1987 Honda Prelude problems
The Honda Prelude (Japanese: ホンダ・プレリュード, Hepburn: Honda Pureryūdo) is a sports car produced by the Japanese company Honda over five generations from 1978 to 2001. It is a two-door coupé that was loosely derived from the Honda Accord and was the first Honda to feature a moonroof, a feature that remained standard equipment throughout its production. The Prelude was used by Honda to introduce the Japanese Honda retail sales chain Honda Verno, with the international release of the model following shortly after. Production of the Prelude concluded in 2001 upon the introduction of the fourth-generation Integra. The Prelude name was originally trademarked by Toyota, but was amicably given to Honda for use. The Prelude complied with the series of music-themed vehicle names which Honda used at the time, along with the Accord, Quintet, Concerto, Jazz, and Ballade.
First generation (1978)
On 24 November 1978, the Prelude was launched to the Japanese market. It had its world premiere at the 1979 AutoRAI in Amsterdam, two months later. In Japan it was only available at the newly established dealership sales channel Honda Verno. This dealership chain also introduced the Honda Quint, the Honda Ballade, and the Accord-based Honda Vigor as its largest sedan and hatchback. The four-wheel independent struts, brakes, and engine were all borrowed from the first-generation Accord, but the chassis was all new and developed by chief engineer Hiroshi Kizawa expressly for the sporting Prelude. At 4,090 mm (length) x 1,635 mm (width) x 1,290 mm (height), it had quite a low and wide profile. The wheelbase was 2,320 mm, and was 60 mm shorter than that of the original Accord. Honda appears to have followed the successful introduction of the Toyota Celica example by taking a small car, like the Accord, installing a more powerful engine, and giving the body a short trunk, and a long engine hood. The Prelude (and period Accord) were the first cars under two liters to receive standard power steering. The Prelude also benefited from Honda's experience with sporting cars like the Honda S800 and Coupé 1300.
The Prelude was the first Honda model to offer a power moonroof as standard equipment, which eventually became a Prelude trademark. In Japan, the Prelude was available with a sliding metal sunroof, while US versions received a glass top which freed up more headroom. Japanese buyers were liable for slightly more annual road taxes over the smaller Civic, which also had a smaller engine. While marketed as a 2+2, the rear seat was not usable for anyone larger than a small child.
Initial reviews for the Prelude were favorable. "It is," wrote Brock Yates for Motor Trend, "by any sane measurement, a splendid automobile. The machine, like all Hondas, embodies fabrication that is, in my opinion, surpassed only by the narrowest of margins by Mercedes-Benz. It is a relatively powerful little automobile by anybody's standards." Motor Trend measured an early Prelude completing the quarter-mile in 18.8 seconds at 70 mph. In terms of underpinnings it was mostly a Honda Accord, although its more compact package and lower weight allowed for a marginally higher top speed and gas mileage.
The standard engine at the time of introduction was the "EL" SOHC eight-valve 1,602 cc (non-CVCC) inline-four rated at 80 PS (59 kW) at 5,000 rpm and 12.9 kg⋅m (127 N⋅m; 93 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm. It remained the only engine available for most markets, aside from the US and Japan. It featured a non-automatic choke with three positions and a two-barrel carburetor. In September 1978 the larger "EK" SOHC 12-valve 1,751 cc CVCC inline-four was introduced in Japan, rated at 90 PS (66 kW) at 5,300 rpm (SAE gross). Automatics had five less horsepower. It took until March 1979 for the Prelude to appear in the United States, then with 72 hp (54 kW) at 4,500 rpm and 94 lb⋅ft (127 N⋅m) at 3,000 rpm (SAE net) from the larger 1.8 engine. The EK engine made use of an engine oil cooler and transistor-controlled ignition system.
