Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1981 Honda Prelude — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
3
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 1 | 33% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 33% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 33% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE SPRINGS ARE HELD UP BY A METAL SUPPORT AROUND EACH SHOCK ABSORBER. VEHICLES DRIVEN REGULARLY IN AREAS WHERE ROADS ARE SALTED DURING WINTERTIME ARE SUBJECT TO RUSTING OF THESE SUPPORTS. RUSTING MAY EVENTUALLY ALLOW THE SPRING TO BREAK THROUGH THE SUPPORT.
Remedy
THE SPRING SUPPORTS AND SHOCKS WILL BE INSPECTED; DEPENDING ON CONDITION, THE COMPONENTS WILL BE RUSTPROOFED OR REPLACED, IF NECESSARY.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ONLY TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS RELEASED; DEFECTIVE PARTS SHOULD BE REPLACED AT MANUFACTUR COSTS. 73 LISTED BULLETINS ON WEB SITE WWW.ALLDATA.COM.”
“ONLY TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS RELEASED; DEFECTIVE PARTS SHOULD BE REPLACED AT MANUFACTUR COSTS. 73 LISTED BULLETINS ON WEB SITE WWW.ALLDATA.COM.”
“THE FRONT TIRE PEELED THROUGH THE CABAZON SECTION OF I10. ALL 3 OF THE FAILURES WERE ON DRIVING WHEELS, ALL WERE ON UNLOADED VEHICLES ON THE FWY, ALL WERE BOUGHT FROM A STORE IN THE DESERT AND COMMUTED ON HEAVILY THROUGH THE DESERT, APPROX 600-800 MI/WK.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P185 70R13 )”
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1981 Honda Prelude. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prelude years to avoid are 1997, 1998, 1999, 1988, 1989. The cleanest record among Prelude years belongs to 2006.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.