Owners have filed 86 complaints
about the 1998 Honda Prelude with NHTSA between 1998 and 2023.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Honda Prelude. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
19.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 4
3% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
Automatic Transmission
2354.8%
Rear
49.5%
Lower Ball Joint
37.1%
Switch
37.1%
Torque Converter
37.1%
Engine
24.8%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
24.8%
Manual Transmission
24.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
410.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
410.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1128.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
615.8%
150,000+ miles
1334.2%
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.
Aug 1998peak 5Jun 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Honda Prelude
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE05002Opened 13 Jan 2005Closed 2 Feb 2005ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 PRELUDE AND TL MODELS) THAT ARE WITHIN THE SCOPE OF HONDA?S NEW RECALL (NHTSA 05V-025, HONDA P68, P69); 402,525 OF THESE WERE INVESTIGATED IN DP04-006.SEEPART 573 DOCUMENTS RELATED TO 05...
Recalls on the 1998 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
06E060000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
05V025000
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.
Risk: IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
02V120000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.
Risk: WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
99V069000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200503711,448 units in Canada
Other
On certain 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. If the driver does not shift to PARK before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur. Correction: Dealers will perform the required inspection and necessary repairs.
Recall 2002096188,463 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started. Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Recall 199910110,190 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the front suspension lower ball joints may prematurely wear out due to improper finishing of the surface of the spherical portion of the ball joints between the front lower arm and knuckle. Although a loosening ball joint will emit some noise, in the worst case the ball joint may separate without prior warning. A separated ball joint can result in an apparent sudden loss of power, reduced steering control and a possible crash. Correction: The front suspension lower ball joints will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 167,263 milesDouglasville, GACrash1 killed
AIR BAGS
ON THE MORNING OF OCTOBER 27, 2012, THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. PER THE DETECTIVE THAT SPOKE WITH MY HUSBAND, THE AIRBAG BROKE OUR SON'S NECK AND THEY BELIEVE DEATH WAS INSTANT. (I HOPE SO). THIS WAS A USED VEHICLE THAT APPARENTLY HAD SEVERAL OWNERS. THE LAST OWNER PRIOR TO OUR SON WAS [XXX]. IT WAS PURCHASED FROM HIM THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING 2009. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 2/13/13
NHTSA complaint #10496206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,320 milesArlington, TXCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10223692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesMonroe, LACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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 -
NHTSA complaint #10156971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, OH1 injured
SUSPENSION:REAR
LOUD SQUEAK COMING FROM BACK OF CAR POSSIBLY UNDER TRUNK OR RIGHT WHEEL WELL INCREASES WITH COLD WEATHER. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10014371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holyoke, MACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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 HOLYOKE DID. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #891928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holyoke, MACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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 HOLYOKE DID. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #891928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
San Diego, CA
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11528431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11528431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLittle Rock, AR
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING OR AT STOP LIGHT, CAR STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. MUST HAVE A JUMP TO RESTART AND CAN ONLY DRIVE 5-10 MILES BEFORE CAR STALLS SAYING BATTERY NOT CHARGING. BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR BOTH TEST AS GOOD. CAR MAY START AND RUN NORMALLY FOR SEVERAL DAYS THEN PROBLEM REAPPEARS.
NHTSA complaint #11217414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLittle Rock, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING OR AT STOP LIGHT, CAR STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. MUST HAVE A JUMP TO RESTART AND CAN ONLY DRIVE 5-10 MILES BEFORE CAR STALLS SAYING BATTERY NOT CHARGING. BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR BOTH TEST AS GOOD. CAR MAY START AND RUN NORMALLY FOR SEVERAL DAYS THEN PROBLEM REAPPEARS.
NHTSA complaint #11217414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLittle Rock, AR
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING OR AT STOP LIGHT, CAR STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. MUST HAVE A JUMP TO RESTART AND CAN ONLY DRIVE 5-10 MILES BEFORE CAR STALLS SAYING BATTERY NOT CHARGING. BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR BOTH TEST AS GOOD. CAR MAY START AND RUN NORMALLY FOR SEVERAL DAYS THEN PROBLEM REAPPEARS.
