Well, I asked an SM at a local dealership to take it up with Acura corporate.

The gist of the complaint was that if Integra radiators fail with almost 100% certainty before reaching 120K in mileage, then the rad should be listed as a routine replacement component in the maintenance schedule. A new unit should be put in well before the original is likely to blow its seams.

After all, a rad failure can result in frankly severe consequences. We've all heard the stories about car-illiterate SOs, friends and family who kept driving even when the temp gauge was into the red, and consequently melting the motor.

And even if you're smart enough to pull over when you notice the overheat beginning, having that happen is not a pleasant experience, especially not if you happen to be out in the middle of nowhere. I've been stranded enough times by breakdowns in my life that I don't have any tolerance for it any longer -- so I buy reliable vehicles and maintain them meticulously.

Anyway, Acura declined to offer any consideration on the failed rad.