Most common 1999 Honda Prelude problems
Share of the 31 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Honda Prelude complaints by model year
Best Prelude years: 1995, 2000, 2001. Years to avoid: 1997, 1998, 1999. Compare all years →
1999 Honda Prelude recalls (2)
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…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1999 Honda Prelude:
Ignition-park interlock
The above failure report counts are for model year (my) 1999 - 2001 Honda accord models that were not within the scope of a related Honda recall action (NHTSA 03V423); these vehicles were investigated by odi under defect petition (dp) 04-006.complaint information for other models and model years was not obtained by odi.the noted population indicates the number of vehicles (including the my 2002 accord plus the…
What 1999 Honda Prelude owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 1999 Honda Prelude. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact became aware that the failure was due to the ignition switch. The contact replaced the part himself. The contact also noticed that while the vehicle was turned off, the gear shifter independently shifted into gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
The sportshift automatic transmission m6ha in my 1999 Honda Prelude started to slip and while going down the freeway the car lost all power to the wheels and would just rev up the engine when I pressed the gas pedal down and would not move the car while in all drive gears. It cost me $2,396.75 to get my Honda Prelude's sportshift automatic transmission m6ha replaced at a transmission shop while I was out on a family vacation trip to arizona.
Electrical system
The contact owns a 1999 Honda Prelude. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact became aware that the failure was due to the ignition switch. The contact replaced the part himself. The contact also noticed that while the vehicle was turned off, the gear shifter independently shifted into gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Starting in June 2017, my 1999 Honda Prelude sh has been stalling without warning while I am driving. This happens mostly on hot days. The car can not be re-started for 5-10 minutes afterward. The engine is not overheating. My mechanic ran tests for two days and says that the ignition switch must be faulty.
Engine & cooling
Repeated (2 times) safetly related engine malfunction causing loss of control and power of the vehicle. On November 4, 2004 owner of 1999 Honda Prelude was driving home from work at night time when shortly afterwards owner's vehicle lost power and control for the second time on a major highway. The engine's cam seal broke off leaking the engine oil out onto the highway of rt. 80 and the engine seized. Owner's vehicle has proven repeatedly to have serious engine defects that posed a risk to the owner as well as other drivers on the road. In October 2002, the first engine malfunction occurred when the timing belt broke due to a defect while owner was driving and the vehicle lost all power and control. The owner, a child in the back seat and other drivers were placed at serious risk of injury or death. …
Repeated (2 times) safety related engine malfunction causing loss of control and power of the vehicle. Ivoq 10100766 provided additional information while the vehicle was in motion during a rain storm, the oil pressure light had come on and caused the vehicle to shut down while on an exit ramp. The consumer was informed that this occurred due a broken cam seal and the engine needed to be replaced. Prior to the incident, there was a leak coming from the cam seal. Back in October the timing belt had broken while the vehicle was in motion and the consumer lost control of the vehicle. There were other numerous issues as well including: the heating system, vibration, noise, the cd player would shut off when the drivers side door was opened or when the interior lights were on, the wiper washer fluid would freeze and minor electrical problems. The engine light would illuminate intermittently.
1999 Honda Prelude engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 24 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Honda Prelude a good car?
Based on 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Prelude rates use caution: 1.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the Prelude at the same age. It is one of the Prelude years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Honda Prelude?
The transmission & drivetrain — 8 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the electrical system (7) and engine & cooling (7).
How many recalls does the 1999 Honda Prelude have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1999 Honda Prelude, the most recent from January 28, 2005 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Honda Prelude?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 2000 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997, 1998 and 1999. See the full Honda Prelude years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Honda Prelude problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 67,000 miles; 21% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.