Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1998 Honda PRELUDE problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

69 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

93,790 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1998 model year. Data updated: . 32 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Automatic Transmission is the most frequently named component, appearing in 23 of 69 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting2637.7%
Engine operation710.1%
Electrical and battery issues45.8%
Steering behavior45.8%
Braking behavior34.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
23
Electrical System
8
Suspension:Rear
4
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
3
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter
3
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint
3
Vehicle Speed Control
3
Air Bags:Frontal
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Power Train:Automatic Transmission23
Electrical System8
Suspension:Rear4
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch3
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter3
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Air Bags:Frontal2

Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 23; Electrical System: 8; Suspension:Rear: 4; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 3; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter: 3; Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint: 3; Vehicle Speed Control: 3; Air Bags:Frontal: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
4
50,000 to 74,999
4
75,000 to 99,999
10
100,000 to 149,999
6
150,000 and above
8
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9994
50,000 to 74,9994
75,000 to 99,99910
100,000 to 149,9996
150,000 and above8

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 10; 100,000 to 149,999: 6; 150,000 and above: 8

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (10). 37 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1998
4
1999
6
2000
3
2001
6
2002
9
2003
8
2004
5
2005
5
2006
2
2007
1
2008
3
2009
7
2010
2
2011
1
2013
1
2017
2
2018
1
2019
2
2023
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19984
19996
20003
20016
20029
20038
20045
20055
20062
20071
20083
20097
20102
20111
20131
20172
20181
20192
20231

1998: 4; 1999: 6; 2000: 3; 2001: 6; 2002: 9; 2003: 8; 2004: 5; 2005: 5; 2006: 2; 2007: 1; 2008: 3; 2009: 7; 2010: 2; 2011: 1; 2013: 1; 2017: 2; 2018: 1; 2019: 2; 2023: 1

Pattern summary

Power Train:Automatic Transmission leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 26 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 7 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10004849 · 2003-01-28 (January 28, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 65MPH TRANSMISSION SLIPPED INTO LOWER GEAR LOSS SPEED, CAUSING TO PULL OUT OF THE ROAD. DEALER PUT A NEW TRANSMISSION, FIVE MONTHS LATER CONSUMER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *TS

Owner-reported narrative. 39,817 miles reported. Look up ODI 10004849 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10007649 · 2003-02-17 (February 17, 2003)

IN JANUARY OF 2000 AFTER 3 TRIPS TO THE HONDA TELLING THEM THAT I HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM (AND BEING TOLD THEIR WAS NOTHING WRONG), MY TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE SYMPTOM WAS THAT IT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY HARD SHIFT INTO 4TH GEAR FROM 3RD WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND LOOSE POWER. THE UNIT HAD THESE SYMPTOMS FOR APPROXIMATELY 24000 MILES, BUT WAS FIRST BROUGHT TO HONDA WITH 9000 MILES ON. HONDA REFUSED TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM AND TOLD ME THEIR WAS NOTHING WRONG. AT THE TIME, I INDICATED THAT I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY WITH MERGING INTO AND …

Owner-reported narrative. 91,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10007649 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10128889 · 2005-07-15 (July 15, 2005)

I HAVE BEEN HAVING MORE PROBLEMS WITH MY ENGINE STALLING SUDDENLY. THE PAST FEW TIMES, I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY IN BUSY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE HEATER, RADIO, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK BUT THE TACHOMETER WOULD JUST DROP TO ZERO. TWICE, I HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, TURN THE CAR BACK ON, AND PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE, ALL WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY.

Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10128889 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10223692 · 2008-04-08 (April 8, 2008)

TL*THE 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 WA…

Owner-reported narrative. 115,320 miles reported. Look up ODI 10223692 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10283166 · 2009-09-08 (September 8, 2009)

VEHICLE: 1998 HONDA PRELUDE SH (98000 MILES) -VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC -MECHANIC FOUND THAT COMPONENTS: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD ESTIMATED 1/4 INCH OF PLAY (MOVEMENT) WHEN THERE SHOULD BE NO MOVEMENT -NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V069000 IS A RECALL FOR THIS COMPONENT FOR 1998 HONDA PRELUDES -HONDA MOTOR CO. STATES THAT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT APPLY -THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE. CONSEQUENCE: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE …

Owner-reported narrative. 98,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10283166 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11005225 · 2017-07-14 (July 14, 2017)

MY 1998 V-TEC HONDA PRELUDE RECENTLY HIT 157000 MILES AND SHORTLY AFTER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER, STALLING, AND LOSS OF STEERING. WITHIN 5 WEEKS I HAVE EXPERIENCED IT STALL AND INSTANTLY RESTART WHILE GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, LOSE ALL POWER AND STEERING WHILE TURNING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, AND LOSE POWER AND STEERING WHILE GOING 55 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THIS WEBSITE, ACROSS THE INTERNET AND SPEAKING WITH SOME MECHANICS I BELIEVE THESE ISSUES TO BE IN LINE WITH TWO MAJOR RECALLS THAT WERE DONE ON …

Owner-reported narrative. 157,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11005225 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11056532 · 2017-12-26 (December 26, 2017)

