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.
The worst 1991 Honda Prelude problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Seat belts9
- Engine5
- Locks1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Seat belts9
- Engine5
- Locks1
Recalls 1
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 95V103001 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Honda Prelude 3
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1991 Honda Prelude fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 18-20 | 24-25 | 20-22 |
| 2.1L 4‑cyl | FWD | 18-19 | 23-24 | 20-21 |
What 1991 Honda Prelude owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Air conditioner system failure: eight (8) dealer attempted repairs; four (4) new compressors and complete systems installed; thousands of dollars spent (approx. $6,000.00); and A/C remains dead.*ak vehicle is 1991 honda prelude si, VIN [xxx], purchased new 7/22/91 from woodland hills honda, 6111 topanga canyon boulevard, woodland hills, ca., 91365. A/c problem began may, 1996 at 68,000 miles, and last attempted repair ended october, 2001 at 142,000 miles. We have four (4) honda accords (1991 and 93 models), all over 160,000 miles, with no A/C problems. The bad A/C seems limited to prelude only. It is very hot in san fernando valley of los angeles, california for 6 months of the year. On october 10, 2001, woodland hills honda recommended another complete A/C compressor and system replacement. The service manager there, [xxx] (now gone), stated there was a " complete system problem" and asked honda regional hq for honda authorization to replace the entire A/C system without charge, or to share the costs. Assistance denied. This seems to be a product-liability manufacturing failure specific to the prelude A/C system and the compressor in particular. We see many prelude drivers with windows open. We do not want to spend thousands of dollars more for what we think honda should be responsible to fix. Does honda know it has bad A/C compressors in preludes and is ignoring or evading the problem? Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Consumer states that the front passenger seatbelt releases on its own at any time. Dealer states that coil connector terminator needs replacing.
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.
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
This is a common problem with honda preludes...everyone I know with a prelude has engine problems
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.
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.
Seat belt warning light and buzzer never stops, even if vehicle is off.
This head-on collision was investigated by the chp. Central division chp m.a.I.t. Was requested to examine the failure of the driver's side restraint. Upon examination sgt. Esmay determined that the restraint was being worn due to the signs of loading on the webbing and loop guide. The webbing of the belt separated near the loop guide. The driver of this vehicle, douglas guy vetch, dob 10/06/68, was seriously injured. The fatal victim was in the other vehicle. The speed quoted(50mph)is a rough estimate based on the observed damage and apparent collision dynamics. This collision is being reported per chp policy. It is being reported by sgt. Esmay and not the owner. Reports are available upon request. Sgt. Esmay
Compare the 1991 Honda Prelude
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Questions about the 1991 Honda Prelude
Is the 1991 Honda Prelude reliable?
Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 1991 Honda Prelude, fewer than a typical Prelude model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1991 Honda Prelude?
Seat belts, with 9 complaints. Next is engine (5).
How many recalls does the 1991 Honda Prelude have?
1 recall, covering seat belts.
Was there a recall on the 1991 Honda Prelude seat belts?
Yes, 1 recall: 95V103001. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 1991 Honda Prelude get?
Official estimates for the 1991 Honda Prelude range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18-20 city and 24-25 highway.
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