1991 Acura Integra

Here is a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 1991 Acura Integra, separated by category and engine/transmission option where applicable.

The 1991 Acura Integra was a popular compact car known for its sporty handling, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability for its time. It was available in several trim levels, including the RS, LS, and GS. Engine options included a 1.8L DOHC inline-4 (B18A1) engine, producing around 130 horsepower and 121 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices were a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. People liked the Integra for its engaging driving experience and relatively low running costs. Common dislikes included road noise and the relatively basic interior features of the lower trim levels.

Engine

B18A1 1.8L DOHC Inline-4

• Distributor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic engine performance, stalling, no-start condition. Often caused by a faulty ignition control module (ICM) or internal sensor failure within the distributor.
  • Solution: Replace the entire distributor assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gasket, Oil Pan Gasket, Rear Main Seal)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, low oil level. Leaks can occur from the valve cover gasket due to age and heat cycles, the oil pan gasket, or the rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal. For rear main seal, transmission removal is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve Cover: $50 - $150; Oil Pan: $100 - $300; Rear Main Seal: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks (Water Pump, Radiator)
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, loss of coolant, visible leaks under the car.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump or radiator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Water Pump: $200 - $400, Radiator: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Synchro Wear (Specifically 2nd and 3rd Gear)
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or difficulty shifting into 2nd and 3rd gear, especially when cold.
  • Solution: Rebuild the transmission with new synchros, or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Rebuild: $800 - $1500+; Replace: $500 - $1000+ (used)
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping/Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement, slipping between gears, harsh or erratic shifting. Often caused by worn clutch packs or solenoid issues within the transmission.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Rebuild: $1200 - $2500+; Replace: $800 - $1500+ (used)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Suspension Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, loose handling, uneven tire wear. Common areas are the control arm bushings and sway bar bushings.
  • Solution: Replace worn bushings. Replacing entire control arms may be easier.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Bushings only: $50 - $200 per corner + labor; Control Arms: $100 - $400 per corner + labor
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll.
  • Solution: Replace struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per axle (pair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Main Relay Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No-start condition, fuel pump not priming.
  • Solution: Replace the main relay.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window moves slowly or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Wheel Arches, Quarter Panels, Underbody)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust spots, bubbling paint, structural weakness. Common in areas with harsh winters and road salt.
  • Solution: Rust repair, body panel replacement, or underbody coating.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on severity, $200 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks on the dashboard surface due to sun exposure and age.
  • Solution: Dash cover, dashboard replacement (difficult and expensive).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Dash cover: $50 - $150; Replacement: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The fabric headliner detaching from the roof.
  • Solution: Replace the headliner or re-glue the existing fabric.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Re-glue: $100 - $300; Replacement: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1991 Acura Integra is a generally reliable vehicle, but common issues stem from its age. Engine issues include distributor problems and oil leaks. Transmission issues can be significant, especially with the automatic. Suspension wear is expected. Electrical gremlins like main relay failure are common. Rust is a major concern, especially in northern climates. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, major issues like transmission rebuilds or extensive rust repair can be costly. Overall, potential buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle, paying close attention to rust, engine condition, and transmission operation.