1998 Honda Prelude
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
33% of complaints: power train — 23 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA PRELUDE. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE IN HER DRIVEWAY, REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. WHEN SHE RETURNED TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN TO ROLL OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080408
THE PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID.. THE DEALER REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION NEVER DID THIS. OSHA AND THE EPA INDICATE THAT LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO TRANSMISSION FLUID FUMES ARE HAZAROUS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20001127
12% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
HONDA RECALL HONDA PARTS DEFECTIVE OR POOR WORKMANSHIP. HONDA DEALERSHIP IN JASPER, ALABAMA IS NOT HONORING REPLACEMENT OF KNOWN DEFECTIVE PARTS ON MY 1998 HONDA PRELUDE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171226
MY 1998 V-TEC HONDA PRELUDE RECENTLY HIT 157000 MILES AND SHORTLY AFTER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER, STALLING, AND LOSS OF STEERING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170714
6% of complaints: suspension — 4 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
LOUD SQUEAK COMING FROM BACK OF CAR POSSIBLY UNDER TRUNK OR RIGHT WHEEL WELL INCREASES WITH COLD WEATHER. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030414
4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUS
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.
Campaign 99V069000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHIC
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE
Campaign 02V120000 — check if this car was fixed
IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTERLOCK OPERATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SH
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT CONFIRMS INTERLOCK FUNCTION. VEHICLES WILL BE UPDATED WITH A REDESIGNED INTERLOCK LEVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2005. OWNE
Campaign 05V025000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE RE
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
Campaign 06E060000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Honda Prelude — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V069000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V120000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V025000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E060000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1998 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 1998 Honda Prelude?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Honda Prelude have?
5 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.