JH4DC4461VS0023811997 ACURA IntegraGS
1997 ACURA Integra was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 5 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 22 owner complaints include 5 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
1997 ACURA Integra
1997 ACURA Integra was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 5 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 22 owner complaints include 5 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 5 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 5 injuries reported across 22 owner complaints
- Common owner-reported issues: stalling
- Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
- Manufacturer delayed recall by 12.2 years after first complaints — pattern of slow response to known defects
22 owner complaints filed — top areas: Electrical (27%), Safety Systems (27%), Visibility (18%). Common issues: stalling. 5 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- ACURA
- Model
- Integra
- Year
- 1997
- Trim / Series
- GS
- Body Style
- Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 1.835351168L 140 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Doors
- 3
- Manufacturer
- HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
- Assembly
- SUZUKA, MIE, JAPAN
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: SUZUKA, MIE
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
✓ No high-risk recall components found
- ⚠5 recalls on same component: Electrical
- ⚠5 injuries reported in complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
Owners of the 1997 ACURA Integra report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 1997 ACURA Integra report safety systems issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 1997 ACURA Integra report visibility issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
5 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 5 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 5 recalls is ~64%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
ACURA completes recalls at a good rate (92%), averaging about 16 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~16 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SummaryCERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
SummaryDOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SummaryCERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SummaryCERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SummaryCERTAIN EAGLE EYES AND SONAR HEADLIGHTS AND CORNER LIGHTS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE ON 1988-2005 HONDA CIVIC, 1990-2005 HONDA ACCORD, AND 1990-2001 ACURA INTEGRA PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. HEADLIGHTS AND CORNER LIGHTS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Manufacturer Recall Response Time
Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance
First complaint was filed 12.2 years before the recall was issued — manufacturer was aware of this issue for years before acting.
1 in 4 complaints involved an injury — significantly above average, indicating real-world safety incidents.
Complaint Intelligence
22 complaints analyzed across 8 system categories
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME22 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
I AM A 78 YEAR OLD WOMAN DEALING WITH MALES AT ACURA/HONDA WHO HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT RUN AROUND AND STALL. I HAVE HAD TWO TERRIBLE INCIDENTS OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, THE FIRST ONE AT 70 MILES AN HOUR ON A CROWDED FREEWAY, THE CAR JUMPED TO 80 MPH AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, I TOOK OUT 200' OF SHRUBS ALONG THE FREEWAY & WAS LUCKY I COULD GET OFF THE FREEWAY AND STANDING ON THE BRAKE THE CAR FINALLY WENT TO IDLE. THE AUTO SHOP CLEANED THE THROTTLE. 3 WEEKS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN AT 50 MPH, IN BOTH CASES I WAS LUCKY TO SURVIVE. TOWED THE CAR TO F AIRFIELD HONDA, WHERE THEY HAD HONDA INSPECTORS CHECK OUT THE CAR. THEY USED THE SAME EXCUSE AS TOYOTA SEVERAL YEARS AGO, THE FLOOR MATS WERE UNDER THE GAS PEDDLE. THE CAR WAS NEVER DRIVEN WITH THE MATS UNDER THE GAS PEDDLE, IT WAS NOT LIKE THAT AT THE DEALER, IT WOULD BE HARD TO DO WITH THE STEM OF THE GAS PEDDLE GOING UP INTO CHASSIS, AND NOT DOWN INTO FLOOR. THEY SAID NOTHING WRONG, AND WOULD NOT TELL ME WHAT, IF ANYTHING, THEY DID TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I SPENT ONE MONTH TRYING TO GET RESULTS OR RESOLUTION. I WOULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, NOR HAVE ANYONE I KNEW DRIVE IT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA INTEGRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,779 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
CAR WAS PARKED FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS. STARTED CAR AND IT STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND MAKE NOISE SO IGNITION KEY WAS TURNED OFF AND REMOVED. CAR CONTINUE TO RUN, OVERHEAT AND MAKE NOISE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND STALLED CAR WITH CLUTCH AND DISCONNECTED BATTERY. OVERFLOW HOSE FROM RADIATOR HAD MELTED. *TR
TL*- THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING THE 1997 ACURA INTEGRA IN THE EVENING HOURS GOING AROUND THE OFF RAMP OF THE EXPRESSWAY. THE DRIVER STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND HE WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL, AND THE VEHICLE AND HIT AN EMBANKMENT OFF THE EXPRESSWAY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 25 MPH WHICH WAS THE SPEED LIMIT, AND THAT IT HAD DRIZZLED. HE FELT THAT THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED, AND IT WOULD HAVE SAVED THE DRIVER FROM SOME OF THE INJURIES THAT HE SUSTAINED. THE DRIVER HAD NECK, LOWER BACK AND HEAD INJURIES. THE CONTACT WILL SUBMIT PICTURES ALONG WITH POLICE AND INSURANCE COMPANY REPORTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POLICE OFFICER STATED THAT THE LOW PROFILE TIRES WERE WORN OUT ON THE INSIDE, BUT THE TIRES WERE ABOUT THREE MONTHS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,300.*AK
SRS LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON. SERVICE CENTER AT ACURA DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE SRS CONTROL UNIT HAD FAILED, AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT.