HONDA RECALL HONDA PARTS DEFECTIVE OR POOR WORKMANSHIP. HONDA DEALERSHIP IN JASPER, ALABAMA IS NOT HONORING REPLACEMENT OF KNOWN DEFECTIVE PARTS ON MY 1998 HONDA PRELUDE. THE FOLLOWING INCLUDES KNOWN DEFECTIVE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, KNOWN DEFECTIVE IGNITION MODULE/SWITCH/IGNITION INTERLOCK SYSTEMS. ALL THREE HAVE FAILED COMPLETELY AND OR ARE IN THE PROCESS OF FAILING. MY VEHICLE IS UNSAFE IT CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD SOMETIMES NOT RESTARTING. THE KEY WILL SWITCH TO OFF POSITION AND COME OUT WHILE THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER IS NOT IN PAR…

Owner-reported narrative. 160,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11056532 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 767316 · 2002-09-17 (September 17, 2002)

FOUR-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ABRUPTLY DOWNSHIFTED ON ITS OWN CAUSING THE CAR TO RAPIDLY BRAKE THEN ACCELERATE WITH NO DRIVER CONTROL. AT THE TIME, I WAS TOLD BY HONDA THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING, THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THERE WERE NO REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSIONS AVAILABLE FOR SALE, AND I WOULD HAVE TO GO TO AN INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SHOP TO HAVE IT REBUILT. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP SHOWED ME THE FRICTION SURFACE ON THE CLUTCHES DISINTEGRATED, CLOGGING THE PUMP AND FILTER WHICH CAUSED THE ERATIC SELF-SHIFTING. I WAS TOL…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 767316 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

69 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

46.4%Usable mileage32 / 69 records
87.0%Valid incident date60 / 69 records
100.0%Valid filing date69 / 69 records
87.0%Ordered incident and filing dates60 / 69 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component198719881989199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

3553.0%
ODI 10001447 · 80,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SURGE FORWARD. TS THE TRANSMISSION STALLED, DIDN'T SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY, AND WOULD JERK, ALL WHILE IN MOTION AND/OR SPEEDING UP. SCC

Look up ODI 10001447 at NHTSA ↗

2333.3%
ODI 10004849 · 39,817 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 65MPH TRANSMISSION SLIPPED INTO LOWER GEAR LOSS SPEED, CAUSING TO PULL OUT OF THE ROAD. DEALER PUT A NEW TRANSMISSION, FIVE MONTHS LATER CONSUMER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *TS

Look up ODI 10004849 at NHTSA ↗

39.7%
ODI 10010156 · 46,000 mi

1999 HONDA PRELUDE SPORT SHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 46,000 MILES AND AT A SPEED OF 36 MPH AS DOCUMENTED BY HONDA! I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING WRONG AND NEITHER HAS ANY OTHER PRELUDE OWNER AND HONDA WANTS $6,000 DOLLARS OF MY HARD EARNED MONEY! YES THAT'S 1/4 THE TOTAL COST OF THE CAR BRAND NEW! PLEASE HELP. *NLM

Look up ODI 10010156 at NHTSA ↗

646.2%
ODI 10137016 · 73,571 mi

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 FAILE…

Look up ODI 10137016 at NHTSA ↗

314.3%
ODI 10007887 · 18,000 mi

AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFTED FROM 4TH (4 SPEED AUTOMATIC SEQUENTIAL SPORT SHIFT) TO 2ND. CAR LURCHED SUDDENLY FORWARD WITH NO INDICATION TO TRAFFIC BEHIND ME THAT I WAS SLOWING DOWN. IF THE PERSON BEHIND ME HAD BEEN ANY CLOSER, I WOULD HAVE BEEN REARENDED -- IN THIS CASE IT WAS A LARGE TRACTOR TRAILER TRUCK.

Look up ODI 10007887 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 10940188

CAR WAS DRIVING NORMAL THEN JUST SHUT OFF. CRANKS WON'T START I WAS DRIVING NORMAL THEN IT JUST SHUT OFF. AND NOW IT CRANKS OVER WON'T START. *TR

Look up ODI 10940188 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

23.0%
ODI 10276984 · 120,000 mi

APRIL 2007 I HAD THE SHIFT INTERLOCK UPDATE AS WELL AS THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL DONE AT MY LOCAL DEALER. THE SHIFT INTERLOCK UPDATE INCLUDED A WHOLE NEW LOCK ASSEMBLY INCLUDING NEW TUMBLERS AND A NEW KEY BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO REMOVE MY OLD KEY WHILE NOT IN PARK. JULY 2009 I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION USING MANY DIFFERENT KEYS. SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE TUMBLERS WERE DAMAGED AND THAT THE WHOLE LOCK ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. I WAS HAVING NO PROBL…

Look up ODI 10276984 at NHTSA ↗

811.6%
ODI 10264247 · 50,125 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA PRELUDE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE MOTOR SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING TWO TO THREE TIMES PER DAY. THERE WAS A RECALL ON MAY 17, 2002 AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED IN OCTOBER OF 2002; HOWEVER, THERE WERE NO FAILURES AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL REPAIR. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS SHUTTING OFF AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT UNDER RECALL AGAIN. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,125.

