1998 Honda Prelude
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Honda › Prelude › 1998
These records cover every 1998 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 1998 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
69 complaints5 involved a crash8 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Power train
This is the first time I had to replace the transmission at 65867 miles on it, Well I was driving down to the street one day and then it's started to Slip In. and out of a gear And the next day I tried to pull out Of. my driveway The transmission is bad and Honda knows this, the second time it is now 186573 miles on the second transmission.
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
While driving or at stop light, car stalls without warning. Must have a jump to restart and can only drive 5-10 miles before car stalls saying battery not charging. Battery and alternator both test as good. car may start and run normally for several days then problem reappears.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1998 honda prelude. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, the interior lighting illuminated; however, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was taken to norm reeves honda superstore west covina (1840 e garvey ave s, west covina, ca 91791, (626) 251-2995) where…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 honda prelude. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, the interior lighting illuminated; however, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was taken to norm reeves honda superstore west covina (1840 e garvey ave s, west covina, ca 91791, (626) 251-2995) where it was diagnosed that there was electrical failure. The vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 02v120000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Unknown or other
While the car IS in motion driving on the free way the car will shut off due to ignition switch or tumbler any key movement will cause the car to shut off making the steering wheel to lock up vary dangerous to travel with children.
- Electrical system · Power train
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. The following includes known defective automatic transmission, known defective ignition module/switch/ignition interlock…
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. The following includes known defective automatic transmission, known defective ignition module/switch/ignition interlock systems. All three have failed completely and or are in the process of failing. My vehicle IS unsafe it cuts off while driving down the road sometimes not restarting. The key will switch to off position and come out while the gear shift lever IS not in park with the e-brake not pulled. My car IS experiencing all the faults stated in numerous reports on this website and in hondas own recalls. I have done extensive research and hundreds off people suffer from these same problems that honda will not acknowledge IS faulty/defective/has poor workmanship on the 1997-1998 models. There own negligence has allowed many affected year model parts to be installed, they are refusing to honor stated warranty printed in all owners manuals. A investigation for these model years are needed as it IS costing people thousands of out of pocket dollars to this very day including myself along lost wages. Vehicle break downs not allowing to make it to work. I also expect to be reimbursed for all costs out of pocket from said faults which I bet honda shall not even though its stated they will in there warranty and owners manuals for 1997-1998 honda prelude. I have included attachments of multiple cases further reiterating this IS indeed a defect and or poor workmanship of these vehicles and said parts. As a note my 1998 honda prelude has less than 190,000 miles on all the original equipment that IS failing so mileage can be taken out of the equation as most vehicles never experience this amount of problems and multiple failures of this magnitude in that window. I'm calling in the lemon law if applicable.
- Electrical system · Steering · Suspension
My 1998 v-tec honda prelude recently hit 157000 miles and shortly after has been experiencing loss of power, stalling, and loss of steering. within 5 weeks I have experienced it stall and instantly restart while going through an intersection, lose all power and steering while turning through an…
My 1998 v-tec honda prelude recently hit 157000 miles and shortly after has been experiencing loss of power, stalling, and loss of steering. within 5 weeks I have experienced it stall and instantly restart while going through an intersection, lose all power and steering while turning through an intersection, and lose power and steering while going 55 mph down the highway. upon doing some research on this website, across the internet and speaking with some mechanics I believe these issues to be in line with two major recalls that were done on my year make and model of vehicle however I have come to find out that my vehicle among many others were excluded from these recalls (recall #'s 99v069000, 02v12000). most of these issues would not even present themselves until the car reached a certain amount of wear and tear and the fact that some vehicles were excluded when they present the same issues IS deplorable and has put many lives at risk as these are both considered life threatening issues.
