MYRModel Year Report

1988 Honda Prelude

○ Not enough data
1988 Honda Prelude
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:01:34.860Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Honda Prelude Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 12 complaints 1987: 14 complaints 1988: 35 complaints 1988 1989: 21 complaints 1989 1990: 4 complaints 1991: 15 complaints 1992: 22 complaints 1993: 11 complaints 1993 1994: 9 complaints 1995: 6 complaints 1996: 4 complaints 1997: 66 complaints 1997 1998: 69 complaints 1999: 31 complaints 2000: 13 complaints 2001: 21 complaints 2001 2002: 0 complaints 2003: 0 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006
1988: 35 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

STEERING 26%

26% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070409

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070105

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 20%

20% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 7 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

FUEL FILLER PIPE RUSTED . AS A RESULT, WHEN DRIVING THE PIPE LEAKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20040823

SEAT BELTS 14%

14% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960125

STEERING 6%

6% of complaints: steering — 2 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19870812 — vehicle speed control

A SMALL AMOUNT OF COOLANT SEEPAGE MAY OCCUR, AND EVENTUALLY RESIDUE MAY ACCUMULATE ON THE THROTTLE VALVE.

Remedy: REPLACE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY.

Campaign 87V122000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19871119 — equipment

OWNERS MANUAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, SECTIONS 6A AND 6B WAS OMITTED FROM THE MANUAL.

Remedy: UPGRADE EXISTING MANUALS BY INSERTING ADHESIVE BACKED CORRECTION PAGES.

Campaign 87V171000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19880407 — steering

VIBRATION AND HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES COULD CAUSE POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE AT THE CONNECTOR CLAMP SEAL TO DEVELOP A FLUID LEAK.

Remedy: INSTALL AN IMPROVED POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE ASSEMBLY.

Campaign 88V059000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19890614 — seats

THE REAR INBOARD SEAT ANCHORAGE BRACKET FOR THE FRONT SEATS MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE FORCE REQUIRED BY FMVSS 207.

Remedy: INSTALL A REINFORCING PLATE TO REAR INBOARD SEAT ANCHORAGE BRACKET FOR EACH FRONT SEAT.

Campaign 89V093000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19890615 — vehicle speed control

THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPER MAY BE BENT WHEN EXCESSIVE DOWNWARD FORCE IS APPLIED AFTER PEDAL HAS CONTACTED THE STOPPER.

Remedy: INSTALL A SUPPORT TO PREVENT STOPPER FROM BENDING.

Campaign 89V097000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19950519 — seat belts

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

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 PRO

Campaign 95V103001 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Honda Prelude — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 87V122000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 87V171000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 88V059000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 89V093000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 89V097000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 95V103001 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 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 1988 Honda Prelude?

The most-reported component is steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Honda Prelude have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.