1986 Acura Integra problems
The Honda Integra (Japanese: ホンダ インテグラ, Hepburn: Honda Integura), sold in North America as the Acura Integra and later the Acura RSX, is an automobile produced by the Japanese company Honda from 1985 until 2006, and then since 2021. It succeeded the Quint as a more luxurious and sport-oriented derivative of the Civic. The Integra was one of the launch models for Acura in the US in 1986 alongside the Acura Legend. Throughout its production run, the Integra was highly regarded for its handling and performance. The 1995–2001 Integra Type R is widely regarded as one of the best front-wheel-drive cars of all time.
The Integra nameplate was revived in 2021 after a 16-year hiatus. The Honda Integra nameplate is used for a restyled Honda Civic sedan for the Chinese market, while the Acura Integra nameplate is used for a Civic-based liftback for North America, replacing the Acura ILX.
First generation (1985)
This vehicle debuted in Japan in February 1985 as the Honda Quint Integra, available only at Honda's Japanese dealership sales channel Honda Verno before going on sale a year later in North America as part of the then-new luxury Acura lineup. The three-door liftback was the only model available originally, with a five-door arriving in October 1985. The four-door saloon bodystyle became available in Japan in the autumn of 1986. Only the liftback versions were sold in the U.S. A 1.6 L DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine powered most versions. The engine was the vehicle's most publicized feature, as DOHC, multi-valve engines were not commonplace in entry-level models at the time. In most European countries, only the five-door liftback was offered, as a replacement for the Honda Quint. Typically for European Integras, only the 1.5-liter 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp) 4 Weber carburetors engine was available. The five-door liftback model was also sold in Australia rebadged as the Rover 416i. Except for in Britain, Honda did not offer the more powerful 1.6 DOHC fuel injection engine (in the UK known as the Integra EX16) in Europe. The ZC engine was also shared with the Honda Concerto, which was sold at newly established Japanese dealership sales channel called Honda Clio, which sold luxury oriented products like the Honda Legend.
In Japan, while the VX- and RX-trimmed four-door (DA2) used the 1.5 L EW5 engine, all other model and trim combinations offered only the DOHC ZC engine, with a carburetor on GS, ZS, and LS trim packages, and PGM-FI on the top level GSi three- and five-door, and the RSi three-door trim package. Vehicles installed with a carburetor earned 15.4 km/L (44 mpg‑imp; 36 mpg‑US) in Japanese Government emissions tests and 115 PS (84.6 kW; 113.4 bhp), and 26 km/L (73 mpg‑imp; 61 mpg‑US) at consistent speeds above 60 km/h (37.3 mph). Vehicles with PGM-FI earned 14.4 km/L (41 mpg‑imp; 34 mpg‑US) in Japanese Government emissions tests with 135 PS (99.3 kW; 133.2 bhp), and 24.5 km/L (69 mpg‑imp; 58 mpg‑US) above 60 km/h (37.3 mph). In Japan, the Integra took the entry level marketing position at Honda Verno, below the sporty Prelude and larger, luxury focused Vigor.
Compared to the US, the European Integra was aimed downmarket and generally lacked equipment, with neither trim level (LX or EX) offering painted bumpers, central locking, power windows, nor air conditioning, even though a small number of fully equipped, left-hand drive fuel-injected Integras were sold in the Netherlands. The Integra EX16 did offer a sunroof, painted bumpers, a rear spoiler and Hi-Fi stereo equipment, but neither electric windows, central locking nor air conditioning were available. This was considered as a drawback to its European competitors such as the Peugeot 309 1.6 injection and the Renault 11 Turbo, that all could be equipped with comprehensive, albeit expensive, equipment. The first Integra never became as popular in Europe as it did in the US, but was praised by most motor magazines for its styling and overall road performance. The styling reflected the popularity of Honda's performance coupe, the Honda Verno sports coupe companion Honda Prelude, with the Integra offering a coupe for added cargo accommodation, and a slightly smaller appearance to the larger Honda Vigor. Largely unencumbered by emissions regulations, British market cars produce 85 PS (63 kW) in the 1.5 and 125 PS (92 kW) in the 1.6-liter EX16.
Being designed as the successor of the Honda Quint, the Integra is closely related to the Civic, although it featured a small list of key upgrades over its smaller stablemate to help merit a price increase over the CRX Si, which was otherwise the sportiest subcompact vehicle being offered by Honda Verno; enlarged 4-wheel disc brakes replaced the small front-disc/rear-drum setup used by the Civic and CRX, suspension calibration was re-worked, better tires were used and a 113-hp DOHC fuel-injected 16-valve engine was used in place of the SOHC unit from the CRX Si. Just like the Prelude and the Vigor of that period, the Integra featured sleek, sporty pop-up headlights, like its Japanese dealership Honda Verno stablemates, with the CRX adopting semi-concealed doors over the headlights. Nearly 228,000 units were sold during the four-year run of the first-generation model, most of them in the United States.
The first-generation Acura Integra came with 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder (D16A1) engine which received an update mid-cycle. The 86–87 engine is commonly called the "Browntop" while the 88–89 engines are referred to as the "Blacktop" due to the color of their valve covers. The improvements in the "blacktop" engine included lighter rods, domed pistons for slightly higher compression, and an electric advance distributor (the "browntop" came with a vacuum advance distributor). The overall gain in performance was about 5 hp (3.7 kW) for 118 hp (88.0 kW).