NHTSA complaint #11217414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesCovina, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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, (626) 251-2995) 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 APPROXIMATELY 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11193829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yakima, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION DRIVING ON THE FREE WAY THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF DUE TO IGNITION SWITCH OR TUMBLER ANY KEY MOVEMENT WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO SHUT OFF MAKING THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP VARY DANGEROUS TO TRAVEL WITH CHILDREN.
NHTSA complaint #11155415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yakima, WA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION DRIVING ON THE FREE WAY THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF DUE TO IGNITION SWITCH OR TUMBLER ANY KEY MOVEMENT WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO SHUT OFF MAKING THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP VARY DANGEROUS TO TRAVEL WITH CHILDREN.
NHTSA complaint #11155415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesCullman, AL
POWER TRAIN
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 PARK WITH THE E-BRAKE NOT PULLED. MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING ALL THE FAULTS STATED IN NUMEROUS REPORTS ON THIS WEBSITE AND IN HONDAS OWN RECALLS. I HAVE DONE EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND HUNDREDS OFF PEOPLE SUFFER FROM THESE SAME PROBLEMS THAT HONDA WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE IS FAULTY/DEFECTIVE/HAS POOR WORKMANSHIP ON THE 1997-1998 MODELS. THERE OWN NEGLIGENCE HAS ALLOWED MANY AFFECTED YEAR MODEL PARTS TO BE INSTALLED, THEY ARE REFUSING TO HONOR STATED WARRANTY PRINTED IN ALL OWNERS MANUALS. A INVESTIGATION FOR THESE MODEL YEARS ARE NEEDED AS IT IS COSTING PEOPLE THOUSANDS OF OUT OF POCKET DOLLARS TO THIS VERY DAY INCLUDING MYSELF ALONG LOST WAGES. VEHICLE BREAK DOWNS NOT ALLOWING TO MAKE IT TO WORK. I ALSO EXPECT TO BE REIMBURSED FOR ALL COSTS OUT OF POCKET FROM SAID FAULTS WHICH I BET HONDA SHALL NOT EVEN THOUGH ITS STATED THEY WILL IN THERE WARRANTY AND OWNERS MANUALS FOR 1997-1998 HONDA PRELUDE. I HAVE INCLUDED ATTACHMENTS OF MULTIPLE CASES FURTHER REITERATING THIS IS INDEED A DEFECT AND OR POOR WORKMANSHIP OF THESE VEHICLES AND SAID PARTS. AS A NOTE MY 1998 HONDA PRELUDE HAS LESS THAN 190,000 MILES ON ALL THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT THAT IS FAILING SO MILEAGE CAN BE TAKEN OUT OF THE EQUATION AS MOST VEHICLES NEVER EXPERIENCE THIS AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS AND MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THIS MAGNITUDE IN THAT WINDOW. I'M CALLING IN THE LEMON LAW IF APPLICABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11056532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesCullman, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 PARK WITH THE E-BRAKE NOT PULLED. MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING ALL THE FAULTS STATED IN NUMEROUS REPORTS ON THIS WEBSITE AND IN HONDAS OWN RECALLS. I HAVE DONE EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND HUNDREDS OFF PEOPLE SUFFER FROM THESE SAME PROBLEMS THAT HONDA WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE IS FAULTY/DEFECTIVE/HAS POOR WORKMANSHIP ON THE 1997-1998 MODELS. THERE OWN NEGLIGENCE HAS ALLOWED MANY AFFECTED YEAR MODEL PARTS TO BE INSTALLED, THEY ARE REFUSING TO HONOR STATED WARRANTY PRINTED IN ALL OWNERS MANUALS. A INVESTIGATION FOR THESE MODEL YEARS ARE NEEDED AS IT IS COSTING PEOPLE THOUSANDS OF OUT OF POCKET DOLLARS TO THIS VERY DAY INCLUDING MYSELF ALONG LOST WAGES. VEHICLE BREAK DOWNS NOT ALLOWING TO MAKE IT TO WORK. I ALSO EXPECT TO BE REIMBURSED FOR ALL COSTS OUT OF POCKET FROM SAID FAULTS WHICH I BET HONDA SHALL NOT EVEN THOUGH ITS STATED THEY WILL IN THERE WARRANTY AND OWNERS MANUALS FOR 1997-1998 HONDA PRELUDE. I HAVE INCLUDED ATTACHMENTS OF MULTIPLE CASES FURTHER REITERATING THIS IS INDEED A DEFECT AND OR POOR WORKMANSHIP OF THESE VEHICLES AND SAID PARTS. AS A NOTE MY 1998 HONDA PRELUDE HAS LESS THAN 190,000 MILES ON ALL THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT THAT IS FAILING SO MILEAGE CAN BE TAKEN OUT OF THE EQUATION AS MOST VEHICLES NEVER EXPERIENCE THIS AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS AND MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THIS MAGNITUDE IN THAT WINDOW. I'M CALLING IN THE LEMON LAW IF APPLICABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11056532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesVancouver, WA
