VehicleVerdict

1988 Acura Integra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 1988 Acura Integra — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

12

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other Integra years?

Integra NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted232 complaints1986: 6 complaints1987: 12 complaints1988: 12 complaints1989: 20 complaints1990: 46 complaints1991: 41 complaints1992: 38 complaints1993: 29 complaints1994: 68 complaints1995: 60 complaints1996: 43 complaints1997: 25 complaints1998: 24 complaints1999: 8 complaints2000: 18 complaints2001: 6 complaints2023: 232 complaints2024: 68 complaints2025: 3 complaints2026: 3 complaints
Integra NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Integra years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 Acura Integra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes325%
Transmission325%
Visibility & Wipers217%
Lighting18%
Fuel System18%
Electrical System18%
Engine18%

Does the 1988 Acura Integra have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V103001Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 3,700,000 units

Defect

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 IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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 PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUG ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, THEN PRESS THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS ANY SIGN OF BREAKAGE OR CRACKING, OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, PROMPTLY CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED HONDA/ACURA DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH HEATER CORE BURSTED, CAUSING HOT WATER TO FLOW INTO THE PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT. DRIVER SUSTAINED 2ND DEGREE BURNS. ACURA HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers

1988 Acura Integra — common questions

Is the 1988 Acura Integra reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1988 Integra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (3 complaints), brakes (3 complaints), visibility & wipers (2 complaints).

Does the 1988 Acura Integra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1988 Acura Integra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1988 Acura Integra under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Acura Integra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Integra years to avoid are 2023, 2024, 1994, 1995, 1990, 1996, 1991, 1992. The cleanest record among Integra years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.