Model year record

1987 Honda Prelude

2 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 17 owner complaints on file.

Honda Prelude, 1983–1987 generation
Pictured: the 1983–1987 generation. IFCAR, Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 95V103001

Seat belts: front: buckle assembly

Component
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
Manufacturer
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
Vehicles affected
3,700,000
Reported to NHTSA
1995-05-24
Owners notified
1995-05-19

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 92V028001

Fuel system, gasoline

Component
Fuel system, gasoline
Manufacturer
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
Vehicles affected
920,583
Reported to NHTSA
1993-04-15
Owners notified
1993-04-30

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer remedy

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

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system2—
Seat belts: front: retractor2—
Electrical system: ignition: switch1133,133 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine1—
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights1—
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch1—
Fuel system, gasoline1—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap1—
Seat belts: front: anchorage1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip1—
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly1—
Tires1—
Tires: tread/belt1—
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1—

The 1986 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. The 1988 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Other Honda Prelude model years

All Honda Prelude recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.