Most common 2000 Honda Prelude problems
Share of the 13 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 →
2000 Honda Prelude recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2000 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 2000 Honda Prelude owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
I received a safety recall from the American Honda motor company stating that I needed to make an appointment at the authorized Honda dealer, due my from my car whatsoever transmission. 2 weeks later I was unable to remove my key from my car whatsoever reverse, or place my car in park so therefore I parked in neutral with the brake on my recall notice specifically stated that these exact problems would occur and would be repaired free of charge or reimbursed. And Honda dealer I followed instruction from recall letter and Honda dealer has failed to remedy the defect in my vehicle without charge and Honda automobile customer service has not been completely repaired but how can I completely repair it if they don't reimburse my money and keep making me pay for repairs of a recall .
After eleven years of ownership and 72,000 miles, transmission experienced failure of both right and left axle seals over the course of a year, causing serious transmission leaks. Both seals were replaced by the dealer. After only four months, both axle seals began seriously leaking once again. Transmission also began to make whirring noises above 30 MPH. Dealer determined that the transmission had experienced failure of differential bearings and off-axis axles were wearing out the seals prematurely. Dealer quoted $4,500 replacement of transmission as only repair option.
Electrical system
I received a safety recall from the American Honda motor company stating that I needed to make an appointment at the authorized Honda dealer, due my from my car whatsoever transmission. 2 weeks later I was unable to remove my key from my car whatsoever reverse, or place my car in park so therefore I parked in neutral with the brake on my recall notice specifically stated that these exact problems would occur and would be repaired free of charge or reimbursed. And Honda dealer I followed instruction from recall letter and Honda dealer has failed to remedy the defect in my vehicle without charge and Honda automobile customer service has not been completely repaired but how can I completely repair it if they don't reimburse my money and keep making me pay for repairs of a recall .
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Honda Prelude. While attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
2000 Honda Prelude engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 25 / 22 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Honda Prelude a good car?
Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 Prelude rates better than average: 61% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Prelude at the same age. It is one of the best Prelude years by this measure. 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 2000 Honda Prelude?
The transmission & drivetrain — 7 complaints, 54% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the electrical system (3) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 2000 Honda Prelude have?
There is 1 recall for the 2000 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 2000 Honda Prelude problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 74,000 miles; 0% 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.