1987 Acura Legend problems
The Acura Legend is a mid-size luxury car manufactured by Honda from Japan. It was sold in the U.S. and Canada under Honda's luxury brand, Acura, from 1985 until 1995. It was the first flagship sedan sold under the Acura nameplate, until being renamed in 1996 as the Acura 3.5RL. The 3.5RL was the North American version of the KA9 series Honda Legend.
The opportunity for Japanese manufacturers to export more expensive models had arisen with the 1980s voluntary export restraints, negotiated by the Japanese government and U.S. trade representatives, restricting mainstream car sales. The initial success of the Legend and Honda's Acura division in competing against established European and American luxury manufacturers would lead to Toyota and Nissan creating the Lexus and Infiniti brands, respectively, to compete in the luxury car market.
First generation (1986)
Honda introduced the model in Japan on October 22, 1985, to be their premier luxury model, and in North America for the 1986 model year, as the top of the line model for its then-new Acura lineup. Sedan models came to the market first, powered by a 151 hp (113 kW) 2.5 L C25A V6, with coupes making their first appearance in 1987, powered by a new 161 hp (120 kW) 2.7 L C27A engine. Sedans received the new engine for 1988.
The Legend was the first production Honda vehicle to offer a V6 engine. The 1987 Acura Legend LS coupe would be the first Japanese car to offer a driver's side airbag. The Legend was a result of a joint venture with Britain's Austin Rover Group called Project XX that started in November 1981 with the Austin Rover-Honda XX letter of intent signed by the two companies to replace the Rover SD1 and to provide a luxury vehicle for Honda. The Rover Company had a long established reputation as a luxury car in the United Kingdom and Europe, demonstrated with the Rover P6, and Honda wanted to introduce a luxury car for both domestic Japanese and the United States markets. The joint development produced the Legend and the corresponding British version was the Rover 800-series, which was badged under the Sterling brand in the United States and competed with the Legend.
Rover also wanted to return to the American market when they had reportedly sold only 1,500 cars in 1971, and a brief return in 1980, selling 800 Rover SD1s by offering the Sterling.
The Legend won Car and Driver's Ten Best three years in a row and Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1987. Manual-equipped models could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in under 8 seconds and reach a top speed of 135 mph (217 km/h). Sedan models had a drag coefficient of 0.32, while coupes were only 0.30.
When the Legend was introduced, Honda's newly established luxury car division just for the Legend was called Acura, using the advertising slogan "Precision Crafted Performance", and the Legend was offered with one factory installed option, the choice of transmission used, and one trim level. In the 1986 sales brochure, the Legend's full name used was "Legend Touring Sedan". The vehicle was virtually identical in luxury content to the Japanese market V6Zi, but was identical in size and the longer overall length of the top level V6Xi to comply with United States crash standards, using the larger 2.5 V6 engine. The Technics supplied 80W four speaker cassette tape stereo offered four user programmable equalizer settings, and was equipped with a dual diversity antenna, meaning it had a conventional extendable power antenna and an embedded antenna in the rear window. One of the novelty items was a simple volume control rocker switch and a pre-set radio station channel selector installed on the instrument binnacle within reach of the right hand; the opposite side of the instrument binnacle had a button to open, tilt or close the standard equipped glass moonroof with sun shade.
The North American Legend was not offered with some of the items offered in Japan, such as automatic, one-touch climate control, and 100% wool cloth interior in brown. Blue interior was shared with Japan and North America, but brown was not offered in North America, and "sand gray" was offered instead. Exterior colors were matched to only one interior color choice and leather was not offered. Due to the success Honda had with the Legend, it served as an inspiration for the Subaru Legacy with which it shares many visual resemblances and dimensions both inside and out.
