Honda Prelude recalls

12 official safety recalls for the Honda Prelude from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Ignition key may be removed before shifting to park

    Reported January 28, 2005Model years 1997–2001NHTSA campaign 05V025000486,659 vehicles affected

    The ignition interlock may let the key be removed before the transmission is in park. If the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle could roll and crash. Dealers will inspect the interlock and install a redesigned lever free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
    Defect
    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTERLOCK OPERATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO PARK.
    Consequence
    IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT CONFIRMS INTERLOCK FUNCTION. VEHICLES WILL BE UPDATED WITH A REDESIGNED INTERLOCK LEVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
    Notes
    HONDA RECALL NOS.P68, P69.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

  2. Ignition switch may cause engine to stall

    Reported August 6, 2002DVSA recall R/2002/071265,875 vehicles affected

    Premature wear of electrical contacts in the ignition switch may cause the engine to stall without warning. A new ignition switch will be fitted.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    IGNITION SWITCH MAY FAIL
    Defect
    Electrical contacts within the ignition switch wear prematurely. This can eventually cause the engine to stall without warning.
    Remedy
    Fit a new ignition switch.

  3. Ignition switch contacts may wear and stall engine

    Reported May 16, 2002Model years 1997–1999NHTSA campaign 02V1200001,000,000 vehicles affected

    High electrical current during starting may degrade ignition switch contacts. Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
    Defect
    ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.
    Consequence
    WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
    Notes
    CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

  4. Front lower ball joints may wear and separate

    Reported August 20, 1999Model years 1996–1997DVSA recall R/1999/0384,370 vehicles affected

    Front lower ball joints may wear prematurely and separate from the front knuckle, potentially causing loss of steering control. Both front lower ball joint assemblies will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    PREMATURE WEAR OF STEERING LOWER BALL JOINTS
    Defect
    Certain vehicles were manufactured with front lower ball joints that may prematurely wear out and in the worst case separate from the front knuckle. If separation occurs then loss of steering control may happen.
    Remedy
    Affected vehicles are being recalled to have both front lower ball joint assemblies replaced.

  5. Front suspension ball joint may separate

    Reported May 10, 1999Model years 1996–1998NHTSA campaign 99V069000124,875 vehicles affected

    The front suspension ball joints may wear prematurely and separate, causing the suspension to collapse, reducing steering control, and causing the vehicle to decelerate. Dealers will replace the lower ball joints.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
    Defect
    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.
    Notes
    OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 17, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA 1-800-382-2238.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

  6. Front seat belt buckle buttons may break

    Reported May 24, 1995Model years 1986–1991NHTSA campaign 95V1030013,700,000 vehicles affected

    A front seat belt buckle's red release button may break, and pieces may make the buckle operate improperly, reducing crash protection. Owners should check both buckles and contact a dealer promptly if a button is cracked or broken or a buckle fails; repair or replacement is free of charge. A remedy for intact buttons is being developed.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
    Defect
    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.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: INTERIOR; SEAT BELTS; BELT BUCKLES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2-DOOR, 4-DOOR AND 5-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY BELTS MADE BY TAKATA CORPORATION.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AT AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLETIME, PLEASE CONTACT HONDA/ACURA AT 1-800-999-1009. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

  7. Corroded fuel pipes may leak

    Reported April 15, 1993Model years 1983–1987NHTSA campaign 92V028001920,583 vehicles affected

    If the plastic coating on a fuel filler or breather pipe is damaged, trapped salt water may corrode the pipe and allow fuel or vapours to leak, creating a fire risk near an ignition source. Repairs will be made to vehicles with corroded pipes.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Defect
    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.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: FUEL SYSTEM.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS IN AREAS WHERE SALT AND CALCIUM CHLORIDE AREUSED IN SNOW AND ICE CONTROL.NOTE: THIS IS AN EXTENSION OF NHTSA RECALL 92V028000. HONDA HAS INCLUDED 1986AND 1987 ACCORDS BUILT BETWEEN JUNE 13, 1985 AND SEPTEMBER 15, 1987, AS WELLAS 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 AND 1987 PRELUDES BUILT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 9, 1982 ANDMAY 7, 1987.

