1997 Honda Prelude
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Honda › Prelude › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Honda Prelude. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1997 Honda Prelude. Newest first.
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 requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
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.
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 side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
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.
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 shifting the transmission to park.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the driver does not shift to park before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.
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. owners may contact honda at 1-800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.
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 vehicle IS started.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 remedy within a reasonable time should contact honda at 1-800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.
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 suspension to collapse.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. also steering controllability would be reduced.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
Owner complaints
66 complaints3 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
I bought this car used and have had good luck with honda's in the past but about 300 miles of me owning this vehicle I was entering a freeway when all of a sudden I lost all power with cars going highway speed behind me I had to pull off to the shoulder luckily there was one there the first time…
I bought this car used and have had good luck with honda's in the past but about 300 miles of me owning this vehicle I was entering a freeway when all of a sudden I lost all power with cars going highway speed behind me I had to pull off to the shoulder luckily there was one there the first time it gave out but later on that drive going home I was driving over a bridge with traffic when it did it again I was so scared because I'm stuck in a line of traffic on a bridge and the car wants to roll back and it didn't want to turn on until it cooled down which was 30 minutes of ugly looks of cars driving by me when I finally got home I had never felt so relieved so that's when I told my father about it we looked at it drive it and he hoped it was just a bad ignition coil so we changed that but after doing some research online I saw that this was a very common problem with cars transmission so I dig a little bit more and found out that honda knew about this problem but only IS honoring the 2000 year models and up under warranty which IS really unfair because one they knew there automatic transmissions were weak and it could of cost me my life twice! So I'm taking the time to stand up for all of us because no one deserves to be hurt or fatally wounded by a poorly made transmission
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Its the automatic transmission it only has 136000 miles on it and I need a new one that's really low miles for a 97 never had a problem like this ever with any of my cars. I heard its with all the hondas. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1997 honda prelude. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 02v120000 (electrical system) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 186,000. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Well basically I bought my 97automatic prelude, and not more than a month later of having the car the transmission started to malfunction. Basically it would sound like a screw driver was being forced into the gears or something. On top of that it was revving ridiculously high and not moving…
Well basically I bought my 97automatic prelude, and not more than a month later of having the car the transmission started to malfunction. Basically it would sound like a screw driver was being forced into the gears or something. On top of that it was revving ridiculously high and not moving anywhere. My fourth gear was gone they check engine light IS on. Not to mention when the problem was addressed to the dealer they said bring it in and they will erase the code "good as new" to be exact. but honestly as a consumer a loyal one, I feel like I should be compensated by having my transmission replaced or fully rebuilt. cause everyone knows as well as honda mechanics who have filled me in with the SS transmission problems being the cause of bad bearings and bad internals and bad torque converters. Seeing as me being the consumer and being constantly put in a situation been am I gonna break down on the freeway on the way to work or yet even worse at night past midnight when I'm off. Now let me remind u it's still a lease and there are some facts I know ad researched on like "the magnuson-moss warranty act (15 u.s.c. 2302)" which states: this federal law regulates warranties for the protection of consumers. The essence of the law concerning aftermarket auto parts IS that a vehicle manufacturer may not condition a written or implied warranty on the consumers using parts or services which are identified by brand, trade, or corporate name (such as the vehicle maker's brand) unless the parts or service are provided free of charge. The law means that the use of an aftermarket part alone IS not cause for denying the warranty. However, the law's protection does not extend to aftermarket parts in situations where such parts actually caused the damage being claimed under the warranty. Further, consumers are advised to be aware of any specific terms or conditions stated in the warranty which may result in its being voided. The law states in relevant part: ??no warrantor of. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 1997 honda prelude. While driving approximately 20 mph in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. She stated she turned the vehicle off and when restarting, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The contact stated the failure had occurred at least six times, intermittently. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 honda prelude. While driving approximately 20 mph in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. She stated she turned the vehicle off and when restarting, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The contact stated the failure had occurred at least six times, intermittently. The manufacturer advised the contact to have the dealer diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign ID number: 02v120000 (electrical system: ignition: switch). The contact did not feel safe driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 146,565 and the current mileage was 146,765.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My 1997 honda prelude automatic transmission died out. when I looked on the forums, honda IS very well aware of the failure by design of their honda preludes. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I've driving my prelude for 4 years. Very soon after I got it I noticd the shifting was jerky. Soon after it became jumpy and now when I drivie my car from cold its bolting into gear with a tremendous jerk. I feel its on its way out.
