MYRModel Year Report

1999 Honda Prelude

○ Not enough data
1999 Honda Prelude
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:43:51.742Z

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
31
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1999

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

26% 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 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 1998: 69 complaints 1999: 31 complaints 1999 31 2000: 13 complaints 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 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 1999: 31 complaints 1999 31 2000: 13 complaints 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 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 31 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

1999: 31 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.

Power train

26% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle shaft.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 1999 Honda Prelude. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact became aware that the failure was due to the ignition switch.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-12-19

Also filed under Electrical system

1999 Honda Prelude sport shift automatic transmission failure at 46,000 miles and at a speed of 36 MPH as documented by Honda!

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-08

Engine and engine cooling

23% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing belts and associated pulleys and engine.

Show complaint excerpts

Consumer states that while driving at any speed and no warning the vehicle will heavily jerk and then the engine light will come on. Dealer notified.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-26

Electrical system

23% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

Show complaint excerpts

Starting in June 2017, my 1999 Honda Prelude sh has been stalling without warning while I am driving. This happens mostly on hot days. The car can not be re-started for 5-10 minutes afterward. The engine is not overheating.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-07-19

Tires

16% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

As a result of tread separation car lost control and hit the median. Driver was whip lashed and her neck and back hurts.*ak (Tiresize: 205/50R16)( DOT number: tire size: 205/50R16 )

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-10-13

I have 1999 Honda Prelude that came with bridgestone potenza P205/50 VR16 RE92 tires. The left rear tire broke away from the side wall. The car (Tires) has only 33,800 miles on it. All tires show cracks on the side walls.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-11

Equipment

10% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing radio/tape deck/cd etc..

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2002-06-14Electrical system02V120000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2005-01-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-02-02 Ignition-park interlock
  3. R
    2005-03-07Electrical system05V025000 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…

    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.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2006-08-01Exterior lighting06E060000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1999 Honda Prelude — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 02V120000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 05V025000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E060000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1999 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 1999 Honda Prelude?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Honda Prelude have?
4 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.