1990 Acura Legend: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 36 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (29% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1995
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1990 acura legend. While backing up the vehicle, the brakes ceased to function which resulted in a rear end collision with another vehicle. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the master cylinder was defective and needed to be replaced. The failure recurred and the master cylinder was replaced three times. The vehicle was repaired again and the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 79,580.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2016
“I was involved in a hit and run which caused my driver side air bag to deploy causeing swelling to my face and the fumes from the air bag itself was very strong. *tr”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2014
“The springs that are supposed to hold my trunk lid open aren't strong enough and the lid closes suddenly when there is a breeze or it's parked on a incline. It probably happens at least 5 times a month, or more frequently depending upon the weather or where I'm parking. I've been thumped in the head and neck.”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“Vehicle was left with engine turned off and keys were out of the ignition. 20 minutes later,heard alarm sound. Went outside and vehicle was on fire while motor was running. Cause not known. Please provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2002
“I have had the front lower ball joints replaced in 2001, 2002 and 2003 with less than 10,000 miles and around a year of wear. The first time they were replaced, the dealer did them and put in defective parts. And refused to replace them even after admitting their defectiveness-- of course the service rep denies having admitted this.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2001
“10/30/99 wiring for radio/speakers burned. World of sound rebuilt all four amps; total cost $728.17. 8/24/02 same burning smell, same failure. World of sound repaired/replaced rear speakers at total cost of $360.40.”Owner report · Equipment · Oct 1999
“ABS brake problems; intermittently while applying the brakes the pedal goes to the floor, causing complete brake failure. This happens during normal braking, no inclement weather and any type of road surface. The dealer is aware of this problem. The brake modulator will need to be replaced according to the dealership. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1999
“Late airbag deployment during a collision, causing traumatic injury to driver's eye. 3 other passengers were not harmed (no airbags). Airbag caused all damage, including loss of vision in right eye of driver. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 1999
“When braking the engine failed to decelerate and when shifted into nuetral ran at full throttle. The engine had to be shut off to stop the problem. Car ran fine afterwards. Rosenthal acura dealership check engine and couldn't duplicate the problem or find any problem.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 1998
“Vehicle was involved in a crash and air bag deployed. Once the air bag deployed, there was severe damage done to the driver's face. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
Remedy: REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.
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.
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 SECURELY LOCKED, THEN PRESS THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS ANY SIGN OF BREAKAGE OR CRACKING, OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, PROMPTLY CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED HONDA/ACURA DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Legend by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Acura Legend reliable?
NHTSA has 36 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Acura Legend. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Acura Legend problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 115,290 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Acura Legend have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.