Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 21 | −36% | 1 | Transmission | Average |
| 2000 | 13 | −61% | 1 | Transmission | Good |
| 1999 | 31 | 1.6× | 2 | Transmission | Caution |
| 1998 | 69 | 2.8× | 3 | Transmission | Avoid |
| 1997 | 66 | 3.1× | 3 | Transmission | Avoid |
| 1995 | 6 | −82% | — | Door Lock & Latch | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Prelude year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Honda Prelude problems
Latest Honda Prelude recalls
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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.
Remedy: Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that confirms interlock function. Vehicles will be updated with a redesigned interlock lever free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2005.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began June 14, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Honda Prelude should you avoid?
1997, 1998 and 1999 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Prelude years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 1997.
What is the best year for the Honda Prelude?
1995 has the fewest complaints compared with other Prelude years at the same age, followed by 2000 and 2001. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Honda Prelude problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (97), electrical system (33) and engine & cooling (21). Transmission complaints peak in the 1997 model year.
How many recalls has the Honda Prelude had?
3 recalls across 1995–2001. The model year with the most is 1997. See all Honda Prelude recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.