- Electrical system
April 2007 I had the shift interlock update as well as the ignition switch recall done at my local dealer. the shift interlock update included a whole new lock assembly including new tumblers and a new key because I was able to remove my old key while not in park. july 2009 I started having…
April 2007 I had the shift interlock update as well as the ignition switch recall done at my local dealer. the shift interlock update included a whole new lock assembly including new tumblers and a new key because I was able to remove my old key while not in park. july 2009 I started having problems turning the key in the ignition using many different keys. so I took it to the dealer. they informed me that the problem was that the tumblers were damaged and that the whole lock assembly would need to be replaced again. I was having no problems with the lock prior to the recall work. the new lock installed during the recall lasted just over 2 years and honda would not warranty the work because it had been over 12 months 12000 miles. I asked them to explain to me why my original lock lasted 10 years and was having no issues when recalled, and the replacement only 2 years. they said that they couldn't explain it but the charge to replace was $887. I had no choice but to replace in order to be able to drive my car. it IS my belief that the new lock assembly installed because of the recall was defective, and it was extremely expensive for me to replace. *Tr
- Power train
My transmission on my 97 honda prelude went out on me it started to slip every day. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission in my 1997 honda prelude automatic SS crapped out on me after kicking and slipping for a few months so I had it rebuilt...and now a few months later it's already slipping and kicking again. It cost 1500 to have it rebuilt the first time, honda already addressed the 00-01 prelude…
The transmission in my 1997 honda prelude automatic SS crapped out on me after kicking and slipping for a few months so I had it rebuilt...and now a few months later it's already slipping and kicking again. It cost 1500 to have it rebuilt the first time, honda already addressed the 00-01 prelude auto transmissions in a recall, why haven't the addressed the issues in the prior years? It's the same car as the 00-01, no changes were made to the body, engine, transmission, and yet they refuse to address this widespread issue among prelude owners. I for one am tired of it, honda owes it to their loyal consumers that they confront this issue head on. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I have a 1997 prelude that has had 1 transmission failure in nov. Of 2005 & it was rebuilt. It current IS failing the same way the first transmission failed. It IS making noise & starting to slip when it IS cold. $1700 to fix the 1ST transmission by a trans shop. I am joining a class action law suit if it IS not taken care of from honda. This car only has 65,000 miles on it! *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My 1997 honda prelude sports shift auto transmission failed and now it needs to be towed. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I recently bought my honda prelude back in november 18, 2007 from a used dealership. The car came with 167K miles and now I'm at 169K. The main reason why I am filing a complaint, IS the automatic transmission IS going out. I take my car to work, school, drive my mom to work, and even my younger…
I recently bought my honda prelude back in november 18, 2007 from a used dealership. The car came with 167K miles and now I'm at 169K. The main reason why I am filing a complaint, IS the automatic transmission IS going out. I take my car to work, school, drive my mom to work, and even my younger brother to school. This IS the only car we have. The transmission slips and jerks at low rpms from 1K-3K in 1st-2nd gear. I've done research on 97-01 honda preludes and the automatic transmission has the most fails. If my automatic transmission goes out I wouldn't have the funds to replace it while I'm still paying for insurance and monthly payments. I believe that honda should replace the transmission without cost even with cars without the extended warranty. Also I hear that the 99-01 automatic transmissions were stronger than the 97-98 years and were also given an extended warranty for the 99-01 years with under 100K miles. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
The car stalled without warning on highway due to ignition switch. the ignition switched was replaced in oct 2003 as part of a recall yet failed less than 3 years later. "make : honda model : prelude year : 1997 manufacturer : american honda motor co. nhtsa campaign ID number : 02v120000 recall date : may 13, 2002 component: electrical system:ignition:switch" *nm
- Exterior lighting › Headlights · Parking brake › Indicator light · Power train › Automatic transmission
The automatic transmissions in 1997 honda preludes are weak and fail easy. the reason IS cheap parts and metals in the transmissions themselves. the 97 preludes were recalled in turkey, and replaced with a new M6HA unit. mine IS constantly slipping and tearing up. I'm looking at a constant…
The automatic transmissions in 1997 honda preludes are weak and fail easy. the reason IS cheap parts and metals in the transmissions themselves. the 97 preludes were recalled in turkey, and replaced with a new M6HA unit. mine IS constantly slipping and tearing up. I'm looking at a constant problem that costs a lot of money. I bought this car for its quality and prestige in the honda world, but due to the lack of quality and workmanship in the automatic transmissions, my opinion of preludes has drastically dropped. I would not care if I had an automatic or a manual, I just want a car that works like the honda company lacked to make it. thank you. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Consumer has had recurring problems with oil leaking each time they have repaired different parts on the vehicle and it still persist. *ts the vehicle was taken to a dealer four times from may 2003- october 2003 for oil leakage. they changed the oil and filter and on the last date claimed that…
