Electrical fire in vehicle trunk.
The worst 1996 Honda Prelude problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine2
- Electrical1
- Suspension1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine2
- Electrical1
- Suspension1
Recalls 1
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain vehicles were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out and, in the worse case, the ball joint would separate causing the front suspension to collapse.
- Risk
- This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. Also steering controllability would be reduced.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
Recall number 99V069000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Honda Prelude 25
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Vehicle's emission type
- SRS indicator on with no SRS diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) set
- Check (ATF) automatic transmission fluid condition to diagnose (a/t) automatic transmissions
- Straining the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to diagnose automatic transmissions
- Clearing anti-lock brake system (ABS) diagnostic trouble codes (DTCS)
- Subject regarding customer complaints that the engine hesitates briefly when accelerating
- Customers may complain of a brief hesitation when accelerating at high engine speeds
- Customers may complain of a twang noise from the front suspension that sounds like a spring contact
- Concerns with front suspension squeaking in cold weather
- Experiencing a squeal noise at front suspension at low temperatures
1996 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19-21 | 24-26 | 21-23 |
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 24 | 21 |
What 1996 Honda Prelude owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While consumer was traveling at 20 MPH ball joints went out, and consumer lost control of vehicle. There is a recall on vehicle for same problem, but this vehicle was not included due to VIN. *ak there was a failure of front left lower ball joint, which resulted in a single car accident, while traveling on flat paved street.
The main bearings in my motor spun and are scored, this resulted in loss of oil pressure to the crankshaft and bearing journals. Due to this loss of pressure the engine block,crankshaft,journals, and main bearings are ruined. The top half of my motor is fine including the dual overhead cam,pistons,valves,lifters,connecting rods,etc. I heard of a recall of mid 1990 honda engines recently for some sort of throwout bearing or rod bearing failure that causes the engine to lose oil pressure causing severe wear like what I am experiencing. The costs of repair of my vehicle are great and it is nearly impossible to find a replacement motor. I'm hoping to get help from honda for repairs and am looking to you to find out if I'm elligable. Thank you very much, sean.
While driving on the interstate at about 75mph the vehicle cut completely off. Has been to dealer at least 6 times for same problem.
Compare the 1996 Honda Prelude
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Questions about the 1996 Honda Prelude
Is the 1996 Honda Prelude reliable?
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 1996 Honda Prelude, fewer than a typical Prelude model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Honda Prelude?
Engine and cooling, with 2 complaints. Next is electrical (1).
How many recalls does the 1996 Honda Prelude have?
1 recall, covering suspension.
What gas mileage does the 1996 Honda Prelude get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Honda Prelude range from 21 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-21 city and 24-26 highway.
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