1989 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 1989 Honda Prelude problems
The Honda Prelude 1989 is a popular choice among car buyers due to its sporty design and reliable performance. However, like any other vehicle, it has its own set of common problems that potential buyers should be aware of.
One of the most common issues with the 1989 Honda Prelude is the lack of power when pressing on the gas pedal. This problem can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty fuel pump, clogged fuel injectors, or a malfunctioning mass air flow sensor. It is essential to have a professional mechanic diagnose the problem to determine the exact cause and perform the necessary repairs.
Another issue that owners of the 1989 Honda Prelude may encounter is a faulty speedometer. This problem is caused by a faulty speedometer sensor, which can be replaced to solve the issue. The speedometer may not work properly or may not work at all, making it difficult for drivers to maintain a safe speed.
The 1989 Honda Prelude may also experience problems with the driveshaft oil seal, which can cause oil to leak onto the floor and the vehicle to struggle when changing into gear. This issue can be resolved by replacing the driveshaft oil seal, which is a relatively simple repair that can be done by a professional mechanic.
In addition, the 1989 Honda Prelude may have issues with the sunroof, which can make a knocking or tapping sound when driving. This problem is caused by the sunroof runners needing lubrication, which can be fixed by using a silicon-based aerosol lubricant.
The 1989 Honda Prelude may also have problems with the automatic gearbox, which can completely stop working. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty transmission solenoid or a damaged torque converter, and requires professional diagnosis and repair.
Finally, the 1989 Honda Prelude may experience issues with the ignition system, which can wear out quickly on older models. This problem can be solved by installing a new ignition system, which is a tricky but doable job for most people.
In summary, the 1989 Honda Prelude is a reliable and sporty vehicle, but like any other car, it has its own set of common problems. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and have them addressed by a professional mechanic to ensure safe and reliable performance.
Is a 1989 Honda Prelude a good car?
The 3rd generation Prelude Si is well ahead of its time. A sharp exterior design, practical interior component placement, and superb handling characteristic make this Honda a fun and fairly reliable car to drive.
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.
What engine is in a 1989 Prelude?
Honda B20A engine
The third-generation Prelude was exclusively powered by variants of the Honda B20A engine, a base carbureted version with a SOHC 12-valve valvetrain, or a DOHC variant with Honda's PGM-FI fuel injection and 16 valves.
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.
1989 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:
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Honda Prelude vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Honda Prelude
The NHTSA has received 28 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Honda Prelude. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Honda Prelude vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-18
- VIN: JHMBA4240KC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE ENGINE TIMING BELT BROKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED (@55MPH) ON THE US 20 BYPASS, A LOCAL 2-LANE EXPRESSWAY. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND POWER DUE TO THE BREAKING OF THE TIMING BELT. LUCKILY NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE NEAR ME AT THE TIME THIS OCCURRED. VEHICLES ON THIS EXPRESSWAY ROUTINELY APPROACH 65 MPH. THIS BEING SO I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND FOUND TO HAVE 3 OF THE 4 ENGINE VALVES DESTROYED BEYOND REPAIR; A ROD OR PISTON IN THE LOWER ENGINE HAS ALSO BEEN AFFECTED, THUS EFFECTIVELY MAKING THE CAR UNDRIVABLE AND UNECONOMICAL TO REPAIR. THE VEHICLE OWNERS MANUAL FAILS TO INFORM OWNERS THAT THE TIMING BELT NEEDS TO BE MAINTAINED. THERE IS NO INDICATION AT ALL IN THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ON PAGES 72-77 THAT THE TIMING BELT NEEDS TO BE MAINTAINED. THE WARRANTY BOOKLET FOR THE 1989 HONDA PRELUDE STATES ON PAGE 4, " YOU MUST MAINTAIN YOUR 1989 HONDA AUTOMOBILE ACCORDING TO THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL". THE OWNERS MANUAL ALSO FAILS TO INFORM/WARN VEHICLE OWNERS OF WHAT CONSEQUENCES A BROKEN TIMING BELT CAN HAVE ON THE ENGINE AND DOES NOT WARN/INFORM OWNERS OF THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES ATTEMPTING TO RESTART AN ENGINE WITH A BROKEN TIMING BELT CAN HAVE ON THE ENGINE. SCENARIOS CAN BE ENVISIONED IN WHICH ACCIDENTS COULD OCCUR DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE TIMING BELT. ATTEMPTING TO PASS A VEHICLE AND EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF ACCELERATION COULD RESULT IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH AN ON-COMING CAR ON A TWO LANE ROAD, OR WITH AN ADJACENT ONE IN BUSY, FAST MOVING TRAFFIC ON AN EXPRESSWAY. I CONTACTED AMERICAN HONDA ON 06/20/02, MY CASE # IS 9N012002-06-2000-969. I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A PRIVATE PARTY, NOT THE LISTED DEALER--THAT IS WHERE THE CAR WAS BOUGHT WHEN NEW.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JHMBA423XKC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SOON AFTER PARKING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS DUE TO FAULTY WIRES. CONSUMER CONTACTED AMERICAN HONDA, AND THEY SENT CONSUMER TO A DEALER SHIP. BUT DEALERSHIP SAID THAT PROBLEM WAS TOO SERIOUS, AND THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING FOR HER. CONSUMER CALLED BACK AMERICAN HONDA, AND THEY SAID THEY WILL CALL HER BACK. CONSUMER IS STILL WAITING FOR THE PHONE CALL. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JHMBA4120KC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES ENGAGE AND APPEAR TO HOLD; BUT BUCKLES RELEASE UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO BELTS. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-21