- Air bags
On the morning of october 27, 2012, there was an accident. the airbags deployed. per the detective that spoke with my husband, the airbag broke our son's neck and they believe death was instant. (i hope so). this was a used vehicle that apparently had several owners. the last owner prior to…
On the morning of october 27, 2012, there was an accident. the airbags deployed. per the detective that spoke with my husband, the airbag broke our son's neck and they believe death was instant. (i hope so). this was a used vehicle that apparently had several owners. the last owner prior to our son was [xxx]. it was purchased from him the day after thanksgiving 2009. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr updated 2/13/13 *cn
- Power train › Automatic transmission
On my third transmission for this car, I have become scared to drive it. When making left turns my transmission will randomly choose when to engage in the correct gear. There have been many close accidents in this car and I am no longer able to make left turns. This happens on the freeway at times…
On my third transmission for this car, I have become scared to drive it. When making left turns my transmission will randomly choose when to engage in the correct gear. There have been many close accidents in this car and I am no longer able to make left turns. This happens on the freeway at times and I am unable to pull over at a safe speed because this models transmission IS faulty. this IS an issue with this model for quite some time and I feel cheated and un-safe in this vehicle. *ln
- Electrical system
1. Driving under normal conditions. 2. Car stalled at stop light (3 times). Was able to restart car without disrupting traffic. Car stalled at freeway speed (1 time). Was able to safely maneuver to shoulder of road. Car restarted. 3. Replaced part after inspection and determined abnormal wear on…
1. Driving under normal conditions. 2. Car stalled at stop light (3 times). Was able to restart car without disrupting traffic. Car stalled at freeway speed (1 time). Was able to safely maneuver to shoulder of road. Car restarted. 3. Replaced part after inspection and determined abnormal wear on switch contacts. Also plastic body of switch melted in one area. Old part IS available. Part number 35130-s30-305 note: this was a part previously replaced under the "prelude ignition switch" recall issued in summer 2002. *Tr
- Electrical system
Ignition switch will not allow car to start on some occasions, sometimes car will suddenly want to stall, only to be stopped by engaging the clutch to prevent it. The stall has occurred twice now. Honda had issues with the ignition switch in the 1997-99 preludes, but only 3/10ths actually experienced problems. *Tr
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The automatic window will not go up, it IS stuck inside the door. *Tr
- Suspension › Front · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Vehicle: 1998 honda prelude sh (98000 miles) -vehicle was inspected by professional mechanic -mechanic found that components: suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joints had estimated 1/4 inch of play (movement) when there should be no movement -nhtsa campaign ID number: 99v069000 IS a…
Vehicle: 1998 honda prelude sh (98000 miles) -vehicle was inspected by professional mechanic -mechanic found that components: suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joints had estimated 1/4 inch of play (movement) when there should be no movement -nhtsa campaign ID number: 99v069000 IS a recall for this component for 1998 honda preludes -honda motor co. States that my vehicle does not apply -the worse case, the ball joint would separate causing the front suspension to collapse. consequence: this condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. Also steering controllability would be reduced. *Tr
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda prelude. while driving various speeds, the motor shuts off without warning two to three times per day. there was a recall on may 17, 2002 and the ignition switch was replaced in october of 2002; however, there were no failures at the time of the recall repair.…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda prelude. while driving various speeds, the motor shuts off without warning two to three times per day. there was a recall on may 17, 2002 and the ignition switch was replaced in october of 2002; however, there were no failures at the time of the recall repair. currently, the vehicle IS shutting off and the dealer stated that they would not repair it under recall again. the nhtsa campaign ID number was unknown. the failure mileage was 50,125.
- Suspension › Front
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda prelude. while driving 25 mph, the lower ball joints on the front passenger side failed. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for repair. through online research, he discovered nhtsa campaign ID number 99v069000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda prelude. while driving 25 mph, the lower ball joints on the front passenger side failed. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for repair. through online research, he discovered nhtsa campaign ID number 99v069000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). the dealer stated that the vin was not included in the recall. he wants honda to repair the vehicle according to the recall due to the safety risk involved. the current and failure mileages were 120,000.
- Exterior lighting · Visibility
I own a 1998 honda prelude. the headlight lenses have become fogged and cloudy and cannot be cleaned. the poor illumination of the roadway provided by these fogged and cloudy headlights IS a clear violation of standard 108. the fogginess and cloudiness of the headlight lenses IS a condition…
I own a 1998 honda prelude. the headlight lenses have become fogged and cloudy and cannot be cleaned. the poor illumination of the roadway provided by these fogged and cloudy headlights IS a clear violation of standard 108. the fogginess and cloudiness of the headlight lenses IS a condition resultant from substandard factory installed equipment. the research I have done confirms that car owners, nationally, have been complaining about similar conditions for many years. I have also contacted the dealership and they refuse to accept responsibility for factory installation of substandard safety equipment. the dealership refuses to take any steps to replace this substandard headlight lenses unless I pay for the cost of their replacement, which they quote to me as $300.00 per lens. since this IS a manufacturers defect, I believe the manufacturer should be responsible for fixing the problem. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission seemed to stop working in d(drive) mode. I had to use the manual/ autostick to get the car to drive. there was no improvement in the shifting. I had to pay to have a 5 speed swap done at a performance shop. This IS my 3RD honda that has had transmission failure. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
