1988 HONDA PRELUDE
6 recalls — 40 complaints
95V103001 May 24, 1995
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES. CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. CHECK THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUG ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECUR... Read more
89V097000 Jun 13, 1989
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Defect Description
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPER MAY BE BENT WHEN EXCESSIVE DOWNWARD FORCE IS APPLIED AFTER PEDAL HAS CONTACTED THE STOPPER.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL SHOULDPEDAL BE CAUGHT AND HELD DOWN BY BENT STOPPER, WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL A SUPPORT TO PREVENT STOPPER FROM BENDING.
89V093000 Jun 8, 1989
SEATS
Defect Description
THE REAR INBOARD SEAT ANCHORAGE BRACKET FOR THE FRONT SEATS MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE FORCE REQUIRED BY FMVSS 207.
Consequence
BRACKET FAILURE COULD RESULT IN SEAT BECOMING LOOSE;VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 207.
Remedy
INSTALL A REINFORCING PLATE TO REAR INBOARD SEAT ANCHORAGE BRACKET FOR EACH FRONT SEAT.
88V059000 Apr 6, 1988
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Defect Description
VIBRATION AND HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES COULD CAUSE POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE AT THE CONNECTOR CLAMP SEAL TO DEVELOP A FLUID LEAK.
Consequence
IF THE FLUID CONTACTS THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD, IT MAYCAUSE SMOKE AND POSSIBLY AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy
INSTALL AN IMPROVED POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE ASSEMBLY.
87V171000 Oct 29, 1987
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Defect Description
OWNERS MANUAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, SECTIONS 6A AND 6B WAS OMITTED FROM THE MANUAL.
Consequence
VEHICLES MANUAL INFORMATION DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS210.
Remedy
UPGRADE EXISTING MANUALS BY INSERTING ADHESIVE BACKED CORRECTION PAGES.
87V122000 Aug 4, 1987
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Defect Description
A SMALL AMOUNT OF COOLANT SEEPAGE MAY OCCUR, AND EVENTUALLY RESIDUE MAY ACCUMULATE ON THE THROTTLE VALVE.
Consequence
RESIDUE MAY CAUSE THROTTLE VALVE RETURN-TO-IDLE SPEED TOBE SLOWER THAN NORMAL WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED.
Remedy
REPLACE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY.
Complaint Statistics
40 total complaints
2 crashes 5 fires 2 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | 9 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP | 7 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | 5 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 3 |
| STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID | 2 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH | 1 |
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Apr 9, 2007
Incident date: Mar 28, 2007
I HAVE A 1988 HONDA PRELUDE. THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE LINE HAS A LEAK AT THE CONNECTION RIGHT ABOVE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. I CONTACTED AMERICAN HONDA TO SEE IF THE RECALL HAD BEEN TAKEN CARE OFF, AND THEY STATED THAT IT HAD. I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE. THIS POSED A SERIOUS... Read more
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Jan 5, 2007
Incident date: Dec 27, 2006
I [XXX] AND [XXX], OWN A 1988 HONDA PRELUDE SI 4WS. VEHICLE VIN: [XXX]. AT THE ENDING WEEK OF DECEMBER WHILE DRIVING IT STARTED TO SMOKE FROM UNDER HOOD AREA AND LACK OF CONTROL ON POWER STEERING OCCURRED. WENT TO LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP CASON HONDA LOCATED AT 1445 E.223RD ST.CARSON, CA 90745 310-... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Aug 23, 2004
Incident date: Aug 20, 2004
FUEL FILLER PIPE RUSTED . AS A RESULT, WHEN DRIVING THE PIPE LEAKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. *AK
STEERING
Mar 13, 2002
Incident date: Jun 1, 2001
VEHICLE HAD POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKING ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND SMOKING AS PER NHTSA RECALL # 88V059000. CONTACTED AMERICAN HONDA WHO INFORMED ME THAT THIS RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO VIN ([XXX]).*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Mar 13, 2002
Incident date: Jun 1, 2001
