLETELY AND MAKES IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT HIGHER SPEEDS SUCH AS HIGHWAYS WITHOUT RISKING THE HOOD FLIPPING UP OR BREAKING OFF THE VEHICLE WHICH CAN CAUSE DANGEROUS ACCIDENTS.

NHTSA complaint #10378452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Antonio, TX Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1988 ACURA INTEGRA LS DRIVING WEST ON ADAMS HILL ST. AT FT. SUMTER IN SAN ANTONIO, TEX., ABOUT 6PM, 09/21/05. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTED SPURTING (MISSING) AND THE ENGINE STARTED SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE AS A RESULT OF AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT FIRER EXTINGUISHER AND FIRE DEPT. THE ENGINE/ELEC.WIRES WAS TOTALED AND BEYOND REPAIR AND NO REPAIRS DONE TO DATE. REPORT TO FARMERS INS., FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND PROCESS REPORTING TO POLICE. THIS IS FIRST ELECTRICAL FIRE ON THIS CARE SINCE OWNED. APPEARS MAIN FUSE BOX IGNITED. SEEMS LIKE MANUFACTURER DEFECT. QUICK ACTION PREVENTED LOSS OF LIFE. THE IGNITER WAS REPLACED IN THIS CAR AS RESULT OF RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10137800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Braselton, GA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

WHILE TRYING TO MAKE A SLIGHT TURN TO RIGHT, (BECAUSE OF BEND IN ROAD), THE STEERING LOCKED AND THEN RELEASED WHICH CAUSED AN OVER COMPENSATION TO THE RIGHT AND RESULTED IN A CRASH INTO A FENCE CAUSING EXTENSIVE PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY CAUSING A MINOR HEAD INJURY.

NHTSA complaint #10068146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 162,000 miles Costa Mesa, CA Crash

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

CONSUMER STATED WITHIN FOUR YEARS THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN TWO ACCIDENTS. THIS DUE TO LOWER CONTROL ARM BREAKAGE AND EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE BALL JOINTS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES BOTH TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM THE BACK IN EACH INSTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEED OF COMPLETE BALL JOINT AND LOWER CONTROL ARM WORK. *PH *TS

NHTSA complaint #10032435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Drexel Hill, PA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

NHTSA#14845-02-E-020-001 APRIL 4/2000 BALL JOINTS:REPLACEMENT FOR STEERING OR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS: THE MATERIAL USED IN THE MANUFACTURER OF THE SEALING BOOT CAN DETERIORATE OVER TIME PERMITTING FOREIGN OBJECTS SUCH AS WATER, DIRT TO INFILTRATE THE SEALING BOOT CAUSE RUST INSIDE THE BALL JOINTS. TS

NHTSA complaint #10002296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington, DC

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

NO SUMMARY. DT

NHTSA complaint #769368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clay City, IN

STEERING

CONSUMER CAN HEAR POPPING NOISE IN STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.

NHTSA complaint #8013226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami, FL Crash

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

WHILE FOLLOWING A SLIGHT CURVE THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER TO THE RIGHT OF THE ROAD AND CRASH AGAINST CEMENT BLOCKS WHICH WERE LINED UP ALONG THE EDGE OF THE ROAD, RESULTING IN DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF 5000.00. ACURA DOES NOT WANT TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND DID NOT WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY.

NHTSA complaint #743499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Safety Harbor, FL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

THIS WAS A 45 MPH FRONT END COLLISION AND NEITHER THE DRIVERS OR THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HIT HEAD AND CHEST ON WINDSHIELD AND DASHBOARD (DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT-BELT). HAVE CONTACTED LOCAL ACURA DEALER WHERE CAR WAS PURCHASED AND THEY REFUSE TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR ACTION REGARDING THIS MATTER. I HAVE OWNED OTHER CARS WHERE A 15 MPH FRONT END COLLISION HAS CAUSED AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. ACRUA HAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #729352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stratham, NH

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

CUSTOMER SERVICE REFUSES TO FIX PROBLEM. CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED WITHIN SUMMARY.

NHTSA complaint #720338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Virginia Beach, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

BATTERY LEAKS, OCCURRED TWICE- BY SEPARATE UNITS - COULD HAVE CAUSED FIRE BY BURNING HOLE IN CHARCOAL CANISTER (POST EMMISSIONS STORAGE 3-31). SECOND INCIDENT DISCOVERED 9-12, COULD HAVE TRAUMATIC IMPACT ON ABS MOTOR RELAY SYSTEM(WIRE HARNESS DIRECTLY UNDER BATTERY MOUNT).

