1997 Honda Prelude Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1997 Honda Prelude recalls

Most common 1997 Honda Prelude problems

Problem areas named in the 66 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	42
Suspension	8
Electrical System	7
Equipment	6
Engine And Engine Cooling	5
Tires	5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	3
Air Bags	2
Steering	2
Seats	2

What owners report

2019-09-09, Power Train
I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AND HAVE HAD GOOD LUCK WITH HONDA'S IN THE PAST BUT ABOUT 300 MILES OF ME OWNING THIS VEHICLE I WAS ENTERING A FREEWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST ALL POWER WITH CARS GOING HIGHWAY SPEED BEHIND ME I HAD TO PULL OFF TO THE SHOULDER LUCKILY THERE WAS ONE THERE THE FIRST TIME IT GAVE OUT BUT LATER ON THAT DRIVE GOING HOME I WAS DRIVING OVER A BRIDGE WITH TRAFFIC WHEN IT DID IT AGAIN I WAS SO SCARED BECAUSE I'M STUCK IN A LINE OF TRAFFIC ON A BRIDGE AND THE CAR WANTS TO ROLL BACK AND IT DIDN'T WANT TO TURN ON UNTIL IT COOLED DOWN WHICH WAS 30 MINUTES OF UGLY LOOKS OF CARS DRIVING BY ME WHEN I FINALLY GOT HOME I HAD NEVER FELT SO RELIEVED SO THAT'S WHEN I TOLD MY FATHER AB

2014-04-07, Power Train
ITS THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IT ONLY HAS 136000 MILES ON IT AND I NEED A NEW ONE THAT'S REALLY LOW MILES FOR A 97 NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS EVER WITH ANY OF MY CARS. I HEARD ITS WITH ALL THE HONDAS. *TR

2013-08-07, Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA PRELUDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000. *TR

2011-06-08, Power Train
WELL BASICALLY I BOUGHT MY 97AUTOMATIC PRELUDE, AND NOT MORE THAN A MONTH LATER OF HAVING THE CAR THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. BASICALLY IT WOULD SOUND LIKE A SCREW DRIVER WAS BEING FORCED INTO THE GEARS OR SOMETHING. ON TOP OF THAT IT WAS REVVING RIDICULOUSLY HIGH AND NOT MOVING ANYWHERE. MY FOURTH GEAR WAS GONE THEY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. NOT TO MENTION WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS ADDRESSED TO THE DEALER THEY SAID BRING IT IN AND THEY WILL ERASE THE CODE "GOOD AS NEW" TO BE EXACT. BUT HONESTLY AS A CONSUMER A LOYAL ONE, I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD BE COMPENSATED BY HAVING MY TRANSMISSION REPLACED OR FULLY REBUILT. CAUSE EVERYONE KNOWS AS WELL AS HONDA MECHANICS WHO HAVE FILLED ME IN WI

2010-08-17, Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA PRELUDE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. SHE STATED SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND WHEN RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED AT LEAST SIX TIMES, INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE DEALER DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: SWITCH). THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,565 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146,765.

1997 Honda Prelude questions

Does the 1997 Honda Prelude have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 1997 Honda Prelude: Electrical System:Ignition:Switch; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch; Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Honda Prelude?

Based on 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (42), Suspension (8), Electrical System (7).

How do I check if a recall on my 1997 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.