The 1991 Acura Legend has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Door lock and inside door handle failure.” Acura's Maintenance Minder calculates oil life from real engine conditions and shows service codes instead of fixed mileages — code A or B (oil / oil + inspection) plus sub-codes for items like tire rotation (1), air filters (2), or transmission fluid (3). Follow the codes, not the calendar. One interval you should never stretch: most Acura 3.5L V6 engines (MDX, TL) use a timing belt with a roughly 105,000-mile / 7-year replacement — a snapped belt on this interference engine means bent valves. SH-AWD models add a rear-differential fluid service that's essential for the torque-vectoring unit.
No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 1991 Acura Legend.
STRUCTURE
7 NHTSA complaints · 1998-04 → 2001-07
“A PLASTIC PART THAT HOLDS RELIEF CABLE, WHICH OPENS THE DOOR FROM INSIDE, KEEPS BREAKING AND CAUSING DOOR NOT TO OPEN FROM INSIDE;”
“DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE WILL NOT OPEN DOOR. REMAINS LOCKE DIN CAR”
“POWER DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED. THE DRIVER HAD TO OPEN VEHICLE FROM THE OUTSIDE TO EXIT”
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
4 NHTSA complaints · 1997-04 → 2001-05
“DUE TO THE RADIATOR WHICH IS MADE OF PLASTIC, THE RADIATOR HAS A HAIR LINE CRACK, CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK ON THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE OVERHEATING”
“RADIATOR LEAKING FROM THE TOP/BOTTOM TANK”
“WHEN DRIVING TEMPERATURE LIGHT GOES IN RED AND VEHICLE OVERHEATS”
EQUIPMENT
47 NHTSA complaints · 2001-04 → 2004-05
“PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION (01-015) CONSUMER REPLACED ENTIRE AMPLIFIER, BECAUSE AS HE WAS DRIVING THE RADIO BEGAN TO MAKE HEAR PIERCING NOISE INCLUDING LOUD POPPING AND CLICKING THROUGH THE SPEAKERS,”
“RECEIVED RECALL 01V053000. CONTACTED DEALER IN MARCH. WAS INFORMED NO PARTS AVAILABLE”
“THE CONSUMER PAID FOR REPLACING THE BOSE AUDIO AMPLIFIER THAT FAILED, DUE TO THE AMPLIFIER MAKING LOUD CRACKING SOUNDS AND CAUSING A BURNING SMELL AND SMOKE IN THE AUTOMOBILE, HOWEVER CONSUMER RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL 01V-053 FROM THE MANUFACTURER LATER ON”
AIR BAGS
13 NHTSA complaints · 1995-02 → 2004-08
“WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A 45 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
“UPON IMPACT, DURING FRONTAL CRASH AT APPROX. 20MPH, 12:00 ABOVE BUMPER, AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY”
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
9 NHTSA complaints · 1995-02 → 2004-06
“WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR BRAKES FAILED”
“PEDAL GOES SLOWLY TO THE FLOOR. HAS TO PUMP PEDAL TO GET PRESSURE BACK UP. DEALER REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER”
“DURING PANIC STOP AT APPROX. 20MPH EXPERIENCED ABS FAILURE, WHEN ALL WHEELS LOCKED UP”
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 NHTSA complaints · 1997-04 → 1999-10
“VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE WHEN CONSUMER PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT ANY WARNING AT ALL, CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH”
“SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE CAUSING ACCIDENT”
“WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED”
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Change when the Maintenance Minder reaches 15% oil life or shows code A/B — typically every 7,500-10,000 miles with 0W-20 synthetic. Short-trip city driving triggers the code sooner; that's the algorithm doing its job.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
J-series V6: replace the timing belt around 105,000 miles or 7 years (Maintenance Minder sub-code 4). It's an interference engine — a failed belt destroys valves. Replace the water pump and tensioner in the same job. (2022+ MDX 3.5L remains belt-driven; the Integra's turbo four is chain-driven.)
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$935–$1175
Shop
~$655–$825
DIY
Pro only
On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.
Rotate when sub-code 1 appears — roughly every 7,500 miles. SH-AWD models: keep tread depths matched across all four corners.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Inspect pads, rotors, and fluid level with every A/B service. Type S models with Brembo front calipers: pads wear faster and cost more — budget ahead.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
Replace every 3 years regardless of mileage — Honda/Acura schedules this on time because the fluid absorbs moisture.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Replace ATF when sub-code 3 appears — commonly every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on duty. Use Honda/Acura ATF only (DW-1, or the 10-speed's specified fluid); aftermarket 'universal' ATF causes shudder in these gearboxes.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$330–$500
Shop
~$235–$355
DIY
~$60–$180
Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.
SH-AWD (MDX, TLX, RDX): replace the rear differential fluid roughly every 30,000 miles (sub-code 6) — the torque-vectoring clutch packs run in this fluid, and whining or binding in tight turns is the classic overdue symptom.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$150–$195
Shop
~$105–$135
DIY
~$20–$50
Iridium plugs around 100,000 miles on most models. Turbocharged Integra/ADX engines: check the manual — forced induction typically shortens the interval.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Replace with sub-code 2, roughly every 30,000 miles — sooner in dusty conditions.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Replace with sub-code 2 alongside the engine air filter. Behind the glovebox — an easy DIY on most Acuras.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Honda/Acura Type 2 coolant: first change around 10 years / 100,000 miles, then every 5 years / 50,000. Use the blue Type 2 coolant only.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 1991 Acura Legend reflects Acura's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.