1996 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 1996 Honda Prelude problems
The Honda Prelude 1996 is known for several common problems, which are often related to engine oil leaks, ignition system issues, air conditioning system failures, clutch system problems, and suspension system issues.
One of the most commonly reported issues with the fourth-generation Honda Prelude is engine oil leaks, which can be caused by the valve cover gasket or camshaft seal failing. These leaks can lead to low oil levels and potentially damage the engine over time, so it is important to have the engine inspected regularly and address any oil leaks promptly to prevent damage to the engine.
Another issue that owners of fourth-generation Honda Prelude cars may encounter is with the ignition system. Some cars are known to experience issues with the ignition coil, spark plugs, or distributor cap and rotor, which can cause the engine to run poorly or fail to start altogether. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent ignition system problems from occurring.
The fourth-generation Honda Prelude may also experience issues with the air conditioning system, which can fail or stop working altogether. Regular maintenance and inspections of the air conditioning system can help prevent problems from occurring and ensure that the system works properly when needed.
Another common issue with the fourth-generation Honda Prelude is with the clutch system. Some owners have reported that the clutch may fail prematurely or experience slippage, which can make it difficult to shift gears or cause the transmission to fail altogether. Regular maintenance and inspections of the clutch system can help prevent problems from occurring and ensure that the clutch system functions properly.
Finally, owners of fourth-generation Honda Prelude cars may experience issues with the suspension system. Some cars are known to experience issues with the front suspension, including the ball joints, tie rods, and control arms. These issues can cause the car to handle poorly and potentially cause safety issues. Regular maintenance and inspections of the suspension system can help prevent problems from occurring and ensure that the car handles properly.
In summary, the Honda Prelude 1996 is known for several common problems, which are often related to engine oil leaks, ignition system issues, air conditioning system failures, clutch system problems, and suspension system issues. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems from occurring and ensure that the car functions properly.
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.
Is the Prelude a good car?
The final generation of the Prelude is a fantastic car for your money. I predict value of clean examples will continue to increase in the future. With basic maintenance these cars will last 250k+ with minimal problems, if you have a 5 speed.
Is a Prelude rwd or fwd?
ATTS was designed to counteract the understeer inherent in a front-wheel drive car, but the Prelude's 63.1 percent front weight distribution was too much for the system to successfully mask.
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.
1996 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Honda Prelude vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Honda Prelude complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Honda Prelude.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JHMBB2152TC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL FIRE IN VEHICLE TRUNK. *NM
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-23
- VIN: JHMBB1171TC
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 20 MPH BALL JOINTS WENT OUT, AND CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THERE IS A RECALL ON VEHICLE FOR SAME PROBLEM, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK THERE WAS A FAILURE OF FRONT LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT, WHICH RESULTED IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT, WHILE TRAVELING ON FLAT PAVED STREET.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-15
- VIN: JHMBB2152TC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE MAIN BEARINGS IN MY MOTOR SPUN AND ARE SCORED, THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE TO THE CRANKSHAFT AND BEARING JOURNALS. DUE TO THIS LOSS OF PRESSURE THE ENGINE BLOCK,CRANKSHAFT,JOURNALS, AND MAIN BEARINGS ARE RUINED. THE TOP HALF OF MY MOTOR IS FINE INCLUDING THE DUAL OVERHEAD CAM,PISTONS,VALVES,LIFTERS,CONNECTING RODS,ETC. I HEARD OF A RECALL OF MID 1990 HONDA ENGINES RECENTLY FOR SOME SORT OF THROWOUT BEARING OR ROD BEARING FAILURE THAT CAUSES THE ENGINE TO LOSE OIL PRESSURE CAUSING SEVERE WEAR LIKE WHAT I AM EXPERIENCING. THE COSTS OF REPAIR OF MY VEHICLE ARE GREAT AND IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND A REPLACEMENT MOTOR. I'M HOPING TO GET HELP FROM HONDA FOR REPAIRS AND AM LOOKING TO YOU TO FIND OUT IF I'M ELLIGABLE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, SEAN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 75MPH THE VEHICLE CUT COMPLETELY OFF. HAS BEEN TO DEALER AT LEAST 6 TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM. *AK
1996 Honda Prelude recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1996 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.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Positive 1996 Honda Prelude car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Honda Prelude problems:
1996 Honda Prelude Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues
Top 1996 Honda Prelude Problems · Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking · Misaligned Fifth Shift Fork May Cause Transmission to Grind on ...
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 ...
Commonly known issues with 5th gen Preludes? | Honda Prelude ...
Jan 6, 2008 ... 1. Timing Belt Autotensioner failure. · 2. Ignition switch recall (applied to at least 97 and 98 models) · 3. The engine burns some oil, designed ...
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 ...
Major issues with '92 Prelude - Honda Prelude Forum ...
Mar 18, 2010 ... However, I have just completed the engine swap and it is in running condition but still have a few issues with it: 1. The car vibrates a great ...
Other years of Honda Prelude
Are you having problems with your 1996 Honda Prelude?
Erick Littel 2025-01-05
One of the best performance cars I have ever driven!
Andy Altenwerth 2025-01-02
I bought this car a couple months ago and I must say it's great! The only thing is that my paint has faded on parts of it, but it runs great and has extremely good performance. It picks up pretty quickly for a four-cylinder car and is also very good on gas.
Skylar Zemlak 2024-11-27
This car is amazing! It's been with me for a few years now and it still drives great. The interior is original and features bucket seats, although the back seat is not too roomy. It also has a sunroof and a lot of power, which makes driving it a real pleasure. I had to get used to the looks at first, but now I absolutely love this car. Plus, it even has a Honda CD player in the trunk! I'm definitely keeping it forever...
Eleazar Wyman 2024-11-23
I bought my 96 si 1 year ago with 127k miles on it. The only thing I have had to fix on it is the clutch and a rear wheel bearing. This car is by far the most reliable car I've ever had. If you are considering buying one, don't hesitate, go get it!
Kyler Kuhn 2024-11-12
I'm 16 years old and having the 96SI as my first car has been an absolute blast. The car has amazing torque for a 4-cylinder and has no problem going from a red light to 60MPH. The interior is well done with the electronic dash and in-your-face tweeters. The back seat is a little on the small side, and sitting in the back requires serious help from the people in the front, but that doesn't stop me. My car is pushing 7 years old, and it hardly shows it. The stock rims on the Ludes could have been a little better, though, as the stock alloys are hideous. But nothing $1700 worth of rims and tires won't fix. The car is one of the best-looking cars from '96, for sure.