Total Complaints
40 filings
HONDA PRELUDE · model year
40 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 1999HONDAPRELUDE carries 40 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1999 PRELUDE is tires:tread/belt with 3 filings, followed by power train:automatic transmission (3) and electrical system (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 1999 PRELUDE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
40 filings
Crashes Reported
2 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 3 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 3 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT | 2 |
| SUSPENSION | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | 2 |
| EQUIPMENT | 2 |
| POWER TRAIN | 2 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 1 |
| STEERING | 1 |
| STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 1 |
The contact owns a 1999 Honda Prelude. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact became aware that the failure was due to the ignition switch. The contact replaced the part himself. The contact also noticed that while the vehicle was turned off, the gear shifter independently shifted into gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Mileage: 170,000
The contact owns a 1999 Honda Prelude. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact became aware that the failure was due to the ignition switch. The contact replaced the part himself. The contact also noticed that while the vehicle was turned off, the gear shifter independently shifted into gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Mileage: 170,000
STARTING IN JUNE 2017, MY 1999 HONDA PRELUDE SH HAS BEEN STALLING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE I AM DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS MOSTLY ON HOT DAYS. THE CAR CAN NOT BE RE-STARTED FOR 5-10 MINUTES AFTERWARD. THE ENGINE IS NOT OVERHEATING. MY MECHANIC RAN TESTS FOR TWO DAYS AND SAYS THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH MUST BE FAULTY.
Mileage: 135,000
THE SPORTSHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION M6HA IN MY 1999 HONDA PRELUDE STARTED TO SLIP AND WHILE GOING DOWN THE FREEWAY THE CAR LOST ALL POWER TO THE WHEELS AND WOULD JUST REV UP THE ENGINE WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL DOWN AND WOULD NOT MOVE THE CAR WHILE IN ALL DRIVE GEARS. IT COST ME $2,396.75 TO GET MY HONDA PRELUDE'S SPORTSHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION M6HA REPLACED AT A TRANSMISSION SHOP WHILE I WAS OUT ON A FAMILY VACATION TRIP TO ARIZONA. *TR
Mileage: 135,765
1999 HONDA PRELUDE. CONSUMER STATES ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE CONSUMER REFERENCED THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL AND IS REQUESTING $2,350.19 FOR REPAIRS. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A SMALL REFUND FROM HONDA. UPDATED 09/29/11*JB
1999 HONDA PRELUDE. CONSUMER STATES ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE CONSUMER REFERENCED THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL AND IS REQUESTING $2,350.19 FOR REPAIRS. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A SMALL REFUND FROM HONDA. UPDATED 09/29/11*JB
RICHARD C. YUEN POWAY, CA 92064 MAY 5, 2008 AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE 1919 TORRANCE BOULEVARD MAIL STOP: 500 - 2N - 7D TORRANCE, CA 90501-2746 RE: 1999 HONDA PRELUDE VIN #J013 DEAR SIR: WE ARE VERY PLEASED WITH HONDA AUTOMOBILES PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY. WE ARE ALWAYS GOING OUT OUR WAY TO RECOMMEND HONDA CARS TO OUR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. HOWEVER, LAST WEDNESDAY EVENING (4/30/08) WHILE DRIVING HOME IN MY HONDA PRELUDE, I HAD A VERY BAD EXPERIENCE WITH THE CAR. I WAS TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON FWY 56 AT AROUND 65 MILES; SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD NOISE UNDER THE HOOD AND GRINDING NOISES. ALL DASH BOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND I WAS HAVING DIFFICULTIES IN MANEUVERING THE CAR. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY AND STOPPED THE CAR AT THE END OF THE OFF RAMP (CAMINO DEL SUR). THE CAR WAS TOWED TO OUR MECHANICS DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO. SUN INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR HAS TAKEN CARE OF OUR HONDA CARS FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS. HE FOUND THE FRONT
Mileage: 54,000
RICHARD C. YUEN POWAY, CA 92064 MAY 5, 2008 AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE 1919 TORRANCE BOULEVARD MAIL STOP: 500 - 2N - 7D TORRANCE, CA 90501-2746 RE: 1999 HONDA PRELUDE VIN #J013 DEAR SIR: WE ARE VERY PLEASED WITH HONDA AUTOMOBILES PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY. WE ARE ALWAYS GOING OUT OUR WAY TO RECOMMEND HONDA CARS TO OUR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. HOWEVER, LAST WEDNESDAY EVENING (4/30/08) WHILE DRIVING HOME IN MY HONDA PRELUDE, I HAD A VERY BAD EXPERIENCE WITH THE CAR. I WAS TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON FWY 56 AT AROUND 65 MILES; SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD NOISE UNDER THE HOOD AND GRINDING NOISES. ALL DASH BOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND I WAS HAVING DIFFICULTIES IN MANEUVERING THE CAR. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY AND STOPPED THE CAR AT THE END OF THE OFF RAMP (CAMINO DEL SUR). THE CAR WAS TOWED TO OUR MECHANICS DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO. SUN INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR HAS TAKEN CARE OF OUR HONDA CARS FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS. HE FOUND THE FRONT
