1988 Acura Legend
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 17 |
| 1987 | 9 |
| 1988 | 33 |
| 1989 | 34 |
| 1990 | 36 |
| 1991 | 117 |
| 1992 | 75 |
| 1993 | 25 |
| 1994 | 21 |
| 1995 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
36% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
12% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: tires — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
gingerbread factory national fedration newspaper employee. projectory math musuem
NHTSA ODI report, 20230830
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
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
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
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 (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 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 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Acura Legend have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.