Look up ODI 10264247 at NHTSA ↗

39.7%
ODI 10109458 · 67,061 mi

REPEATED (2 TIMES) SAFETY RELATED ENGINE MALFUNCTION CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND POWER OF THE VEHICLE. *BF 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 MOTI…

Look up ODI 10109458 at NHTSA ↗

215.4%
ODI 10130205 · 54,351 mi

2000 HONDA PRELUDE FUEL CAP WAS LOOSE, AND THE RADIO BECAME INOPERATIVE AFTER IGNITION SWITCH RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED.*MR THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED THE STARTER UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE TOOK LONGER THAN NORMAL TO START. *NM

Look up ODI 10130205 at NHTSA ↗

29.5%
ODI 10198325 · 101,960 mi

ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE ENGINE CUTS OFF, WITHOUT WARNING, NO JERKING, NOTHING. THE DASH HAD THREE LIGHTS LIT AS WHEN YOU TURN THE IGNITION ON BEFORE YOU START THE CAR. THE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY AFTER ENGINE DIES. TAKING IT TO HONDA ON 8/7/07.*JB

Look up ODI 10198325 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

38.6%
ODI 484483

ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK

Look up ODI 484483 at NHTSA ↗

29.5%
ODI 502766

MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED DUE TO MUSHY BRAKE PEDAL.*SD

Look up ODI 502766 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

213.3%
ODI 557457

CONSUMER PURCHASED A USED VEHICLE WHICH WAS IN NEED OF A NEW ENGINE, AFTER SOME TIME THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO HAVE A USED ENGINE INSTALLED AFTER INSTALLATION IT WAS NOTED THAT THE ENGINE WAS BAD BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT RUN (HEAD GASKET, SHORT BLOCK, HEAD ASSEMBLY, TIMING BELT AND OIL PAN). NLM

Look up ODI 557457 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

19.1%
ODI 700351

I JUST WANTED TO KNOW WHAT'S BEST FOR ME TO DO, I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE MOUNTS NEED TO BE REPLACED.

Look up ODI 700351 at NHTSA ↗

111.1%
ODI 835869

THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE AIR CONDITIONER. THIS CAUSED THE AIR CONDITIONER TO NOT RELEASE AIR. ALSO, WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 40MPH THE ENGINE STALLED OUT. *AK

Look up ODI 835869 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 564149

BRAKE SHOES AND REAR BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED. *SLC

Look up ODI 564149 at NHTSA ↗

250.0%
ODI 741527

THE MAIN BEARINGS IN MY MOTOR SPUN AND ARE SCORED, THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE TO THE CRANKSHAFT AND BEARING JOURNALS. DUE TO THIS LOSS OF PRESSURE THE ENGINE BLOCK,CRANKSHAFT,JOURNALS, AND MAIN BEARINGS ARE RUINED. THE TOP HALF OF MY MOTOR IS FINE INCLUDING THE DUAL OVERHEAD CAM,PISTONS,VALVES,LIFTERS,CONNECTING RODS,ETC. I HEARD OF A RECALL OF MID 1990 HONDA ENGINES RECENTLY FOR SOME SORT OF THROWOUT BEARING OR ROD BEARING FAILURE THAT CAUSES THE ENGINE TO LOSE OIL PRESSURE CAUSING SEVERE WEAR LIKE WHAT I AM EXPERIENCING. THE COSTS…

Look up ODI 741527 at NHTSA ↗

23.0%
ODI 10031193 · 10,000 mi

ENGINE HESITATION OFF-IDLE WHEN ENGINE IS WARMED, ESPECIALLY IN HOT WEATHER. SLOW, WEAK, NOISY IDLE WITH A/C RUNNING. *NLM

Look up ODI 10031193 at NHTSA ↗

11.4%
ODI 703874

HONDA REFUSES TO FIX PROBLEM. PARTLY BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW HOW.

Look up ODI 703874 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

514.3%
ODI 816232

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 REPAIR CLAIMING PARTS HAD NOT COME IN. THE CONSUMER ALSO MENTIONED THAT THIS DEALERS CHARGES WERE MUCH MUCH HIGHER THAN THAT OF OTHER DEALERS IN THE AREA. *YH

Look up ODI 816232 at NHTSA ↗

628.6%
ODI 540678

FRONT BELT BUCKLE REPLACED ACCORDANCE WITH A RECALL CAMPAIGN 95V103001, THE REPLACED BUCKLE REFUSED TO LATCH AFTERWARD BEING REPLACED. ABOUT 75% OF THE TIME THE BUCKLE WOULD APPEAR TO BE SNAP, BUT AFTER YANKING ON THE BELT IT WOULD RELEASE FROM AT THE BUCKLE.

Look up ODI 540678 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 960474

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION, HARD TO LATCH SAFETY BELTS. TT

Look up ODI 960474 at NHTSA ↗

320.0%
ODI 488840

SEAT BELT APPEARS TO CLASP WHEN ENGAGED, HOWEVER SAFETY LIGHT GOES ON, NECESSITATING REENGAGEMENT UNTIL LIGHT GOES OUT. *AK

Look up ODI 488840 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.4%
ODI 781367

DRIVER TRAVELING ON A TWO LANE ROAD, TWO VEHICLES WHERE IN FRONT, THERE WAS AN ABRUPT STOP, AND THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK, NOR DID THE AIRBAGS DEPLOY, THE FAILURE FORCED THE DRIVER INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND CRACKED IT. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES.