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE SRS CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
GAS TANK OF OUR 1997 ACURA INTEGRA DEVELOPED A LEAK AT THE SEAM. NO CORROSION NOTED. NO DAMAGE TO TANK HAD OCCURRED. THE CAR IS IN OVERALL GOOD CONDITION. THERE ARE NO PENDING RECALLS OR COMPLAINTS FOR THIS MAKE/MODEL THAT WE COULD LOCATE. THIS SEEMS LIKE AN UNUSUAL AND UNSAFE OCCURRENCE. WE HAVE NO OPTIONS (ACCORDING TO THE DEALER OR ACURA'S NATIONAL OFFICE) BUT TO REPLACE THE TANK AT A COST OF $900 PLUS. *LA
1997 ACURA INTEGRA STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 5 OCCASSIONS, TWICE ON THE FREEWAY. THE VEHICLE STARTS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE STALL. I CHECKED THE MANUFACTURER RECALL LIST BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS ONLY RECALLED BY THE MALAYSIAN DOH AND NOT BY AMERICAN HONDA. IT WAS MANUFACTURED DURING THE 1996 TO 1999 RECALL TIMEFRAME FOR THE RECALL TO APPLY TO THIS VEHICLE.
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE MOON ROOF, OR SUNROOF TOP FLEW OFF ONTO THE HIGHWAY. CONSUMER STATES ROOF ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR. CONSUMER FEELS IT MAY BE A MANUFACTURES DEFECT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
NO SUMMARY. DT
WHILE DRIVING 75MPH SUN ROOF GLASS BLEWOUT & BROKE. AT TIME OF MISHAP SUN ROOF WAS CLOSED. *AK
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN TWO COLLISIONS IN WHICH DRIVER/OR PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN TWO COLLISIONS IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 40MPH,WHEN EXITING FROM HWY,APPLYING BRAKES, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO BACK PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL AND CAR WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN, REAR ENDING A STOP CAR. AFTER HITTING THE STOP CAR, BRAKES WERE BEGINNING TO WORK AGAIN.
WINSTON TIRE CO. REPLACED BRAKE PADS AND COMPLETED BRAKE MAINTENANCE ON 7/6/98. WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT A FAULTY BRAKE PAD BECAME SEPARATED FROM ITS METAL BACKING, JAMMING INTO THE ROTOR WHICH SHATTERED AND RESULTED IN A LOSS OF STEERING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO "360" AND SLAM INTO A CURB.
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT ANCHOR SLIDES IN AND CLICKS AS THOUGH IT WERE SECURE. WHEN ANY AMOUNT OF PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE BELT, THE BELT COMES OUT OF THE ANCHOR. THE VEHICLE HAS A PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND THE BELT DOES NOT WORK. THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IN AN ACCIDENT OR FAULTY DISCHARGE OF THE AIRBAG.
REAR LEFT TIRE HAD BULGING SIDEWALL, AND APPEARED TO BLOW OUT. YH
MOON ROOF MOTOR FAILED. NLM
IGNITION ASSEMBLY INTERLOCK FAILED, KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WITHOUT PLACING THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK.
BATTERY FAILED.
SEAT ADJUSTMENT KNOB FAILED.
THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED.
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 22 total NHTSA complaints filed over 13 years, with the worst year being 1999 (6 complaints, including 3 crash reports).
The amber reliability line averaged 99/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 90/100 in 1999.
The red dashed line marks recall issuance — the first recall came 12 years after owners began filing complaints, a lag that indicates the manufacturer was slow to formally acknowledge these problems.
Red dots on the amber line flag 3 years (1999, 2000, 2007) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $35,864 (~$598/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 1997 ACURA Integra — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for JH4DC4461VS002381. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | JH4DC4461VS002381 |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| Make | ACURA |
| Model | Integra |
| Trim | GS |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.835351168 |
| Horsepower | 140 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. |
| Assembly City | SUZUKA |
| Assembly Country | JAPAN |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | JH4 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 1 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | V |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | S |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 002381 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 5 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 22 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/1/2026, 5:15:36 PM.