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1992 Acura Legend

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 1992 Acura Legend was a luxury sedan known for its reliability, comfortable ride, and refined driving experience. It was available with a 3.2-liter V6 engine, producing 200 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. The Legend offered either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. Owners often praised the car’s smooth engine, comfortable interior, and build quality, however common complaints include issues related to age and wear such as electrical problems, suspension issues, and certain engine-related failures.

Engine

3.2L V6 (C32A)

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks commonly occur from the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. This can lead to low oil levels, oil spots on the ground, and a burning oil smell.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Distributor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The distributor can fail due to age and heat, leading to misfires, rough running, or a no-start condition.
    • Solution: Replace the distributor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks are a common issue due to aging hoses, radiators, and water pumps. These leaks can lead to overheating and engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking hoses, radiator, or water pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: The IAC valve can become clogged or fail, causing erratic idle speeds, stalling, or difficulty starting.
    • Solution: Clean or replace the IAC valve.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

  • Transmission Slipping/Rough Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping between gears, hard shifts, or failure to shift can occur due to worn clutches, valve body issues, or low transmission fluid.
    • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush, repair or replace the valve body, or rebuild the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) - $2500+ (rebuild)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, causing shuddering, stalling, or poor acceleration.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

  • Clutch Master Cylinder Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, a soft or spongy clutch pedal, or inability to disengage the clutch.
    • Solution: Replace the clutch master cylinder.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Synchro Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or difficulty shifting into certain gears, especially 2nd and 3rd, indicating worn synchros.
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Worn Bushings
    • Description/Symptoms: Worn control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, and strut mounts can cause clunking noises, loose handling, and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace the worn bushings and/or control arms.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per corner
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaking struts or shocks, bouncy ride, poor handling, and increased stopping distance.
    • Solution: Replace the struts and/or shocks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per axle
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Ball Joint Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Clicking or popping noises from the front suspension, loose steering, and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per side
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Power Window Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to operate, often due to faulty window regulators or motors.
    • Solution: Replace the window regulator and/or motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Door Lock Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Power door locks failing to operate or operating intermittently, often due to faulty actuators or wiring.
    • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator or repair the wiring.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per door
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Climate Control Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: A/C not blowing cold air, heater not blowing hot air, or the climate control panel not functioning properly.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the A/C system (refrigerant leak, compressor failure, etc.) or replace the climate control panel.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Alternator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery light on, dim headlights, difficulty starting, and eventual complete electrical failure.
    • Solution: Replace the alternator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust is a common issue, especially in areas with harsh winters or coastal climates. Rust can appear on the body panels, undercarriage, and suspension components.
    • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels, treat rust with rust converter, or apply rust prevention coatings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on severity)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Weather Stripping Deterioration
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracking, drying, and shrinking of weather stripping around doors and windows, leading to water leaks and wind noise.
    • Solution: Replace the weather stripping.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ per door/window
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracks
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard, especially in hot climates.
    • Solution: Replace the dashboard or use a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (cover) - $1000+ (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, leaking, or making excessive noise.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1992 Acura Legend, while generally reliable, faces common issues related to its age. Engine and transmission problems, such as oil leaks and slipping gears, are typical and can range in cost from minor repairs to more expensive overhauls. Suspension issues, like worn bushings, and electrical problems, such as power window failures, also contribute to the overall maintenance costs. Rust can be a significant concern, especially in certain regions. While some issues can be addressed with relatively inexpensive fixes, others require more substantial investment. Overall, potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these common problems and factor in potential repair costs.

Acura, Legend
Acura Legend 1992
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