STEERING
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 MY YEAR MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE HOWEVER I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THAT MY VEHICLE AMONG MANY OTHERS WERE EXCLUDED FROM THESE RECALLS (RECALL #'S 99V069000, 02V12000). MOST OF THESE ISSUES WOULD NOT EVEN PRESENT THEMSELVES UNTIL THE CAR REACHED A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF WEAR AND TEAR AND THE FACT THAT SOME VEHICLES WERE EXCLUDED WHEN THEY PRESENT THE SAME ISSUES IS DEPLORABLE AND HAS PUT MANY LIVES AT RISK AS THESE ARE BOTH CONSIDERED LIFE THREATENING ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #11005225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesVancouver, WA
SUSPENSION
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 MY YEAR MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE HOWEVER I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THAT MY VEHICLE AMONG MANY OTHERS WERE EXCLUDED FROM THESE RECALLS (RECALL #'S 99V069000, 02V12000). MOST OF THESE ISSUES WOULD NOT EVEN PRESENT THEMSELVES UNTIL THE CAR REACHED A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF WEAR AND TEAR AND THE FACT THAT SOME VEHICLES WERE EXCLUDED WHEN THEY PRESENT THE SAME ISSUES IS DEPLORABLE AND HAS PUT MANY LIVES AT RISK AS THESE ARE BOTH CONSIDERED LIFE THREATENING ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #11005225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesVancouver, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 MY YEAR MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE HOWEVER I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THAT MY VEHICLE AMONG MANY OTHERS WERE EXCLUDED FROM THESE RECALLS (RECALL #'S 99V069000, 02V12000). MOST OF THESE ISSUES WOULD NOT EVEN PRESENT THEMSELVES UNTIL THE CAR REACHED A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF WEAR AND TEAR AND THE FACT THAT SOME VEHICLES WERE EXCLUDED WHEN THEY PRESENT THE SAME ISSUES IS DEPLORABLE AND HAS PUT MANY LIVES AT RISK AS THESE ARE BOTH CONSIDERED LIFE THREATENING ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #11005225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,263 milesDouglasville, GACrash1 killed
AIR BAGS
ON THE MORNING OF OCTOBER 27, 2012, THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. PER THE DETECTIVE THAT SPOKE WITH MY HUSBAND, THE AIRBAG BROKE OUR SON'S NECK AND THEY BELIEVE DEATH WAS INSTANT. (I HOPE SO). THIS WAS A USED VEHICLE THAT APPARENTLY HAD SEVERAL OWNERS. THE LAST OWNER PRIOR TO OUR SON WAS [XXX]. IT WAS PURCHASED FROM HIM THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING 2009. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 2/13/13
NHTSA complaint #10496206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesDoraville, GA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ON MY THIRD TRANSMISSION FOR THIS CAR, I HAVE BECOME SCARED TO DRIVE IT. WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS MY TRANSMISSION WILL RANDOMLY CHOOSE WHEN TO ENGAGE IN THE CORRECT GEAR. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY CLOSE ACCIDENTS IN THIS CAR AND I AM NO LONGER ABLE TO MAKE LEFT TURNS. THIS HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY AT TIMES AND I AM UNABLE TO PULL OVER AT A SAFE SPEED BECAUSE THIS MODELS TRANSMISSION IS FAULTY. THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND I FEEL CHEATED AND UN-SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10383264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesRedwood City, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10356550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10319377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrence, KS
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
THE AUTOMATIC WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP, IT IS STUCK INSIDE THE DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10284261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesMorton, IL
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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 DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.
