1989 Honda Prelude Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1989 Honda Prelude recalls

Most common 1989 Honda Prelude problems

Problem areas named in the 21 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Steering	9
Engine And Engine Cooling	8
Seat Belts	6
Suspension	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	2
Power Train	1
Structure	1
Tires	1
Visibility	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1

What owners report

2002-07-02, Engine And Engine Cooling
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

2000-12-11, Electrical System
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

2000-07-31, Steering
POWER STEERING HOSE FAILED. THERE WAS A RECALL OF THE SAME HOSE ON 1988, WHICH ARE IDENTICAL TO THE 1989 MODEL. *ET

2000-02-26, Seat Belts
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES ENGAGE AND APPEAR TO HOLD; BUT BUCKLES RELEASE UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO BELTS. *AK

2000-01-17, Steering
SAME PROBLEM AS 1988 MODEL YEAR RECALL. NO SAFETY DEFECT (S) FOUND IN SUMMARY. *AK

1989 Honda Prelude questions

Does the 1989 Honda Prelude have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1989 Honda Prelude: Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 1989 Honda Prelude?

Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (9), Engine And Engine Cooling (8), Seat Belts (6).

How do I check if a recall on my 1989 Honda Prelude has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.