Is the 2001 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 2001 Honda Prelude?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Honda Prelude have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2001 Honda Prelude

○ Not enough data

2001 Honda Prelude
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:46:13.578Z

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: 21
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2001: 21 complaints

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

Only 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

11 of 21 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Takata recall any time I put my car in D4 (Automatic) it gets to about 2500 RPM to 3000 RPM in 1ST then I have to message the throttle so it will shift and once it shifts to 2ND it starts shifting very quickly no matter the rpms to 3RD then 4TH.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-09

Spring cages on stock clutch failed, causing clutch to fail to disengage reliably. This prevented shifting out of, and into gear. There was no prior indication of oncoming failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-29

At approximately 70 MPH on the highway, the transmission suddenly downshifted from 4TH (4 speed automatic sequential sport shift) to 2ND. Car lurched suddenly forward with no indication to traffic behind me that I was slowing down.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-20

Service brakes

4 of 21 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Electrical system

4 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

Show complaint excerpts

While driving the car just turns off then wont start for awhile when starts back up shuts off while driving down the road we know there is a recall on the ignition switch and interior lights on this vehicle we have three kids that ride in this car...

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-12

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Structure

1 of 21 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.

Steering

1 of 21 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing linkages.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

I
2005-01-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-02-02 Ignition-park interlock
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 →
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 →
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

2001 Honda Prelude — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 11 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 05V025000 · Electrical system
Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 06E060000 · Exterior lighting

FAQ

Is the 2001 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 2001 Honda Prelude?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Honda Prelude have?: 3 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.