In late 1988 for the 1989 model year, the sedan received some minor tweaks, upgrading to the one-piece front headlamps already in use in Japan since the 1985 introduction, a revised front bumper, trunk lid, tail light cluster, and an upgraded double-wishbone rear suspension, with a new alloy wheel appearance. By that time all Legends came equipped with a Honda-designed 4-wheel anti-lock brake system. A driver's side airbag was now standard on all Legends. Other features such as power driver's seat memory for 3 positions were added. High-end LS models featured a trip computer, electronic vehicle monitoring system in the center console and a Bose sound system. It was also joined by the Acura Vigor which set the stage for the larger second generation Legend introduced October 1990.
For the 1990 model year, all Legends came with body-colored side mirrors. Legend coupes had a revised body-colored front grille, new red & clear tail lights, and improved front seats. LS model coupes also received a trunk-mounted lip spoiler. All LS models featured burlwood interior trim. Production of the first-generation models ended in 1990 as a second-generation version became available for the 1991 model year. At least by the 1990 model year, the fuel filler door on the sedan had been moved rearward about 15 cm (5.9 in).
From the exterior, there are only superficial similarities between the Legend and its Rover 800/Sterling cousin. Both cars share the 2.5L and 2.7L Honda engine with 160 hp (119 kW) and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The core structure and chassis design is also common to both cars, however the Rover version has its own exterior panelwork, interior and electrical systems. The Rover was also offered with a 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder engines, however the Legend was only available with V6 power regardless of market. In Japan only, Honda installed a turbocharger with variable geometry in the Legend with the smaller 2.0 L V6, called the "Wing Turbo" for model year 1989.
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Common 1987 Acura Legend problems
The 1987 Acura Legend has been reported to have several common issues based on complaints from owners:
- Failing Transmission: Owners have experienced premature failure of the automatic transmission in the 1986-1987 models, leading to slipping and difficulty shifting gears. The recommended solution is to replace the transmission with a new or rebuilt one.
- Power Steering System: The power steering pump in the 1988-1989 Acura Legend is prone to quick wear, resulting in a whining noise and steering difficulties. To address this issue, replacing the power steering pump with a new one is advised.
- Suspension System: The shocks and struts in the 1988-1989 models are known to wear out fast, causing a rough ride and poor handling. The solution is to replace these components with high-quality parts.
- Electrical Problems: Across all years and models of the Acura Legend, electrical issues have been common. Premature failure of the alternator and battery can lead to starting problems and electrical malfunctions. The recommended fix is to replace these parts with high-quality components and ensure proper grounding of the electrical system.
These issues highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repairs to keep the Acura Legend running smoothly and avoid potential costly repairs in the future.
How much horsepower does a 1987 Acura Legend have?
161 hp
Sedan models came to the market first, powered by a 151 hp (113 kW) 2.5 L C25A V6, with coupes making their first appearance in 1987, powered by a new 161 hp (120 kW) 2.7 L C27A engine.
What happened to Acura Legend?
By 1995, the writing was on the wall for the Legend and Acura ultimately decided to pull the plug on the model altogether. The Legend was replaced in 1996 with the Acura RL, which the company continued making until 2020, along with some significantly speedier models.
What engine comes in the Acura Legend?
| Acura Legend | |
|---|---|
| Acura | |
| Transmission | Automatic 5-speed, Manual 5-speed, Front wheel drive |
| Engine | 2.7L SOHC V6 (C27A), 3.2L SOHC V6 (C32A) |
| Power | {{{Horsepower and Torque rating}}} |
When did they stop making Acura Legends?
1995
The Acura Legend ceased sale and production as of the 1995 model year. It was replaced by the 1996 3.5 RL.
