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
- 34
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Vehicle speed control
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
38% of complaints
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% · 13 reportsShow 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-23
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, 2003-02-27
Upon putting transmission into drive and lightly toughing gas pedal, vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control, resulting in a crash/injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-06-11
Power train
24% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Service brakes
21% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Engine and engine cooling
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Fuel system, gasoline
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and injectors.
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, 2004-04-22
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1987-11-10Defect petitionClosed 1988-03-08 Sudden acceleration
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R
1987-11-19Equipment87V171000 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.
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I
1988-03-08Engineering analysisClosed 1991-01-10 Sudden acceleration
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I
1994-10-27Engineering analysisClosed 1995-07-31 Seat belt buckle failure
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R
1995-05-19Seat belts95V103001 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Acura Legend — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V171000 · Equipment
- Recall 95V103001 · Seat belts
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.