1994 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.
Social links
Common 1994 Honda Prelude problems
The Honda Prelude is a popular sports coupe that has been produced in five generations between 1978 and 2001.
One common issue with the 1994 Honda Prelude is that the power door locks do not function. This problem is caused by a fault with the door lock actuator, which is responsible for moving the door lock mechanism. The door lock actuator can fail due to wear and tear, corrosion, or damage to the wiring. To fix this issue, the door lock actuator will need to be replaced. This is a relatively simple repair that can be done by a competent DIYer, but it may require some disassembly of the door panel.
Another common problem with the 1994 Honda Prelude is that the car can burn oil, particularly on startup. This is often caused by a worn or damaged piston ring, which can allow oil to seep into the combustion chamber and burn off. To fix this issue, the piston rings may need to be replaced, or the PCV valve may need to be replaced or cleaned.
The 1994 Honda Prelude can also suffer from a sticking clutch pedal, which can make it difficult to change gears smoothly. This problem is caused by a worn or damaged clutch master cylinder, which can cause the clutch pedal to stick in the applied position. To fix this issue, the clutch master cylinder will need to be replaced. This is a more complex repair that may require some specialized tools and knowledge.
Another common problem with the 1994 Honda Prelude is that the headlights can be very weak, particularly on low beam. This is a design flaw that affects the fifth-generation Prelude, and it can make it difficult to see at night or in low-light conditions. To fix this issue, HID retrofits can be installed, which can significantly improve the brightness of the headlights.
Finally, the 1994 Honda Prelude can suffer from a faulty speedometer, which can display incorrect speeds or fail to work altogether. This problem is caused by a faulty speedometer sensor, which can fail due to wear and tear or damage to the wiring. To fix this issue, the speedometer sensor will need to be replaced.
In summary, the 1994 Honda Prelude can suffer from a number of common problems, including faulty power door locks, oil burning, sticking clutch pedals, weak headlights, and faulty speedometers. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear, corrosion, and design flaws. To fix these issues, a range of repairs may be required, from simple replacements of components to more complex repairs that may require specialized tools and knowledge.
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.
Why did Honda stop making preludes?
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.
What is the top speed of the 1994 Honda Prelude?
- 226 km/h.
- Acceleration, 0-100 km/h. 7.3 sec.
- Top Speed. 141 mph.
- Acceleration, 0-60 mph. 6.9 sec.
1994 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:
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Equipment problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Honda Prelude vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1994 Honda Prelude complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Honda Prelude.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-05
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR WAS DRIVING NORMAL THEN JUST SHUT OFF. CRANKS WON'T START I WAS DRIVING NORMAL THEN IT JUST SHUT OFF. AND NOW IT CRANKS OVER WON'T START. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: LETTER FROM SENATOR CORNYN ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE TAKATA AIR BAG NOT DEPLOYING IN AN ACCIDENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS HIT BY ANOTHER DRIVER AND WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-02
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JHMBB2255RC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: ATTEMPTED TO REFUEL VEHICLE WHEN SUDDENLY AFTER AN EMPLOYEE TRIED TO REPAIR DISPENSER GASOLINE EXPLODED FROM THE NOZZLE FORCEFULLY INTO MY FACE ESPECIALLY MY LEFT EYE, NOSE AND MOUTH. THE EMPLOYEE COULD NOT STOP THE GASOLINE FROM COMING OUT SO HE THREW THE ENTIRE DISPENSER IN MY CAR FLOOR BOARD. MY THREE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS BUCKLED IN HER CAR SEAT IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS REFUELING ACCIDENT OCCURRED JUNE 2, 1995. IT HAS NEVER BEEN FULLY INVESTIGATED BY COMPETENT EXPERTS TO DETERMINE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT FUTURE REFUELING INJURY, FIRE, AND EXPLOSION. OUR FAMILY HAS PERMANENT INJURY AS A RESULT OF THIS TRAUMATIC REFUELING ACCIDENT WHICH HAS BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED. HOWEVER, NO ONE HAS STEPPED UP TO APOLOGIZE AND HELP OUR FAMILY GET THE MEDICAL TREATMENT NEEDED. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-15
- VIN: JHMBB2159RC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED AS RECOMMENDED AT 90,000. THE REPLACEMENT BELT BROKE AFTER ONLY 30,000 AND CONSEQUENTLY CAUSED DAMAGE TO VALVES AND PISTONS.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-30
- VIN: JHMBB1171RC
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED A WEEK PRIOR TO FAILURE, THE AIR CONDITIONER BEGAN LEAKING ONTO THE FLOORBOARDS OF THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE, THEN THE FAN BLOWER AND AIR CONDITIONING UNIT CUT OFF ALL AT ONCE.*JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-21
- VIN: JHMBB1171RC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED SINCE THE PURCHASE DATE OF VEHICLE, THE POWER DOOR LOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS FAULTY, IT OPENS WITH ALMOST ANY CAR KEY AND IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE COMPLETELY INSERTED.*JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-27
- VIN: JHMBB1174RC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SPEEDOMETER IS ERRATIC, WHEN DRIVING SPEEDOMETER WILL READ 10 TO 20 MPH TOO FAST. ALSO, IT JUMPS FROM ONE SPEED TO ANOTHER WHEN DRIVING NORMAL SPEEDS. CONTACTED DEALER WHO STATED ALL THEY CAN DO IS REPLACE THE SPEEDOMETER.*AK *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3M1B62245R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE AIR CONDITIONER. THIS CAUSED THE AIR CONDITIONER TO NOT RELEASE AIR. ALSO, WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 40MPH THE ENGINE STALLED OUT. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-28
- VIN: JHMBB2256RC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHEN VEHICLE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JHMBA8244RC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: UPON IMPACT, DURING FRONTAL CRASH, AT APPROX. 25-30MPH, 12:00 ON FRONT BUMPER, AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JHMBA8244RC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: UPON IMPACT, DURING FRONTAL CRASH, AT APPROX. 25-30MPH, 12:00 ON FRONT BUMPER, AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK
