1989 Honda Prelude

○ Not enough data
1989 Honda Prelude
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:01:47.691Z

Only 21 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 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Honda Prelude Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1989 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 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
1989: 21 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 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STEERING

7 of 21 total reports mention: steering.

SEAT BELTS

6 of 21 total reports mention: seat belts.

Show complaint excerpts

PASSENGER SIDE WITH SEAT BELT HAS DIFFICULT TIME TO UNLATCH BUCKLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950414

SEAT BELT; THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAME LOOSE FROM THE LATCH. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950221

SUSPENSION

2 of 21 total reports mention: suspension.

STEERING

2 of 21 total reports mention: steering.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

SAFETY TIMELINE

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

1989 Honda Prelude — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 95V103001 (seat belts) has been completed.

FAQ

Is the 1989 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 1989 Honda Prelude?

The most-reported component is steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Honda Prelude have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

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