1991 Acura Legend

The 1991 Acura Legend was a popular luxury sedan known for its reliability and smooth ride. It came equipped with a 3.2-liter V6 engine producing 200 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. The engine was available with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. Owners often praised the Legend for its comfortable interior, refined driving experience, and build quality, while some common complaints revolved around the complexity of some repairs and the age-related deterioration of certain components.

Engine

3.2L V6 (C32A)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks commonly occur around the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ depending on location and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can originate from radiator hoses, the water pump, or the thermostat housing. Overheating can occur.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking hoses, water pump, or thermostat housing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ depending on location and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Distributor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent engine misfires, difficulty starting, or complete engine stall. This is due to wear or failure of the internal components such as the ignition coil or the Hall effect sensor.
  • Solution: Replacing the distributor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (NA)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or harsh shifting between gears, especially from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd. Can also exhibit slipping between gears.
  • Solution: Replacing the transmission fluid, adjusting the shift linkage, or rebuilding the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (fluid change) - $1500+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially when accelerating. Can also cause stalling.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual (NA)

• Clutch Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting, and a high clutch pedal engagement point.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throwout bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling and wandering steering. This is common on older vehicles as the rubber bushings dry out and crack.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn bushings in the control arms, sway bar links, and struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per corner depending on which bushings need replacement and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll in corners, and leaking fluid from the struts or shocks.
  • Solution: Replacing the struts or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ for a pair, depending on brand and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows that operate slowly or fail to operate at all. Often caused by a failing window motor or worn window regulators.
  • Solution: Replacing the window motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, warning lights on the dashboard, and a dead battery.
  • Solution: Replacing the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Display Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The digital display for the climate control system fading or becoming unreadable.
  • Solution: Replacing the capacitors on the circuit board in the climate control unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-150 for parts/repair
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation on the lower body panels, wheel wells, and around the windshield.
  • Solution: Rust repair by cutting out and welding in new panels, or using body filler to cover up the rust.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$1000+ per panel, depending on the extent of the damage.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Lens Yellowing
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlight lens becoming yellow or hazy due to oxidation from UV exposure. Reduces headlight output.
  • Solution: Polishing the headlight lenses or replacing the headlight assemblies.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $30 - $100+ for polishing, $100 - $400+ for replacement headlight assemblies.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, or getting stuck. Can be caused by a broken sunroof motor or damaged tracks.
  • Solution: Replacing the sunroof motor or repairing/replacing the sunroof tracks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seats failing to adjust in one or more directions.
  • Solution: Replacing the power seat motor or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per seat.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1991 Acura Legend is a generally reliable vehicle, but as with any car of its age, certain issues are common. Engine oil and coolant leaks, suspension wear, and electrical problems are among the most frequently reported. While some repairs, like replacing gaskets and bushings, are relatively inexpensive, others, such as transmission or electrical component replacements, can be more costly. Rust can also be a significant concern in some regions. Overall, prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these potential issues and factor in the cost of any necessary repairs.