Why is my Acura Legend overheating?

Short answer: On an older Legend, overheating usually comes from one of three things: the cooling fans not switching on (often the fan switch in the radiator or its wiring), a radiator clogged inside after decades of use, or a worn pressure cap that lets coolant boil. If coolant keeps pushing out of the overflow tank after a few miles, start with a new cap, and if that doesn't fix it have a block test done for a head gasket leak.

Symptom: The gauge climbs in traffic or on longer drives, the fans don't seem to come on, the lower radiator hose stays cool, or coolant boils out of the overflow tank a few miles after the engine warms up.

What to check first

1. Turn on the A/C. Both fans should run. If they do with A/C but not when the engine is hot, suspect the fan switch or its wiring.
2. Feel the upper and lower radiator hoses once warm (carefully). A hot upper hose and cool lower one points to a blockage or a stuck thermostat.
3. With the engine cold, remove the cap, warm it up and rev to 2,000–3,000 rpm. Coolant should circulate strongly. If it overflows a lot, the radiator is likely clogged.
4. Replace the radiator cap. It's cheap and often the fix for highway or uphill overheating.
5. If coolant keeps pushing out, have a block test done for exhaust gas in the coolant.

Likely causes

1. Clogged radiator. Members' top bet on a '93; a radiator shop can test it or it can be replaced.
2. Cooling fan switch or fan wiring. The switch threads into the lower radiator tank and can be hard to remove.
3. Worn radiator cap. A cap that doesn't hold pressure lets coolant boil over.
4. Thermostat or water pump. Check flow before replacing a pump.
5. Head gasket leak. Exhaust gas pushing coolant out of the overflow; confirm with a block test.

What it usually costs

One member said a replacement radiator for a '93 was about $90–$120 from an online parts seller, and a cap is around $8. Another owner was upset about a $200 radiator quote. Prices come from owner posts and vary.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Not if the gauge is heading toward hot. Pull over and shut it off. Overheating can warp the heads and ruin the engine. If the fans don't work, avoid traffic until fixed. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY for the cap, fan check, thermostat and, for many owners, the radiator. The fan switch can seize in the plastic tank, so be careful. Water pump work on this engine is a big job, and head gasket testing and repair are shop work.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists no recall for overheating or cooling fans on the Acura Legend for these model years (checked 2026-10-24). Other recalls may exist for your car, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• NHTSA complaints: 17 keyword-matched complaints for Acura Legend 1991–1995 (of 258 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-24; keywords: coolant, antifreeze, overheat, gasket, leak, temperature, boil, fan). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 1993 Acura Legend Cooling Fan Control on Car Talk, a '93 overheated because the fans weren't coming on, although they ran with the A/C on. The owner traced it to the fan switch in the lower radiator tank but couldn't remove it. Members explained how the switch sits in a brass insert in the plastic tank, and one suggested temporarily wiring the fan on.
• In 1993 Acura Legend Cooling System on Car Talk, the same owner replaced the fan switch and thermostat, and the upper hose got hot while the lower stayed cool. Members said it sounded like a clogged radiator, explained how to check coolant flow with the cap off, and said to simply replace the cap if it overheats on the highway or uphill.
• In 1994 Acura Legend LS engine cooling system on Car Talk, coolant overflowed from the reservoir after 4–5 miles of driving at normal temperature. Members said a bad cap was most likely but that a block test would rule out a head gasket leak.

Quick tip

Do the cheap checks in order: cap, fans with the A/C, hose temperatures. A 30-year-old radiator is a likely culprit and an affordable fix.

Vehicle focus: 1991–1995 Acura Legend (second generation) with the 3.2L V6.

Safety / mechanic note

Never open a hot radiator cap. Stop driving if the gauge reaches hot. Verify with a mechanic.