VehicleVerdict

1986 Acura Legend problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 1986 Acura Legend — 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.

17

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

5

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other Legend years?

Legend NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted158 complaints1986: 17 complaints1987: 9 complaints1988: 42 complaints1989: 47 complaints1990: 45 complaints1991: 158 complaints1992: 111 complaints1993: 30 complaints1994: 26 complaints1995: 20 complaints
Legend NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Legend years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Acura Legend problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System741%
Seat Belts318%
Transmission212%
Visibility & Wipers212%
Speed Control16%
Engine16%
Tires & Wheels16%

Does the 1986 Acura Legend 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.

“DRIVER'S SIDE RETRACTOR DOES NOT RETRACT, LEAVING SEATBELT LOOSE AROUND THE DRIVER. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK CONSUMER CONTACTED ANOTHER ACURA DEALERSHIP THAT INFORMED HIM THAT SEAT BELTS CAME WITH A LIFETIME WARRANTY AND PROMPTLY FIXED THEM. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING, CONSUMER STATES HE WAS INSTANTLY BLINDED WHILE ROUNDING A TURN, AND DROVE OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, CONSUMER STATES THE WIPER MOTOR CONTINUED TO RUN, BUT THE LINKAGE BETWEEN THE MOTOR AND THE WIPERS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · July 8, 2001

“VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UPON SHIFTING GEARS FROM PARK TO REVERSE CRASHING INTO MAILBOX AND RAMP. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 30, 1994 · crash

1986 Acura Legend — common questions

Is the 1986 Acura Legend reliable?

The record is thin — 17 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 1986 Legend problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (7 complaints), seat belts (3 complaints), visibility & wipers (2 complaints).

Does the 1986 Acura Legend have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1986 Acura Legend. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 Acura Legend under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Acura Legend years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Legend years to avoid are 1991, 1992. The cleanest record among Legend years belongs to 1987.

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.