MYRModel Year Report

1988 Honda Prelude

○ Not enough data
1988 Honda Prelude
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:46:01.145Z

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
35
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Steering

40% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 12 complaints 1987: 14 complaints 1988: 35 complaints 1988 35 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 1987: 14 complaints 1988: 35 complaints 1988 35 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 1987: 14 complaints 1987 1988: 35 complaints 1988 35 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

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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

40% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing hose, piping, and connections and power steering fluid.

FIRE
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, 2007-04-09

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, 2007-01-05

Fuel system, gasoline

23% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing filler pipe and cap and delivery.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Fuel filler pipe rusted . As a result, when driving the pipe leaked underneath the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-23

Seat belts

23% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Upon impact right front, passenger seat belt tightened resulting in chest contusion. Please describe details. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-06

Engine and engine cooling

9% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine caught on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-01-25

Exterior lighting

6% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing switch.

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1987-08-12Vehicle speed control87V122000 A small amount of coolant seepage may occur, and eventually residue may accumulate on the throttle valve.

    Remedy: Replace throttle body assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1987-11-19Equipment87V171000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1988-04-07Steering88V059000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    1989-06-14Seats89V093000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    1989-06-15Vehicle speed control89V097000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Honda Prelude — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V122000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 87V171000 · Equipment
  • Recall 88V059000 · Steering
  • Recall 89V093000 · Seats
  • Recall 89V097000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 95V103001 · Seat belts
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, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Honda Prelude have?
6 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.