1987 Acura Legend car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Acura Legend problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Power train problems
- Visibility problems
- Suspension problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Acura Legend vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Acura Legend complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Acura Legend.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-03
- VIN: JH4KA3146JC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE TO THE SPEED THE RPM'S INDICATED. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THIS OCCURRED EVERY 50,000 MILES AND THE CLUTCH HAS BEEN REBUILT A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT MAINTAINED THAT EVERY 50,000 MILED THE CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THUS FAR TWO REPAIRS WERE MADE. HOWEVER, THE FAILE RECURRED, AND A THIRD CLUTCH REPAIR WAS NECESSARY, HONDA SHOULD REPAIR THE CLUTCH UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-15
- VIN: JH4KA3249HC
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR REPAIR BECAUSE THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED. IT COST ME $248 FOR REPAIRS. IN THREE MONTHS THE REGULATOR FAILED AGAIN. OF COURSE THE REGULATOR WAS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THEY DECIDED TO RESEARCH THE PROBLEM AND THEY TOLD ME THEY FOUND A REPAIR BULLETIN EXPLAINING THAT THE CONSTANT USE OF THE WINDOW CAN CAUSE MINOR FRACTORS IN THE REGULATOR AND THEN CAUSE IT TO FAIL. NOW THEY TELL ME THAT THE REGULATO WILL NOT COST ME ANY THING I DO HAVE TO PAY FOR PARTS AND LABOR RO REMENDY THE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD TO ORDER A REPAIR PLATE TO STABLIZE THE REGULATOR. SO IN ADDITION TO THE $248 I ALREADY PAID, I NOW HAVE TO PAY $283 TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM WHERE I FEEL ACURA SHOULD BE PAYING FOR. I CAN NOT JUST HAVE THEM REPLACE REGULATOR WITHOUT THE PLATE OR THEY WILL NOT WARRANT THE NEW REPACEMENT REGLATOR. THIS REPAIR WAS DONE AT MODESTO ACURA. 209-527-7000. JUST FOR YOUR INFORMATION. I ALSO CAN NOT FIND THAT BULLETIN THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JH4KA22647H
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. CONSUMER PUT VEHCILE IN GEAR AND VEHCILE TOOK OFF THROUGH TWO YARDS WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL.*AK THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN IT SLAMMED INTO DIRT BANK. BEFORE THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND A COMPUTER CARD WAS CHANGED TO FIT THE TEMPERATURE CONDITON. *YH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JH4KA2653HC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE INTO DRIVE WHILE FOOT WAS ON BRAKE CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT A CONCRETE PILLAR. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED AND THE CAUSE OF THE VEHICLE'S ACCELERATION WAS UNKOWN. *YH
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JH4KA264XHC
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: I CONSIDER THE STRUT FAILURE TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY/DISIGN FAILURE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JH4KA254XHC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH SLAVE CYL FAILED CAUSING LOST OF CONTROL OF TRANSMISSION
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-01
- VIN: JH4KA2634HC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I FELT THIS WAS A MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT AND SAFETY-RELATED. DEALER OFFERED TO REPLACE PART FOR ABOUT $250.00. CAR LEAKS GASOLINE THROUGH RUSTED AREA. FUEL FILLER TUBE IS EXPOSED IN THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL AND SUBJECT TO MOISTURE, SALT, FLYING DEBRIS, ETC. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-02
- VIN: JH4KA2551HC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE BROKE IN HALF, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-01-01
- VIN: JH4KA3167HC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL JAMMED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. *DH
1987 Acura Legend recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1987 Acura Legend.
- 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 1987 Acura Legend problems:
Official Common Legend Problems... | Page 2 | Acura Legend Forum
driver side kick (fuse) panel cracks or the carpet comes loose. ... Mostly though it is the radiator and water pump crap. The radiator was a recall but Acura didn ...
Acura Legend | Car Talk
The drawbacks are a blind spot, mushy steering and sluggish acceleration in high altitude mountain driving. If Acura had not changed the Legend while not ...
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.
Common Problems with 1991 Acura Legend | Q&A
Jan 11, 2013 ... Legend: My 1991 Acura Legend is hard to start when cold. ... Two very common issues for this problem.If the coolant temperature sensor was changed ...
Acura Legend Questions - overheating problem - CarGurus
Nov 29, 2008 ... Check your temperature sending unit. It's located opposite side of the coolant sensor. Common problem on this cars. 3 people think this is ...
Other years of Acura Legend
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