1997 ACURA INTEGRA

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping between gears, especially 2nd to 3rd, Loss of 3rd or 4th gear completely, Delayed engagement when shifting to Drive, Transmission fluid dark or burnt-smelling

Fix: The 4-speed automatic (M4VA/MPJA) has weak clutch packs and the oil cooler circuit clogs, starving lubrication. Rebuild runs 12-16 hours labor plus parts. Many owners swap to manual or find used JDM units. External cooler filter is preventive but rarely done early enough.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive vibration at idle, especially with A/C on, Clunking when shifting or accelerating hard, Engine visibly rocking in bay during rev, Transmission mount often fails first with torn rubber

Fix: All four mounts (front, rear, side, transmission) are rubber-hydraulic and rot out. Transmission mount is worst due to heat. Budget 3-4 hours labor to replace all four. OEM or Hasport aftermarket recommended; cheap eBay mounts fail within a year.

Estimated cost: $450-750

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi

Symptoms: Oil pooling around base of distributor, Oil seeping onto valve cover, Occasional ignition misfire if oil contaminates internals, Burning oil smell from exhaust manifold heat

Fix: The large O-ring under the distributor hardens and leaks. Common B-series issue. Remove distributor, replace O-ring (Honda part ~$8), reinstall with new seal. 1 hour labor. Mark distributor position before removal to avoid retiming.

Estimated cost: $80-150

Symptoms: Headlights intermittently cutting out, Dashboard lights flickering or dead, No low beams but high beams work, Switch body feels hot to touch

Fix: Factory headlight switch develops internal resistance, overheats contacts. Multiple recalls (NHTSA) but many units still fail. Replacement switch from Honda is plug-and-play, 0.5 hours. Aftermarket relays can reduce load on switch if owner wants preventive mod.

Estimated cost: $120-220

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil dripping from rear of valve cover near firewall, Check Engine light with P1259 code (VTEC system malfunction), Loss of power above 5,500 RPM if solenoid clogs, Ticking noise from valve train if oil pressure drops

Fix: VTEC solenoid gasket and screen clog with sludge if oil changes were neglected. Remove solenoid (two bolts), clean screen, replace gasket and O-ring. 0.8 hours labor. Use OEM gasket—aftermarket leak immediately.

Estimated cost: $90-180

Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front suspension, Steering wander or vague on-center feel, Inner front tire wear (feathering), Car pulls to one side after alignment

Fix: Compliance bushings in front LCAs crack and allow excess movement. Replace entire arms or press in new bushings. Pressing bushings is cheaper but labor-intensive (2.5 hours), most shops replace arms (1.5 hours). Alignment required after.

Estimated cost: $350-600

Symptoms: Extremely loud exhaust on startup, Check Engine light with multiple O2 sensor codes, Visible cut marks under vehicle, Car may have been jacked up overnight

Fix: Integras are prime targets due to easy access and valuable precious metals. Aftermarket cats run $300-600 plus 1.5 hours welding labor. OEM Honda cats are $1,200+. Cat shields can be welded on preventively for $150-250 at muffler shops.

Estimated cost: $450-1,800

Symptoms: Key difficult to turn or remove, Ignition lock cylinder spins freely (sheared), Steering column plastic cracked from screwdriver attack, Car stolen and recovered with ignition hammered

Fix: These cars are stolen constantly, often recovered with damaged locks. Replacement lock cylinder from Honda requires new key cut to code. Steering column cover usually needs replacement too. 2 hours labor. Many owners add kill switches or alarm upgrades preventively.

Estimated cost: $250-500