Look up ODI 781367 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

925.7%
ODI 10177829 · 192,638 mi

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 [phone removed] ON 12/22/06, LISA RODRIGUEZ ASSIST ME WITH MY VEHICLE CONCERNS. SHE PERFORMED A VIN STATUS INQUIRY IT STATED THE RECALL 88-014 C WAS COMPLETED ALREADY. SO I CONTACT AMERICAN HONDA WARRANTY ASSISTANCE HELP LINE AT [phone removed]. SPOKE WI…

Look up ODI 10177829 at NHTSA ↗

733.3%
ODI 518145

BRAKES SQUEAL. ALSO, POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK/ RADIATOR HOSE MELTS DUE TO CLOSE PROXIMITY TO MANIFOLD/ TRANSMISSION FAILURE/ WINDOWS FOG UP AND CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGES, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. VEHICLE SWERVES/UNEVEN BACK TIRE WEAR. *AK

Look up ODI 518145 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.4%
ODI 539582

POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE LEAKED/FAILED.

Look up ODI 539582 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

627.3%
ODI 740922

THIS CAR IS COMPLETELY TOTALED! IT IS SMASHED ALL IN THE FRONT, THE BACK IS IN THE FRONT SEAT AND DOWN TO THE GROUND...AND THE DRIVER SIDE IS CAVED IN ALSO, AND THIS AIRBAG COULD HAVE PREVENTED THE HEAD INJURY, AND BRUISING DOWN BY THE STEERING WHEEL. BUT THE AIRBAG FAILED !!!!*AK

Look up ODI 740922 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 963243

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING HIT A POT HOLE BLOW THE TIRE AND AIR BAG DEPLOYED. TT

Look up ODI 963243 at NHTSA ↗

222.2%
ODI 539838

AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHEN VEHICLE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD.

Look up ODI 539838 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 10049040 · 109,000 mi

OUR HONDA PRELUDE WAS REAR ENDED SENDING IT INTO ANOTHER CAR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE.*AK

Look up ODI 10049040 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

23.0%
ODI 10017107 · 78,000 mi

SRS AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AFTER LESS THAN SIX YEARS OF OWNERSHIP (OWNER'S MANUAL INDICATES AIRBAG MAINTENANCE AT TEN YEARS). DEALER SAYS THE SRS UNIT MUST BE REPLACED. *NLM

Look up ODI 10017107 at NHTSA ↗

22.9%
ODI 10156971 · 160,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE DRIVER MADE A SHARP TURN AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED CAUSING A CRASH. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED AWAY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES EVEN THOUGH SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 5/23/2006 - *NM

Look up ODI 10156971 at NHTSA ↗

13.2%
ODI 838488

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Look up ODI 838488 at NHTSA ↗

17.7%
ODI 854741

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH HAD A FRONTAL IMPACT WITH A TREE IN WHICH THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED 3 SECONDS LATE, CAUSING OCCUPANT TO HIT THE STEERING WITH SEATBELT ON, AND SUSTAINING INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 854741 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
17.1%
ODI 566263

THE VEHICLE'S OIL PAN PLUG STRIPPED WHENEVER THE OIL WAS CHANGED. *TT *NM

Look up ODI 566263 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

29.5%
ODI 503243

TIMING BELT BROKE, BENDING THE VALVES, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *DH

Look up ODI 503243 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 526628

ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD FAILED.

Look up ODI 526628 at NHTSA ↗

16.7%
ODI 721558

BOUGHT THE CAR AND THE ENGINE BLEW UP AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE THE WAS NO REASON WHY THE ENGINE BLEW OUT AND CAUGHT ON FIRE.... IT THREW A ROD. *AK

Look up ODI 721558 at NHTSA ↗

14.5%
ODI 8015276

VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTISIDE OF CONSUMER'S HOME, AND HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS OIL LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 8015276 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 865298

BOUGHT VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED, AND WAS TOLD THAT OIL DRAIN PLUG ON THE ENGINE OIL PAN WILL BE STRIPPED. DESIGN DEFECT, OIL PANS ARE MADE OUT OF A SOFT METAL WHICH CAUSES THE THREADS TO STRIP OUT PREMATURELY. *AK

Look up ODI 865298 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

23.0%
ODI 10034521

PROBLEMS WITH BALL JOINTS, BRAKES, AIR CONDITIONER, RADIO, WINDSHIELD AND SEATS.*MR IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE BURNED OIL, THE VEHICLE HAD A HARD TIME GOING BACKWARDS. CONSUMER HAD NUMEROUS INCIDENTS WITH THE VEHICLE GOING OUT CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEMS CONTINUED TO EXIST. *PH *JB

Look up ODI 10034521 at NHTSA ↗

22.9%
ODI 10014372

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF SINCE 70,000 MILES. DESPITE PASSING E-CHECK I SEE THAT THIS A FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH OTHER HONDA MODELS. *NLM

Look up ODI 10014372 at NHTSA ↗

26.5%
ODI 10110870 · 67,067 mi

THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE WHICH WAS CAUSED BY A BROKEN CAM SEAL WHICH ALLOWED OIL TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE. NM THE OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONSUMER PULLED OFF THE EXIT AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE DEALER PERFORMED A SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE CHECK UP AND OIL CHANGE ON THE VEHICLE 10 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE LEAKING CAM SEAL WENT UNDISCOVERED OR UNMENTIONED. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BECAUSE THE CONSUMER DROVE A HALF OF A MILE WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT ON. …

