1999 Honda Prelude problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 40 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.6 times the median Prelude year — the 1999 model ranks #3 of 27 Prelude years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (8), transmission (8), and engine (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Prelude years?

Prelude NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prelude years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Honda Prelude problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Transmission	8	20%	▼ down
Electrical System	8	20%	▼ down
Engine	7	18%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	6	15%	▲ up
Other	2	5%	— flat
Steering	2	5%	▼ down
Suspension	2	5%	▼ down
Visibility & Wipers	1	3%	▼ down
Brakes	1	3%	▼ down
Speed Control	1	3%	▼ down
Body & Structure	1	3%	— flat
Airbags	1	3%	▼ down

Does the 1999 Honda Prelude have recalls?

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

06E060000LightingJune 29, 2006 · 87,745 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy

AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

05V025000Electrical SystemJanuary 28, 2005 · 486,659 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

02V120000Electrical SystemMay 16, 2002 · 1,000,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 12, 2017

“1999 HONDA PRELUDE SPORT SHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 46,000 MILES AND AT A SPEED OF 36 MPH AS DOCUMENTED BY HONDA! I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING WRONG AND NEITHER HAS ANY OTHER PRELUDE OWNER AND HONDA WANTS $6,000 DOLLARS OF MY HARD EARNED MONEY! YES THAT'S 1/4 THE TOTAL COST OF THE CAR BRAND…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 6, 2003

“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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 30, 2006

“AS A RESULT OF TREAD SEPARATION CAR LOST CONTROL AND HIT THE MEDIAN. DRIVER WAS WHIP LASHED AND HER NECK AND BACK HURTS.*AK (TIRESIZE: 205/50R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 205/50R16 )”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 22, 2000 · crash

“STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. PROBLEM REOCCURED AFTER THE STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK *ML”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 27, 2000

1999 Honda Prelude — common questions

Is the 1999 Honda Prelude reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 40 complaints put the 1999 model at #3 of 27 Prelude years. It is one of the Prelude years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Prelude problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (8 complaints), transmission (8 complaints), engine (7 complaints).

Does the 1999 Honda Prelude have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Honda Prelude. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 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 1999 compare to other Prelude years?

What are the most common 1999 Honda Prelude problems?

Does the 1999 Honda Prelude have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1999 Honda Prelude — common questions

Is the 1999 Honda Prelude reliable?

What are the most common 1999 Prelude problems?

Does the 1999 Honda Prelude have recalls?

Is the 1999 Honda Prelude under NHTSA investigation?

Which Honda Prelude years should you avoid?

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