Skip to content
KickTyres
Honda1990–2014 Critical issues documented

Honda Legend: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Honda Legend (1990–2014) in New Zealand? We've documented 15 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, electrical, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Honda Legend

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

15

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$500–$1,800

Typical repair

12

Service milestones

Which Honda Legend are you looking at?

1 generation variant documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Petrol

1 variant documented

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

3.5L petrol (J35A)· 3.5 litre petrol

Start your free check on this Honda Legend

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Honda Legend

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Honda Legend

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Honda Legend before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Ask for documented timing belt replacement history with date and mileage.

    See why

    C32A V6 Timing Belt Failure (Interference Engine)

    The KA7/KA8 Legend uses a C32A 3.2-litre V6 with a rubber timing belt driving both camshafts. It is an interference engine — if the belt snaps or skips teeth, pistons contact valves causing catastrophic internal damage. Belts on these aged cars are frequently overdue on NZ JDM imports, where service history is incomplete. Water pump failure at the same interval is a common secondary cause of belt failure.

    What you would notice

    • Engine cranks but will not start (post-failure)
    • Rattling or squealing from front of engine at idle
    • Oil or coolant weeping near timing cover
    • No service records showing belt replacement

    Typically $650–$1,300 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Inspect rubber boots visually for cracking or grease loss.

    See why

    Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

    The KA7/KA8 Legend front lower arm uses a pressed-in ball joint that wears with age and mileage. On NZ-climate and higher-mileage examples the rubber boot cracks, grease is lost, and the joint develops slop. Advanced wear causes the joint to separate under load — a critical safety failure. Replacement requires pressing the joint from the arm; many workshops replace the full arm.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking from front suspension over bumps or on turn-in
    • Vague or wandering steering
    • Uneven tyre wear on front axle
    • Visible boot cracking or grease slinging on wheel arch

    Typically $350–$750 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Look for fresh oil staining on the rear subframe crossmember.

    See why

    SH-AWD Rear Torque Vectoring Differential Oil Seal Leak

    The KB1 Legend introduced Honda's first-generation SH-AWD rear torque-vectoring unit. The input shaft, output shaft, and fluid-pressure sensor port seals are prone to weeping and active leaking at mileages above 100,000 km. Honda issued a TSB on later SH-AWD applications clarifying that apparent axle seal or pinion seal leaks are sometimes a loose or damaged fluid pressure sensor dripping onto the seal face. Fluid loss leads to rear differential overheating and eventual failure of the torque vectoring electromagnetic clutch packs — a very expensive repair on a JDM grey import where sourcing the unit is difficult. Early detection and seal replacement is critical.

    What you would notice

    • Oil residue or drip marks on the underside of the rear subframe below the differential unit
    • SH-AWD warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster
    • Burning oil smell from the rear underbody after sustained highway driving
    • Vibration or resistance sensation through the steering during tight low-speed cornering
    • Rear differential SH-AWD fluid level below minimum on inspection

    Typically $650–$5,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Scan for misfire codes, check oil consumption history and plug condition, and watch for smoke on a drive.

    See why

    J35 VCM cylinder deactivation misfire and oil use

    The KB1 Legend's J35 V6 with Variable Cylinder Management can misfire and consume oil as the deactivated bank fouls plugs and rings wear, a well-documented Honda VCM issue causing vibration and higher oil use.

    What you would notice

    • Misfire or vibration under light load
    • Oil consumption
    • Fouled plugs on one bank
    • Blue smoke on acceleration

    Typically $400–$3,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Inspect the steering rack along its full length for fluid weeping, particularly at the inner tie-rod boots and at the input shaft seal.

    See why

    Power Steering Rack Seal Leak

    The KA7/KA8 Legend hydraulic power steering rack uses rubber inner seals and O-rings that harden with age. Seals fail on high-mileage or unserviced examples, causing power steering fluid weeping from the rack end seals or the steering column input seal. Fluid loss leads to heavy, inconsistent steering and can contaminate suspension components below.