Look up ODI 10110870 at NHTSA ↗

215.4%
ODI 10232064 · 77,500 mi

I HAVE A 2000 HONDA PRELUDE TYPE SH. IT HAS BEEN MAKING A WEIRD SOUND SO I TOO IT TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THE AUTO TENSIONER AND TIMING BELT NEEDS REPLACED. THE SERVICE IS NOT SUPPOSE TO BE DONE UNTIL 105,000 MILES. THE CAR HAS 77,000 MILES. I RAN INTO THE SAME THING ON MY PREVIOUS PRELUDE WHICH WAS A 1999 BASE MODEL PRELUDE. HONDA WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL OR HELP FINANCIALLY. THIS COSTS AROUND A $1000 TO FIX. IF THE AUTO TENSIONER FAILS, THE TIMING BELT CAN BREAK LEADING TO A RUINED ENGINE. EVERYONE IN THE HONDA COMMUNITY KNOWS THIS. WHY CAN'T…

Look up ODI 10232064 at NHTSA ↗

14.8%
ODI 10139190

TIMING BELT TENSIONER FAILING, BELT FLAPPING BETWEEN 1800 AND 3000 RPMS UPON ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. *JB

Look up ODI 10139190 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
17.1%
ODI 10156536 · 133,133 mi

IGNITION SWITCH - THE VEHICLE WILL START BUT WHEN THE KEY IS RELEASED FROM START THE ENGINE DIES. THIS PROBLEM MAY BE REPEATED OR WILL AGAIN START WORKING CORRECTLY. *JB

Look up ODI 10156536 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.5%
ODI 10176626 · 196,750 mi

MY IGNITION SWITCH JUST STARTED NOT TO LONG AGO TO FAIL ON ME. STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS LIKE A WEEK AGO NOTICING MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKERING. I CHECKED MY FUSES AND THEY WERE ALL OK. TWO DAYS LATER MY CAR TURNED ON AND TURNED OFF WHEN I WENT TO START IT. TRIED TO START IT AGAIN AND KEPT RUNNING. FOR FIVE DAYS EVERYTHING WAS OKAY BUT JUST NOTICED THAT MY LIGHTS WERE STILL KIND OF FLICKERING (DASH). TWO DAYS AGO IT DIDN'T WANT TO STAY ON. IN THE SECOND POSITION OF MY IGNITION, MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS THAT WILL NORMALLY COME ON DIDN'T AND WHEN I STA…

Look up ODI 10176626 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

57.6%
ODI 10137845 · 138,701 mi

DT: THE CONSUMER HAD RECALL 05V018000 REPAIR WORK COMPLETED ON FRIDAY. THE RECALL INVOLVED THE IGNITION SWITCH.. ON SUNDAY SHE NOTICED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER DID NOT WORK. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THE BLOWER WAS OUT ON THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIR WOULD BE $489.00. THE CONSUMER FELT THIS PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL REPAIR WORK THAT HAD BEEN COMPLETED ON FRIDAY. SHE WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP FROM 8AM TO 12:15 PM BEFORE THE DEALER FINISHED INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 10137845 at NHTSA ↗

34.3%
ODI 568132

THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL(002-V12) ON DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH. THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE THE CONSUMER $75 FOR DISCONNECTING AND RECONNECTING THE ALARM SYSTEM WHILE DOING THE RECALL JOB. *YH

Look up ODI 568132 at NHTSA ↗

39.7%
ODI 10148946 · 82,553 mi

TOOK 1999 HONDA PRELUDE IN TO THE CARSON HONDA TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS AND DO THE 90 MILE MAJOR SERVICE AS REQUIRED BY HONDA CARE COVERAGE. WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE IGNITION, AND THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE MY IGNITION, FREE OF CHARGE. WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR THEY TOLD ME MY BILL WAS 860.57. THERE WERE CHARGES ON THE INVOICE THAT WHERE NOT COVERED BY MY WARRANTY. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS CHANGED, BUT THEY SAY SAID THAT I HAD TO PURCHASE THE NEW KEY OF 39.00. I SAID NO THAT IT WORKED FINE BEFORE I BROUGHT IT IN . THEY SA…

Look up ODI 10148946 at NHTSA ↗

17.7%
ODI 10137016 · 73,571 mi

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 FAILE…

Look up ODI 10137016 at NHTSA ↗

14.8%
ODI 10186709 · 36,663 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HONDA PRELUDE. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START, BUT THE ANTI THEFT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 05V02500. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 36,663.*AK LEFT MESSAGE 10/16/07 . *LJ

Look up ODI 10186709 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Power Train:Automatic Transmission56,500–116,660 mi85,170 mi15
ODI 10004849 · 39,817 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 65MPH TRANSMISSION SLIPPED INTO LOWER GEAR LOSS SPEED, CAUSING TO PULL OUT OF THE ROAD. DEALER PUT A NEW TRANSMISSION, FIVE MONTHS LATER CONSUMER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *TS

