1986 Honda Prelude

○ Not enough data
1986 Honda Prelude
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:45:07.316Z

Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
12

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 7 complaints 1986: 12 complaints 1986 12 1987: 14 complaints 1988: 35 complaints 1989: 21 complaints 1990: 4 complaints 1991: 15 complaints 1991 1992: 22 complaints 1993: 11 complaints 1994: 9 complaints 1994 1995: 6 complaints 1996: 4 complaints 1997: 66 complaints 1997 1998: 69 complaints 1999: 31 complaints 2000: 13 complaints 2000 2001: 21 complaints 2002: 0 complaints 2003: 0 complaints 2003 2004: 0 complaints 2005: 0 complaints 2006: 0 complaints 2006
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1986: 12 complaints 1986 12 1987: 14 complaints 1988: 35 complaints 1988 1989: 21 complaints 1990: 4 complaints 1990 1991: 15 complaints 1992: 22 complaints 1992 1993: 11 complaints 1994: 9 complaints 1994 1995: 6 complaints 1996: 4 complaints 1996 1997: 66 complaints 1998: 69 complaints 1998 1999: 31 complaints 2000: 13 complaints 2000 2001: 21 complaints 2002: 0 complaints 2002 2003: 0 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2005: 0 complaints 2006: 0 complaints 2006
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 12 complaints 1986 12 1987: 14 complaints 1987 1988: 35 complaints 1988 1989: 21 complaints 1989 1990: 4 complaints 1990 1991: 15 complaints 1991 1992: 22 complaints 1992 1993: 11 complaints 1993 1994: 9 complaints 1994 1995: 6 complaints 1995 1996: 4 complaints 1996 1997: 66 complaints 1997 1998: 69 complaints 1998 1999: 31 complaints 1999 2000: 13 complaints 2000 2001: 21 complaints 2001 2002: 0 complaints 2002 2003: 0 complaints 2003 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006

1986: 12 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19812
19831
19845
19857
198612
198714
198835
198921
19904
199115
199222
199311
19949
19956
19964
199766
199869
199931
200013
200121
20020
20030
20040
20050
20060

Known problem areas

Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Fuel system, gasoline

6 of 12 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing filler pipe and cap and tank assembly.

Seat belts

3 of 12 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

The rear drive side retractor is lock up purchase car used. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-28

The metal fastner doesn't engage into seat belt locking mechanism properly. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-22

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 12 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.

Seats

1 of 12 total reports mentions: seats, most commonly citing recliner.

Show complaint excerpts

Reclining mechanism failed on drivers seat. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-17

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1988-11-16Engineering analysisClosed 1989-11-30 Fuel system venting
  2. R
    1993-04-30Fuel system, gasoline92V028001 If the plastic coating of the fuel filler and/or breather pipe is damaged, salt water may accumulate between the plastic coating and the steel pipes, and the accumulation could cause corrosion which…

    Remedy: Repairs will be made to vehicles with corroded filler or breather pipes.

  3. R
    1995-05-19Seat belts95V103001 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…

    Remedy: Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles. Carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. Check that both buckles are operating…

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Honda Prelude — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Fuel system, gasoline: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 92V028001 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 95V103001 · Seat belts

FAQ

Is the 1986 Honda Prelude reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Honda Prelude?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Honda Prelude have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.