1994 Acura Integra Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 1994 Acura Integra has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Hydraulic brake and ABS failures.” 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.

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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.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 1994 Acura Integra.

Reported to NHTSA

Hydraulic brake and ABS failures

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

9 NHTSA complaints · 1995-01 → 2002-06

“THE BRAKE LINE HAD BEEN RUBBING AGAINST THE CHASIS WHERE IT ENTERS THE TIRE WELL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #751956
“ABS INDICATOR LIGHT ON DASH STAYING ON CALLED DEALER ADVISED ME MEANS NO ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ONLY CONVENTIONAL BRAKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #751368
“BRAKES CONTINUE TO PRESS TO THE FLOOR AFTER THE VEHICLEIS STOPPED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #762828

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Radiator and cooling system failures

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 NHTSA complaints · 1994-11 → 2003-08

“FAILURE OF PLASTIC TOP OF RADIATOR. AREA AROUND FILLER NECK HAS DETERIORATED SO THAT CAP CAN NOT HOLD PRESSURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #706879
“RADIATOR HAS BURST AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED 3 TIMES BETWEEN NOVEMBER 2002 AND AUGUST 2003”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10032683

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire air loss and sidewall cracking

TIRES

5 NHTSA complaints · 1994-11 → 2008-08

“JUNE 2005-THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE (COOPER COBRA GT-P195/60R14) LOST AIR PRESSURE AND WENT FLAT WHILE DRIVING ON A SMOOTH BLACKTOP SURFACE-THE SIDEWALL WAS CRACKED AND BUBBLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10132780
“THERE WERE SOME CRACKS ON THE SIDE OF FRONT TIRE, THERE IS AIR LEAKING FROM THAT TIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8016109

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power window and window track failures

VISIBILITY

7 NHTSA complaints · 1994-11 → 2000-01

“THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW HAS BEEN FIXED AT LEAST A COUPLE OF TIMES FOR NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY:STICKING AND NOT ROLLING UP AND DOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #718125
“PURCHASED CAR NEW THE WINDOW KEEPS COMING OFF THE TRACK THE BUTTON ON THE RADIO STICK . TT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #973498

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power antenna not retracting

EQUIPMENT

4 NHTSA complaints · 1994-11 → 2003-04

“RADIO ANTENNA DOES NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. *SKD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #479513
“RADIO ANTENNA FAILS TO RETRACT ALL THE WAY. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #477910
“ANTENNA DOES NOT RETRACT (STAYS UP ALL THE TIME). *NLM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10013860

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shifting and slipping

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 1995-10 → 2004-05

“TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTS WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED FROM 55-65 MPH TO 40 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #513917
“WHEN VEHICLE IS ACCELERATING IT WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT INTO GEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10073502
“TRANSMISSION: WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE MAKES WHINNING NOISE,SHIFTING AT HIGH RPMS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #809525

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags not deploying in frontal collisions

AIR BAGS

20 NHTSA complaints · 1995-06 → 2003-11

“WAS DRIVING 30MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT SUDDENLY FROM A TREE LINED AREA WITHOUT WARNING. IT WAS "T" BONED BY INTEGRA. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #881807
“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 55MPH. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #886105
“SEAT BELTS WERE WORN, BUT THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10046347

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Oil & Filter (Maintenance Minder A/B)

Every 8,000 mi

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.

Timing Belt (3.5L V6 — MDX, TL)

Every 105,000 mi

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.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

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.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

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.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

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.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Transmission Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

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 Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

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

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 4)

Every 100,000 mi

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.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

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.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

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.

Coolant Replacement (Sub-code 5)

Every 100,000 mi

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.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

301 crashes 1990–2024

How the 301 occupant deaths break down

193

driver deaths

108

passenger deaths

301

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 1994 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

20

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

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 1994 Acura Integra 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.