Consumer has had recurring problems with oil leaking each time they have repaired different parts on the vehicle and it still persist. *ts the vehicle was taken to a dealer four times from may 2003- october 2003 for oil leakage. they changed the oil and filter and on the last date claimed that the seals were probably leaking. after each occasion the consumer was assured that the problem was resolved. on december 20, 2004 the consumer heard a loud cracking sound while driving. she pulled into a service station who popped the hood and noticed oil leaking. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to lack of oil. the manufacturer refused to accept any responsibility because the vehicle IS no longer under warranty. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Dt: the consumer had recall 05v018000 repair work completed on friday. The recall involved the ignition switch.. On sunday she noticed that the air conditioner did not work. She took the vehicle back to the dealer, and was told the blower was out on the air conditioner. The total cost of repair…
Dt: the consumer had recall 05v018000 repair work completed on friday. The recall involved the ignition switch.. On sunday she noticed that the air conditioner did not work. She took the vehicle back to the dealer, and was told the blower was out on the air conditioner. The total cost of repair would be $489.00. The consumer felt this problem was related to the recall repair work that had been completed on friday. She was at the dealership from 8AM to 12:15 pm before the dealer finished inspecting the vehicle. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1997 honda prelude with only 67,000 miles. started to make a minor buzzing noise when in park or neutral. took it to my independent honda mechanic who told me that I had a bearing going in the transmission. it would require a rebuild of the transmission. cost $3,900. he suggested that I sell…
1997 honda prelude with only 67,000 miles. started to make a minor buzzing noise when in park or neutral. took it to my independent honda mechanic who told me that I had a bearing going in the transmission. it would require a rebuild of the transmission. cost $3,900. he suggested that I sell the car quickly as it wasn't worth the cost of repairs. that's what I did. sold it to a honda dealership. honda needs to recognize the problem with these transmissions. no more hondas for me.
- Engine and engine cooling
After the vehicle was serviced for a honda recall 11108, recall repairs failed, it was leaking oil. dealership indicated to the consumer, sorry warranty expired. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1997 honda prelude transmission failure. Honda refuses to assist consumers with faulty transmission problems inherent in the vehicles. Trans will slip out of gear, or not engage when entering freeway, causing a dangerous and life threatening condition. When someone gets killed because of these transmissions, american honda will then be forced to recall these horrible cars.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
97 honda prelude
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission slips when shifting gears. when shifting from 1ST to 2ND, the car will rev up like it's in neutral then suddenly jerk into 2ND. the same thing happens for 2ND, 3RD, and 4TH gears. on several occasions, when I came to a complete stop the car would shudder violently then the…
The transmission slips when shifting gears. when shifting from 1ST to 2ND, the car will rev up like it's in neutral then suddenly jerk into 2ND. the same thing happens for 2ND, 3RD, and 4TH gears. on several occasions, when I came to a complete stop the car would shudder violently then the engine would cut out. this happen several times while I was trying to cross an intersection, and the car could not be stopped while in drive because the engine kept cutting out. I had to stay in neutral then shift to drive real quick and hope the engine didn't stall in order to cross the road. this has proven to be very dangerous, and potentially life threatening. the honda dealership says it's $3600 for a new transmission, and I don't have a guarantee that the new won't fail either. honda should pay to fix this obvious defect. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failed prematurely... car slows down significantly during gear shift in the automatic transmission. this causes the drivers following the vehicle to brake unexpectedly. *la
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My 1997 prelude SS had a transmission issue and it decided to go on me, in the middle of the road, while traffic was behind me. so, I decided to contact honda and make them see the issue, instead I received a no answer, which was a pretty lame excuse to not replace a transmission failure in all…
My 1997 prelude SS had a transmission issue and it decided to go on me, in the middle of the road, while traffic was behind me. so, I decided to contact honda and make them see the issue, instead I received a no answer, which was a pretty lame excuse to not replace a transmission failure in all 97-99 honda prelude cars, so, the service manager decided to retry the honda USA number, and they got me through and replaced the transmission under a non-transmission warranty. so, my point IS that honda must comply with a transmission warranty on all these cars, and not just the newer models, because it IS unfair to have a transmission which will eventually fail, again and again and again. so, with all this said, I want to make sure something will be done regarding this issue. thanks. *la
- Power train › Clutch assembly · Power train › Manual transmission