    What you would notice

    • Power steering fluid visible on the ground under the front axle
    • Steering feels stiff or notchy at low speed
    • Whining or moaning from power steering pump when turning
    • Low fluid level in power steering reservoir

    Typically $500–$1,400 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check both sides as wear is commonly bilateral at high mileage.

    See why

    Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Wear at High Mileage

    KA9 Legends at 150,000 km and above commonly develop measurable play in the front lower control arm ball joints. On the KA9, the ball joint is a press-fit component within the lower arm casting and cannot be replaced independently on many production variants — the full lower arm assembly must be substituted. Worn ball joints cause vague steering response, clunking over uneven road surfaces, and irregular tyre wear. In New Zealand, advanced ball joint wear results in a WOF inspection failure. At very high mileage the lower arm front and rear bushings typically show concurrent deterioration, making full arm replacement the most cost-effective repair rather than sourcing pressed ball joint replacements.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps, potholes, or uneven surfaces
    • Vague or loose steering feel particularly noticeable at highway speeds
    • Uneven or accelerated front tyre wear on inner or outer edges
    • WOF inspection failure for excessive ball joint play measured by the inspector
    • Steering pull or tracking wander under hard braking

    Typically $380–$1,100 to put right.

Honda Legend service schedule

What falls due, and at what distance, for each generation of the Honda Legend. These are the model’s intervals — the car’s own service book is the only thing that can tell you what has actually been done to it.

Honda Legend KC2 · 2014–2021 · 3.5L J35Y V6 Hybrid - Sport Hybrid SH-AWD

Petrol/Electric

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Full fluid flush, including the SH-AWD transmission and rear motor gear oil, keeps the hybrid drivetrain efficient.

  2. 150,000 km

    Inspect the engine mounts and suspension bushings - torque from the J35Y V6 and the hybrid system's weight place consistent demands here.

  3. 200,000 km

    Assess the hybrid battery pack capacity via a professional diagnostic scan to keep real-world range optimal.

Honda Legend KB2 · 2008–2012 · 3.7L J37A V6 - SH-AWD Executive

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Second major timing belt service interval; ensure the water pump and tensioner were replaced alongside the belt.

  2. 200,000 km

    The SH-AWD system benefits from a thorough fluid flush and transmission service to ensure longevity.

  3. 250,000 km

    Inspect the suspension bushings and engine mounts - natural rubber degradation is common at this stage of the vehicle's life.

Honda Legend KB1 · 2004–2008 · 3.5L J35A V6 - SH-AWD Luxury/Sports

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Major service point: verify the timing belt, water pump, and hydraulic tensioner replacement if not already completed.

  2. 150,000 km

    Suspension health check: compliance bushings and strut mounts may show wear here, impacting that signature Legend ride quality.

  3. 200,000 km

    SH-AWD system fluid service: ensure the rear differential and transfer case oils are fresh to maintain the torque vectoring system's integrity.

Honda Legend KA9 (Facelift) · 2000–2004 · 3.5L C35A V6 - Luxury Sedan

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Confirm the second major timing belt service interval was completed to ensure long-term engine health.

  2. 200,000 km

    Suspension components such as bushes and ball joints often begin to show their age and may need refreshing to maintain that signature smooth Legend ride.

  3. 250,000 km

    Inspect the cooling system hoses and radiator - plastic components can become brittle over time.

See all 15 documented issuesEverything researched for the Honda Legend, including 2 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Honda Legend has — 15Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling8

01C32A V6 Timing Belt Failure (Interference Engine)

Ask for documented timing belt replacement history with date and mileage.petrol1990–1995Engine
CommonEngine $650–$1,300 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Unconfirmed. This entry does not match our record of which engines and years this model was sold with, and is awaiting review. Confirm it against the car before acting on it.

The KA7/KA8 Legend uses a C32A 3.2-litre V6 with a rubber timing belt driving both camshafts. It is an interference engine — if the belt snaps or skips teeth, pistons contact valves causing catastrophic internal damage. Belts on these aged cars are frequently overdue on NZ JDM imports, where service history is incomplete. Water pump failure at the same interval is a common secondary cause of belt failure.