NHTSA complaint #711313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Virginia Beach, VA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

BATTERY LEAKS, OCCURRED TWICE- BY SEPARATE UNITS - COULD HAVE CAUSED FIRE BY BURNING HOLE IN CHARCOAL CANISTER (POST EMMISSIONS STORAGE 3-31). SECOND INCIDENT DISCOVERED 9-12, COULD HAVE TRAUMATIC IMPACT ON ABS MOTOR RELAY SYSTEM(WIRE HARNESS DIRECTLY UNDER BATTERY MOUNT).

NHTSA complaint #711313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Marcos, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

PURGE CONTROL VALVE FAILED. YH

NHTSA complaint #609326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Santa Clarita, CA

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

SUN ROOF MALFUNCTIONS. YH

NHTSA complaint #609421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glendale, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

HORN FAILED. YH

NHTSA complaint #608778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Virginia Beach, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

BATTERY LEAKS, OCCURRED TWICE- BY SEPERATE UNITS - COULD HAVE CAUSED FIRE BY BURNING HOLE IN CHARCOAL CANISTER (POST EMMISSIONS STORAGE 3-31). SECOND INCIDENT DISCOVERED 9-12, COULD HAVE TRAUMATIC IMPACT ON ABS MOTOR RELAY SYSTEM(WIRE HARNESS DIRECTLY UNDER BATTERY MOUNT).

NHTSA complaint #711313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bakersfield, CA

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

WINDOW MOTOR FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #609471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sacramento, CA

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

STEREO CD PLAYER IS NOT WORKING. YH

NHTSA complaint #606354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Phoenixvil, PA

SEAT BELTS

DRIVERS SEAT BELT ACTIVATES INAPPROPRIATELY. THE BELT IS TOO TIGHT AND DOES NOT RELAX WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CHECK TRAFFIC WHEN MERGING. DRIVER UNHOOK BELT TO CHECK FOR SAFE CLEARANCE.

NHTSA complaint #540457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Portland, OR Crash 2 killed

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

I AM NOT THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. THE OWNER WAS MY NIECE JILLIAN TENNYSON, SHE AND HER SISTER ALLISON TENNYSON WERE BOTH KILLED IN CAR ACCIDENT ON 1/2/99. THEIR CAR WAS SPLIT IN 2 DIRECTLY BEHIND THE FRONT SEATS. THE STATE TROOPERS SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN A CAR DO THIS. IT WAS LIKE THE CAR WAS A HOT CUBE OF BUTTER SLICED IN 2. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND ,THE CAR HAS A "UNIBODY" WHICH I UNDERSTAND TO BE ALL ONE PIECE. AFTER THE CAR SPLIT INTO 2. THE DRIVERS SEAT FAILED. IT FELL COMPLETELY BACKWARDS WHICH ALLOWED MY NIECE TO BE EJECTED OUT OF THE BACK OF THE CAR, OR LACK THERE OF. MY INTENT IS NOT TO GO AFTER ACURA. I WANT THE CAR INVESTIGATED TO BE SURE THAT IT WASN'T FAULTY. IF WE FIND IT WAS I ONLY WANT TO HAVE THIS INFORMATION TO AVOID ANY FURTHER SITUATIONS LIKE WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR FAMILY. MAYBE A RECALL IS NEEDED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONCIDERATION.

NHTSA complaint #703400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Milwaukee, WI Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

WHILE DRIVING TRIED TO GET ONTO ANOTHER LANE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. ONCE THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, DRIVER FELT SOMETHING VIBRATING UNDER THE VEHICLE. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE WHEEL STARTED TURNING, BUT THE COLUMN WAS LOCKED, CAUSING THE DRIVER NOT TO BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO THE MIDDLE LANE AND HIT A CEMENT WALL. THEN FINALLY THE WHEEL TURNED AGAIN AND WENT INTO THE BARREL IN THE STREET. DRIVER DID STEP ON THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE STILL CRASHED INTO THE WALL.

NHTSA complaint #822429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Milwaukee, WI Crash

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

WHILE DRIVING TRIED TO GET ONTO ANOTHER LANE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. ONCE THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, DRIVER FELT SOMETHING VIBRATING UNDER THE VEHICLE. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE WHEEL STARTED TURNING, BUT THE COLUMN WAS LOCKED, CAUSING THE DRIVER NOT TO BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO THE MIDDLE LANE AND HIT A CEMENT WALL. THEN FINALLY THE WHEEL TURNED AGAIN AND WENT INTO THE BARREL IN THE STREET. DRIVER DID STEP ON THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE STILL CRASHED INTO THE WALL.

NHTSA complaint #822429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Foster City, CA

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING IN A HEAVY RAIN STORM. WHEN DRIVER TURNED IGINITION OFF FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS RESUMED WORKING AGAIN AND FAILED A SECOND TIME. THE CAR HAS BEEN SEEN BY DEALER.

NHTSA complaint #820695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.