Mileage: 54,000
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING OIL EVERY THREE TO FOUR MONTHS, WHEN IT SHOULD NORMALLY LAST FOR ONE YEAR. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER EXPRESSED THAT THIS WOULD NORMALLY OCCUR IF THE VEHICLE HAD A FRONT-END COLLISION. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN A COLLISION; SUBSEQUENTLY, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
Mileage: 66,400
TOOK 1999 HONDA PRELUDE IN TO THE CARSON HONDA TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS AND DO THE 90 MILE MAJOR SERVICE AS REQUIRED BY HONDA CARE COVERAGE. WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE IGNITION, AND THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE MY IGNITION, FREE OF CHARGE. WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR THEY TOLD ME MY BILL WAS 860.57. THERE WERE CHARGES ON THE INVOICE THAT WHERE NOT COVERED BY MY WARRANTY. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS CHANGED, BUT THEY SAY SAID THAT I HAD TO PURCHASE THE NEW KEY OF 39.00. I SAID NO THAT IT WORKED FINE BEFORE I BROUGHT IT IN . THEY SAID THEY WOULD DESTROY THE KEY AND THREATENED ME THAT I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO PAY $160 MORE IF THE OLD KEY NO LONGER WORKED. 2 DAYS LATER MY CAR SITS IN THE DRIVE WAY AND I CANNOT GET THE KEY OUT.*AK
Mileage: 82,553
TOOK 1999 HONDA PRELUDE IN TO THE CARSON HONDA TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS AND DO THE 90 MILE MAJOR SERVICE AS REQUIRED BY HONDA CARE COVERAGE. WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE IGNITION, AND THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE MY IGNITION, FREE OF CHARGE. WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR THEY TOLD ME MY BILL WAS 860.57. THERE WERE CHARGES ON THE INVOICE THAT WHERE NOT COVERED BY MY WARRANTY. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS CHANGED, BUT THEY SAY SAID THAT I HAD TO PURCHASE THE NEW KEY OF 39.00. I SAID NO THAT IT WORKED FINE BEFORE I BROUGHT IT IN . THEY SAID THEY WOULD DESTROY THE KEY AND THREATENED ME THAT I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO PAY $160 MORE IF THE OLD KEY NO LONGER WORKED. 2 DAYS LATER MY CAR SITS IN THE DRIVE WAY AND I CANNOT GET THE KEY OUT.*AK
Mileage: 82,553
MY SON WAS DRIVING THE 1999 HONDA PRELUDE ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNING. HE WAS ABLE TO PUSH THE CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH OUT ANY CRASH OR INJURIES. HE WAS LUCKEY THAT THERE WERE FEW CARS ON THE ROAD AT THE TIME. HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE IDLE BOLT FOR THE TIMMING BELT BROKE AT THE ENGINE AND HAD TO BE DRILLED OUT TO BE REPLACED. OLD PART IS NOT AVAILABLE.
Mileage: 80,346
THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE WHICH WAS CAUSED BY A BROKEN CAM SEAL WHICH ALLOWED OIL TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE. NM THE OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONSUMER PULLED OFF THE EXIT AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE DEALER PERFORMED A SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE CHECK UP AND OIL CHANGE ON THE VEHICLE 10 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE LEAKING CAM SEAL WENT UNDISCOVERED OR UNMENTIONED. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BECAUSE THE CONSUMER DROVE A HALF OF A MILE WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE TIMING BELT BROKE ON ANOTHER OCCASION CAUSING SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE AND LOSS OF POWER. *TC THE CONSUMER STATED THE CD PLAYER SHUT OFF. *JB
Mileage: 67,067
THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE WHICH WAS CAUSED BY A BROKEN CAM SEAL WHICH ALLOWED OIL TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE. NM THE OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONSUMER PULLED OFF THE EXIT AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE DEALER PERFORMED A SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE CHECK UP AND OIL CHANGE ON THE VEHICLE 10 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE LEAKING CAM SEAL WENT UNDISCOVERED OR UNMENTIONED. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BECAUSE THE CONSUMER DROVE A HALF OF A MILE WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE TIMING BELT BROKE ON ANOTHER OCCASION CAUSING SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE AND LOSS OF POWER. *TC THE CONSUMER STATED THE CD PLAYER SHUT OFF. *JB
Mileage: 67,067
