1999 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
10% of complaints: tires — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20001013
10% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20030308
10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
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, 20221219
10% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
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, 20170719
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1999 Honda Prelude — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- 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 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 tires:tread/belt, accounting for 10% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Honda Prelude have?
4 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.