1992 ACURA LEGEND

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: harsh or delayed 2-3 upshift, slipping between gears under load, transmission fluid in coolant or vice-versa from cooler breach, whining noise in gear

Fix: The 4-speed automatic is the Legend's Achilles heel. Internal clutch packs wear and the internal oil cooler can leak, mixing ATF and coolant. Rebuild takes 12-16 hours; most shops recommend replacement with a low-mileage used unit (8-10 hours) due to age. Cooler lines and external cooler should be replaced simultaneously.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: burning 1+ quart per 500-1000 miles, blue smoke on cold start or deceleration, fouled spark plugs, rough idle when warm

Fix: The C32A V6 develops ring land carbon buildup and ring flutter, especially if oil changes were stretched. Only real fix is engine-out rebuild with new rings, hone, and deck resurface—roughly 20-24 hours labor. Many owners just top off oil and live with it until something else breaks.

Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: clunk on acceleration or deceleration, excessive engine movement visible when revving in Park, vibration at idle that smooths out at speed

Fix: Hydraulic mounts fail and leak fluid, causing harsh NVH. Front engine mount and rear transmission mount are the worst offenders. Replace all four for best results—about 3-4 hours labor total. OEM Honda/Acura mounts strongly recommended over aftermarket.

Estimated cost: $600-1,000

Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: clunking over bumps, steering wander or vague on-center feel, uneven inner tire wear, alignment won't hold

Fix: The front lower control arms use pressed-in bushings that crack and separate. Ball joints wear simultaneously. Most shops replace the entire control arm assembly rather than pressing bushings—2.5-3 hours per side. Alignment required afterward.

Estimated cost: $700-1,200

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: hard starting when hot, stumble or hesitation on acceleration, rough idle, fuel smell in cabin or engine bay

Fix: The in-tank fuel filter isn't serviceable separately, but the inline filter clogs if neglected. Injector O-rings harden and leak externally. Filter replacement is 1 hour; injector reseal with new O-rings and grommets is 2-3 hours for all six. Use OEM seals only.

Estimated cost: $300-650

Symptoms: one headlight slow to pop up or stuck, clicking noise from headlight assembly, lights work but don't retract fully

Fix: Pop-up headlight motors wear out and plastic gears strip. Motors are NLA from Acura; used or aftermarket replacements required. Each side is about 1.5 hours labor. Lubricate the pivot points and check wiring connectors to extend life.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: whining or groaning when turning, stiff steering when cold, fluid leaking from pump or high-pressure hose

Fix: The hydraulic power steering pump develops internal wear and leaks from seals. Rebuild kits exist but most techs replace the pump outright—about 2 hours labor. Flush the system and replace the high-pressure hose if it's original; they get brittle and burst.

Estimated cost: $500-850