Symptoms to notice

  • Engine cranks but will not start (post-failure)
  • Rattling or squealing from front of engine at idle
  • Oil or coolant weeping near timing cover
  • No service records showing belt replacement

What to check

  1. Ask for documented timing belt replacement history with date and mileage.
  2. Inspect timing cover for oil seepage that degrades the belt.
  3. Check water pump for play or seeping.
  4. If history is absent, budget for immediate replacement.

Where to look: Front of engine, behind plastic timing covers on passenger side

Parts involved: Timing belt.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the timing belt last replaced and by whom?”
  • “Was the water pump replaced at the same time?”
  • “Can you provide a receipt or workshop record?”

02SH-AWD rear differential wear from fluid neglect

Ask for SH-AWD rear diff fluid service history, listen for driveline noise on tight turns, and scan for AWD system codes.petrol2004–2012Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $400–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Legend's SH-AWD system relies on regular rear differential/clutch-pack fluid changes, and neglect causes rear diff wear, clunks and torque-vectoring faults. A key and often-overlooked maintenance item.

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunk or shudder on turns
  • SH-AWD or VSA warning
  • Rear driveline noise
  • Torque-vectoring not working

What to check

Ask for SH-AWD rear diff fluid service history, listen for driveline noise on tight turns, and scan for AWD system codes.

Where to look: SH-AWD rear differential unit

Parts involved: Differential.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the SH-AWD rear diff fluid last changed?”
  • “Any AWD warnings or clunks?”
  • “Any driveline repairs?”

03J35 VCM cylinder deactivation misfire and oil use

Scan for misfire codes, check oil consumption history and plug condition, and watch for smoke on a drive.petrol2004–2012Engine
CommonEngine $400–$3,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The KB1 Legend's J35 V6 with Variable Cylinder Management can misfire and consume oil as the deactivated bank fouls plugs and rings wear, a well-documented Honda VCM issue causing vibration and higher oil use.

Symptoms to notice

  • Misfire or vibration under light load
  • Oil consumption
  • Fouled plugs on one bank
  • Blue smoke on acceleration

What to check

Scan for misfire codes, check oil consumption history and plug condition, and watch for smoke on a drive.

Where to look: J35 V6 engine VCM system

Ask the seller

  • “Any misfires or vibration?”
  • “How much oil does it use?”
  • “Have the plugs and rings been checked?”

04i-MMD PCU Coolant Pump Bearing Failure

With ignition on but engine off, listen at the firewall for the PCU electric coolant pump — it should produce a faint, smooth hum.hybrid2014 onwardCooling
OccasionalCooling $1,000–$2,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Unconfirmed. This entry does not match our record of which engines and years this model was sold with, and is awaiting review. Confirm it against the car before acting on it.

The KC2 Sport Hybrid i-MMD system uses a dedicated brushless electric coolant pump to regulate the temperature of the Power Control Unit (PCU), which houses the inverter and motor control electronics. At extended mileage the pump's motor bearing fatigues, causing audible grinding, reduced flow, or complete pump seizure. Loss of PCU cooling triggers a thermal protection response that progressively restricts hybrid output and, if sustained, risks permanent insulation damage to the inverter IGBT modules and battery pack stress from unregulated thermal cycling. Honda's documented remedy across i-MMD platforms is replacement of the PCU coolant pump with the updated OEM part after depressurising the sealed hybrid cooling circuit using high-voltage safety procedures.

Symptoms to notice

  • IMA or hybrid system warning message on the instrument cluster
  • Reduced power mode activated especially in hot ambient temperatures or after sustained hard driving
  • Audible grinding or absence of the normal quiet hum from the PCU coolant pump on ignition-on
  • Hybrid battery thermal warning displayed
  • DTC P0A93 (inverter cooling system performance) or P2601/P2602 logged in the PCU module

What to check

  1. With ignition on but engine off, listen at the firewall for the PCU electric coolant pump — it should produce a faint, smooth hum.
  2. Request a full hybrid system scan covering the PCU, battery management, and SH-AWD control modules.
  3. Check the hybrid coolant reservoir level and condition.
  4. Verify no overtemperature fault codes are stored in freeze-frame data.