VEHICLE HAD POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKING ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND SMOKING AS PER NHTSA RECALL # 88V059000. CONTACTED AMERICAN HONDA WHO INFORMED ME THAT THIS RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO VIN ([XXX]).*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
Jun 4, 2001
Incident date: Jul 1, 2000
THIS SPECIFIC LINE HAS CAUSED SIGNIFICANT SMOKING, HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REPLACED AS OF MAY 2001, HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM CONTINUES WITH LEAKING FLUID. *AK
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Mar 27, 2001
Incident date: Mar 23, 2001
POWER STEERING HOSE IS LEAKING FLUID ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Mar 8, 2000
Incident date: Jan 29, 2000
THE POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY WAS RECALLED IN 1988 YET THE ORIG. OWNER DID NOT RECIEVE RECALL NOTICE . NOW THIS FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE DEFECT, CONFIRMED BY MY MECHANIC AND COSTING ME APPROX. 1500.00 DOLLARS TO REPAIR WITH THE FIRE DAMAGE. HOPEFULLY HONDA WILL REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST. I HAVE THE DOC... Read more
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Mar 8, 2000
Incident date: Jan 29, 2000
THE POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY WAS RECALLED IN 1988 YET THE ORIG. OWNER DID NOT RECIEVE RECALL NOTICE . NOW THIS FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE DEFECT, CONFIRMED BY MY MECHANIC AND COSTING ME APPROX. 1500.00 DOLLARS TO REPAIR WITH THE FIRE DAMAGE. HOPEFULLY HONDA WILL REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST. I HAVE THE DOC... Read more
Fire
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Nov 23, 1999
POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE HAS DEVELOPED A FLUID LEAK, CAUSING SAFETY HAZARD. *AK
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Nov 18, 1999
DUE TO DEFECTIVE HOSE ,POWER STEERING FLUID IS LEAKING ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING A FIRE HAZARD. RECALL 88V05900 WAS ISSUED, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 29, 1999
Incident date: Dec 6, 1998
REAR LIGHT SEALS LEAKING CAUSING WATER TO RUN OFF THE WIRES AND INTO THE TRUNK AS WELL AS THE BACK SEAT AND CARPET.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Nov 23, 1998
GAS FILLER TUBE RUSTED OUT. 83-87 PRELUDES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR SAME DEFECT. WHY NOT MINE? PLEASE ADVISE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE I LOSE AN AWFULLY LOT OF GAS ON THE FILLING STATION DRIVE WHICH COULD CATCH FIRE. I WOULD LIKE TO FIX THIS BUT DON'T HAVE THE MONEY.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Oct 14, 1998
GAS LEAK DUE TO RUSTING OF THE FUEL FILLER PIPE.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
Oct 14, 1998
BOLT ON THE POWER STEERING PUMP BROKE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
Oct 14, 1998
RADIO FAILED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Dec 12, 1997
Incident date: Dec 1, 1997
FUEL SYSTEM LEAK DUE TO DEFECTIVE GAS FILLER NECK.
1 injured
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
Nov 10, 1997
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE IS LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Sep 10, 1997
Incident date: Sep 10, 1997
RECALL # 95V103001, CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE IN OCTOBER OF 97. NO PROBLEM WITH BUCKLE AT THAT TIME. THE BUCKLE HAS BEEN BROKEN SINCE MAY OF 97. CONSUMER IS NOT ABLE TO GET RECALL WORK PERFORMED BECAUSE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALER WAS DELAYING THE REPAI... Read more
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
Jun 13, 1997
Incident date: Jun 10, 1997
THE POWER STEERING HOSE IS LEAKING FLUID ONTO THE VERY HOT MANIFOLD AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE. *AK
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Jan 28, 1997
Incident date: Sep 25, 1996
POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKS FLUID INTO HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING SMOKE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Jan 22, 1997
Incident date: May 5, 1995
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Dec 10, 1996
Incident date: May 5, 1995
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Nov 6, 1996
Incident date: Oct 2, 1996
FUEL FILLER PIPE RUSTED/SPLIT, CAUSING GASOLINE LEAK.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
Feb 29, 1996
Incident date: Dec 1, 1995
WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON, THERE ARE NO DASH LIGHTS/REAR DRIVING LIGHTS. *DSH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Feb 16, 1996