NHTSA complaint #10283166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesMorton, IL
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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 DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.
NHTSA complaint #10283166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,125 milesNorth Bend, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10264247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesQuincy, IL
SUSPENSION:FRONT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA PRELUDE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE LOWER BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, HE DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V069000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. HE WANTS HONDA TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO THE RECALL DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10263949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I OWN A 1998 HONDA PRELUDE. THE HEADLIGHT LENSES HAVE BECOME FOGGED AND CLOUDY AND CANNOT BE CLEANED. THE POOR ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY PROVIDED BY THESE FOGGED AND CLOUDY HEADLIGHTS IS A CLEAR VIOLATION OF STANDARD 108. THE FOGGINESS AND CLOUDINESS OF THE HEADLIGHT LENSES IS A CONDITION RESULTANT FROM SUBSTANDARD FACTORY INSTALLED EQUIPMENT. THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE CONFIRMS THAT CAR OWNERS, NATIONALLY, HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT SIMILAR CONDITIONS FOR MANY YEARS. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR FACTORY INSTALLATION OF SUBSTANDARD SAFETY EQUIPMENT. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO TAKE ANY STEPS TO REPLACE THIS SUBSTANDARD HEADLIGHT LENSES UNLESS I PAY FOR THE COST OF THEIR REPLACEMENT, WHICH THEY QUOTE TO ME AS $300.00 PER LENS. SINCE THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT, I BELIEVE THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10260925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CA
VISIBILITY
I OWN A 1998 HONDA PRELUDE. THE HEADLIGHT LENSES HAVE BECOME FOGGED AND CLOUDY AND CANNOT BE CLEANED. THE POOR ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY PROVIDED BY THESE FOGGED AND CLOUDY HEADLIGHTS IS A CLEAR VIOLATION OF STANDARD 108. THE FOGGINESS AND CLOUDINESS OF THE HEADLIGHT LENSES IS A CONDITION RESULTANT FROM SUBSTANDARD FACTORY INSTALLED EQUIPMENT. THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE CONFIRMS THAT CAR OWNERS, NATIONALLY, HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT SIMILAR CONDITIONS FOR MANY YEARS. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR FACTORY INSTALLATION OF SUBSTANDARD SAFETY EQUIPMENT. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO TAKE ANY STEPS TO REPLACE THIS SUBSTANDARD HEADLIGHT LENSES UNLESS I PAY FOR THE COST OF THEIR REPLACEMENT, WHICH THEY QUOTE TO ME AS $300.00 PER LENS. SINCE THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT, I BELIEVE THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10260925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesHuntsville, OH
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO STOP WORKING IN D(DRIVE) MODE. I HAD TO USE THE MANUAL/ AUTOSTICK TO GET THE CAR TO DRIVE. THERE WAS NO IMPROVEMENT IN THE SHIFTING. I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE A 5 SPEED SWAP DONE AT A PERFORMANCE SHOP. THIS IS MY 3RD HONDA THAT HAS HAD TRANSMISSION FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10258703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.