Owners have filed 42 complaints
about the 1988 Acura Legend with NHTSA between 1995 and 2023.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
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.
Mar 1995peak 4Aug 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 1988 Acura Legend
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA94035Opened 27 Oct 1994Closed 31 Jul 1995SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
EA88026Opened 8 Mar 1988Closed 10 Jan 1991POWER TRAIN
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 BEEN INVESTIGATED BY FIELD PERSONNEL, WHO CONSISTENTLY HAVE NOTFOUND ANY APPARENT COMPONENT OR SUBSYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS TO WHICH THEINCIDENTS COULD BE ATTRIBUTED.ANALYSIS:THE RATES OF COMPLAINTS AND ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THE SUBJECTVEHICLES ARE SIGNIFICANT.FURTHER DETAILED REVIEW OF THIS MATTER ISAPPROPRIA...
DP88005Opened 10 Nov 1987Closed 8 Mar 1988VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
Recalls on the 1988 Acura Legend
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
95V103001
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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.
Risk: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
87V171000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
OWNERS MANUAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, SECTIONS 6A AND 6B WAS OMITTED FROM THE MANUAL.
Risk: VEHICLES MANUAL INFORMATION DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS210.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1995086423,467 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the platic front seatbelt release buttons may break allowing plastic pieces to fall into the buckle assembly. If this should happen, a no latch, false latch or failure to unlatch condition could occur creating the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash or sudden stop. Correction: Front seatbelt buckles will be repaired or replaced as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 180,000 milesAshland, ORCrash1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesAshland, ORCrash1 injured
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VAN Nuys, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10020513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbridge, VACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10008202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merced, CA1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
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.
NHTSA complaint #719262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Swampscott, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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
NHTSA complaint #853580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Thecheesecakefactory Igds.org, NY
TIRES
gingerbread factory national fedration newspaper employee. projectory math musuem
NHTSA complaint #11541746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesCitrus Heights, CA
POWER TRAIN
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 FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 210,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10448096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesAshland, ORCrash1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesAshland, ORCrash1 injured
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VAN Nuys, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10020513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbridge, VACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10008202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merced, CA1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
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.
NHTSA complaint #719262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Swampscott, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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
NHTSA complaint #853580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
NHTSA complaint #852705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #852705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 WENT THROUGH A COUPLE OF PARKING STRIPS AND ONTO TWO SIDEWALKS. THEN CONSUMER TURNED OFF IGNITION AND VEHICLE STOPPED.
NHTSA complaint #838074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgeport, CT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
COOLANT WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE ENGINE. ALSO, TRANSMISSION OIL WAS LEAKING/FUEL INJECTORS WERE LEAKING GASOLINE, AND ENGINE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL.
NHTSA complaint #837036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
COOLANT WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE ENGINE. ALSO, TRANSMISSION OIL WAS LEAKING/FUEL INJECTORS WERE LEAKING GASOLINE, AND ENGINE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL.
NHTSA complaint #837036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgeport, CT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
COOLANT WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE ENGINE. ALSO, TRANSMISSION OIL WAS LEAKING/FUEL INJECTORS WERE LEAKING GASOLINE, AND ENGINE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL.
NHTSA complaint #837036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgeport, CT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
COOLANT WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE ENGINE. ALSO, TRANSMISSION OIL WAS LEAKING/FUEL INJECTORS WERE LEAKING GASOLINE, AND ENGINE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL.
NHTSA complaint #837036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coto DE Caza, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #704565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Annandale, VA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED RANDOM SUDDEN ACCELERATION.
NHTSA complaint #544088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #834919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Locust Valley, NYCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #833944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethesda, MD
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION.
NHTSA complaint #522431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beverly HI, CA3 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #533948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Barnstable, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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
NHTSA complaint #813284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Powder Sprin, GACrash3 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
UPON PUTTING TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE AND LIGHTLY TOUGHING GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN A CRASH/INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #517535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livermore, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH THAT CONTROLS DIRECTIONAL BLINKER AND HEALDIGHTS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #808634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clemson, SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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 TO BE A DESIGN PROBLEM AND A RECALL MAY BE NEEDED.
NHTSA complaint #546579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.