Where to look: PCU (Power Control Unit) dedicated coolant circuit electric pump, mounted in the engine bay adjacent to the hybrid inverter stack

Parts involved: Water pump.

Ask the seller

  • “Has a hybrid system warning or reduced-power mode ever activated?”
  • “Has the hybrid coolant circuit been inspected or the PCU coolant pump replaced?”
  • “Is the hybrid coolant reservoir at the correct level with clean fluid?”
  • “Has the vehicle been scanned for hybrid system fault codes recently?”

05Rear Differential Bearing Noise

Drive at constant speed on a quiet road and listen for a howling noise from the rear of the vehicle.2004–2012Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $800–$2,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The rear differential bearing wears at high mileage, causing a howling noise under light load at constant speed. The noise is proportional to road speed and remains constant during coasting with the clutch depressed or in neutral.

Symptoms to notice

  • Howling or whirring noise from rear of vehicle at constant highway speed that persists during coasting
  • Noise present at all temperatures and speeds but more pronounced at 60-100 km/h

What to check

Drive at constant speed on a quiet road and listen for a howling noise from the rear of the vehicle. Howl that remains constant during coasting indicates differential bearings; howl that changes confirms wheel bearings.

Where to look: Rear differential housing, underside rear of vehicle

Parts involved: Differential.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the rear differential bearing noise been inspected or repaired?”

065-Speed Automatic Transmission Solenoid and Shift Quality Failure

Check ATF colour and level — dark brown or burnt-smelling fluid is a red flag.petrol2004–2012Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $500–$1,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The KB1 Legend 5-speed automatic gearbox (Acura RL platform) uses multiple linear solenoids controlling shift timing and torque converter lockup. Solenoid wear or fluid degradation causes hesitation on the 1-2 upshift, harsh engagement from Park or Reverse, or a shudder under light throttle at highway speed (torque converter lockup judder). Honda's A/T flush and solenoid replacement is a documented fix, but deferred transmission servicing accelerates failure.

Symptoms to notice

  • Harsh or delayed engagement from Park to Drive or Reverse
  • Shudder or vibration at 60-100 km/h under light throttle cruise
  • Hesitation or hunting between gears on gentle acceleration
  • Check Engine or D-light flashing (transmission fault code)

What to check

  1. Check ATF colour and level — dark brown or burnt-smelling fluid is a red flag.
  2. During the test drive, feel for shift quality at light throttle in each range, and note any torque converter shudder at cruise.
  3. Scan for transmission-specific DTCs (P0740, P0750 range).

Where to look: Automatic transmission, valve body solenoid pack internal

Parts involved: Torque converter.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the automatic transmission fluid ever been serviced or changed?”
  • “Does the car shudder or vibrate at highway speed?”
  • “Has the D-light or Check Engine light ever come on related to the gearbox?”

07J35A VTEC solenoid screen blockage

Check oil condition and service history.petrol2004–2012Engine
CommonEngine $180–$450 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The VTEC oil pressure solenoid on the J35A V6 has a fine mesh screen that accumulates sludge from degraded ATF or engine oil. Blockage prevents hydraulic pressure reaching the VTEC rocker arm engagement mechanism, causing VTEC to fail to engage at higher RPM. Most common when service intervals have been extended or incorrect oil viscosity used.

Symptoms to notice

  • VTEC engagement hesitation or complete failure above 3500 RPM
  • Check engine light with codes P2646, P2647, or P2649
  • Loss of top-end power
  • Engine oil consumption slightly elevated

What to check

  1. Check oil condition and service history.
  2. Test VTEC engagement at road speed.
  3. Scan for VTEC-related fault codes.
  4. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove and inspect VTEC solenoid screen for sludge accumulation.

Where to look: VTEC solenoid mounted on top of valve cover, driver side on J35A

Ask the seller

  • “Has the VTEC solenoid screen been cleaned or replaced?”
  • “What oil brand and viscosity have you been using?”
  • “When was the last engine oil service?”