Transmission choices were either the standard five-speed manual or initially a two-speed "Hondamatic" semi-automatic, which by October 1979 had been replaced by a three-speed automatic that used the final gear as the overdrive. In addition to the standard fabrics offered in most models, an 'Executive' option was offered in some markets which added power steering and Connolly leather upholstery. Honda used a single central gauge cluster design in this car which housed the speedometer and tachometer in one combined unit where both instrument's needles swept along the same arc. They also placed the compact AM/FM radio unit up high next to the gauge cluster. The Prelude featured intermittent wipers, tinted glass, and a remote trunk release. 1980 saw the introduction of the CVCC-II engine which employed the use of a catalytic converter and several other refinements that improved driveability, the Prelude also received a mild facelift in 1981. This facelift meant a return to a more traditional dashboard, rather than the much critiqued "Concentrated Target Meter" used before. The 1981 Prelude also received a stainless steel trim strip along the bumpers and side moldings, as well as a new grille. 313,000 units were manufactured by Honda from 1978 to 1982, with 80% being sold outside of Japan.
The Prelude was introduced in Europe during 1979, but was not a strong seller, its high asking price not helping its chances of sales success.
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Common 1987 Honda Prelude problems
The 1987 Honda Prelude is a popular car, but like any vehicle, it can have its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1987 Honda Prelude, based on complaints from owners:
- Manual gearbox problems: The manual gearbox in the 1987 Honda Prelude can experience issues, such as the 5th gear stopping to work. This can occur when cruising along the freeway at high speeds, causing the car to slip out of gear and produce a grinding noise when attempting to shift back into 5th gear. Replacing the affected components is typically necessary.
- Clutch system wear: The clutch system in the 1987 Honda Prelude can wear thin, leading to a loss of power transmission to the wheels unless the engine is at optimum RPMs for a specific gear. Replacement is often the only solution for this issue.
- PGM-FI light: The PGM-FI light on the instrument panel can illuminate after about 5 minutes of running the engine above 3000 RPM. This light indicates a problem with the fuel injection system, and further diagnosis is required to determine the specific cause.
- CV joint knocking sound: A knocking sound during turns under engine power is a common issue in the 1987 Honda Prelude, often attributed to a damaged CV joint. Replacing the affected component is necessary to resolve this problem.
- Hazard indicator switch malfunction: The hazard indicator switch can become stuck, making it impossible to remove. A common solution is to replace the switch, which is a known issue in 2nd generation Preludes.
- Idle control valve issues: The idle control valve can malfunction, causing the car to stall without any obvious engine malfunctions. This issue is often caused by a faulty ignition system, which can wear out quickly in older Preludes. Installing a new ignition system can resolve this problem.
- Sunroof noise: The sunroof in the 1987 Honda Prelude can produce a knocking or tapping sound when driving, indicating that the runners on the sunroof need lubrication. Using a silicon-based aerosol lubricant can solve this issue.
- Headlight weakness: The headlights in the 1987 Honda Prelude can be weak, especially on low beam. This is a design flaw rather than a fault, and installing HID retrofits can improve the headlight performance.
- Driveshaft oil seal failure: Oil leaking onto the floor or difficulty changing into gear, accompanied by a whining noise in 5th gear, can indicate a driveshaft oil seal failure. Replacing the driveshaft oil seal is necessary to fix this problem.
- Rust around wheel arches: Rust around the wheel arches, particularly on versions with stone chip protectors, is a common issue in the 1987 Honda Prelude. Removing the rust and either touching up with paint or welding on a metal patch and painting over can resolve this problem.
Are old Honda Preludes reliable?
Honda quality means the Prelude generally stands up well in service, as long as they're looked after and see a mechanic regularly. Regular oil changes are important, along with regular oil changes for the automatic transmission, which prefers Honda trans fluid.
How long do Prelude engines last?
With basic maintenance these cars will last 250k+ with minimal problems, if you have a 5 speed. Keep the oil topped off the valves adjusted, and with regular tuneups every 40,000 miles, this car will never leave you stranded.
What engine does a 1987 Honda Prelude have?
