1988 Acura Legend

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1988 Acura Legend
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:50:53.606Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1988: 34 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1986	17
1987	9
1988	34
1989	35
1990	36
1991	117
1992	75
1993	25
1994	21
1995	15

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 38%

38% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20030523

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030227

UPON PUTTING TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE AND LIGHTLY TOUGHING GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN A CRASH/INJURIES. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970611

POWER TRAIN 24%

24% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH

SERVICE BRAKES 21%

21% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 9%

9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and injectors.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040422

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19871110 — DP (closed 19880308)

SUDDEN ACCELERATION

R 19871119 — equipment

OWNERS MANUAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, SECTIONS 6A AND 6B WAS OMITTED FROM THE MANUAL.

Remedy: UPGRADE EXISTING MANUALS BY INSERTING ADHESIVE BACKED CORRECTION PAGES.

Campaign 87V171000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19880308 — EA (closed 19910110)

SUDDEN ACCELERATION

I 19941027 — EA (closed 19950731)

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

R 19950519 — seat belts

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

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 PRO

Campaign 95V103001 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Acura Legend — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (13 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for power train issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 87V171000 (equipment) has been completed.
Verify recall 95V103001 (seat belts) has been completed.

FAQ

Is the 1988 Acura Legend reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Acura Legend?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Acura Legend have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.