1991 Honda Prelude: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern seat belts.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1995
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45 mph a loud noise was heard from the rear of the vehicle and the vehicle stalled. It was maneuvered off the road and towed to the dealer who determined the timing belt needed to be replaced.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2006
“The hood had opened up while my son was using the car. This resulted in damage to the fron glass, roof, left side mirror, left side door and left side front fender, and hood.*ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · May 2002
“Consumer purchased a used vehicle which was in need of a new engine, after some time the consumer was able to have a used engine installed after installation it was noted that the engine was bad because the vehicle still would not run (head gasket, short block, head assembly, timing belt and oil pan). Nlm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2000
Show 4 more owner reports
“While driving the front driver side seat belt buckle won't lock and will come apart whenever the consumer moves which mak's the buckle to operate improperly. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Nov 1998
“Seat belt appears to clasp when engaged, however safety light goes on, necessitating reengagement until light goes out. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 1995
“Consumer states that the front passenger seatbelt releases on its own at any time. Dealer states that coil connector terminator needs replacing. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts
“Bought the car and the engine blew up and caught on fire. Fire department was called to put out the fire the was no reason why the engine blew out and caught on fire.... It threw a rod. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1991 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Prelude years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Prelude by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Honda Prelude reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1991 Honda Prelude. The most complained-about area is seat belts.
Does the 1991 Honda Prelude have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seat belts. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.