1994 Honda Prelude recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1994 Honda Prelude.
- Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
- Manufacturer: AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: POLI-AUTO, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND 11-732, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.
Positive 1994 Honda Prelude car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1994 Honda Prelude problems:
What issues should you look for when buying A prelude? : r ...
May 4, 2021 ... Ignition Barrel: in my experience about 1/5 preludes will have a broken ignition barrel, where you can start the car fine only about 60% of the ...
94 Prelude Issues? - Honda-Tech - Honda Forum Discussion
Apr 14, 2018 ... Re: 94 Prelude Issues? do a valve lash adjustment. It's supposed to be done every 20K miles, but chances are it's never been done at all. More ...
1994 Honda Prelude Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
Top 1994 Honda Prelude Problems · Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking · Misaligned Fifth Shift Fork May Cause Transmission to Grind on ...
How are ludes with high mileage? - Honda Prelude
Dec 2, 2005 ... ... problems from them once they hit high mileage. ... looks ok. Tags 170k, 1994, 1995, civic, gen, h22a, high, honda, issues, magazine, mileage, oil, ...
Honda Prelude: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Honda Prelude Common Problems and Solutions · Knocking Sunroof (All 4th Gen Models) · Uneven Idle · Sticking Clutch Pedal (All 4th Gen Models) · Weak Low Beam ...
Other years of Honda Prelude
Are you having problems with your 1994 Honda Prelude?
Casper Bruen 2025-01-07
I bought my Prelude brand new off the lot with only 59 miles on the odometer for $18K. It's been 16 years and it's still going strong! For the first 10 years or so, only Honda dealers performed maintenance on the car, and I made sure to use premium fuel at least once a month. I'm a stickler for getting the oil and air filters changed around 5000 miles, but usually sooner since I reached 300,000 miles late last year. :-) The car is still a dream to drive after only one timing belt change and 3 clutches. It's amazing to be able to breeze down the highway at 80+ MPH and feel like it's still 1995. The only downside is the rust above my rear wheels. :-) Other than that, I've certainly received my money's worth 3 times over!
Roscoe Purdy 2025-01-05
I wrote a review on this car over 2 years ago; since that time I have put 55k on it, and, granted I drive it very hard, the car is showing its age. Honestly, this car is good, but Euro cars (BMW) can walk circles around it in terms of comfort and performance, and, sadly for the Prelude, cost about the same. The adage of Hondas being cheaper to repair than other brands is a myth, in the last year I have put in an A/C Compressor ($1050), and a clutch ($1000) parts are obscenely expensive, and the car is nearly impossible to work on. This car is a fun, and it handles awesome, but is too expensive and uncomfortable, especially with a 3-series available for the same money.
Hershel Gaylord 2025-01-01
You have an excellent car that has been serving you well for almost 9 years now, with no major problems so far. The design of the car is excellent both inside and out, and the engine is both smooth and powerful, with a transmission to match. The car has a true sporty look, which is perfect when paired with 17' or 18' wheels and performance tires. However, it's worth noting that the car may experience minor understeer, as most FF cars do. Additionally, the rear seats are quite small, so it may not be the best option for carrying adults on long trips. Finally, the trunk space is relatively small.
Cameron Ziemann 2024-11-17
The car is amazing! It has powerful acceleration, great handling, and pretty good factory speakers. The shifting is smooth and the car looks absolutely beautiful. I can't say enough good things about it. I don't think I'll ever sell it, unless I'm buying an NSX haha.
Pierre Wolf 2024-08-06
The car that I bought has become the best car I have ever owned, being extremely fun to drive.