Second Generation Honda Prelude: 1983-1987
Power initially came from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder capable of 100 hp, but the later 1986-1987 Prelude 2.0 Si added the larger 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 110 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque.
Are Preludes fuel efficient?
The Honda Prelude currently offers fuel consumption from 8.5 to 9.3L/100km.
1987 Honda Prelude car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda Prelude problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Seat belts problems
- Tires problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Honda Prelude vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Honda Prelude complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Honda Prelude.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-28
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED CAR IN JANUARY OF 2010. IT HAD INSTALLED ON IT, A SET OF FOUR DOUGLAS 185/70R/13 TIRES WITH THE MANUFACTURE DATE OF 0408 ON THE SIDEWALLS, AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER STATED THEY WERE ONLY ABOUT 2 MONTHS OLD (BOUGHT AT WAL MART). THEY ARE MODELED XTRA TRAC AW. WELL ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO, I HAD ONE COMPLETELY BLOW OUT DUE TO SIDEWALL FAILURE. THIS BLOW OUT DAMAGED PRETTY MUCH THE ENTIRE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY CAR. I HAD TO REPLACE MY WHEEL BEARING, CV JOINT, AND A BUNCH OF OTHER THINGS I'M NOT SURE ABOUT ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE AREA. NOW THE OTHER THREE TIRES ARE BULGING ON THE SIDEWALLS, AND THE TIRES ONLY HAVE ABOUT 10,000 MILES ON THEM. WAL MART WILL NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE A RECEIPT. HOWEVER IF YOU GOOGLE THESE TIRES, THERE ARE PAGES UPON PAGES OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT SIDEWALL FAILURE ON THESE TIRES. SOMETIMES EVEN JUST WITHIN A MONTH OF USE. I WAS ONLY CURIOUS IF THERE HAPPENS TO BE A RECALL ON THE PRESENT SET OF DOUGLAS TIRES, OR IF IT IS ONLY THE RECALL IN 1994. IF THERE IS NOT, I THINK THERE SHOULD BE ONE. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO REPLACE A SET OF FOUR TIRES AFTER ONLY 10,000 MILES. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH - THE VEHICLE WILL START BUT WHEN THE KEY IS RELEASED FROM START THE ENGINE DIES. THIS PROBLEM MAY BE REPEATED OR WILL AGAIN START WORKING CORRECTLY. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- VIN: JHMBA3245HC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE'S OIL PAN PLUG STRIPPED WHENEVER THE OIL WAS CHANGED. *TT *NM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR RESTAINT BELT IS PERMANENTLY RETRACTED AND LOCKED, I AM A MOTHER OF TWIN TODDLERS AND REQUIRE THE USE USE OF BOTH REAR SEATBELTS IN ORDER TO SECURE THEIR SAFTEY SEATS PROPERLY. MEANWHILE I'VE TRIED TO SECURE IT WITH THE MIDDLE LAP BELT BUT IT HAS FAILED AT PROVIDING ANY KIND OF RESRAINT WHEN I TAKE A SHARP TURN IT TIPS OVER AND MY DAUGTERS HAVE BEEN INJURED A FEW TIMES OVER THIS DEFECT. I AM AFRAID IF I AM TO GET IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT THIS MIGHT FAIL TO SAVE THEIR LIVES. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THE WHEATHER CONDITIONS ARE DANGEROUS FOR DRIVING AT THIS TIME AND I AM VERY WORRIED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-28
- VIN: JHMBA3243HC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN GOOD FAITH. WHILE DRIVING SHE NOTICED A FUEL SMELL. CONSUMER DIDN'T KNOW FROM WHERE SMELL WAS COMING AT THAT TIME. BRAKES WERE 75% FRONT AND REAR. TIRES WERE 50% THREAD AND MIXMATCHED. *AK THE VEHICLE HAS A DAMAGE FROM PREVIOUS MAJOR ACCIDENT AND FUEL TAND WAS REPLACED INCORRECTLY. *YH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JHMBA3147HC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: SMELLS LIKE GAS FUMES. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-10
