1989 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 1989 Acura Integra problems

The Acura Integra, produced by Honda's luxury division, has been praised for its reliability and performance. However, like any vehicle, the Integra has had its share of common problems over the years. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1989 Acura Integra, based on complaints from owners and available data.

Engine Misfires: Some 1989 Acura Integras have experienced engine misfires, which can be caused by various factors, including faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or distributor issues. These problems can lead to decreased performance, rough idling, and even stalling.
Overheating Issues: Overheating has been reported as a problem in some 1989 Integras. This can be caused by a faulty thermostat, cooling system leaks, or a damaged radiator. Overheating can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Oil Consumption Issues: Some owners have reported that their 1989 Integras consume excessive amounts of oil, which can be caused by worn piston rings or valve guides. This can lead to decreased performance and increased maintenance costs.
Electrical System Failures: Electrical issues, such as problems with power windows, locks, and other accessories, have been reported in some 1989 Integras. These issues can be frustrating for owners and may require costly repairs to fix.
Transmission Problems: Transmission issues, particularly with the automatic transmission, have been reported in some 1989 Integras. These problems can cause the car to shift erratically or fail to shift properly, leading to decreased performance and potential safety issues.
Suspension Issues: Suspension problems, particularly with the front ball joints and rear control arms, have been reported in some 1989 Integras. These issues can lead to decreased handling and performance and may require costly repairs to fix.
Rust and Corrosion: Rust issues, particularly in areas such as the wheel wells and rocker panels, have been reported in some 1989 Integras, particularly in older models. Rust can compromise the car's structural integrity and may require costly repairs to fix.

While these issues have been reported in some 1989 Integras, it is important to note that many owners have reported 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.

What is the disadvantage of Integra?

Conclusion: The advantages of using Integra in reconstructive surgery are its immediate availability and the availability in large quantities. Disadvantages are the necessity of two operations, risks of infection, the high price and time-consuming dressing changes.

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 1989 Acura Integra?

This 1989 LS is a great example of a first-gen Integra. It has a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder good for 118 horsepower at 6500 rpm, a five-speed manual transmission, and a lovely two-tone interior with well-bolstered seats. The sharply folded sheetmetal still looks good today, and you gotta love the popup headlights.

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.

1989 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
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Power train problems
Fuel system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Acura Integra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Acura Integra complaints

The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Acura Integra.

2003-09-03

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2003-09-02
VIN: JH4DA3343KS
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: GAS LINES RUSTING AT METAL LINES FROM GAS TANK.*AK

1989 Acura Integra problems

Table of contents

First generation (1985)

Social links

Common 1989 Acura Integra problems

What is the disadvantage of Integra?

Is the Acura Integra a reliable car?

What engine is in a 1989 Acura Integra?

What year was the best Integra?

1989 Acura Integra car problems categorized by type of issue

1989 Acura Integra complaints

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

SEATS PROBLEM

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

1989 Acura Integra recalls

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Additional sources

1989 Acura Integra Reviews - Carsurvey.org

1989 integra no start? help please - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...

Integra Fuel Pump Relay Location - Q&A for 89 Acura Integra

b18b1 into first generation integra? - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...

1992 acura integra cranks but does not start. I have replaced the ...

Other years of Acura Integra

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