1993 Acura Integra

Introduction:

The 1993 Acura Integra is a compact sports coupe with a front-mounted engine and front-wheel drive. It was available with a choice of two engines: a 1.8-liter inline-four with 130 horsepower and a 1.8-liter VTEC inline-four with 160 horsepower. Transmission options included a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. The Integra was known for its sporty handling and responsive engines. However, it also had some reliability issues, particularly with its automatic transmission.

Engine

1.8L Inline-Four

• Oil leaks: Oil can leak from the valve cover gasket or the rear main seal. Symptoms include a burning oil smell or seeing oil spots under the car. The fix is to replace the leaking gasket or seal. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $300.
• Timing belt failure: The timing belt is a critical component that synchronizes the movement of the crankshaft and camshaft. If the timing belt fails, it can cause catastrophic engine damage. Symptoms of a failing timing belt include a ticking noise from the engine or a loss of power. The fix is to replace the timing belt. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• VTEC solenoid failure: The VTEC solenoid is a valve that controls the variable valve timing system. If the solenoid fails, it can cause the engine to run poorly or lose power. Symptoms of a failing VTEC solenoid include a lack of power at high rpm or a rough idle. The fix is to replace the solenoid. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400.

1.8L VTEC Inline-Four

• VTEC engagement issues: The VTEC system sometimes fails to engage at high rpm, resulting in a loss of power. Symptoms include a lack of power at high rpm or a buzzing noise from the engine. The fix is to replace the VTEC solenoid or the VTEC controller. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $600.
• Valve stem seal failure: The valve stem seals can fail, causing the engine to burn oil. Symptoms include blue smoke from the exhaust or a loss of oil pressure. The fix is to replace the valve stem seals. Estimated cost to fix: $600 - $1,200.
• Transmission
• Automatic:
  • Transmission slippage: The transmission may slip or hesitate when shifting gears. Symptoms include a loss of power or a delay in shifting. The fix is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $3,000.
  • Torque converter shudder: The torque converter may shudder when the car is accelerating. Symptoms include a vibration or shuddering feeling when accelerating. The fix is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Manual:
  • Clutch failure: The clutch may slip or chatter when engaging. Symptoms include a burning smell or difficulty shifting gears. The fix is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
  • Transmission noise: The transmission may make a whining or grinding noise when shifting gears. Symptoms include a whining or grinding noise when shifting gears. The fix is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $3,000.
• Suspension
• Strut failure: The struts may fail, causing the car to ride rough or handle poorly. Symptoms include a rough ride or poor handling. The fix is to replace the struts. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Control arm bushings: The control arm bushings may wear out, causing the car to handle poorly or make noise over bumps. Symptoms include a clunking noise over bumps or poor handling. The fix is to replace the control arm bushings. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400.
• Electrical
• Alternator failure: The alternator may fail, causing the battery to drain and the car to lose power. Symptoms include a dead battery or a loss of power. The fix is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Starter failure: The starter may fail, preventing the car from starting. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the car or no response when turning the key. The fix is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600.
• Exterior
• Headlight switch failure: The headlight switch may fail, causing the headlights to not turn on or to stay on. Symptoms include headlights that do not turn on or headlights that stay on even when the switch is turned off. The fix is to replace the headlight switch. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200.
• Interior
• Climate control failure: The climate control system may fail, causing the heating or air conditioning to not work. Symptoms include no heat or air conditioning, or the system blowing cold air when set to heat or vice versa. The fix is to replace the climate control unit or the blower motor. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Power window failure: The power window motors or switches may fail, causing the windows to not go up or down. Symptoms include a window that does not move when the switch is pressed or a window that goes up or down slowly. The fix is to replace the window motor or switch. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400.

Summary

The 1993 Acura Integra is a reliable and sporty car with a number of common issues. The most significant issues are transmission problems with the automatic transmission, which can be expensive to fix. Other common issues include oil leaks, timing belt failure, and climate control failure.