1999 Acura Integra

The 1999 Acura Integra is a front-wheel-drive compact sports car known for its reliability, fun driving dynamics, and strong aftermarket support. Engine options included a 1.8L DOHC inline-4 engine (B18B1) producing 140 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque in the RS, LS, and GS trims, and a 1.8L DOHC VTEC inline-4 engine (B18C1) producing 170 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque in the GS-R trim. Transmissions include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic, depending on the trim level. Some owners praise the Integra for its nimble handling and fuel efficiency, while others criticize its road noise and relatively basic interior.

Engine

1.8L DOHC Inline-4 (B18B1)

• Distributor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough running, misfires, stalling, no start. Often caused by a worn distributor shaft bearing or cracked distributor housing.
  • Solution: Replace the entire distributor assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gasket)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold, burning smell, visible oil around the valve cover.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.8L DOHC VTEC Inline-4 (B18C1)

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil level drops noticeably between oil changes, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Often requires engine rebuild, including new piston rings and valve guide seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• VTEC Solenoid Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak around the VTEC solenoid, located on the cylinder head.
  • Solution: Replace the VTEC solenoid gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual (All trims)

• Worn Synchronizers (2nd and 3rd Gear)
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting into 2nd or 3rd gear, difficulty engaging the gear.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch Master/Slave Cylinder Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, clutch pedal sticking to the floor.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch master and/or slave cylinder.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic (RS, LS, GS trims)

• Shift Flare/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine RPMs rising excessively between shifts, delayed or harsh shifts.
  • Solution: Can be caused by low fluid, worn valve body, or internal damage. Often requires transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling and wandering on the road.
  • Solution: Replace worn bushings (control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, etc.).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on the number of bushings replaced)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Leaking Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, visible oil on the struts/shocks.
  • Solution: Replace the struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving or moving very slowly.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not turning on or flickering.
  • Solution: Replace the headlight switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Rear Quarter Panels/Wheel Wells)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on the rear quarter panels or wheel wells.
  • Solution: Rust repair, including cutting out the rusted metal, welding in new metal, and painting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (depending on severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken Seat Adjuster
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat will no longer adjust forward or backward.
  • Solution: Replace the broken seat adjuster components or the entire seat.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1999 Acura Integra is generally a reliable vehicle, but owners should be aware of common issues such as distributor failure, oil leaks, worn synchronizers, and rust. The severity and cost of these issues can vary widely depending on the condition of the vehicle and the extent of the damage. Engine issues, especially those related to the B18C1 (GS-R) like oil consumption, can be the most expensive to address. Suspension and electrical problems are also common but generally less costly to repair. Rust, while a common issue for vehicles of this age, can also lead to significant repair costs if left unaddressed.