1997 honda prelude the clutch spring retainer broke rendering the clutch inoperable placing stress on the transmission and damaging the internals from the spring being loose in the system
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Ignition-park interlock
The above failure report counts are for model year (my) 1999 - 2001 honda accord models that were not within the scope of a related honda recall action (nhtsa 03v423); these vehicles were investigated by odi under defect petition (dp) 04-006.complaint information for other models and model years was not obtained by…
The above failure report counts are for model year (my) 1999 - 2001 honda accord models that were not within the scope of a related honda recall action (nhtsa 03v423); these vehicles were investigated by odi under defect petition (dp) 04-006.complaint information for other models and model years was not obtained by odi.the noted population indicates the number of vehicles (including the my 2002 accord plus the prelude and TL models) that are within the scope of honda?s new recall (nhtsa 05v-025, honda P68, P69); 402,525 of these were investigated in dp04-006.seepart 573 documents related to 05v-025 for further detail on other models and mys.odi notes that, according to honda?s analysis, interlock system warranty rates for the TL and prelude models involved in 05v-025 are similar to those of the accord models.information provided by honda during dp04-006 indicates that certain vehicles containing interlock systems made by its japanese lock manufacturing facility may contain defective internal components.in combination with certain wear and usage factors, this may lead to a condition that prevents the system from blocking removal of the ignition key when the vehicle IS not in park.if the driver leaves the transmission in a non-park position and fails to set the hand brake when parking, the vehicle may roll away and crash.interlock systems manufactured by honda?s u.s. Lock manufacturer do not appear to contain this defect and are therefore not included in the recall action. In a letter dated january 27, 2005, honda advised that it will conduct a safety recall to either upgrade (for operative systems) or repair (for inoperative systems) subject interlock systems with new design level components that do not contain the defect.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10165333This SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the outer diameter of the ball joint housing being too small. The outer diameter being too small would prevent the part from being installed, and would therefore have no impact on the end user besides time to complete installation.
- 10014220Honda diagnostic system locked, needs immobilizer release password.
- 10014050Dtc (diagnostic trouble code) p1279, pgm tester software error.
- 10013967Type 1 immobi brake codes available on the interactive network (honda).
- 10009278Heater blower motor gets hot or blows a fuse. Honda. Servicenews.
- 10009018Srs indicator on after body shop repair. Check for srs diagnostic trouble codes. Honda servicenews. April 2004.
- 10005934Reconnecting accessories after ignition switch recall. Honda october tech line information.
- 10005933Keyless, ceiling light, ignition key beeper logic. Honda october tech line information. 2002 prelude also included.
- 10005930Air conditioning (a/c) compressor control logic. Honda october tech line information. 2002 prelude also included.
- 10005929Clearing anti-lock brake system (ABS) diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs). Honda october tech line information.
- 10005927Grunt noise when accelerating after sitting. Honda october tech line information. 2002 prelude also included.
- 10005881Keyless entry, ceiling light, ignition key beeper logic. Honda servicenews.
- 10005876Air conditioning (a/c) compressor out? Check blower motor operation. Honda servicenews.
- 10005871Anti-lock brake system (ABS) grunts when doing a self-check.
- 10004956Heater blower motor overheats or blows fuse. Various models including the 2004 insight and s2000.
- 10004798Brake system indicator comes on and goes off.
- 10002701Vehicle's emission type.
- 10002699Grade logic control information.
- 10002575Straining the automatic transmission fluid (atf) to diagnose automatic transmissions.
- 10001832Troubleshooting intermittent anti-lock brake (ABS) or traction control system (tcs) diagnostic trouble codes.
- 10001811Srs indicator on with no srs diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) set.
- 10001790Check (atf) automatic transmission fluid condition to diagnose (a/t) automatic transmissions.
- 6092380Information on active torque transfer system (atts) indicator on with no diagnostic trouble codes.
- 6092378Tips on immobilizer.
- 636755Subject regarding automatic transmission shift problems - slippage, flare, hard upshift.
- 636738Subject regarding customer complaints that the engine hesitates briefly when accelerating.
- 633590Service information regarding immobilizer system (type 1).
- 631027Customers may complain of a brief hesitation when accelerating at high engine speeds.
- 631000Concerns with front suspension squeaking in cold weather.
- 629541Customers may complain of a twang noise from the front suspension that sounds like a spring contact. *Slc
- 629305Information on power door locks that may lock by themselves or may cycle twice to unlock and then lock themselves.
- 629289Experiencing a squeal noise at front suspension at low temperatures.
- 627498Subject regarding power door locks cycle. *Slc
- 626842Subject regarding power door locks cycle.
- 626805Subject regarding power door locks cycle.
- 625124Subject regarding bulb check logic.
- 624293Subject on regarding: bulb check logic.
- 624054Information regarding: transmission/driveline.
- 624030Subject on regarding: black smoke on hard acceleration.
- 623941Subject on regarding: engine mechanical
Every Honda Prelude model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.