NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Hose, Piping, AND Connections
929.0%
Filler Pipe AND CAP
722.6%
Buckle Assembly
516.1%
Gasoline
39.7%
Retractor
39.7%
Power Steering Fluid
26.5%
Accelerator Pedal
13.2%
Upper ARM
13.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1995peak 3Apr 2007
Recalls on the 1988 Honda Prelude
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
95V103001
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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.
Risk: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
89V097000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPER MAY BE BENT WHEN EXCESSIVE DOWNWARD FORCE IS APPLIED AFTER PEDAL HAS CONTACTED THE STOPPER.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL SHOULDPEDAL BE CAUGHT AND HELD DOWN BY BENT STOPPER, WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
89V093000
SEATS
THE REAR INBOARD SEAT ANCHORAGE BRACKET FOR THE FRONT SEATS MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE FORCE REQUIRED BY FMVSS 207.
Risk: BRACKET FAILURE COULD RESULT IN SEAT BECOMING LOOSE;VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 207.
88V059000
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
VIBRATION AND HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES COULD CAUSE POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE AT THE CONNECTOR CLAMP SEAL TO DEVELOP A FLUID LEAK.
Risk: IF THE FLUID CONTACTS THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD, IT MAYCAUSE SMOKE AND POSSIBLY AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
87V171000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
OWNERS MANUAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, SECTIONS 6A AND 6B WAS OMITTED FROM THE MANUAL.
Risk: VEHICLES MANUAL INFORMATION DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS210.
87V122000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
A SMALL AMOUNT OF COOLANT SEEPAGE MAY OCCUR, AND EVENTUALLY RESIDUE MAY ACCUMULATE ON THE THROTTLE VALVE.
Risk: RESIDUE MAY CAUSE THROTTLE VALVE RETURN-TO-IDLE SPEED TOBE SLOWER THAN NORMAL WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1995086423,467 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the platic front seatbelt release buttons may break allowing plastic pieces to fall into the buckle assembly. If this should happen, a no latch, false latch or failure to unlatch condition could occur creating the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash or sudden stop. Correction: Front seatbelt buckles will be repaired or replaced as necessary.
Recall 198908510,872 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal stopper may be bent when excessive downward force is applied after the pedal has contacted the stopper. In the worst case, the edge of the pedal can be caught and held down by the bent stopper. This could result in loss of vehicle control and a crash without prior warning. Correction: A support will be installed to prevent the stopper from bending.
Recall 19880488,492 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the power steering supply hose at the connector clamp seal could develop a small leak. If the fluid were to contact the exhaust manifold a fire could result. Correction: A reinforced rubber power steering hose assembly will be installed.
Recall 1987080992 units in Canada
Engine
On certain Prelude SI vehicles, throttle body castings may contain slight porosity. During vehicle usage, coolant seepage may occur and eventually residue may accumulate on the throttle valve. The residue could cause the throttle valve to return slowly from the slightly open position to the idle position when the accelerator pedal is released. Correction: The throttle body assembly will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
LOS Angeles, CAFire
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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 DOCUMENTATION AND RECEIPTS ALONG WITH PHOTO'S TOO.
NHTSA complaint #719855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
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 DOCUMENTATION AND RECEIPTS ALONG WITH PHOTO'S TOO.
NHTSA complaint #719855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Green BAY, WI1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
FUEL SYSTEM LEAK DUE TO DEFECTIVE GAS FILLER NECK.