  8. Accelerator pedal stopper may bend

    Reported June 13, 1989Model years 1988NHTSA campaign 89V09700076,973 vehicles affected

    Excessive force after the accelerator pedal reaches its stopper may bend it. The pedal could then catch and remain down, causing loss of accelerator control and potentially a crash. A support will be installed to prevent the stopper from bending.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
    Defect
    THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPER MAY BE BENT WHEN EXCESSIVE DOWNWARD FORCE IS APPLIED AFTER PEDAL HAS CONTACTED THE STOPPER.
    Consequence
    THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL SHOULDPEDAL BE CAUGHT AND HELD DOWN BY BENT STOPPER, WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
    Remedy
    INSTALL A SUPPORT TO PREVENT STOPPER FROM BENDING.
    Notes
    SYSTEM:ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPER.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION:PASSENGER CARS.

  9. Front seat anchorage bracket may fail

    Reported June 8, 1989Model years 1988NHTSA campaign 89V09300025,252 vehicles affected

    The rear inboard anchorage bracket for a front seat may not withstand the force required by FMVSS 207. It could fail and leave the seat loose. A reinforcing plate will be installed on each front seat bracket.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEATS
    Defect
    THE REAR INBOARD SEAT ANCHORAGE BRACKET FOR THE FRONT SEATS MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE FORCE REQUIRED BY FMVSS 207.
    Consequence
    BRACKET FAILURE COULD RESULT IN SEAT BECOMING LOOSE;VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 207.
    Remedy
    INSTALL A REINFORCING PLATE TO REAR INBOARD SEAT ANCHORAGE BRACKET FOR EACH FRONT SEAT.
    Notes
    SYSTEM:FRONT SEATS ANCHORAGE BRACKET/FMVSS 207.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION:PASSENGER CARS.

  10. Power steering hose may leak

    Reported April 6, 1988Model years 1988NHTSA campaign 88V05900066,239 vehicles affected

    Vibration and heat could cause a power steering fluid leak at the supply hose clamp. Fluid on the hot exhaust manifold could cause smoke or an underhood fire. An improved supply hose assembly will be installed.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
    Defect
    VIBRATION AND HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES COULD CAUSE POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE AT THE CONNECTOR CLAMP SEAL TO DEVELOP A FLUID LEAK.
    Consequence
    IF THE FLUID CONTACTS THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD, IT MAYCAUSE SMOKE AND POSSIBLY AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
    Remedy
    INSTALL AN IMPROVED POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE ASSEMBLY.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: POWER STEERINGVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

  11. Required safety information is missing from manual

    Reported October 29, 1987Model years 1988NHTSA campaign 87V17100099,088 vehicles affected

    The owner's manual omits information required by the stated safety standard. The remedy is to add adhesive-backed correction pages to existing manuals.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
    Defect
    OWNERS MANUAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, SECTIONS 6A AND 6B WAS OMITTED FROM THE MANUAL.
    Consequence
    VEHICLES MANUAL INFORMATION DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS210.
    Remedy
    UPGRADE EXISTING MANUALS BY INSERTING ADHESIVE BACKED CORRECTION PAGES.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: OWNERS MANUAL INFORMATION/FMVSS 210.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS AND WAGONS.

  12. Coolant residue may slow throttle return

    Reported August 4, 1987Model years 1988NHTSA campaign 87V1220007,893 vehicles affected

    Coolant may seep and leave residue on the throttle valve, slowing its return to idle when the accelerator is released. The throttle body assembly will be replaced.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
    Defect
    A SMALL AMOUNT OF COOLANT SEEPAGE MAY OCCUR, AND EVENTUALLY RESIDUE MAY ACCUMULATE ON THE THROTTLE VALVE.
    Consequence
    RESIDUE MAY CAUSE THROTTLE VALVE RETURN-TO-IDLE SPEED TOBE SLOWER THAN NORMAL WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED.
    Remedy
    REPLACE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: THROTTLE VALVEVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

Back to the Honda Prelude