1988 Acura Integra problems

General information about Acura-Integra
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1988 Acura Integra problems

The 1988 Acura Integra, like any vehicle, can experience certain common problems over time. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on complaints from owners:

Battery problems: Battery issues are common in all vehicles, including the 1988 Acura Integra. The battery can fail due to age, extreme temperatures, or frequent short drives. It's recommended to replace the battery if it's more than three years old, as batteries typically last between three and five years. A weak battery can prevent the car from starting or even getting you to your destination.

Idle problems: Some 1988 Acura Integra owners have reported issues with the car idling at a high RPM, especially when pressing the brakes. This could be due to a vacuum leak, which can be checked by inspecting the Fast Idle Thermal Valve (FITV). Loosening or tightening the thermal valve or replacing it can help fix the erratic idle.

Engine cutting out: A few owners of the 1988 Acura Integra have reported that the engine cuts out while driving, especially when coasting along without pressing the accelerator. This could be due to a variety of issues, such as a slipped timing belt or a malfunctioning main relay. In this case, the owner had replaced the main relay, but the problem persisted. Further investigation is needed to determine the root cause of this issue.

Rough idling and stalling: Some 1988 Acura Integra LS owners have reported that the car idles roughly and then dies after being parked and turned off for a short period. This could be due to a variety of issues, such as a faulty idle air control valve, dirty fuel injectors, or a vacuum leak. A thorough inspection and diagnostic process is necessary to identify the exact cause of this problem.

It's important to note that these common problems do not necessarily mean that the 1988 Acura Integra is a problematic car. Proper maintenance and regular inspections can help prevent or address these issues, ensuring the vehicle's longevity and reliability.

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 engine is in a 1988 Acura Integra?

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.

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.

1988 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:

Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Power train problems
Visibility problems
Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Acura Integra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Acura Integra complaints

The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Acura Integra.

2000-08-02

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Number Of Injuries: 1
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH HEATER CORE BURSTED, CAUSING HOT WATER TO FLOW INTO THE PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT. DRIVER SUSTAINED 2ND DEGREE BURNS. ACURA HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Add Complaint

2000-01-17

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED DUE TO POOR DESIGN CONTACTS GET STUCK OR LODGED DUE TO NARROW HOUSING . *ET

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1996-10-30

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-07-01
VIN: JH4DA3359JS
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: LEFT REAR BRAKE CALIPERS LOCKED UP RANDOMLY. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-05-08

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-05-07
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: VEHICLE WILL STALL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING WHEN COMING TO A STOP. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-05-03

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-01-02
Fire: 1
VIN: JH4DA3342JS
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: THE WINDSHEILD WIPER SWITCH SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED A PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-01-26

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-07-16
Number Of Injuries: 3
Crash: 1
VIN: JH4DA3354JF
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: FAILURE OF THE ABS BRAKE ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP CAUSED CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. TT

Add Complaint

1996-01-11

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAD GONE OUT WHILE DRIVING, MADE A LOT OF NOISE AND DOES NOT GO IN REVERSE. TT

Add Complaint

1996-01-02

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-12-27
VIN: JH4DA3346JS
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: FUEL LINE LEAK, WHILE DRIVING. TT

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1995-09-26

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-09-26
VIN: JH4DA3452JS
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE.

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1995-09-26

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-09-26
VIN: JH4DA3452JS
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: AXLE FAILURE.

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1995-09-26

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-09-26
VIN: JH4DA3452JS
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: BRAKE FAILURE.

Add Complaint

1995-09-26

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-09-26
VIN: JH4DA3452JS
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ENGINE FAILURE. *AW

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1988 Acura Integra recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 Acura Integra.

1995-05-24

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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1988 Acura Integra problems:

buying 1st gen integra. issues to look for? : r/Integra

https://www.reddit.com/r/Integra/comments/6j5eph/buying_1st_gen_integra_issues_to_look_for/

Jun 24, 2017 ... A pretty common problem with all Acuras ... Common problems: Distributor (tend to ... For fans and owners of the Acura Integra, all generations.

some problems with a 95 integra ls - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...

https://honda-tech.com/forums/acura-integra-6/some-problems-95-integra-ls-3045689/

Apr 10, 2012 ... I have a few problems with my 1995 Acura Integra LS. It's a totally stock car except for a cold air intake and a lack of an exhaust pipe and ...

Common problems... | Acura Legend Forum

https://www.acura-legend.com/threads/common-problems.87772/

Aug 8, 2006 ... So the g1 legends don't need some kinda of conversion before using r-134a? 1988 Legend Sedan Performance halogens, road lights, soundstream ...

EF Hatch - Common problems? - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-crx-ef-civic-1988-1991-3/ef-hatch-common-problems-406606/

Feb 5, 2003 ... Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991) - EF Hatch - Common problems? - Hey guys, I'm currently driving an integra, but I'm hoping to get a ...