NHTSA complaint #526860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duncanville, TXFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #513008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duncanville, TXFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #510950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duncanvill, TXFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #484483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 195,430 milesNashville, TN
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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 HAZARD TO PROPERTY, AND POSSIBLY LIFE IF THE FLUID LEAKED TOO BADLY AND CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL. I DID NOT THINK THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A WEAR AND TEAR ITEM. THIS WAS DUE TO THE DESIGN AND PLACEMENT OF THE LINE. THE REPLACEMENTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. WAS THERE ANY FOLLOUP ON THIS MATTER? IT SEEMED AS THOUGH MANY MEMBER OF A GROUP I BELONG TO FOR THE HONDA PRELUDE 1988-1991 HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. SOME HAVE REPORTED FIRES DUE TO THE LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #10187386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 192,638 milesSanpedro, CA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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 310-834-4773 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 800-999-1009. SPOKE WITH JUDITH ON 12/28/06 RECEIVED CASE NUMBER N012006-12-2800464. SHE STATED THE RECALL WITH COMPLETE ON MAY 18, 1990. JUDITH, ADVISED THAT I HAVE DEALERSHIP INSPECT SIXTH DIGIT TO SEE IF RECALL PUNCH WAS ABOVE THE NUMBER AND INSPECT POWER STEERING HOSE MATERIAL TYPE. AUTHORIZED HONDA DEALERSHIP STATES RECALL AND SIXTH DIGIT HASN'T BEEN COMPLETE. LISA RODRIGUEZ CONTACTED HONDA WARRANTY CLAIM REPRESENTATIVE MANAGER NAMED GILBERTO WILSON ON 3:23 ON 1/3/07 TOLD, THAT THE RECALL 88-014 WAS NEVER COMPLETED ON THIS 1988 PRELUDE. GILBERTO CONTACTED MRS. RODRIGUEZ AT CARSON HONDA ON 1/4/07 ,DUE TO VIN STATUS INQUIRY SHOWS BEING COMPLETED AND MILEAGE ON VEHICLE AMERICAN HONDA CAN NOT ASSIST [XXX] IN REPLACEMENT OF HIGH PRESSURE STEERING HOSE. THIS RECALL 88-014 GOES UNDER THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT. *NM UPDATED 07/11/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10177829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesHarleysville, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
FUEL FILLER PIPE RUSTED . AS A RESULT, WHEN DRIVING THE PIPE LEAKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10089416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wayne, NJ
STEERING
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).
NHTSA complaint #759224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wayne, NJ
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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).
NHTSA complaint #759224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
THIS SPECIFIC LINE HAS CAUSED SIGNIFICANT SMOKING, HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REPLACED AS OF MAY 2001, HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM CONTINUES WITH LEAKING FLUID.
NHTSA complaint #746210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington, NH
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
POWER STEERING HOSE IS LEAKING FLUID ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #884272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CAFire
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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 DOCUMENTATION AND RECEIPTS ALONG WITH PHOTO'S TOO.
NHTSA complaint #719855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
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 DOCUMENTATION AND RECEIPTS ALONG WITH PHOTO'S TOO.
NHTSA complaint #719855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE HAS DEVELOPED A FLUID LEAK, CAUSING SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #853279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Antioch, TN
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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.
NHTSA complaint #853125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
REAR LIGHT SEALS LEAKING CAUSING WATER TO RUN OFF THE WIRES AND INTO THE TRUNK AS WELL AS THE BACK SEAT AND CARPET.
NHTSA complaint #544531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
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.
NHTSA complaint #700854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centreville, VA
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
RADIO FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #511199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centreville, VA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
BOLT ON THE POWER STEERING PUMP BROKE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #511199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centreville, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
GAS LEAK DUE TO RUSTING OF THE FUEL FILLER PIPE.
NHTSA complaint #511199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Green BAY, WI1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
FUEL SYSTEM LEAK DUE TO DEFECTIVE GAS FILLER NECK.
NHTSA complaint #526860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Attapulgus, GA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE IS LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #818749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Shore, KY
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA complaint #816232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brighton, TN
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
THE POWER STEERING HOSE IS LEAKING FLUID ONTO THE VERY HOT MANIFOLD AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #813084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Statesboro, GA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKS FLUID INTO HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING SMOKE.
NHTSA complaint #512958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duncanville, TXFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #513008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duncanville, TXFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #510950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centreville, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP