What are the most common Acura Legend problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1994 Acura Legend has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Timing belt must be replaced at 90,000 mi / 72 months — interference engine eats valves if it snaps, ALB/ABS Pump Motor Overrun and Accumulator Failure, C32A1 Head Gasket Failure at Rear Cylinders (#3 and #6) Due to Open-Deck Vibration. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Acura Legend reliable?
The 1994 Acura Legend has 8 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Timing belt must be replaced at 90,000 mi / 72 months — interference engine eats valves if it snaps and ALB/ABS Pump Motor Overrun and Accumulator Failure and C32A1 Head Gasket Failure at Rear Cylinders (#3 and #6) Due to Open-Deck Vibration and PGM-FI Main Relay Solder Cracks Cause Hot-Soak No-Start. 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, Timing belt must be replaced at 90,000 mi / 72 months — interference engine eats valves if it snaps, typically costs $600-$2,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
