According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1991 Acura Legend has 9 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Fan Control Unit Cracked Solder Joints (Service News B98-05-00) Cause Cooling Fan and A/C Compressor to Operate Erratically or Not at All ($0-$350 repair), ALB/ABS Pump Motor Overrun and Accumulator Failure ($200-$1,500 repair), Timing belt must be replaced at 90,000 mi / 72 months — interference engine eats valves if it snaps ($600-$2,000 repair), PGM-FI Main Relay Solder Cracks Cause Hot-Soak No-Start ($0-$150 repair) and C32A1 Head Gasket Failure at Rear Cylinders (#3 and #6) Due to Open-Deck Vibration ($1,800-$4,500 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $200 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1990-1995 Acura Legend, the Legend's C27A (1990) and C32A (1991-1995) V6s are both interference engines: the valves and pistons share the same vertical space at different points in the rotation, separated only by precise timing belt synchronization. If the belt fails — from age (rubber breakdown), tensioner failure, or contamination by leaking front-engine oil seals — the camshafts stop while the crankshaft keeps spinning, and valves slam into pistons. Result: bent valves, often damaged guides, sometimes a cracked piston, and a repair bill that exceeds the car's value. Honda's published interval is 90,000 miles or 72 months, whichever comes first — and on 30+ year-old Legends 'whichever comes first' is almost always the calendar. Most original belts have been replaced by now, but second and third belts (60-90k after the first replacement) are commonly skipped because owners assume 'it's been done.'
Common Symptoms
Visible cracking or fraying on the timing belt when inspected
Squealing or rumbling from the front of the engine (tensioner bearing failing)
Oil leak from front of engine soaking the timing cover (failed crank or cam seal)
Engine starts and runs, then suddenly dies and won't restart (belt has snapped)
Loud metallic clatter on a no-start attempt (valves striking pistons)
How to Fix
Replace the timing belt every 90,000 miles OR 72 months — and treat the 72-month limit as the binding one on cars over 15 years old, regardless of mileage. The job is a full front-of-engine teardown: remove crank pulley, front cover, all accessory belts. While you're in there, ALWAYS replace the water pump, timing belt tensioner, all front seals (crank, cam, balance shaft), and idler pulley as a kit — the labor to replace any one of them later is 90% of the timing belt labor. Use OEM Mitsuboshi/Bando belts from Acura or top-tier aftermarket (Aisin, Gates Powergrip). Expect $600-1,000 in parts and $500-900 in labor at an independent. Skip the dealer ($1,500-2,000+) unless they're running a special.
What you need to fix it
The exact parts — OEM, plus what owners actually use. Skip the internet hunt.
From owners — upgrades & tips (0+ fixed this)
TipALWAYS replace water pump + tensioner + front seals at the same time as the belt. Labor to do any one of those later equals 90% of the timing belt labor.
UpgradeAisin makes a complete Acura V6 timing kit (belt, tensioner, water pump, seals) under their TKH-series. One purchase covers everything you need. (Aisin Acura V6 Timing Belt Kit (complete))
NoteOn a 30+ year old Legend, ignore the mileage and look at the calendar. If the belt is older than 6 years, replace it — rubber degrades regardless of miles. A 'low mileage' Legend with an unknown belt history is one trip away from a $5,000 valve job.
Part links may earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed May 2026
On the 1991-1995 Acura Legend, the 3.2L C32A/C32A1 V6 (1991-1995 Acura Legend) uses an open-deck block with a graphite (not multi-layer steel) head gasket. Engine vibration concentrated at the rear of the block wears through the gasket between the unsupported cylinder tops and the deck surface, almost always failing at cylinders #3 and #6 (cylinder #6 is the most failure-prone). Coolant enters the cylinders causing white exhaust smoke, coolant loss, misfires, and eventually hydrolock. The Type-II C32A1 (1993-1995 coupe LS/L, 1994-1995 GS sedan), especially with the 6-speed manual, sees accelerated failure due to higher loads.
