Honda KA9.I Legend (1996-98)

Overview

Released in March 1996, the Honda KA9 Series I (KA9.I) Legend was a luxury sedan. Manufactured in Sayama, Japan, the front-wheel drive Legend was powered by Honda’s 3.5-litre C35A V6 petrol engine which had a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.6:1. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard for all models; the transmission included Grade Logic control which would hold a lower gear on steep ascents and more readily downshift on descents for greater engine braking.

Dimensions and suspension

The KA9 Legend was 4980 mm long, 1810 mm wide, 1435 mm tall and had a 2910 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the KA9 Legend was fitted with independent, double wishbone suspension front and rear.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the KA9.I Legend consisted of dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners. From 1998, the Legend was also fitted with traction control and a centre lap-sash rear seat belt.

Features

Standard features for the KA9.I Legend included 15-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with a six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning (with pollen filter), leather seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a power adjustable front passenger seat, cruise control, front fog lights, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a power sunroof, an alarm and immobiliser.

Honda KA9.II Legend (1999-04)

Overview

Released in January 1999, the KA9 Series II (KA9.II) Legend received safety upgrades and additional features; the suspension was also revised with heavier springs, firmer dampers and stiffer bushes. Visually, the KA9.II Legend could be identified by its more prominent front grille which was recessed into the front bumper, new high intensity discharge headlights, tail-lights and boot. Inside, the KA9.II Legend featured additional burnished wood trim.

Safety equipment

Compared to its KA9.I predecessor, safety equipment was improved with the introduction of two-stage ‘i-SRS’ dual front airbags, front side thorax airbags and load limiting front seatbelts.

Furthermore, the KA9.II Legend was fitted with larger front disc brakes (up from 282 mm to 300 mm) and thicker rear disc brakes.

Features

Standard were extended to include a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, heated front seats, 12 volt power outlet and heated mirrors.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Honda Legend (third generation)

Recalls: Honda KA9 Legend

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Honda KA9 Legend

1996-98 Honda KA9 Legend: front ball joints and steering failure

In May 1999, a recall was issued for 1996-98 Honda KA9 Legend models due to potential steering failure. This could be caused by the front suspension lower ball joints separating due to wear of the polyacetal plastic seats and ball pins (PRA 1999/3941).

1996-99 Honda KA9 Legend: loss of drive without warning

In August 1999, a recall was issued for 1996-99 Honda KA9 Legend models due to the sealing bolt of the automatic transmission potentially becoming loose and dislodging from the second drive gear; this could cause a loss of drive without warning and, if the vehicle was in ‘park’, the vehicle could move unexpectedly (PRA 1999/4051).

2000-02 Honda KA9 Legend: brake lamps may not illuminate

In May 2002, a recall was issued for 2000-02 Honda KA9 Legend models because rust preventative oil applied to the brake pedal assembly could leak into the brake lamp switch and contaminate electrical contacts. This, in turn, cause the brake lamps not to illuminate when the brakes were applied (PRA 2002/5395).

1999-00 model year Honda KA9 Legend: Takata airbag and buyback

In January 2020, recall campaign 010163 was issued for Honda KA9 Legend vehicles that were available for sale in Australia prior to 28 February 2000. These recalled vehicles had Takata driver airbags with NADI-5AT inflators and, over time, moisture could enter the airbag inflator and degrade the airbag propellant. If this occurred, deployment of the airbag could cause the airbag inflator housing to rupture and project metal fragments into the vehicle’s cabin – these fragments posed a serious risk of injury and fatality. The airbag could also under-inflate and not protect the driver as intended. Honda Australia advised that owners should stop driving the vehicle immediately and contact Honda to organise an inspection. For affected registered vehicles, Honda would offer to purchase the registered vehicle from the owner at present market value (i.e. as determined by a third party valuer appointed by Honda). Due to the age of the vehicles, replacement airbag inflators were not available. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18123.

Problems and faults: Honda KA9 Legend

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Honda KA9 Legend

• The Honda Legend’s automatic transmission may fail due to a lack of thread-locking compound for the low clutch.
• A knocking noise from the front of the Honda Legend is likely due to a worn bearing in the upper suspension arm(s).
• For early KA9 Legend models, the driver’s seat may rock because the bolts in the motor which controls up/down movement come loose.

Released in March 1996, the Honda KA9 Series I (KA9.I) Legend was a luxury sedan. Manufactured in Sayama, Japan, the front-wheel drive Legend was powered by Honda’s 3.5-litre C35A V6 petrol engine which had a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.6:1. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard for all models; the transmission included Grade Logic control which would hold a lower gear on steep ascents and more readily downshift on descents for greater engine braking… Read full Honda KA9 Legend review

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Images: Honda KA9.II Legend (1999-04)

Released in January 1999, the Honda KA9 Series II (KA9.II) Legend received safety upgrades and additional features; the suspension was also revised with heavier springs, firmer dampers and stiffer bushes. The Honda KA9.II Legend could be identified by its more prominent front grille which was recessed into the front bumper, new high intensity discharge headlights, tail-lights and boot. Inside, the KA9.II Legend featured additional burnished wood trim.

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