1987 Honda Prelude
Only 14 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 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 14 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 12 |
| 1987 | 14 |
| 1988 | 35 |
| 1989 | 21 |
| 1990 | 4 |
| 1991 | 15 |
| 1992 | 22 |
| 1993 | 11 |
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 6 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 1997 | 66 |
| 1998 | 69 |
| 1999 | 31 |
| 2000 | 13 |
| 2001 | 21 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 0 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel system, gasoline
5 of 14 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel injection system and filler pipe and cap.
Show complaint excerpts
Smells like gas fumes.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-03-02
From day one- idle fluctuation with tons of documentation and denial to problem by dealer & representative-first day car was purchased there was a code 12. All 4 fuel injectors replaced & EGR tubes cleaned.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-06-05
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Seat belts
3 of 14 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.
Tires
2 of 14 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
I recently purchased a used car in January of 2010.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-06-28
Exterior lighting
2 of 14 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing high/low beam dimmer switch and hazard flashing warning lights.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 14 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1988-11-16Engineering analysisClosed 1989-11-30 Fuel system venting
-
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.
-
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
1987 Honda Prelude — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 92V028001 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 95V103001 · Seat belts
FAQ
- Is the 1987 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 1987 Honda Prelude?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 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.