Common Symptoms
White smoke from exhaust
Coolant loss with no visible leak
Overheating
Bubbling in coolant reservoir
Misfire on cylinder 3 or 6
How to Fix
Replace head gaskets with updated multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets, resurface heads, and torque to spec. A long-term fix sometimes pursued in the enthusiast community is swapping to a later C-series engine (e.g., C35A from a 1996+ RL) which uses improved gasket technology.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 1991-1995 Acura Legend, both valve cover gaskets and the six rubber spark-plug tube seals harden and shrink with age, leaking oil down the engine and into the spark plug wells. Oil pooling in the plug wells causes misfires and damaged coil/wire boots. The driver-side bank is significantly harder to access on the G2 Legend's longitudinal V6 — bolts near the automatic transmission fluid dipstick make DIY replacement a multi-hour job on that side. Common at 80k+ miles on any G2 Legend.
Common Symptoms
Oil leak down sides of engine
Burning oil smell
Oil pooled in spark plug wells
Misfire after rain or wash
How to Fix
Replace both valve cover gaskets, all six spark plug tube seals, and the half-moon seals at the same time. Use OEM Honda gaskets — aftermarket gaskets often leak again within 30k miles.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 1991-1993 Acura Legend C32A1, the radiator/condenser fan control unit, located under the passenger floor carpet, suffers cracked solder joints on its circuit board from heat cycling. Symptoms include rad fans not coming on (causing overheating at idle), fans running at full speed at every startup, A/C clutch engaging with the switch off, or random fan/AC behavior. Honda/Acura Service News B98-05-00 (May 1998, 'Fan Control Unit Causes Warm A/C') documents diagnosis; the defect is widely reported on 1991-1992 units and some 1993 units.
Common Symptoms
Engine overheating at idle
Rad fans running at high speed every startup
A/C clutch engaging with A/C off
Random cooling fan operation
How to Fix
Pull the fan control unit from under the passenger carpet and reflow the cracked solder joints (10+ joints typically affected) with a soldering iron, or replace the unit. DIY repair is well documented and effectively free.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 1991-1995 Acura Legend, the Sumitomo ALB (Anti-Lock Brake) system on G2 Legends uses a high-pressure hydraulic pump and nitrogen-charged accumulator in the right front engine bay. The pump motor brushes wear out causing the pump to run more than 2 minutes continuously (ABS Code 1), and the accumulator loses nitrogen charge over time. Result is ABS light on, pulsing pedal at low speed, or noisy continuous pump operation after engine start.
Common Symptoms
ABS light on with code 1 (pump motor overrun)
ABS pump runs continuously for over 2 minutes
Brake pedal pulses at low speed
Loud whining from right front engine bay
How to Fix
Rebuild the pump motor (clean commutator, replace brushes — DIY for $30) or replace pump/accumulator assembly. Verify brake fluid is at MAX line first since low fluid triggers identical symptoms.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 1991-1995 Acura Legend, the PGM-FI main relay (under the dash, driver's side near the fuse box) controls power to the ECU and fuel pump. PCB solder joints develop hairline cracks from vibration and heat cycling. On hot days (90F+) or after a hot soak in the sun, the cracked joints open and the car cranks but will not start until it cools 5-15 minutes. Same failure mode as virtually every 1988-2000 Honda/Acura.
Common Symptoms
Cranks but no start when hot
Intermittent stall in traffic on hot days
No fuel pump prime sound at key-on
Starts fine after cooling 10-15 minutes
How to Fix
Pull the relay, open the case, reflow all solder joints with a fine-tip iron (free fix). Or replace with OEM Omron unit ($50-100). Aftermarket relays often fail again quickly.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 1991-1995 Acura Legend, each sunroof corner has a small drain tube routing through the A-pillars (front) and down through the quarter panels to outlets behind the rear wheel wells (rear). The tubes clog with debris or split with age (rubber becomes brittle), allowing rainwater to overflow into the cabin. Front clogs flood the driver/passenger footwell carpet; rear clogs flood the trunk spare tire well.
Common Symptoms
Wet footwell carpets after rain
Water pooled in trunk spare tire well
Musty cabin odor
Headliner sagging or staining
How to Fix
Open the sunroof and locate the four drain holes at the corners of the tray. Clear with compressed air or thin trimmer line, then flush with water. If tubes are split, headliner removal is required to replace them.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 1991-1995 Acura Legend, the PS high-pressure hose deteriorates internally from age, heat, and the constant 1,000+ psi pressure. Two failure modes: external leak at the crimp where the hose meets the pump fitting (rapid fluid loss requiring top-up every 5-10 miles), and internal rubber slough that darkens the fluid and clogs the rack ports, valves, and pump check valves. Common at 100k+ miles on all G2 Legends.