- VIN: JHMBA4130KC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: SAME PROBLEM AS 1988 MODEL YEAR RECALL. NO SAFETY DEFECT (S) FOUND IN SUMMARY. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-01
- VIN: JHMBA4130KC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING HOSE FAILED. THERE WAS A RECALL OF THE SAME HOSE ON 1988, WHICH ARE IDENTICAL TO THE 1989 MODEL. *ET
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-02
- VIN: JHMBA4132KC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE ON MY HONDA PRELUDE DEVELOPED A LEAK AT THE CONNECTOR CLAMP SEAL, AND DRIPPED FLUID ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING SMOKE. HONDA HAD RECALLED THE POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE WHICH THEY INSTALLED IN MY CAR, BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS MANUFACTURED FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE "ENDING DATE OF MANUFACTURE". MY HONDA PRELUDE IS A 1989 MODEL, BUT IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN AUGUST OF 1988. PLEASE PETITION HONDA TO EXTEND THEIR RECALL SO THAT I, AND OTHER HONDA PRELUDE OWNERS, CAN BE PROTECTED FROM THIS POTENTIAL HAZARD. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JHMBA4122KC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE CAR STOPS BY ITSELF WHEN BEING DRIVEN. IT SPUTTERS AND THEN ALL THE ELECTRICAL LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR STOPS AND WILL NOT START. I HAVE TOWED IT TO THE DEALER 5 TIMES, AND THEY CANNOT FIGURE THE PROBLEM OUT, AND THEY ARE ABLE TO START THE CAR. THE DEALER SAYS EVERYTHING IS ALL RIGHT BUT WE ARE STILL FACING THE SAME PROBLEM OF CAR STOPPING BY ITSELF AND NOT STARTING AGAIN.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-05
- VIN: JHMBA4133KC
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THIS IS A COMPRESSOR THAT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY ON 2/11/91. I AM NOW ON THE 3RD COMPRESSOR.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-01
- VIN: JHMBA4133KC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THIS HOSE FAILURE IS THE SAME TYPE OF FAILURE THAT WAS DESCRIBED IN THE 1988 RECALL, BUT THE DEALER WOULD NOT COVER IT.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-22
- VIN: JHMBA4130KC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING AT CONNECTOR CLAMP SEAL. NOTICED THE 1988 VEHICLES ARE UNDER RECALL CONCERNING SAME PROBLEM; NHTSA # 89V059 000. DEALER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED CONSUMER VEHICLE NOT UNDER RECALL. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JHMBA4221KC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT BELT BUCKLE REPLACED ACCORDANCE WITH A RECALL CAMPAIGN 95V103001, THE REPLACED BUCKLE REFUSED TO LATCH AFTERWARD BEING REPLACED. ABOUT 75% OF THE TIME THE BUCKLE WOULD APPEAR TO BE SNAP, BUT AFTER YANKING ON THE BELT IT WOULD RELEASE FROM AT THE BUCKLE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-01
- VIN: JHMBA4236KC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE HOSE LEAKS.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-01
- VIN: JHMBA4130KC
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TIRES
- Summary: BRAKES SQUEAL. ALSO, POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK/ RADIATOR HOSE MELTS DUE TO CLOSE PROXIMITY TO MANIFOLD/ TRANSMISSION FAILURE/ WINDOWS FOG UP AND CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGES, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. VEHICLE SWERVES/UNEVEN BACK TIRE WEAR. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE RELEASE BUTTONS ON THE BELTS ARE CRAKED AND BROKEN. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-03
- VIN: JHMBA413XKC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING BELT BROKE, BENDING THE VALVES, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *DH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-28
- VIN: JHMBA413XKC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RADIATOR REPLACED. *SD
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-28
- VIN: JHMBA413XKC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH REPAIRED. *SD
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-28
- VIN: JHMBA413XKC
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT END SHIMMIES.*SD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-22
- VIN: JHMBA413XKC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING.*SD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-28
- VIN: JHMBA413XKC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DRIVE BELT SQUEALS. *SD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-22
- VIN: JHMBA413XKC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WATER PUMP REPLACED. *SD
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-28
- VIN: JHMBA413XKC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DOOR MISALIGNED. *SD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-06
- VIN: JHMBA413XKC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED DUE TO MUSHY BRAKE PEDAL.*SD
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING LINE IS BROKEN AND DRIPS FLUID ON MANIFOLD. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JHMBA4134KC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE POWER STEERING IS LEAKING CONSUMER IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS RECALL ON THE 1988 # 88V05900 . TT
1989 Honda Prelude recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 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.
Additional sources
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