08Rear-bank spark plug access and motor mount wear

Ask when all six plugs were last done (including the awkward rear bank), scan for misfires, and check mounts for vibration.petrol2004–2012Engine
OccasionalEngine $250–$1,400 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Legend's transverse V6 buries the rear spark plugs under the intake, so plugs are often neglected, causing misfires, and worn engine mounts cause vibration. Both are common on higher-km examples.

Symptoms to notice

  • Misfire from overdue rear plugs
  • Rough idle
  • Vibration from worn mounts
  • Engine movement on acceleration

What to check

Ask when all six plugs were last done (including the awkward rear bank), scan for misfires, and check mounts for vibration.

Where to look: Rear cylinder bank plugs and engine mounts

Ask the seller

  • “When were all six spark plugs last replaced?”
  • “Any misfires or idle vibration?”
  • “Have the mounts been renewed?”
Electrical3

01SH-AWD Rear Electric Motor Controller Overtemperature

Review freeze-frame data for previous thermal event history.hybrid2014 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $1,900–$7,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Unconfirmed. This entry does not match our record of which engines and years this model was sold with, and is awaiting review. Confirm it against the car before acting on it.

The KC2 Sport Hybrid SH-AWD uses two independent rear-axle permanent-magnet synchronous motors (each approximately 27 kW) driven by a dedicated inverter/controller unit. Under sustained high-torque demands — repeated hard acceleration, extended mountain descents with regenerative braking, or spirited cornering — the rear motor controller exceeds its thermal threshold and triggers a protective fault code, disabling rear electric drive and reducing the system to front-wheel drive only. The vehicle self-recovers after a cooling period but the fault recurs under the same conditions. Repeated overtemperature events accelerate IGBT module insulation degradation, eventually causing permanent controller damage requiring expensive replacement of the rear motor control unit, which is sourced from Japan for grey import vehicles.

Symptoms to notice

  • SH-AWD warning light or 'Check AWD System' message appearing after sustained hard or uphill driving
  • Noticeable understeer where rear torque vectoring assistance is absent
  • System recovers after 10-20 minutes cooling but fault returns under the same conditions
  • Stored DTC in the rear motor controller (SH-AWD control module) flagging inverter overtemperature
  • No fault present when the vehicle is inspected cold after overnight parking

What to check

  1. Review freeze-frame data for previous thermal event history.
  2. Ask the owner about driving style and check for any hill-country or track-day use.
  3. Inspect the rear underbody for coolant seepage or connector corrosion at the rear motor harness.
  4. If a workshop inspection is possible: Conduct a full multi-module scan covering the hybrid battery control module, PCU, and SH-AWD rear motor controller — an SH-AWD overtemperature fault may not appear at a generic OBD-II level.

Where to look: Rear axle electric motor inverter/controller module, mounted above the rear differential beneath the rear cargo floor

Ask the seller

  • “Has the SH-AWD warning light ever activated, and under what driving conditions?”
  • “Has the vehicle been used on mountain passes, racetracks, or for towing?”
  • “Are there any stored fault codes in the rear motor controller module?”
  • “Has the rear motor cooling circuit been inspected or serviced?”

02Electric Power Steering Rack Failure

Test steering during the test drive — consistent assistance at all speeds is correct.2004–2012Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $1,200–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The KB1 Legend electric power steering rack can develop an internal fault causing sudden loss of power assistance and a steering warning light. The failure is more common on higher mileage examples.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sudden loss of power steering assistance with steering warning light on instrument cluster
  • Intermittently heavy steering that resolves on restart as EPS module resets temporarily

What to check

  1. Test steering during the test drive — consistent assistance at all speeds is correct.
  2. Scan for EPS fault codes.
  3. Any heavy or inconsistent feel warrants rack inspection.

Where to look: Electric power steering rack assembly

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the electric power steering rack been inspected or repaired?”

03Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch Bearing Failure

Test the air conditioning system during the test drive.2004–2012Electrical
CommonElectrical $400–$1,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The AC compressor electromagnetic clutch bearing wears causing a squealing noise when the air conditioning is engaged. In advanced cases the bearing seizes, putting a sudden load on the drive belt.

