The 2000 Integra is a reliable Honda platform with the B-series engine, but theft risk is extreme, and high-mileage examples often show transmission synchro wear and oil consumption from worn piston rings. Most examples you'll find have been modified or driven hard.
2nd & 3rd Gear Synchro Wear (Manual Transmission)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: grinding or crunching when shifting into 2nd gear, especially when cold, difficulty engaging 3rd gear under aggressive driving, synchros eventually fail completely, requiring double-clutching
Fix: Requires transmission removal and rebuild with new synchro rings, input shaft inspection, and fresh fluid. 8-12 hours labor depending on shop efficiency. Some techs recommend replacing all synchros while it's apart.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Piston Ring Wear & Oil Consumption (B18B1 Non-VTEC)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 150,000-220,000 mi
Symptoms: burning 1+ quart every 500-1000 miles, blue smoke on startup or deceleration, oil fouling spark plugs, reduced compression across all cylinders
Fix: Requires engine removal, disassembly, honing cylinders, new piston rings, bearings, gaskets, and seals. Many owners opt for low-mileage JDM B18C swap instead. Ring job alone: 18-24 hours labor. Full rebuild: 25-35 hours.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,500
Distributor O-Ring Oil Leak
Common · low severityTypical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: oil pooling around distributor base, oil dripping onto exhaust manifold causing burning smell, potential for oil to contaminate distributor internals causing misfire
Fix: Replace distributor O-ring seal and valve cover gasket while accessible. 1.5-2 hours labor. Simple job but often ignored until it causes distributor failure.
Estimated cost: $150-300
Transmission Mount Failure (All)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: excessive engine movement during acceleration and shifts, clunking when shifting or engaging clutch, vibration through shifter and chassis, visible cracking or tearing of rubber mount
Fix: Replace transmission mount and inspect other motor mounts for wear. Often all three mounts need replacement around same time. 2-3 hours labor for all mounts.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Ignition Lock Cylinder & Theft Risk
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: Integras are among the most stolen vehicles in North America, thieves punch out ignition cylinder in seconds, aftermarket alarms often poorly installed causing electrical gremlins
Fix: Not a mechanical failure but a platform-specific reality. Budget for quality alarm system, steering wheel lock, and comprehensive insurance. If cylinder is punched, replacement requires new ignition switch, cylinder, and key programming. 2-3 hours labor plus tow and deductible.
Estimated cost: $400-800
Front Lower Control Arm Bushings
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking over bumps, steering wander and vague feel, inner tire wear from negative camber shift, visible cracking of rubber bushings
Fix: Replace lower control arm bushings or entire control arms with bushings pre-installed. Most techs prefer new arms vs. pressing bushings. Alignment mandatory afterward. 3-4 hours labor including alignment.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Radiator & Cooling System Leaks
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: coolant leaking from radiator end tanks (plastic crimped to aluminum core), leaking radiator hoses at connection points, transmission fluid in coolant from internal transmission cooler failure, overheating in traffic or on highway
Fix: Replace radiator, all hoses, and thermostat as preventive maintenance. If transmission cooler failed, flush both systems. 3-4 hours labor. Many upgrade to all-aluminum radiator.
Estimated cost: $450-850
Buy one if you find a clean, unmolested example with service records, but only if you can secure it against theft and accept that high-mileage B-series engines need attention — the chassis is bulletproof, the rest is manageable.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.