Look up ODI 10004849 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10007975 · 81,693 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR IN REGULAR DRIVE IT SUDDENLY DIDN'T PULL NO MORE AND THE ENGINE JUST REVVED. I LET MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND THEN IT WENT BACK INTO GEAR. THE CAR CONTINUED TO DO THIS AND THEN IT STARTED TO UPSHIFT THEN SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFT TO THE LOWER GEAR CAUSING A VERY SUDDEN JERK AND CHANGE IN SPEED. I TOOK MY CAR TO HONDA OF CLEVELAND IN CLEVELAND, TN. I TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY SUGGESTED TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST RUN. I AGREED AND THE RESULTS WERE CODES P700 AND P730 INTERNAL FAILURE AND INCORRECT GEAR NEEDS TRANSMISSION OVE…

Look up ODI 10007975 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10030800 · 85,170 mi

WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR WILL OVER REV, AND JERK INTO GEAR. IF I LET OFF OF THE GAS IT WILL SLIP INTO GEAR LESS HARSHLY. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO HONDA OF COVINGTON IN COVINGTON, LA, AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING DUE TO THE INSTALLATION OF AFTERMARKET PARTS, SUCH AS A COLD-AIR INTAKE, HEADER, AND EXHAUST MUFFLER. MY LOCAL MECHANIC SAIS THIS IS LUDICROUS, AND THAT A SIMPLE ADDITON OF 10-15 HP WOULD NOT CAUSE A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I HAVE NOT MODIFIED OR ALTERED IN ANY WAY THE INTERNAL COMPONENTS OF THE CAR. EACH MODIFICATI…

Look up ODI 10030800 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System119,500–158,500 mi150,000 mi7
ODI 10264247 · 50,125 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA PRELUDE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE MOTOR SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING TWO TO THREE TIMES PER DAY. THERE WAS A RECALL ON MAY 17, 2002 AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED IN OCTOBER OF 2002; HOWEVER, THERE WERE NO FAILURES AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL REPAIR. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS SHUTTING OFF AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT UNDER RECALL AGAIN. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,125.

Look up ODI 10264247 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10319377 · 150,000 mi

IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT ALLOW CAR TO START ON SOME OCCASIONS, SOMETIMES CAR WILL SUDDENLY WANT TO STALL, ONLY TO BE STOPPED BY ENGAGING THE CLUTCH TO PREVENT IT. THE STALL HAS OCCURRED TWICE NOW. HONDA HAD ISSUES WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE 1997-99 PRELUDES, BUT ONLY 3/10THS ACTUALLY EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS. *TR

Look up ODI 10319377 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10356550 · 89,000 mi

1. DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. 2. CAR STALLED AT STOP LIGHT (3 TIMES). WAS ABLE TO RESTART CAR WITHOUT DISRUPTING TRAFFIC. CAR STALLED AT FREEWAY SPEED (1 TIME). WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER TO SHOULDER OF ROAD. CAR RESTARTED. 3. REPLACED PART AFTER INSPECTION AND DETERMINED ABNORMAL WEAR ON SWITCH CONTACTS. ALSO PLASTIC BODY OF SWITCH MELTED IN ONE AREA. OLD PART IS AVAILABLE. PART NUMBER 35130-S30-305 NOTE: THIS WAS A PART PREVIOUSLY REPLACED UNDER THE "PRELUDE IGNITION SWITCH" RECALL ISSUED IN SUMMER 2002. *TR

Look up ODI 10356550 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque ConverterToo few reports for a range66,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10058999 · 54,000 mi

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS SUMMARY MAKE: HONDA MODEL: PRELUDE YEAR: 1998 SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 010400 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 618985 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: SUBJECT REGARDING A LEAKING TORQUE CONVERTER. *TT TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS SUMMARY MAKE: HONDA MODEL: PRELUDE YEAR: 1998 SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 00090 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 615735 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: SUBJECT REGARDING REAR SUSPENSION CLUNKS. *TT MAKE: MODEL: YEAR: SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: SUBJECT REGARDING AUTOM…

Look up ODI 10058999 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10063793 · 79,000 mi

I HAVE OWNED THREE HONDAS. A 1988 ACCORD, 93 ACCORD, AND NOW CURRENTLY THE 98 PRELUDE. OF ALL THREE THE PRELUDE HAS GIVEN ME THE MOST PROBLEMS. I HAVE SPENT OVER $1500 IN REPAIRS SO FAR IN HAVING THE CAR 8 MONTHS. NOW MY TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ON DOING RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT HONDA IS HAVING SOME SORT OF MAJOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM BETWEEN THE YEARS 98-01 YET THEY ONLY ISSUED EXTENDED WARRANTIES ON THE 00-01 MODELS. WHY? THE 97-01 PRELUDES ARE ALL EXACTLY THE SAME WITH THE SAME TRANSMISSIONS AND ALL. SO WHY WERE THEY NOT ALL …

Look up ODI 10063793 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball JointToo few reports for a range98,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10283166 · 98,000 mi

VEHICLE: 1998 HONDA PRELUDE SH (98000 MILES) -VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC -MECHANIC FOUND THAT COMPONENTS: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD ESTIMATED 1/4 INCH OF PLAY (MOVEMENT) WHEN THERE SHOULD BE NO MOVEMENT -NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V069000 IS A RECALL FOR THIS COMPONENT FOR 1998 HONDA PRELUDES -HONDA MOTOR CO. STATES THAT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT APPLY -THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE. CONSEQUENCE: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE …

