Thinking about buying a used Honda Integra (1993–2006) in New Zealand? We've documented 8 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, fluid leaks, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
8
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$250–$900
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Honda Integra faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The K20A 2.0L Type R engine has an oil pump pickup screen that becomes clogged by sludge from infrequent oil changes or incorrect oil specification, causing oil pressure loss at high rpm. On a performance engine that revs to 8,500 rpm, oil starvation causes rapid catastrophic bearing and connecting rod damage. Extensively documented in DC5 Type R communities, particularly on track-used or maintenance-neglected examples.
Symptoms to notice
Oil pressure warning light illuminating under hard acceleration or sustained high rpm
Knocking or rumbling from the bottom end under load
Oil pressure loss at normal operating temperature under performance driving
Catastrophic engine failure in advanced or unaddressed cases
What to check
Check oil condition and verify change interval records – look for evidence of extended intervals or incorrect oil specification. Listen for bottom-end knock under load. Verify oil pressure warning light extinguishes immediately on cold start. On high-km or track-used examples, consider oil pan inspection.
Where to look: Oil pump pickup screen at the base of the engine sump
Ask the seller
“What is the oil change interval and what oil grade and specification is used?”
“Has the engine ever shown an oil pressure warning light?”
“Has this car been used on track or driven hard at high rpm regularly?”
“Any bottom-end knock or unusual noise under hard acceleration?”
02K20A close-ratio 3rd gear synchro wear
MinorCommonTransmission $500–$2,200 to fix
The DC5 Integra Type R/iS 6-speed is well known for 3rd-gear synchro wear giving a crunch on quicker 2-3 shifts, especially when cold or hard-shifted. A very common DC5 trait to check on a test drive.
Symptoms to notice
Crunch shifting into 3rd
Notchy 2-3 change when cold
Baulking on fast shifts
Grind under quick upshift
What to check
On a test drive perform quick 2-3 upshifts, cold and warm, feeling for synchro crunch, and check gearbox oil history.
Where to look: 6-speed gearbox 3rd gear synchro
Ask the seller
“Does it crunch on quick 2-3 shifts?”
“Has the gearbox been rebuilt?”
“What gearbox oil is used?”
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMinor
EngineMinor
6 more documented faults on the Honda Integra
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 8 documented faults for the Honda Integra, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and fluid leaks. A Honda Integra with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Honda Integra?
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We've catalogued 8 known faults for the Honda Integra, covering engine, transmission, and fluid leaks. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Honda Integra?
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Most single repairs on the Honda Integra fall between $250–$900 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 8 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Honda Integra?
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Yes. A Honda Integra inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.