VehicleVerdict

1989 Honda Prelude problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 34 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.1 times the median Prelude year — the 1989 model ranks #5 of 27 Prelude years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (27% of the total).

34

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Prelude years?

Prelude NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted88 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 3 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 5 complaints1985: 11 complaints1986: 12 complaints1987: 17 complaints1988: 40 complaints1989: 34 complaints1990: 4 complaints1991: 18 complaints1992: 26 complaints1993: 14 complaints1994: 12 complaints1995: 9 complaints1996: 4 complaints1997: 88 complaints1998: 86 complaints1999: 40 complaints2000: 14 complaints2001: 25 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints
Prelude NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prelude years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Honda Prelude problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering926%
Engine824%
Seat Belts618%
Brakes26%
Suspension26%
Speed Control13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Body & Structure13%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Transmission13%
Electrical System13%

Does the 1989 Honda Prelude have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“BRAKES SQUEAL. ALSO, POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK/ RADIATOR HOSE MELTS DUE TO CLOSE PROXIMITY TO MANIFOLD/ TRANSMISSION FAILURE/ WINDOWS FOG UP AND CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGES, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. VEHICLE SWERVES/UNEVEN BACK TIRE WEAR. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 1, 1996

“THE CAR STOPS BY ITSELF WHEN BEING DRIVEN. IT SPUTTERS AND THEN ALL THE ELECTRICAL LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR STOPS AND WILL NOT START. I HAVE TOWED IT TO THE DEALER 5 TIMES, AND THEY CANNOT FIGURE THE PROBLEM OUT, AND THEY ARE ABLE TO START THE CAR. THE DEALER SAYS EVERYTHING IS ALL RIGHT BUT WE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“FRONT BELT BUCKLE REPLACED ACCORDANCE WITH A RECALL CAMPAIGN 95V103001, THE REPLACED BUCKLE REFUSED TO LATCH AFTERWARD BEING REPLACED. ABOUT 75% OF THE TIME THE BUCKLE WOULD APPEAR TO BE SNAP, BUT AFTER YANKING ON THE BELT IT WOULD RELEASE FROM AT THE BUCKLE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“BRAKES SQUEAL. ALSO, POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK/ RADIATOR HOSE MELTS DUE TO CLOSE PROXIMITY TO MANIFOLD/ TRANSMISSION FAILURE/ WINDOWS FOG UP AND CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGES, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. VEHICLE SWERVES/UNEVEN BACK TIRE WEAR. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 1, 1996

“BRAKES SQUEAL. ALSO, POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK/ RADIATOR HOSE MELTS DUE TO CLOSE PROXIMITY TO MANIFOLD/ TRANSMISSION FAILURE/ WINDOWS FOG UP AND CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGES, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. VEHICLE SWERVES/UNEVEN BACK TIRE WEAR. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 1, 1996

1989 Honda Prelude — common questions

Is the 1989 Honda Prelude reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 34 complaints put the 1989 model at #5 of 27 Prelude years. It is one of the Prelude years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 Prelude problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (9 complaints), engine (8 complaints), seat belts (6 complaints).

Does the 1989 Honda Prelude have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Honda Prelude. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.