Common Symptoms
Dark/black power steering fluid
Whining pump
Visible leak at hose-to-pump crimp
Hard steering when cold
How to Fix
Replace the high-pressure hose with OEM Honda part and flush the entire PS system with fresh Honda PSF (NOT generic ATF or universal PSF — Honda systems specifically require Honda PSF). Replace return hose at the same time.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 1991-1995 Acura Legend 3.2L V6 C32A, acura issued technical service bulletin TSB 95-020 covering 1991-1995 second-generation Legends for a fan control unit with defective solder joints. Sources differ on the exact physical location — some place the unit under the passenger seat, others under the passenger floorboard carpet, others above the gas pedal. There may be two related units in different locations on different production runs. The fault: solder joints on a couple of critical traces on the control board crack with heat cycling. Initial symptom is intermittent A/C operation — works one trip, doesn't the next, sometimes recovers after the car sits. As the solder fully fails, the compressor stops engaging entirely. Owners and shops chase the wrong rabbit hole (low refrigerant, dead clutch coil, blown fuse) — but the actual fault is a cracked solder joint inside a control module that costs $0.05 in solder to fix.
Common Symptoms
A/C compressor engages intermittently — works some days, not others
A/C works when cold-start, fails after car warms up (or vice versa)
Tapping the passenger floor area sometimes temporarily restores A/C
Eventually compressor stops engaging entirely
Refrigerant pressure is correct, compressor clutch coil tests good, but no engagement
Replacing the compressor doesn't fix the problem
How to Fix
Pull back the passenger-side front carpet (slide passenger seat fully back, lift carpet edge from the door sill, fold forward). The fan control unit is a black box screwed to the floor — unplug the connectors and remove. Inspection with a magnifier shows the cracked solder joints on the trace(s) for compressor relay control. Re-flow the joints with a soldering iron and a small amount of fresh solder. Total cost: $0 in parts, 1 hour of labor. Replacement units are scarce and expensive ($150-300 used) so the solder-repair is the standard fix. Acura specialists and Honda forums have documented the exact joints — search 'Acura Legend fan control unit solder' for board photos showing the failure points.
What you need to fix it
The exact parts — OEM, plus what owners actually use. Skip the internet hunt.
From owners — upgrades & tips (0+ fixed this)
TipBefore you spend $400-800 on a new compressor, pull the passenger carpet and inspect the fan control unit board. A 1-hour solder re-flow with a $20 iron fixes most 'compressor not engaging' issues on 1991-1993 Legends.
NoteDon't let a shop sell you a replacement compressor without first checking the fan control unit. The TSB is well-known to Acura specialists but commonly missed by generic A/C shops.
TipReplacement fan control units are scarce — $150-300 used on eBay. Re-soldering the original board is the standard durable fix, and many Honda specialists publish board photos showing the exact failure points.
Part links may earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Campaign #09E02500011/05/2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Campaign #09E01200007/04/2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Campaign #06E04900024/05/2006
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1991-1991 Acura Legend has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Fan Control Unit Cracked Solder Joints (Service News B98-05-00) Cause Cooling Fan and A/C Compressor to Operate Erratically or Not at All, ALB/ABS Pump Motor Overrun and Accumulator Failure, Timing belt must be replaced at 90,000 mi / 72 months — interference engine eats valves if it snaps. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Acura Legend reliable?
The 1991-1991 Acura Legend has 9 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Fan Control Unit Cracked Solder Joints (Service News B98-05-00) Cause Cooling Fan and A/C Compressor to Operate Erratically or Not at All and ALB/ABS Pump Motor Overrun and Accumulator Failure and Timing belt must be replaced at 90,000 mi / 72 months — interference engine eats valves if it snaps and PGM-FI Main Relay Solder Cracks Cause Hot-Soak No-Start and C32A1 Head Gasket Failure at Rear Cylinders (#3 and #6) Due to Open-Deck Vibration. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Acura Legend problems?
