2023 Acura Integra Safety Report

2023 Acura Integra: Excellent Crash Ratings Overshadowed by Widespread Steering Defect and Recalls

203Complaints
2Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
4Crash Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Steering (173)Steering,Lane Departure (8)Unknown Or Other (4)Service Brakes (2)Electrical System (1)Engine (1)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes (1)Power Train,Engine (1)Air Bags,Structure,Unknown Or Other (1)Steering,Seat Belts (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Acura Integra

The 2023 Acura Integra presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a perfect 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars in Frontal, Side, and Rollover tests, there are significant concerns regarding steering issues. The vehicle has accumulated 203 total complaints, with a striking 173 (over 85%) related to the STEERING system. This high volume of steering complaints is directly addressed by a major recall (Honda recall for 2023-2025 Acura Integra and other models) concerning a steering gear manufacturing defect that can lead to difficulty steering and increased crash risk. Despite the recall, numerous complaints indicate the 'sticky steering' issue persists or reoccurs even after initial repairs, raising questions about the effectiveness of the fix. Beyond steering, a second recall addresses the SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, where a ball valve in the VSA modulator may leak brake fluid, potentially causing unintended vehicle movement or increased brake pedal travel. While only 2 complaints are specifically categorized under 'SERVICE BRAKES', some sample complaints mention brake squealing and issues related to the VSA system, aligning with the recall's description. The vehicle has reported 4 crashes and 3 injuries, with 0 fires and 0 deaths, which is relatively low given the complaint volume, but the nature of the steering complaints suggests a potential for serious incidents. Other reported issues, though far less frequent, include problems with the audio system/amplifier (categorized under UNKNOWN OR OTHER in some cases), engine oil leaks, and stiff manual gearbox shifting. The overwhelming focus of consumer complaints on steering, coupled with a direct recall for this component, indicates it is the primary safety concern for this model. While the crash test ratings are reassuring for impact protection, the high incidence of steering problems points to a significant operational safety flaw that buyers should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2023 Acura Integra receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2023 Acura Integra

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Acura Integra:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Sticky Steering / Steering Gear Defect
The steering wheel 'sticks' or resists movement, requiring excessive force to make adjustments, leading to overcorrection and difficulty maintaining a straight path, especially at highway speeds. This is linked to a manufacturing defect in the electronic power steering gearbox and is subject to a recall.
High Common 0-50000+ miles
Vsa Modulator Brake Fluid Leak
A ball valve in the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, potentially causing unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel, increasing crash risk. This is subject to a recall.
High Occasional 0-20000 miles
Audio System/Amplifier Failure
The sound system suddenly stops working, with no audio from speakers despite display functions appearing normal. Multiple reports suggest a common amplifier failure.
Medium Occasional 0-20000 miles
Engine Oil Leak (Valve Cover)
Active but slow oil leak from the front of the valve cover, dripping down the block and potentially burning off or leaking onto engine mounts.
Medium Rare 10000-20000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Acura Integra:

Steering 85% of complaints

Over 85% of all complaints are related to steering, specifically the 'sticky steering' sensation where the wheel resists movement, making it difficult to maintain control, especially at higher speeds. This is a known defect addressed by a recall.

Service Brakes 1% of complaints

Reports of brakes squeaking and squealing loudly, particularly when cold or reversing, with some complaints linking it to the VSA system, which is also subject to a recall.

Unknown Or Other 2% of complaints

Includes issues like complete audio system failure (no sound from speakers) and other miscellaneous problems not fitting specific categories.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Acura Integra

Is the 2023 Acura Integra safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Acura Integra received excellent 5-star crash test ratings across the board (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover), indicating strong occupant protection in a crash. However, it has a significant safety concern with its steering system, accounting for 173 out of 203 total complaints. This issue is severe enough to warrant a recall, and many owners report the problem persisting or reoccurring. While it performs well in crash tests, the operational safety is compromised by the widespread steering defect.

What are common problems with the 2023 Acura Integra?

The most reported issue by far is 'sticky steering,' where the steering wheel resists movement, making it difficult to make small adjustments and maintain a straight path. This accounts for over 85% of all complaints. Other less common problems include brake squealing, complete audio system failure, and engine oil leaks. There are also two recalls, one for the steering system and another for a potential brake fluid leak in the VSA modulator.

Has the 2023 Acura Integra been recalled?

Yes, the 2023 Acura Integra has been subject to two recalls. One recall (Honda recall for 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, etc.) addresses a steering gear manufacturing defect that can cause difficulty steering. The second recall (Honda recall for 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, etc.) concerns a ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator that may leak brake fluid, potentially leading to unintended vehicle movement or increased brake pedal travel.

How does the 2023 Acura Integra perform in crash tests?

The 2023 Acura Integra received top marks in NHTSA crash tests, earning a perfect 5-star overall safety rating. It achieved 5 stars in the Frontal Crash, Side Crash, and Rollover resistance tests, indicating excellent performance in protecting occupants during various types of collisions.

Is the 'sticky steering' issue resolved by the recall?

While a recall has been issued to address the steering gear manufacturing defect causing 'sticky steering,' numerous consumer complaints indicate that the issue may persist or reoccur even after the recall repair. Owners have reported the problem returning, suggesting that the fix may not be universally effective or permanent for all affected vehicles. This remains a significant concern for owners.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the widespread and persistent 'sticky steering' issue, even after recall repairs, and factor in the possibility of ongoing steering concerns.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Acura Integra

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Acura Integra. The data includes 203 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 Acura Integra an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.