US vehicle recalls and complaint patterns, explained

Honda Prelude recall history

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Honda Prelude, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)

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At a Glance

Total Recalls 30
Total Complaints 463
Years Covered 1979–2001

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Honda Prelude. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.

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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data. Always check your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov for vehicle-specific recall information.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Honda Prelude, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Steering and suspension

3 campaigns · Years: 1979, 1988, 1996–1998

These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.

Official notices (evidence):

Electrical

2 campaigns · Years: 1997–2001

These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.

Official notices (evidence):

Other

2 campaigns · Years: 1988

These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.

Official notices (evidence):

Seats and restraints

2 campaigns · Years: 1986–1991

These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.

Official notices (evidence):

Equipment and labeling

1 campaign · Years: 1988

These campaigns relate to equipment compliance, labeling, or tires.

Official notices (evidence):

Fuel and emissions

1 campaign · Years: 1983–1987

These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.

Official notices (evidence):

Structure

1 campaign · Years: 1980–1981

These campaigns relate to structural components such as frame/body parts that can affect crash protection or integrity.

Official notices (evidence):

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Honda Prelude in NHTSA complaint data are Power train:automatic transmission, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

Model Year Recalls Complaints Details
2001 1 25 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:manual transmission, Power train:automatic transmission, Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
2000 1 14 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Electrical system.
1999 2 40 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Tires:tread/belt, Power train:automatic transmission, Electrical system.
1998 3 86 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Electrical system, Suspension:rear.
1997 3 88 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Electrical system:ignition:switch, Suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint.
1996 1 4 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Suspension:front:control arm, Electrical system:wiring: rear compartment/trunk.
1995 0 9 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components, Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch.
1994 0 12 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Equipment:appliance:air conditioner, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline.
1993 0 14 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Tires, Electrical system:ignition, Air bags.
1992 0 26 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Electrical system:ignition, Air bags.
1991 1 18 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Seat belts:front:retractor.
1990 1 4 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly.
1989 1 34 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assembly.
1988 6 40 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections, Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly.
1987 2 17 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:retractor, Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system, Exterior lighting:hazard flashing warning lights.
1986 2 12 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Seat belts:front:anchorage.
1985 1 11 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap, Fuel system, gasoline:delivery, Seats:front assembly:recliner.
1984 1 5 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
1983 1 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery.
1981 1 3 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:carburetor system, Suspension:front, Tires.
1980 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1979 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.

What to Do Next

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Electrical system , Seat belts and Fuel system

Show recall evidence by year

2001

  • Electrical system: Switch: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (05V025000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain passenger vehicles, the interlock operation of the ignition switch may not function properly, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to park.

2000

  • Electrical system: Switch: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (05V025000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain passenger vehicles, the interlock operation of the ignition switch may not function properly, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to park.

1999

  • Electrical system: Switch: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (02V120000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.
  • Electrical system: Switch: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (05V025000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain passenger vehicles, the interlock operation of the ignition switch may not function properly, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to park.

1998

  • Electrical system: Switch: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (02V120000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.
  • Electrical system: Switch: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (05V025000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain passenger vehicles, the interlock operation of the ignition switch may not function properly, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to park.
  • Suspension: Lower ball joint: Safety recall involving the suspension area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (99V069000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain vehicles were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out and, in the worse case, the ball joint would separate causing the front suspension to collapse.

1997

  • Electrical system: Switch: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (02V120000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.
  • Electrical system: Switch: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (05V025000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain passenger vehicles, the interlock operation of the ignition switch may not function properly, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to park.
  • Suspension: Lower ball joint: Safety recall involving the suspension area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (99V069000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain vehicles were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out and, in the worse case, the ball joint would separate causing the front suspension to collapse.

1996

  • Suspension: Lower ball joint: Safety recall involving the suspension area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (99V069000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain vehicles were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out and, in the worse case, the ball joint would separate causing the front suspension to collapse.

1991

  • Seat belts: Buckle assembly: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (95V103001) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." If a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.

1990

  • Seat belts: Buckle assembly: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (95V103001) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." If a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.

1989

  • Seat belts: Buckle assembly: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (95V103001) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." If a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.

1988

  • Vehicle speed control: Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (87V122000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: A small amount of coolant seepage may occur, and eventually residue may accumulate on the throttle valve.
  • Equipment: Owners/service/other manual: Safety recall involving the equipment area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (87V171000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Owners manual information required by fmvss 210, sections 6a and 6b was omitted from the manual.
  • Steering: Hose, piping, and connections: Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (88V059000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vibration and high underhood temperatures could cause power steering supply hose at the connector clamp seal to develop a fluid leak.
  • Seats: Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (89V093000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The rear inboard seat anchorage bracket for the front seats may not withstand the force required by fmvss 207.
  • Vehicle speed control: Accelerator pedal: Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (89V097000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The accelerator pedal stopper may be bent when excessive downward force is applied after pedal has contacted the stopper.
  • Seat belts: Buckle assembly: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (95V103001) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." If a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.

1987

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (92V028001) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: If the plastic coating of the fuel filler and/or breather pipe is damaged, salt water may accumulate between the plastic coating and the steel pipes, and the accumulation could cause corrosion which would eventually rust through the affected pipes, allowing gasoline fumes and fuel to leak.
  • Seat belts: Buckle assembly: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (95V103001) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." If a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.

1986

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (92V028001) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: If the plastic coating of the fuel filler and/or breather pipe is damaged, salt water may accumulate between the plastic coating and the steel pipes, and the accumulation could cause corrosion which would eventually rust through the affected pipes, allowing gasoline fumes and fuel to leak.
  • Seat belts: Buckle assembly: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (95V103001) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." If a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.

1985

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (92V028001) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: If the plastic coating of the fuel filler and/or breather pipe is damaged, salt water may accumulate between the plastic coating and the steel pipes, and the accumulation could cause corrosion which would eventually rust through the affected pipes, allowing gasoline fumes and fuel to leak.

1984

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (92V028001) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: If the plastic coating of the fuel filler and/or breather pipe is damaged, salt water may accumulate between the plastic coating and the steel pipes, and the accumulation could cause corrosion which would eventually rust through the affected pipes, allowing gasoline fumes and fuel to leak.

1983

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (92V028001) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: If the plastic coating of the fuel filler and/or breather pipe is damaged, salt water may accumulate between the plastic coating and the steel pipes, and the accumulation could cause corrosion which would eventually rust through the affected pipes, allowing gasoline fumes and fuel to leak.

1981

  • Structure: Frame and members: Safety recall involving the structure area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (84V086000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The springs are held up by a metal support around each shock absorber. Vehicles driven regularly in areas where roads are salted during wintertime are subject to rusting of these supports. Rusting may eventually allow the spring to break through the support.

1980

  • Structure: Frame and members: Safety recall involving the structure area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (84V086000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The springs are held up by a metal support around each shock absorber. Vehicles driven regularly in areas where roads are salted during wintertime are subject to rusting of these supports. Rusting may eventually allow the spring to break through the support.

1979

  • Suspension: Safety recall involving the suspension area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (81V136000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Prolonged contact with road salt may, under certain conditions, cause serious rusting. This can weaken certain undercarriage components: lateral suspension arms, front crossbeam and strut coil spring lower supports.

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⚠️ Important Safety Information

Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

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