MotorDeets

Honda Prelude problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Prelude from 1990 to 2001: 271 owner complaints and 13 recalls across 12 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1998 (69), 1997 (66), 1999 (31). Best fuel economy: 24 mpg combined (1993).

Honda Prelude
Photo: Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Transmission & drivetrain103
Electrical42
Engine & cooling33
Airbags25
Suspension19
Tires16
Seat belts12
Equipment12

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
19901422
199111522
199202224
199301124
19940923
19950623
19961423
1997366–
199836922
199923121
200011322
200112122

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Honda Prelude.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Honda Prelude?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1998 (69), 1997 (66), 1999 (31).

How many recalls has the Honda Prelude had?

Across 1990–2001, NHTSA lists 13 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).