I own a honda prelude and recently the combination switch broke and my car simply shut off while I was driving. I was able to pull off the road without injury or further damage to my car. I had the part replaced by my auto mechanic. today I learned that part was recalled and that it IS possible…
I own a honda prelude and recently the combination switch broke and my car simply shut off while I was driving. I was able to pull off the road without injury or further damage to my car. I had the part replaced by my auto mechanic. today I learned that part was recalled and that it IS possible to be reimbursed for the part. I still have the part and the receipt for the repairs. The costs of the repairs came to $240.00 and I also had to rent a vehicle to continue working which costs $ 85.00. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The automatic sport shift transmission IS starting to fail. The transmission IS shifting hard (jolts) throughout all the gears. I was told by a mechanic that I need a new transmission. My car only has 65,000 miles on it and this IS a premature malfunction of the transmission. This car IS…
The automatic sport shift transmission IS starting to fail. The transmission IS shifting hard (jolts) throughout all the gears. I was told by a mechanic that I need a new transmission. My car only has 65,000 miles on it and this IS a premature malfunction of the transmission. This car IS meticulously cared for, regularly maintained, oil changed regularly; transmission oil changed every third oil change to avoid transmission problems. The car IS never raced or redlined. I also don't feel comfortable replacing a transmission that will fail once again as with many prelude owners. The honda prelude costs about $25,000 and thus a $4,000 transmission job IS 20% of the car. Just plain unreasonable!!! This has become a financially burdensome situation. Furthermore, honda has recalled all 1997 preludes in turkey and has replaced the transmissions with updated MH6A units. This IS not an isolated case!!! Please, your help in this matter IS greatly needed. thanks *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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. the contact was dragged by the vehicle, but she was able to let go…
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. the contact was dragged by the vehicle, but she was able to let go and roll on the pavement. the vehicle struck the mailbox and came to a stop when it struck a pole. the vehicle was taken to the dealer on january 30, 2006 for nhtsa campaign ID number 05v025000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). the manufacturer wants the contact's insurance company to investigate the failure and notify their legal department with the results. the contact sustain injuries to her left and right side. a police report was filed. the powertrain and speed were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 115,320.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1998 honda prelude w/ sequential shift automatic. the vehicle has 135,000 miles on it when purchased. after some online research, I found many people reporting transmission failures in this vehicle with this transmission. I even found that honda has recalled the prelude's in turkey for this same…
1998 honda prelude w/ sequential shift automatic. the vehicle has 135,000 miles on it when purchased. after some online research, I found many people reporting transmission failures in this vehicle with this transmission. I even found that honda has recalled the prelude's in turkey for this same issue, but has not in the us. the repairs cost approximately $2,800. why was this recall facilitated on the same vehicle in another country, but not in the us? *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My transmission started slipping on me then it started shifting down to second then back to fourth then back to second. I pulled over and now it seems to be stuck in second gear. when the vehicle cooled down then it was fine for a short while then it started shifting sporadically. it slips in reverse also. *nm
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 35 mph the driver made a sharp turn and the vehicle flipped causing a crash. both frontal air bags did not deploy. the vehicle was totaled and was towed away. the driver sustained injuries even though seat belts were in use. a police report was filed. the dealer has not been alerted. updated 5/23/2006 - *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The automatic sport shift transmission failed in august of 05, and it was replaced with the same transmission, which IS starting to fail again, I do not have the financial support to replace this transmission again if it fails. this car has been very well taken care of and never red-lined, always…
The automatic sport shift transmission failed in august of 05, and it was replaced with the same transmission, which IS starting to fail again, I do not have the financial support to replace this transmission again if it fails. this car has been very well taken care of and never red-lined, always oil changed at 3000 miles, etc. I feel this transmission IS a safety hazard and that honda should replace this transmission with one that IS safe and reliable, not the current one, which I feel IS a danger to all prelude owners. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
It has been known that honda prelude 1997-1999 transmissions are faulty. Mine failed yesterday during a normal trip on a free way. Gears slipped and a strong smell was noticeable inside the car. To avoid any emergency situation I had to park my car on the shoulder immediately and wait for a tow truck. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I have been having more problems with my engine stalling suddenly. the past few times, I was on the highway in busy rush hour traffic. the heater, radio, and other electrical components would continue to work but the tachometer would just drop to zero. twice, I had to put the car in neutral, turn the car back on, and put it back in drive, all while on the highway.
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).
- 10009279Automatic transmission diagnostic trouble code p0740, p0741 repair tips. Another look. Honda servicenews.
- 10009278Heater blower motor gets hot or blows a fuse. Honda. Servicenews.
- 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.
- 10003052Concerns with warped or deformed windshield molding. Update.
- 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.
- 636753Information on testing for interal leaks with diagnostic trouble code p1456 or p1457.
- 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.
- 630994Information on troubleshooting multiple misire diagnostic trouble codes p0301, p0306).
- 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.
- 626688Subject regarding malfunction indicator lamp comes on with diagnostic trouble code p0133.
- 625124Subject regarding bulb check logic.
Every Honda Prelude model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.