1987 Honda Prelude problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 1987 Honda Prelude — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Prelude years?

Prelude NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prelude years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Honda Prelude problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Fuel System	5	29%	— flat
Seat Belts	3	18%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	2	12%	▲ up
Lighting	2	12%	new
Brakes	1	6%	— flat
Electrical System	1	6%	▼ down
Speed Control	1	6%	new
Steering	1	6%	— flat
Engine	1	6%	▼ down

Does the 1987 Honda Prelude have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V103001Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 3,700,000 units

Defect

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES. CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. CHECK THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUG ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, THEN PRESS THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS ANY SIGN OF BREAKAGE OR CRACKING, OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, PROMPTLY CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED HONDA/ACURA DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

92V028001Fuel SystemApril 15, 1993 · 920,583 units

Defect

IF THE PLASTIC COATING OF THE FUEL FILLER AND/OR BREATHER PIPE IS DAMAGED, SALT WATER MAY ACCUMULATE BETWEEN THE PLASTIC COATING AND THE STEEL PIPES, AND THE ACCUMULATION COULD CAUSE CORROSION WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY RUST THROUGH THE AFFECTED PIPES, ALLOWING GASOLINE FUMES AND FUEL TO LEAK.

Consequence

GASOLINE FUMES AND/OR FUEL LEAKAGE THROUGH THE FILLER ORBREATHER PIPES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy

REPAIRS WILL BE MADE TO VEHICLES WITH CORRODED FILLER OR BREATHER PIPES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“FROM DAY ONE- IDLE FLUCTUATION WITH TONS OF DOCUMENTATION AND DENIAL TO PROBLEM BY DEALER & REPRESENTATIVE-FIRST DAY CAR WAS PURCHASED THERE WAS A CODE 12. ALL 4 FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED & EGR TUBES CLEANED. LIVED WITH UNRESOLVED PROBLEM ALL THESE YEARS, BUT NOW I HAVE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND AM…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 10, 1996 · crash

“REAR RESTAINT BELT IS PERMANENTLY RETRACTED AND LOCKED, I AM A MOTHER OF TWIN TODDLERS AND REQUIRE THE USE USE OF BOTH REAR SEATBELTS IN ORDER TO SECURE THEIR SAFTEY SEATS PROPERLY. MEANWHILE I'VE TRIED TO SECURE IT WITH THE MIDDLE LAP BELT BUT IT HAS FAILED AT PROVIDING ANY KIND OF RESRAINT WHEN I…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · December 1, 2001

“CONSUMER BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN GOOD FAITH. WHILE DRIVING SHE NOTICED A FUEL SMELL. CONSUMER DIDN'T KNOW FROM WHERE SMELL WAS COMING AT THAT TIME. BRAKES WERE 75% FRONT AND REAR. TIRES WERE 50% THREAD AND MIXMATCHED. *AK THE VEHICLE HAS A DAMAGE FROM PREVIOUS MAJOR ACCIDENT AND FUEL TAND WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 28, 2000

“THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH DESIGN IS AT UNSAFE POSITION WHEN MAKING A TURN USE THE SIGNAL LIGHT YOU MAKE A MISTAKE AND TURN LIGHT OFF WHEN USING THE SIGNAL LIGHT .”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting

“FROM DAY ONE- IDLE FLUCTUATION WITH TONS OF DOCUMENTATION AND DENIAL TO PROBLEM BY DEALER & REPRESENTATIVE-FIRST DAY CAR WAS PURCHASED THERE WAS A CODE 12. ALL 4 FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED & EGR TUBES CLEANED. LIVED WITH UNRESOLVED PROBLEM ALL THESE YEARS, BUT NOW I HAVE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND AM…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 10, 1996 · crash

1987 Honda Prelude — common questions

Is the 1987 Honda Prelude reliable?

The record is thin — 17 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1987 Prelude problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (5 complaints), seat belts (3 complaints), lighting (2 complaints).

Does the 1987 Honda Prelude have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Honda Prelude. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Honda Prelude under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Honda Prelude years should you avoid?

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.

How does 1987 compare to other Prelude years?

What are the most common 1987 Honda Prelude problems?

Does the 1987 Honda Prelude have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1987 Honda Prelude — common questions

Is the 1987 Honda Prelude reliable?

What are the most common 1987 Prelude problems?

Does the 1987 Honda Prelude have recalls?

Is the 1987 Honda Prelude under NHTSA investigation?

Which Honda Prelude years should you avoid?

Related