Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Takata recall any time I put my car in d4 (automatic) it gets to about 2500 RPM to 3000 RPM in 1st then I have to message the throttle so it will shift and once it shifts to 2nd it starts shifting very quickly no matter the rpms to 3rd then 4th. Also when it's shifting it jerks pretty violently.
When starting my 2001 Honda Prelude, putting into d4 (auto transmission) and beginning to drive, it would hit 3 RPM and not automatically shift. After hitting 3 RPM, it would rev up to 5 RPM before jerking into gear. This happens each time I first drive my car after it had been sitting, unless allowing it 10-15 minutes to completely warm up. If 2nd gear did happen to engage, it would have to rev and jerk into 3rd gear. I have taken it a few times to the auto shop although the transmission fluid levels remained fine and no other indication of a blown transmission was found.
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.
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.
This is the first time I had to replace the transmission at 65867 miles on it, Well I was driving down to the street one day and then it's started to Slip In. and out of a gear And the next day I tried to pull out Of. my driveway The transmission is bad and Honda knows this, the second time it is now 186573 miles on the second transmission.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Honda Prelude. The contact parked the vehicle in her driveway, removed the key from the ignition, and exited the vehicle. When she returned to enter the vehicle, it began to roll out of the driveway. The contact was dragged by the vehicle, but she was able to let go and roll on the pavement. The vehicle struck the mailbox and came to a stop when it struck a pole. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on January 30, 2006 for NHTSA campaign id number 05V025000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). The manufacturer wants the contact's insurance company to investigate the failure and notify their legal department with the results. The contact sustain injuries to her left and right side. A police report was filed. The powertrain and speed were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 115,320.
Frequently asked questions
Which Honda Prelude years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (40), 1998 (31), 2001 (11), 1999 (8) and 2000 (7) model years. Transmission complaints make up 61% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Honda Prelude transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Honda Prelude model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Honda Prelude transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles; 19% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (70 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (9).
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.