1991 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 1991 Honda Prelude problems
The Honda Prelude is a popular sports car known for its performance and style. However, like any vehicle, it can experience common problems that may affect its reliability and longevity. One of the most common issues with the Honda Prelude, particularly the third-generation models (1988-1991), is a failing transmission. Owners have reported issues with the automatic transmission slipping or failing altogether, while others have experienced problems with the manual transmission, such as difficulty shifting or grinding gears. If you notice any issues with your transmission, it is important to have it inspected by a certified mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Another issue that owners of third-generation Honda Prelude cars may encounter is oil consumption. Some of these cars are known to burn oil, which can lead to low oil levels and potentially damage the engine over time. If you notice that your car is burning oil, it is important to have it inspected by a mechanic to determine the cause and address it promptly.
The third-generation Honda Prelude may also experience issues with the power steering system. Some cars are known to develop leaks in the power steering rack, which can cause difficulty steering and potential damage to other components. It is important to have your power steering system inspected regularly and address any leaks promptly to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Electrical problems are also common in the third-generation Honda Prelude. Some owners have reported issues with the car's electrical system, including the alternator, starter, and battery. These issues can cause the car to fail to start or run poorly. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent electrical problems from occurring.
Finally, owners of third-generation Honda Prelude cars may experience issues with the fuel system. Some cars are known to have issues with the fuel pump or fuel injectors, which can cause the engine to run poorly or fail to start altogether. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent fuel system problems from occurring.
In summary, the Honda Prelude, particularly the third-generation models, can experience common problems such as failing transmission, oil consumption, power steering issues, electrical problems, and fuel system issues. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems from occurring, and addressing any issues promptly can help ensure safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.
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 the 1991 Honda Prelude?
Third generation (1987)
| Third generation (BA3/4/5/7) | |
|---|---|
| Production | 1987–1991 |
| Designer | Masato Nakano, Tomoyuki Arai, Yusuke Saito (1985) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0 L B20A3/A4 SOHC I4 2.0 L B20A DOHC I4 2.1 L B21A DOHC I4 |
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.
Why did Honda stop the Prelude?
Why did Honda stop making the Prelude? Unfortunately, as Honda's premium alter ego Acura gained in popularity, the Prelude's semi-lofty price tag cut sales significantly toward the end of the fifth-generation.
1991 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Equipment problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Honda Prelude vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Honda Prelude complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Honda Prelude.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-10
- VIN: JHMBA4139MC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. IT WAS MANEUVERED OFF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-04
- VIN: JHMBA4236MC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM FAILURE: EIGHT (8) DEALER ATTEMPTED REPAIRS; FOUR (4) NEW COMPRESSORS AND COMPLETE SYSTEMS INSTALLED; THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS SPENT (APPROX. $6,000.00); AND A/C REMAINS DEAD.*AK VEHICLE IS 1991 HONDA PRELUDE SI, VIN [XXX], PURCHASED NEW 7/22/91 FROM WOODLAND HILLS HONDA, 6111 TOPANGA CANYON BOULEVARD, WOODLAND HILLS, CA., 91365. A/C PROBLEM BEGAN MAY, 1996 AT 68,000 MILES, AND LAST ATTEMPTED REPAIR ENDED OCTOBER, 2001 AT 142,000 MILES. WE HAVE FOUR (4) HONDA ACCORDS (1991 AND 93 MODELS), ALL OVER 160,000 MILES, WITH NO A/C PROBLEMS. THE BAD A/C SEEMS LIMITED TO PRELUDE ONLY. IT IS VERY HOT IN SAN FERNANDO VALLEY OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA FOR 6 MONTHS OF THE YEAR. ON OCTOBER 10, 2001, WOODLAND HILLS HONDA RECOMMENDED ANOTHER COMPLETE A/C COMPRESSOR AND SYSTEM REPLACEMENT. THE SERVICE MANAGER THERE, [XXX] (NOW GONE), STATED THERE WAS A " COMPLETE SYSTEM PROBLEM" AND ASKED HONDA REGIONAL HQ FOR HONDA AUTHORIZATION TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE A/C SYSTEM WITHOUT CHARGE, OR TO SHARE THE COSTS. ASSISTANCE DENIED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PRODUCT-LIABILITY MANUFACTURING FAILURE SPECIFIC TO THE PRELUDE A/C SYSTEM AND THE COMPRESSOR IN PARTICULAR. WE SEE MANY PRELUDE DRIVERS WITH WINDOWS OPEN. WE DO NOT WANT TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS MORE FOR WHAT WE THINK HONDA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO FIX. DOES HONDA KNOW IT HAS BAD A/C COMPRESSORS IN PRELUDES AND IS IGNORING OR EVADING THE PROBLEM? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JHMBA4127MC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT RELEASES ON ITS OWN AT ANY TIME. DEALER STATES THAT COIL CONNECTOR TERMINATOR NEEDS REPLACING. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-06
- VIN: JHMBA4151MC
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE HOOD HAD OPENED UP WHILE MY SON WAS USING THE CAR. THIS RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE FRON GLASS, ROOF, LEFT SIDE MIRROR, LEFT SIDE DOOR AND LEFT SIDE FRONT FENDER, AND HOOD.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-25