Look up ODI 10283166 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range160,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10156971 · 160,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE DRIVER MADE A SHARP TURN AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED CAUSING A CRASH. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED AWAY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES EVEN THOUGH SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 5/23/2006 - *NM

Look up ODI 10156971 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 28 reports

2000: 5 complaints · 2001: 8 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2000025
2001158
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20001021
20012010

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentPower Train:Automatic TransmissionElectrical SystemSuspension:RearElectrical System:Ignition:SwitchPower Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque ConverterSuspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball JointVehicle Speed ControlAir Bags:Frontal
Power Train:Automatic Transmission—00000
2
ODI 749034

AUTO TRANSMISSION NEW TECHNOLOGY, GEARS CAN BE UPSHIFTED OR DOWNSIFTED MANUALLY. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS INTO 4TH. IT WON'T CATCH AND WOULD JUST REV. TRANSMISSION SHIFTED HARD (JOLTING) THROUGHOUT THE GEARS. REVERSE WON'T CATCH UNTIL AFTER THE CAR STARTS TO ROLL IN REVERSE DIRECTION. SCRAPING METAL NOISES COULD BE HEARD WHEN THE CAR STARTS MOVING IN IDLE. TRANSMISSION ALSO PRODUCE WHUFFING, AN RC NOISE WHILE IN PARK OR IN NEUTRAL- A SIGN OF TRANSMISSION BEING SHOT. FAILURE OF 4TH GEAR AND THE ONGOING SYMPTOMS MAKES THE CAR A HARZARD ON …

Look up ODI 749034 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 767316

FOUR-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ABRUPTLY DOWNSHIFTED ON ITS OWN CAUSING THE CAR TO RAPIDLY BRAKE THEN ACCELERATE WITH NO DRIVER CONTROL. AT THE TIME, I WAS TOLD BY HONDA THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING, THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THERE WERE NO REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSIONS AVAILABLE FOR SALE, AND I WOULD HAVE TO GO TO AN INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SHOP TO HAVE IT REBUILT. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP SHOWED ME THE FRICTION SURFACE ON THE CLUTCHES DISINTEGRATED, CLOGGING THE PUMP AND FILTER WHICH CAUSED THE ERATIC SELF-SHIFTING. I WAS TOL…

Look up ODI 767316 at NHTSA ↗

0
Electrical System0—000000
Suspension:Rear00—00000
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch000—0000
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter0000—000
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint00000—00
Vehicle Speed Control
2
ODI 749034

AUTO TRANSMISSION NEW TECHNOLOGY, GEARS CAN BE UPSHIFTED OR DOWNSIFTED MANUALLY. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS INTO 4TH. IT WON'T CATCH AND WOULD JUST REV. TRANSMISSION SHIFTED HARD (JOLTING) THROUGHOUT THE GEARS. REVERSE WON'T CATCH UNTIL AFTER THE CAR STARTS TO ROLL IN REVERSE DIRECTION. SCRAPING METAL NOISES COULD BE HEARD WHEN THE CAR STARTS MOVING IN IDLE. TRANSMISSION ALSO PRODUCE WHUFFING, AN RC NOISE WHILE IN PARK OR IN NEUTRAL- A SIGN OF TRANSMISSION BEING SHOT. FAILURE OF 4TH GEAR AND THE ONGOING SYMPTOMS MAKES THE CAR A HARZARD ON …

Look up ODI 749034 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 767316

FOUR-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ABRUPTLY DOWNSHIFTED ON ITS OWN CAUSING THE CAR TO RAPIDLY BRAKE THEN ACCELERATE WITH NO DRIVER CONTROL. AT THE TIME, I WAS TOLD BY HONDA THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING, THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THERE WERE NO REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSIONS AVAILABLE FOR SALE, AND I WOULD HAVE TO GO TO AN INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SHOP TO HAVE IT REBUILT. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP SHOWED ME THE FRICTION SURFACE ON THE CLUTCHES DISINTEGRATED, CLOGGING THE PUMP AND FILTER WHICH CAUSED THE ERATIC SELF-SHIFTING. I WAS TOL…

Look up ODI 767316 at NHTSA ↗

00000—0
Air Bags:Frontal0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

7 mentions · 10.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 98,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10007649 · 91,000 mi

IN JANUARY OF 2000 AFTER 3 TRIPS TO THE HONDA TELLING THEM THAT I HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM (AND BEING TOLD THEIR WAS NOTHING WRONG), MY TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE SYMPTOM WAS THAT IT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY HARD SHIFT INTO 4TH GEAR FROM 3RD WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND LOOSE POWER. THE UNIT HAD THESE SYMPTOMS FOR APPROXIMATELY 24000 MILES, BUT WAS FIRST BROUGHT TO HONDA WITH 9000 MILES ON. HONDA REFUSED TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM AND TOLD ME THEIR WAS NOTHING WRONG. AT THE TIME, I INDICATED THAT I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY WITH MERGING INTO AND …

Look up ODI 10007649 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10128889 · 80,000 mi

I HAVE BEEN HAVING MORE PROBLEMS WITH MY ENGINE STALLING SUDDENLY. THE PAST FEW TIMES, I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY IN BUSY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE HEATER, RADIO, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK BUT THE TACHOMETER WOULD JUST DROP TO ZERO. TWICE, I HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, TURN THE CAR BACK ON, AND PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE, ALL WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY.