Symptoms to notice

  • Squealing or grinding noise from front of engine area that appears when AC is switched on
  • In advanced cases a burning smell from a seized bearing overheating the drive belt

What to check

Test the air conditioning system during the test drive. With AC on, listen for a squealing or grinding noise from the compressor area. Switch AC on and off and note any change in noise.

Where to look: AC compressor on front of engine

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the air conditioning compressor clutch been inspected or repaired?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior2

01Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

Inspect rubber boots visually for cracking or grease loss.petrol1990–1995Suspension
CommonSuspension $350–$750 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Unconfirmed. This entry does not match our record of which engines and years this model was sold with, and is awaiting review. Confirm it against the car before acting on it.

The KA7/KA8 Legend front lower arm uses a pressed-in ball joint that wears with age and mileage. On NZ-climate and higher-mileage examples the rubber boot cracks, grease is lost, and the joint develops slop. Advanced wear causes the joint to separate under load — a critical safety failure. Replacement requires pressing the joint from the arm; many workshops replace the full arm.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking from front suspension over bumps or on turn-in
  • Vague or wandering steering
  • Uneven tyre wear on front axle
  • Visible boot cracking or grease slinging on wheel arch

What to check

  1. Inspect rubber boots visually for cracking or grease loss.
  2. Check for any lateral play in the lower arm pivot.
  3. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the car on a hoist, grasp each front tyre at 6 and 12 o'clock and rock to test for ball-joint play.

Where to look: Front lower control arm, inboard end of lower suspension arm each side

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the front ball joints been inspected or replaced?”
  • “Has the car had any recent suspension or wheel alignment work?”

02Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Wear at High Mileage

Check both sides as wear is commonly bilateral at high mileage.petrol1996–2004SuspensionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Fluid leaks2

01SH-AWD Rear Torque Vectoring Differential Oil Seal Leak

Look for fresh oil staining on the rear subframe crossmember.petrol2004–2012Fluid LeaksRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Power Steering Rack Seal Leak

Inspect the steering rack along its full length for fluid weeping, particularly at the inner tie-rod boots and at the input shaft seal.petrol1990–1995Fluid Leaks
CommonFluid Leaks $500–$1,400 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Unconfirmed. This entry does not match our record of which engines and years this model was sold with, and is awaiting review. Confirm it against the car before acting on it.

The KA7/KA8 Legend hydraulic power steering rack uses rubber inner seals and O-rings that harden with age. Seals fail on high-mileage or unserviced examples, causing power steering fluid weeping from the rack end seals or the steering column input seal. Fluid loss leads to heavy, inconsistent steering and can contaminate suspension components below.

Symptoms to notice

  • Power steering fluid visible on the ground under the front axle
  • Steering feels stiff or notchy at low speed
  • Whining or moaning from power steering pump when turning
  • Low fluid level in power steering reservoir

What to check

  1. Inspect the steering rack along its full length for fluid weeping, particularly at the inner tie-rod boots and at the input shaft seal.
  2. Check the reservoir level and look for discolouration (burnt smell or black fluid indicates long-term neglect).

Where to look: Steering rack mounted across the front subframe behind the engine

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the power steering fluid ever been replaced or topped up?”
  • “Are you aware of any power steering leak?”

Honda Legend faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Wear at High MileageMajor · SuspensionSH-AWD Rear Torque Vectoring Differential Oil Seal LeakMajor · Fluid Leaks

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Honda Legend’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Honda models

Honda CR-V59 documented faultsHonda Accord55 documented faultsHonda Jazz51 documented faultsHonda Prelude13 documented faultsHonda S200013 documented faultsHonda Airwave12 documented faults

Honda Legend buyer questions

Is the Honda Legend reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 15 documented faults for the Honda Legend, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and electrical. A Honda Legend 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 Legend?

We've catalogued 15 known faults for the Honda Legend, covering engine, suspension, and electrical. All 15 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Honda Legend?

Most single repairs on the Honda Legend fall between $500–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 15 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 Legend?

Yes. A Honda Legend 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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.