REPEATED (2 TIMES) SAFETY RELATED ENGINE MALFUNCTION CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND POWER OF THE VEHICLE. *BF IVOQ 10100766 PROVIDED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DURING A RAIN STORM, THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT HAD COME ON AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN WHILE ON AN EXIT RAMP. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THIS OCCURRED DUE A BROKEN CAM SEAL AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE CAM SEAL. BACK IN OCTOBER THE TIMING BELT HAD BROKEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE OTHER NUMEROUS ISSUES AS WELL INCLUDING: THE HEATING SYSTEM, VIBRATION, NOISE, THE CD PLAYER WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS OPENED OR WHEN THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE ON, THE WIPER WASHER FLUID WOULD FREEZE AND MINOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. *SC *JB
Mileage: 67,061
REPEATED (2 TIMES) SAFETY RELATED ENGINE MALFUNCTION CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND POWER OF THE VEHICLE. *BF IVOQ 10100766 PROVIDED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DURING A RAIN STORM, THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT HAD COME ON AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN WHILE ON AN EXIT RAMP. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THIS OCCURRED DUE A BROKEN CAM SEAL AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE CAM SEAL. BACK IN OCTOBER THE TIMING BELT HAD BROKEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE OTHER NUMEROUS ISSUES AS WELL INCLUDING: THE HEATING SYSTEM, VIBRATION, NOISE, THE CD PLAYER WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS OPENED OR WHEN THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE ON, THE WIPER WASHER FLUID WOULD FREEZE AND MINOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. *SC *JB
Mileage: 67,061
REPEATED (2 TIMES) SAFETY RELATED ENGINE MALFUNCTION CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND POWER OF THE VEHICLE. *BF IVOQ 10100766 PROVIDED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DURING A RAIN STORM, THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT HAD COME ON AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN WHILE ON AN EXIT RAMP. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THIS OCCURRED DUE A BROKEN CAM SEAL AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE CAM SEAL. BACK IN OCTOBER THE TIMING BELT HAD BROKEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE OTHER NUMEROUS ISSUES AS WELL INCLUDING: THE HEATING SYSTEM, VIBRATION, NOISE, THE CD PLAYER WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS OPENED OR WHEN THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE ON, THE WIPER WASHER FLUID WOULD FREEZE AND MINOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. *SC *JB
Mileage: 67,061
REPEATED (2 TIMES) SAFETY RELATED ENGINE MALFUNCTION CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND POWER OF THE VEHICLE. *BF IVOQ 10100766 PROVIDED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DURING A RAIN STORM, THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT HAD COME ON AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN WHILE ON AN EXIT RAMP. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THIS OCCURRED DUE A BROKEN CAM SEAL AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE CAM SEAL. BACK IN OCTOBER THE TIMING BELT HAD BROKEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE OTHER NUMEROUS ISSUES AS WELL INCLUDING: THE HEATING SYSTEM, VIBRATION, NOISE, THE CD PLAYER WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS OPENED OR WHEN THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE ON, THE WIPER WASHER FLUID WOULD FREEZE AND MINOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. *SC *JB
Mileage: 67,061
THE TIMING BELT AND TENSIONER CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC CAUSING A SUDDEN, DANGEROUS LOSE OF POWER. THIS CAR IS A 1999 HONDA PRELUDE WITH 65,000 MILES ON IT. HONDA CLAIMS THAT THESE PARTS ARE TO BE FIRST REPLACED AT 105,000. THIS CAR WAS ALWAYS MAINTAINED BY HONDA AND FAILED 3 DAYS AFTER THEIR STATE INSPECTION. THESE PARTS WERE REPLACED AT GREAT EXPENSE AND INCONVENIENCE TO ME. *AK
Mileage: 65,141
REPEATED (2 TIMES) SAFETLY RELATED ENGINE MALFUNCTION CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND POWER OF THE VEHICLE. ON NOVEMBER 4, 2004 OWNER OF 1999 HONDA PRELUDE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT NIGHT TIME WHEN SHORTLY AFTERWARDS OWNER'S VEHICLE LOST POWER AND CONTROL FOR THE SECOND TIME ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE'S CAM SEAL BROKE OFF LEAKING THE ENGINE OIL OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY OF RT. 80 AND THE ENGINE SEIZED. OWNER'S VEHICLE HAS PROVEN REPEATEDLY TO HAVE SERIOUS ENGINE DEFECTS THAT POSED A RISK TO THE OWNER AS WELL AS OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. IN OCTOBER 2002, THE FIRST ENGINE MALFUNCTION OCCURRED WHEN THE TIMING BELT BROKE DUE TO A DEFECT WHILE OWNER WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND CONTROL. THE OWNER, A CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT AND OTHER DRIVERS WERE PLACED AT SERIOUS RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH. AS OWNER WAS COVERED UNDER HONDA CARE WHICH EXTENDS THE STANDARD NEW CAR LIMITED WARRANTY UNTIL 100,000 REPAIRS WERE COVERED. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MALFUNCTION OF T
Mileage: 103,000
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.