Look up ODI 10128889 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10283166 · 98,000 mi

VEHICLE: 1998 HONDA PRELUDE SH (98000 MILES) -VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC -MECHANIC FOUND THAT COMPONENTS: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD ESTIMATED 1/4 INCH OF PLAY (MOVEMENT) WHEN THERE SHOULD BE NO MOVEMENT -NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V069000 IS A RECALL FOR THIS COMPONENT FOR 1998 HONDA PRELUDES -HONDA MOTOR CO. STATES THAT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT APPLY -THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE. CONSEQUENCE: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE …

Look up ODI 10283166 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

5 mentions · 7.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 83,432 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10007649 · 91,000 mi

IN JANUARY OF 2000 AFTER 3 TRIPS TO THE HONDA TELLING THEM THAT I HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM (AND BEING TOLD THEIR WAS NOTHING WRONG), MY TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE SYMPTOM WAS THAT IT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY HARD SHIFT INTO 4TH GEAR FROM 3RD WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND LOOSE POWER. THE UNIT HAD THESE SYMPTOMS FOR APPROXIMATELY 24000 MILES, BUT WAS FIRST BROUGHT TO HONDA WITH 9000 MILES ON. HONDA REFUSED TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM AND TOLD ME THEIR WAS NOTHING WRONG. AT THE TIME, I INDICATED THAT I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY WITH MERGING INTO AND …

Look up ODI 10007649 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10007975 · 81,693 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR IN REGULAR DRIVE IT SUDDENLY DIDN'T PULL NO MORE AND THE ENGINE JUST REVVED. I LET MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND THEN IT WENT BACK INTO GEAR. THE CAR CONTINUED TO DO THIS AND THEN IT STARTED TO UPSHIFT THEN SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFT TO THE LOWER GEAR CAUSING A VERY SUDDEN JERK AND CHANGE IN SPEED. I TOOK MY CAR TO HONDA OF CLEVELAND IN CLEVELAND, TN. I TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY SUGGESTED TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST RUN. I AGREED AND THE RESULTS WERE CODES P700 AND P730 INTERNAL FAILURE AND INCORRECT GEAR NEEDS TRANSMISSION OVE…

Look up ODI 10007975 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10030800 · 85,170 mi

WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR WILL OVER REV, AND JERK INTO GEAR. IF I LET OFF OF THE GAS IT WILL SLIP INTO GEAR LESS HARSHLY. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO HONDA OF COVINGTON IN COVINGTON, LA, AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING DUE TO THE INSTALLATION OF AFTERMARKET PARTS, SUCH AS A COLD-AIR INTAKE, HEADER, AND EXHAUST MUFFLER. MY LOCAL MECHANIC SAIS THIS IS LUDICROUS, AND THAT A SIMPLE ADDITON OF 10-15 HP WOULD NOT CAUSE A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I HAVE NOT MODIFIED OR ALTERED IN ANY WAY THE INTERNAL COMPONENTS OF THE CAR. EACH MODIFICATI…

Look up ODI 10030800 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 200,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11193829 · 200,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA PRELUDE. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING ILLUMINATED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NORM REEVES HONDA SUPERSTORE WEST COVINA (1840 E GARVEY AVE S, WEST COVINA, CA 91791, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATE…

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ODI 769449

WHEN I TURN THE KEY, MY CAR WON'T START. NOT EVERY TIME, BUT ENOUGH TIMES THAT IT MAKES ME VERY NERVOUS THAT EVENTUALLY IT WILL NEVER START. AFTER TURNING THE KEY 2 TO 4 TIMES, IT EVENTUALLY STARTS. DT

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 54,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10014372

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF SINCE 70,000 MILES. DESPITE PASSING E-CHECK I SEE THAT THIS A FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH OTHER HONDA MODELS. *NLM

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ODI 10058999 · 54,000 mi

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS SUMMARY MAKE: HONDA MODEL: PRELUDE YEAR: 1998 SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 010400 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 618985 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: SUBJECT REGARDING A LEAKING TORQUE CONVERTER. *TT TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS SUMMARY MAKE: HONDA MODEL: PRELUDE YEAR: 1998 SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 00090 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 615735 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: SUBJECT REGARDING REAR SUSPENSION CLUNKS. *TT MAKE: MODEL: YEAR: SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: SUBJECT REGARDING AUTOM…

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 891928

WHILE TRAVELING 15-20 MPH ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET WITH WINDOWS UP CONSUMER AND PASSENGER BEGAN TO SMELL SOMETHING LIKE GAS. A FEW MOMENTS LATER, DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING FROM AIRBAG LIGHT. CONSUMER DEPRESSED BRAKE PEDAL, CAUSING A FRONTAL COLLISION WITH A PARKED CAR. DRIVER RECEIVED BURNS, AND SPRAINED WRIST AND NECK. PASSENGER SUSTAINED BURNS. CONSUMER STATED THAT AIRBAGS WERE REPLACEMEMT EQUIPMENT FROM A PREVIOUS ACCIDENT. DEALER DID NOT REINSTALL AIRBAGS. OLIVER'S AUTO BODY OF HOLYO…

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 539582

POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE LEAKED/FAILED.

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b