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JHMBA3240HC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: FROM DAY ONE- IDLE FLUCTUATION WITH TONS OF DOCUMENTATION AND DENIAL TO PROBLEM BY DEALER & REPRESENTATIVE-FIRST DAY CAR WAS PURCHASED THERE WAS A CODE 12. ALL 4 FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED & EGR TUBES CLEANED. LIVED WITH UNRESOLVED PROBLEM ALL THESE YEARS, BUT NOW I HAVE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND AM FRIGTHENED TO DEATH TO DRIVE THE CAR. I ALMOST KILLED SOMEONE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-01-01
- VIN: JHMBA3246HC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS DO NOT FIT PROPERLY.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-25
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TIE ROD ON FRONT STEERING MECHANISM STRIPPED OFF, LEAVING DRIVER WITHOUT STEERING CAPABILITIES.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-11-05
- VIN: JHMBA3145HC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: RUST IN FUEL SYSTEM DUE TO RUSTED FUEL FILLER PIPE PRIOR TO RECALL.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JHMBA3140HC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SIDE SEAT RETRACTOR IS NOT WORKING . TT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JHMBA6128HC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: PURCHASE CAR NEW THE HAZARD LIGHTS AREN'T WORKING RIGHT . TT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JHMBA3142HC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH DESIGN IS AT UNSAFE POSITION WHEN MAKING A TURN USE THE SIGNAL LIGHT YOU MAKE A MISTAKE AND TURN LIGHT OFF WHEN USING THE SIGNAL LIGHT .
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-11
- VIN: JHMBA31478T
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: HAD VEHICLE SERVICE FOR RECALL ON THE FUEL SYSTEM ON 8/11/94 RECALL WAS NOT DONE PROPERLY. TT
1987 Honda Prelude recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 Honda Prelude.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES. CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. CHECK THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUG ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, THEN PRESS THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS ANY SIGN OF BREAKAGE OR CRACKING, OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, PROMPTLY CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED HONDA/ACURA DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: IF THE PLASTIC COATING OF THE FUEL FILLER AND/OR BREATHER PIPE IS DAMAGED, SALT WATER MAY ACCUMULATE BETWEEN THE PLASTIC COATING AND THE STEEL PIPES, AND THE ACCUMULATION COULD CAUSE CORROSION WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY RUST THROUGH THE AFFECTED PIPES, ALLOWING GASOLINE FUMES AND FUEL TO LEAK.
- Consequence: GASOLINE FUMES AND/OR FUEL LEAKAGE THROUGH THE FILLER ORBREATHER PIPES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Remedy: REPAIRS WILL BE MADE TO VEHICLES WITH CORRODED FILLER OR BREATHER PIPES.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Honda Prelude problems:
3rd gen Lude common problems. | Honda Prelude Forum
Jun 14, 2004 ... Maybe we could list them in a single thread with links to threads discussing answers. Like for example the red light in A/C button issue, or ...
Honda Prelude Problems and Complaints - 27 Issues
Top Honda Prelude Problems · Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking · Misaligned Fifth Shift Fork May Cause Transmission to Grind on Upshift.
3rd Generation Honda Prelude Common Problem Fixes - Honda ...
Mar 31, 2008 ... It's very common to hear of a Prelude that has a bouncing idle problem. What usually happens is that once the car warms up, the idle will ...
Q&A: 1989 Honda Prelude 2.0 Si - Common Issues & Solutions
May 12, 2010 ... What should I do about my 1989 Honda prelude 2.0 si FI - Answered by a verified Mechanic for Honda.
1987 Honda Prelude Si (fuel injected) starting problem (Page 1 ...
1987 Honda Prelude Si (fuel injected) starting problem (Page 1) — Lemons Tech — The 24 Hours of Lemons Forums —
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