VehicleVerdict

1990 Acura Legend problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1990 Acura Legend sits mid-pack among Legend years: 45 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 36, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (27% of the total).

45

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Legend years?

Legend NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Legend years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Acura Legend problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1227%
Electrical System511%
Body & Structure511%
Transmission49%
Airbags49%
Seats24%
Other24%
Seat Belts24%
Speed Control24%
Tires & Wheels24%
Engine12%
Suspension12%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Steering12%

Does the 1990 Acura Legend have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

90E043003AirbagsOctober 29, 1990 · 36 units

Defect

THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.

Consequence

INFLATOR COMPONENT SEPARATION ALLOWS HOT COMBUSTION GASES TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURIES TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE, TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING. TT CONSUMER STATES AS SHE PULEED INTO A PARKING LOT, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND NOTHING HAPPENED, CONSUMER PRESSED BRAKES AND THEY WENT TO THE FLOOR, CONSUMER THEN HIT THE REAR BUMPER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD TO BE REPLACED.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 23, 1995 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH ENGINE TURNED OFF AND KEYS WERE OUT OF THE IGNITION. 20 MINUTES LATER,HEARD ALARM SOUND. WENT OUTSIDE AND VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE WHILE MOTOR WAS RUNNING. CAUSE NOT KNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 3, 2002 · fire

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A HIT AND RUN WHICH CAUSED MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY CAUSEING SWELLING TO MY FACE AND THE FUMES FROM THE AIR BAG ITSELF WAS VERY STRONG. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 19, 2014 · crash

“LATE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT DURING A COLLISION, CAUSING TRAUMATIC INJURY TO DRIVER'S EYE. 3 OTHER PASSENGERS WERE NOT HARMED (NO AIRBAGS). AIRBAG CAUSED ALL DAMAGE, INCLUDING LOSS OF VISION IN RIGHT EYE OF DRIVER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 1, 1999 · crash

1990 Acura Legend — common questions

Is the 1990 Acura Legend reliable?

It is close to typical for the Legend: 45 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1990 Legend problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (12 complaints), body & structure (5 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 1990 Acura Legend have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Acura Legend. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.