Repair costs for known Acura Legend issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Fan Control Unit Cracked Solder Joints (Service News B98-05-00) Cause Cooling Fan and A/C Compressor to Operate Erratically or Not at All, typically costs $0-$350 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1991-1993 Acura Legend Fan Control Unit Cracked Solder Joints (Service News B98-05-00) Cause Cooling Fan and A/C Compressor to Operate Erratically or Not at All?
The radiator/condenser fan control unit, located under the passenger floor carpet, suffers cracked solder joints on its circuit board from heat cycling. Symptoms include rad fans not coming on (causing overheating at idle), fans running at full speed at every startup, A/C clutch… Repairs typically run $0-$350. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Campaign #06E06500017/07/2006
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDAN AND COUPE MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A BOSE AUDIO SYSTEM THAT HAD SEPARATE SPEAKER AMPLIFIERS MOUNTED BEHIND THE REAR SEAT BACK. A TRANSISTOR IN THE SPEAKER AMPLIFIER COULD OVERHEAT.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
What is the 1991-1995 Acura Legend ALB/ABS Pump Motor Overrun and Accumulator Failure?
The Sumitomo ALB (Anti-Lock Brake) system on G2 Legends uses a high-pressure hydraulic pump and nitrogen-charged accumulator in the right front engine bay. The pump motor brushes wear out causing the pump to run more than 2 minutes continuously (ABS Code 1), and the accumulator l… Repairs typically run $200-$1,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1995 Acura Legend Timing belt must be replaced at 90,000 mi / 72 months — interference engine eats valves if it snaps?
The Legend's C27A (1990) and C32A (1991-1995) V6s are both interference engines: the valves and pistons share the same vertical space at different points in the rotation, separated only by precise timing belt synchronization. If the belt fails — from age (rubber breakdown), tensi… Repairs typically run $600-$2,000. Severity: high.
What is the 1991-1995 Acura Legend PGM-FI Main Relay Solder Cracks Cause Hot-Soak No-Start?
The PGM-FI main relay (under the dash, driver's side near the fuse box) controls power to the ECU and fuel pump. PCB solder joints develop hairline cracks from vibration and heat cycling. On hot days (90F+) or after a hot soak in the sun, the cracked joints open and the car crank… Repairs typically run $0-$150. Severity: high.
What is the 1991-1995 Acura Legend C32A1 Head Gasket Failure at Rear Cylinders (#3 and #6) Due to Open-Deck Vibration?
The 3.2L C32A/C32A1 V6 (1991-1995 Acura Legend) uses an open-deck block with a graphite (not multi-layer steel) head gasket. Engine vibration concentrated at the rear of the block wears through the gasket between the unsupported cylinder tops and the deck surface, almost always f… Repairs typically run $1,800-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1991-1995 Acura Legend Sunroof Drain Tube Clogs Cause Footwell and Trunk Water Leaks?
Each sunroof corner has a small drain tube routing through the A-pillars (front) and down through the quarter panels to outlets behind the rear wheel wells (rear). The tubes clog with debris or split with age (rubber becomes brittle), allowing rainwater to overflow into the cabin… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 1991-1995 Acura Legend Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Oil Leaks (Especially Rear Bank)?
Both valve cover gaskets and the six rubber spark-plug tube seals harden and shrink with age, leaking oil down the engine and into the spark plug wells. Oil pooling in the plug wells causes misfires and damaged coil/wire boots. The driver-side bank is significantly harder to acce… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 1991-1995 Acura Legend Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Crimp Leak and Internal Hose Sloughing?
The PS high-pressure hose deteriorates internally from age, heat, and the constant 1,000+ psi pressure. Two failure modes: external leak at the crimp where the hose meets the pump fitting (rapid fluid loss requiring top-up every 5-10 miles), and internal rubber slough that darken… Repairs typically run $200-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 1991-1995 Acura Legend Fan control unit circuit board (under passenger area) has defective solder — intermittent A/C, eventual no-compressor (Acura TSB 95-020)?
Acura issued technical service bulletin TSB 95-020 covering 1991-1995 second-generation Legends for a fan control unit with defective solder joints. Sources differ on the exact physical location — some place the unit under the passenger seat, others under the passenger floorboard… Repairs typically run $0-$300. Severity: medium.