- VIN: JHMBA4157MC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER PURCHASED A USED VEHICLE WHICH WAS IN NEED OF A NEW ENGINE, AFTER SOME TIME THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO HAVE A USED ENGINE INSTALLED AFTER INSTALLATION IT WAS NOTED THAT THE ENGINE WAS BAD BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT RUN (HEAD GASKET, SHORT BLOCK, HEAD ASSEMBLY, TIMING BELT AND OIL PAN). NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: N/A IN THE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH HONDA PRELUDES...EVERYONE I KNOW WITH A PRELUDE HAS ENGINE PROBLEMS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: N/A IN THE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH HONDA PRELUDES...EVERYONE I KNOW WITH A PRELUDE HAS ENGINE PROBLEMS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BOUGHT THE CAR AND THE ENGINE BLEW UP AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE THE WAS NO REASON WHY THE ENGINE BLEW OUT AND CAUGHT ON FIRE.... IT THREW A ROD. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BOUGHT THE CAR AND THE ENGINE BLEW UP AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE THE WAS NO REASON WHY THE ENGINE BLEW OUT AND CAUGHT ON FIRE.... IT THREW A ROD. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-12
- VIN: JHMBA4228MC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WON'T LOCK AND WILL COME APART WHENEVER THE CONSUMER MOVES WHICH MAK'S THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-31
- VIN: JHMBA4233MC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT AND BUZZER NEVER STOPS, EVEN IF VEHICLE IS OFF.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-28
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JHMBA4129MC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THIS HEAD-ON COLLISION WAS INVESTIGATED BY THE CHP. CENTRAL DIVISION CHP M.A.I.T. WAS REQUESTED TO EXAMINE THE FAILURE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE RESTRAINT. UPON EXAMINATION SGT. ESMAY DETERMINED THAT THE RESTRAINT WAS BEING WORN DUE TO THE SIGNS OF LOADING ON THE WEBBING AND LOOP GUIDE. THE WEBBING OF THE BELT SEPARATED NEAR THE LOOP GUIDE. THE DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE, DOUGLAS GUY VETCH, DOB 10/06/68, WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE FATAL VICTIM WAS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE SPEED QUOTED(50MPH)IS A ROUGH ESTIMATE BASED ON THE OBSERVED DAMAGE AND APPARENT COLLISION DYNAMICS. THIS COLLISION IS BEING REPORTED PER CHP POLICY. IT IS BEING REPORTED BY SGT. ESMAY AND NOT THE OWNER. REPORTS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. SGT. ESMAY
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TRUNK LID SUPPORT HYDRAULIC SYSTEM DOES NOT STAY UP, FALLS UNEXPECTEDLY.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-09
- VIN: JHMBA4158MC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: POWER SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-26
- VIN: JHMBA4223MC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVERS SEAT BELT FAILS TO RETRACT. *DSH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: JHMBA4153MC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT APPEARS TO CLASP WHEN ENGAGED, HOWEVER SAFETY LIGHT GOES ON, NECESSITATING REENGAGEMENT UNTIL LIGHT GOES OUT. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JHMBA4227MC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE INVOLVED IMPACT 1:00 POSITION SPEED 5 MPH LAP/SHOULDER FAILED TO RETRACT. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-24
- VIN: JHMBP4223MC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: NEITHER FRONT SEAT BELTS WILL LATCH. TT
1991 Honda Prelude recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 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.
Positive 1991 Honda Prelude car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Honda Prelude problems:
1988 - 1991 - Common Issues? - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum ...
Mar 29, 2009 ... Honda Prelude - 1988 - 1991 - Common Issues? - Are there any known issues with this generation Prelude? What about the 4WS models?
1991 Honda Prelude Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Top 1991 Honda Prelude Problems · Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking · Engine Leaking Oil · Check engine light due to oxygen senosr ...
3rd Generation Honda Prelude Common Problem Fixes - Honda ...
Mar 31, 2008 ... ... Honda Prelude topics forum with discussion about: 3rd Generation Honda Prelude Common Problem Fixes. ... Prelude Model: 1991 SE-SR: Location: ...
ALB light is on, common problems/ diagnosis help? | Honda Prelude ...
Oct 29, 2007 ... It can be both hard and expensive to repair unless you know electronics and can find the fault ourself. 1991 PRELUDE B20A9 D2A4 2.5 INCH CUSTOM ...
common problems | Honda Prelude Online
May 2, 2002 ... Is this on all Preludes? My 91 leaks(was driving the other day and had to slow down and got an unexpected cold shower ugh). If so, How do you ...
Other years of Honda Prelude
Are you having problems with your 1991 Honda Prelude?
Dion Harber 2025-01-09
I really love Hondas because they are so reliable. I got this used while in college from a Honda mechanic so it was in great condition! It has good pick-up, a nice body style for a 13-year old car, good visibility, is good on gas, and has a decent size trunk. It's reliable all the way around. I'm at 227,000 and she's still going strong.
Olin Ritchie 2025-01-09
I recently purchased a 1990 EX Prelude 'auto', which is similar to the USA's 'S' model except for the cruise control. A few years ago, I had an '84 Prelude but had to sell it. When I saw this one come up for sale, I jumped at the opportunity. It has proven to be extremely reliable and feels just like a new car. The only issue I have encountered is with the speakers, but they can be easily replaced. While it may not be as visually appealing as the 2nd Generation (1983-1987), it has been the most fun I've had since my '84!
Bennett Dicki 2024-11-05
The 91 Prelude is a fantastic first car! It's sporty, fast, and powerful. The only downside is that performance parts can be hard to find. Additionally, the B21a1 engine tends to burn oil quickly. However, overall it's a great car!
Deion Haag 2024-11-01
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share that I've had my Prelude since 1991 and it's been such a joy to own. I've never had any unexpected issues with it, just the usual maintenance like the timing belt. If I had the chance to buy a brand new 1991 Prelude with less than 100 miles on it, I would do it all over again!
Trever Cormier 2024-09-26
The Prelude is such a great car to drive! It looks amazing even by today's standards and always gets compliments. It's over 13 years old now, but it still runs perfectly like it's brand new. As soon as I test drove this car, I knew I had to buy it.