The Integra received a minor facelift for the 1988 model year which featured slightly reshaped indicator lights, an improved climate control system and an update of the instrument clocks. In Europe, the Integra five-door Liftback was discontinued in October 1989 following the launch of the Rover-based Honda Concerto.
This was the only generation to offer 3-, 4-, and 5-door models. Production of the 5-door liftback ceased in 1988.
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Common 1986 Acura Integra problems
The Acura Integra, produced by Honda's luxury brand, has been a popular choice for car enthusiasts since its introduction in 1986. However, like any vehicle, the Integra has its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years.
One of the most common issues with the Acura Integra is engine problems, particularly with the timing belt and oil leaks. The timing belt is a crucial component of the engine, and if it fails, it can cause significant damage to the engine. Oil leaks, on the other hand, can lead to decreased performance and even engine failure if not addressed promptly.
Transmission problems are another common issue with the Acura Integra, particularly with the automatic transmission. Slipping gears, delayed or erratic shifting, and difficulty shifting from park to drive or reverse are some of the symptoms of transmission problems. These issues can be caused by worn out transmission fluid or a faulty shift solenoid, and in some cases, the automatic transmission may fail completely, requiring a costly replacement.
Electrical issues are also common in the Acura Integra, particularly with the power windows and locks. These issues can be frustrating for owners and may require costly repairs to fix.
Suspension issues, particularly with the front ball joints and rear control arms, are also common in the Acura Integra. These issues can lead to decreased handling and performance and may require costly repairs to fix.
Rust and corrosion are also common problems in the Acura Integra, particularly in older models and in areas such as the wheel wells and rocker panels. Rust can compromise the car's structural integrity and may require costly repairs to fix.
Despite these common issues, the Acura Integra is generally regarded as a reliable and well-built car, with many owners reporting trouble-free ownership experiences. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that do arise can help to ensure that an Integra remains a reliable and enjoyable car to own and drive.
Is the Acura Integra a reliable car?
We expect the 2024 Integra to have about average reliability when compared to other new cars. This prediction is based on the Acura brand score.
What year was the best Integra?
What year was the best Integra? Car enthusiasts see the 1997 Acura Integra Type R as one of the best sports cars in history because it represented a shift in Acura's thinking of moving away from the luxury market and focusing on fast, sporty cars.
How much horsepower does a 1986 Integra have?
The Integra drew a righteous 113 horsepower from a mere 97 cubic inches, this at a time when GM's 231-cid (3.8-liter) V-6 only delivered 110. We clocked the then-new 1986 Acura Integra to 60 in 8.9 seconds, just 1.8 seconds behind a 1985 Ford Mustang GT.
Is Acura Integra worth it?
We think the Integra is at its most well rounded when equipped with its A-Spec with Technology package trim. For not much more money than the base model, you get a substantial number of comfort and convenience features. However, it's pretty boring.
1986 Acura Integra car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Acura Integra problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Structure problems
- Suspension problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Acura Integra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Acura Integra complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Acura Integra.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JH4DA1752GS
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLES CRACKED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-15
- VIN: JH4DA175XGS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: UPPER BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY BROKE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-15
- VIN: JH4DA175XGS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: RIGHT AXLE FAILED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-02
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: UNDERCARRIAGE RUSTED. *SD
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-17
- VIN: GH4DA1852KS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE REAR HATCHBACK COLLAPSES DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE REAR STRUTS. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JH4DA3357GS
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT LOCK . TT
1986 Acura Integra recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1986 Acura Integra.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES. CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. CHECK THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUG ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, THEN PRESS THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS ANY SIGN OF BREAKAGE OR CRACKING, OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, PROMPTLY CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED HONDA/ACURA DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
- Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
- Summary: UNDER HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTACT UNIT COULD LOOSEN AND BECOME DISLODGED.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE AND WOULDAFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY.
- Remedy: INSTALL A CONTACT UNIT HOLDER THAT WOULD PREVENT LOOSENING.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Acura Integra problems:
G1 Modification List | ClubIntegra.com - Acura Integra / RSX Forum
These cars are very notorious for having fuel issues as they get closer to 200k miles. What seems to be the most common reason is the main relay ...
Common problems... | Acura Legend Forum
Aug 8, 2006 ... I've been looking into an 88' Acura Legend coupe. The price tag is $2,000, which seems a little cheap for such a good looking car.
Q&A: Acura 92 Integra - Expert Advice from Acura Specialist
Sep 9, 2012 ... Distributor and wire problems are quite common problems that you are experience. I would focus there. Let me know if you have additional ...
1996 Acura Integra Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Jan 18, 2011 ... One common problem of Acura, as I heard, is ... 1996 Acura Integra integra LS 1.8L 4 cylinder from North America ... in fact I traded it to a ...
Integra Fuel Pump Relay Location - Q&A for 89 Acura Integra
Aug 23, 2007 ... If you get the correct readings on all the wires except the yellow one, the main relay is bad. This is a common problem on older Hondas and ...
Other years of Acura Integra
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