Incident date: May 15, 1995
DRIVER'S SHOULDER/LAP BELT DOES NOT RETRACT AS INTENDED; WHEN UNBUCKLED, DOES NOT REWIND, SO MUCH SLACK, OCCUPANT NOT PROPERLY RESTRAINED. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Feb 16, 1996
Incident date: May 15, 1995
DRIVER'S SHOULDER/LAP BELT DOES NOT RETRACT AS INTENDED; WHEN UNBUCKLED, DOES NOT REWIND, SO MUCH SLACK, OCCUPANT NOT PROPERLY RESTRAINED. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Jan 25, 1996
Incident date: May 5, 1995
ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
Fire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Nov 6, 1995
Incident date: Oct 15, 1995
THE ACCELERATOR PAD MAY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
Crash
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Oct 30, 1995
Incident date: Oct 11, 1995
88V05900 CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL FROM PREVIOUS OWNER, PRESENT OWNER STILL HAVING SAME PROBLEM. TT
SEAT BELTS
Oct 6, 1995
Incident date: Sep 22, 1995
UPON IMPACT RIGHT FRONT, PASSENGER SEAT BELT TIGHTENED RESULTING IN CHEST CONTUSION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
Crash
1 injured
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Oct 3, 1995
Incident date: Oct 2, 1995
RECALL RELATED, 88V059000, POWER STEERING HOSE, BROKE WHILE IN FOR REPAIR, NEVER RECEIVE THE NOTICE. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Sep 7, 1995
FUEL LEAKS OUT AREA/FILLER PIPE TO THE VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Sep 6, 1995
SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS BROKEN (RELEASE BUTTON IS BROKEN). TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Jun 29, 1995
Incident date: Jun 29, 1995
VEHICLES FUEL TANK PIPE HAS A LEAK DUE TO RUST. THE COATING HAS PEELED AWAY, IF TANK IS FULL IT LEAKS/OR WHEN PUMPING. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
May 23, 1995
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT BACK WHEN RELEASED, BUCKLE IS HARD TO LOCK, PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING WHEN IT IS LOCKED OR NOT # TKA73J399B . TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Apr 13, 1995
Incident date: Mar 1, 1995
BOTH FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE SOMETIME WHEN USING IT LOCK UP HARD TO UNLOCK. TT
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM
Mar 23, 1995
Incident date: Nov 25, 1994
UPPER CONTROL ARM RUBBER BUSHING FAILED.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Mar 16, 1995
Incident date: Mar 14, 1995
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE ON DRIVER AND PASSENGERS SEATS, WILL NOT LATCH. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Mar 3, 1995
Incident date: Mar 3, 1995
DRIVER SIDE SAFETY BELTS WON'T RETRACT. TT
EPA Fuel Economy — 1988 HONDA PRELUDE
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 18.0 | 24.0 | 20.0 | Regular | $3,400 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 20.0 | 25.0 | 22.0 | Regular | $3,050 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 19.0 | 24.0 | 21.0 | Regular | $3,200 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 20.0 | 25.0 | 22.0 | Regular | $3,050 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
NHTSA Safety Investigations — HONDA PRELUDE
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
PE93060
Opened: Jun 22, 1993 — Closed: Oct 29, 1993
4WHL STEERING SENSOR FAILS
There is no summary currently available
HONDA PRELUDE — All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the HONDA PRELUDE across all model years (1979–2006).
70
Total Recalls
464
Total Complaints
1
Investigations
52
Reported Crashes
15
Reported Fires
2
Reported Deaths
HONDA PRELUDE — Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2005 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2004 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2003 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2002 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2001 | 3 | 25 | View |
| 2000 | 3 | 14 | View |
| 1999 | 4 | 40 | View |
| 1998 | 5 | 86 | View |
| 1997 | 5 | 88 | View |
| 1996 | 6 | 4 | View |
| 1995 | 5 | 9 | View |
| 1994 | 5 | 12 | View |
| 1993 | 5 | 14 | View |
| 1992 | 5 | 26 | View |
| 1991 | 1 | 18 | View |
| 1990 | 1 | 4 | View |
| 1989 | 1 | 34 | View |
| 1988 (current) | 6 | 40 | |
| 1987 | 2 | 17 | View |
| 1986 | 2 | 12 | View |
| 1985 | 1 | 11 | View |
| 1984 | 1 | 5 | View |
| 1983 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 1981 | 1 | 3 | View |
| 1980 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1979 | 1 | 0 | View |