The contact owns a 1999 Honda Prelude. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact became aware that the failure was due to the ignition switch. The contact replaced the part himself. The contact also noticed that while the vehicle was turned off, the gear shifter independently shifted into gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
The worst 1999 Honda Prelude problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission8
- Electrical7
- Engine7
- Tires5
- Steering2
- Suspension2
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Visibility1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Honda Prelude
Recalls 2
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 05V025000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 02V120000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 1999 Honda Prelude
Defect investigations
Ignition-park interlock
The above failure report counts are for model year (my) 1999 - 2001 honda accord models that were not within the scope of a related honda recall action (the federal safety agency 03v423); these vehicles were investigated by odi under defect petition (dp) 04-006.complaint information for other models and model years was not obtained by odi.the noted population indicates the number of vehicles (including the my 2002 accord plus the prelude and tl models) that are within the scope of honda?s new recall (the federal safety agency 05v‑025, honda p68, p69); 402,525 of these were investigated in dp04-006.seepart 573 documents related to 05v‑025 for further detail on other models and mys.odi notes that, according to honda?s analysis, interlock system warranty rates for the tl and prelude models involved in 05v‑025 are similar to those of the accord models.information provided by honda during dp04-006 indicates that certain vehicles containing interlock systems made by its japanese lock manufacturing facility may contain defective internal components.in combination with certain wear and usage factors, this may lead to a condition that prevents the system from blocking removal of the ignition key when the vehicle is not in park.if the driver leaves the transmission in a non-park position and fails to set the hand brake when parking, the vehicle may roll away and crash.interlock systems manufactured by honda?s u.s. Lock manufacturer do not appear to contain this defect and are therefore not included in the recall action. In a letter dated january 27, 2005, honda advised that it will conduct a safety recall to either upgrade (for operative systems) or repair (for inoperative systems) subject interlock systems with new design level components that do not contain the defect.
PE05002
Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Honda Prelude 65
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint
- Concerns with engine hesitation or stumble CAN be felt under light acceleration between 1,500 and 2,000 RPM
- DTC (diagnostic trouble code) P1279, pgm tester software error
- A condition exist where the upper windshield molding is warped or deformed
- Concerns with warped or deformed windshield molding
- Type 1 immobi brake codes available on the interactive network (HONDA)
- Honda diagnostic system locked, needs immobilizer release password
- Heater blower motor gets hot or blows a fuse
- Automatic transmission diagnostic trouble code P0740, P0741 repair tips
- Brake system indicator comes on and goes off
1999 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 | 19-20 | 24 | 21 |
What 1999 Honda Prelude owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 be faulty.
The sportshift automatic transmission m6ha in my 1999 honda prelude started to slip and while going down the freeway the car lost all power to the wheels and would just rev up the engine when I pressed the gas pedal down and would not move the car while in all drive gears. It cost me $2,396.75 to get my honda prelude's sportshift automatic transmission m6ha replaced at a transmission shop while I was out on a family vacation trip to arizona.
1999 honda prelude. Consumer states engine failure while driving *tgw the consumer referenced the ignition switch recall and is requesting $2,350.19 for repairs. *jb the consumer stated he received a small refund from honda. Updated 09/29/11
Richard c. Yuen poway, ca 92064 may 5, 2008 american honda motor co., inc. Honda automobile customer service 1919 torrance boulevard mail stop: 500 - 2n - 7d torrance, ca 90501-2746 re: 1999 honda prelude VIN #j013 dear sir: we are very pleased with honda automobiles performance and reliability. We are always going out our way to recommend honda cars to our friends and relatives. However, last wednesday evening (4/30/08) while driving home in my honda prelude, I had a very bad experience with the car. I was traveling east bound on fwy 56 at around 65 miles; suddenly I heard a loud noise under the hood and grinding noises. All dash board lights came on and I was having difficulties in maneuvering the car. Luckily, I was able to get off the freeway and stopped the car at the end of the off ramp (camino del sur). The car was towed to our mechanics downtown san diego. Sun independent auto repair has taken care of our honda cars for the last 20 years. He found the front pulley came off and front pulley strut was broken in half. He told us in all his years of servicing honda car, this is the firs time for him. See attached photo. From the picture, you can see the strut is defective, broken cleanly in half. You can also notice signs of rusting close to the breaking point. We have kept our prelude in our garage away from the weather elements. The car has never got into any water; in fact, I have always hand washed it myself. The scheduled maintenances are followed religiously by me. Additionally, the car has less than 54,000 miles on it after nine years. I am requesting honda to recognize the fact that the strut is defective and should reimburse us the expenses to replace the strut and the front pulley (slightly bent needs replacement). See attached repair bill. Additionally, honda should notice all 1999 prelude owners of this incidence. Sincerely, 1999 honda prelude front pulley strut broken strutbent key.
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 never been in a collision; subsequently, the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem.
Took 1999 honda prelude in to the carson honda to replace the brake pads and do the 90 mile major service as required by honda care coverage. Was told there was a recall on the ignition, and that they would have to replace my ignition, free of charge. When I went to pick up my car they told me my bill was 860.57. There were charges on the invoice that where not covered by my warranty. The ignition switch was changed, but they say said that I had to purchase the new key of 39.00. I said no that it worked fine before I brought it in . They said they would destroy the key and threatened me that I was going to have to pay $160 more if the old key no longer worked. 2 days later my car sits in the drive way and I cannot get the key out.
My son was driving the 1999 honda prelude on the expressway when the engine stopped runing. He was able to push the car over to the side of the road with out any crash or injuries. He was luckey that there were few cars on the road at the time. Had it towed to a repair shop. The idle bolt for the timming belt broke at the engine and had to be drilled out to be replaced. Old part is not available.
Repeated (2 times) safety related engine malfunction causing loss of control and power of the vehicle. *bf ivoq 10100766 provided additional information while the vehicle was in motion during a rain storm, the oil pressure light had come on and caused the vehicle to shut down while on an exit ramp. The consumer was informed that this occurred due a broken cam seal and the engine needed to be replaced. Prior to the incident, there was a leak coming from the cam seal. Back in october the timing belt had broken while the vehicle was in motion and the consumer lost control of the vehicle. There were other numerous issues as well including: the heating system, vibration, noise, the cd player would shut off when the drivers side door was opened or when the interior lights were on, the wiper washer fluid would freeze and minor electrical problems. The engine light would illuminate intermittently. *sc
The timing belt and tensioner catastrophically failed while I was driving in traffic causing a sudden, dangerous lose of power. This car is a 1999 honda prelude with 65,000 miles on it. Honda claims that these parts are to be first replaced at 105,000. This car was always maintained by honda and failed 3 days after their state inspection. These parts were replaced at great expense and inconvenience to me.
Compare the 1999 Honda Prelude
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Questions about the 1999 Honda Prelude
Is the 1999 Honda Prelude reliable?
Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 1999 Honda Prelude, 1.5 times a typical Prelude model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Honda Prelude?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 8 complaints. Next is electrical (7).
How many recalls does the 1999 Honda Prelude have?
2 recalls, covering electrical system.
What year does the Honda Prelude have bad transmission?
The Honda Prelude model years with the most transmission complaints are 1997 (40 complaints), 1998 (31 complaints) and 2001 (11 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Honda Prelude get?
Official estimates for the 1999 Honda Prelude range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-20 city and 24 highway.
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