1998 Honda Prelude: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Honda Prelude: 3 recalls, 69 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #99V069000 · 1999 · 124,875 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. Also steering controllability would be reduced.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
Electrical Vehicle recall #02V120000 · 2002 · 1,000,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began June 14, 2002.
Electrical Vehicle recall #05V025000 · 2005 · 486,659 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E060000 · 2006 · 87,745 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash
The fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (31): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (20), stalls / loses power (5), noise or vibration (4).
- Electrical (12): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), won't start (2).
- Suspension (9): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2), steering problems (2).
- Airbags (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1998 Honda Prelude has 69 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 12 Prelude model years for complaints (3.1× the average Prelude year). Complaints peaked in 2002 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 93,790 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (66 complaints, 3 recalls), 1999 (31 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 24 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Honda Prelude.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Honda Prelude have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Honda Prelude, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Honda Prelude problems?
Owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (31), electrical (12), suspension (9).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Honda Prelude get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Honda Prelude repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.