1997 HONDA PreludeHonda Prelude 1997

Vehicle Details: Recalls, Investigations, Consumer Complaints, Decoded VIN Details, Service Bulletins

Below you will find all available information on the 1997 HONDA Prelude, manufacturered by American Honda Motor Co., Inc..
The vehicle is described as a 2-door sedan,hardtop,coupe.

ManufacturerKnown WMI(s)Fuel Type
HONDA19X 3HG 5KB SHH 2HG JHM Premium Gasoline
HONDA VIN Decoder

Use the box here to look up VINs from HONDA as well as other manufacturers

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Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is the MPG of a 1997 HONDA Prelude?
     - The 1997 HONDA Prelude has an EPA estimated city efficiency of 9.5 MPG and an estimated highway efficiency of MPG.
  • What is the annual fuel cost for the 1997 HONDA Prelude?
     - EPA estimated annual fuel cost for the 1997 HONDA Prelude is $2486.
  • Where is the 1997 HONDA Prelude produced?
     - The 1997 HONDA Prelude is produced in Sayama Saitama, Japan.
  • Are there recalls for the 1997 HONDA Prelude?
     - There are 9 recall(s) for the 1997 HONDA Prelude, additional information is below.
  • How much horsepower does the 1997 HONDA Prelude have?
     - The 1997 HONDA Prelude has 195 horsepower.
Available Engine & Drive Classes
  • 2.2L 4 cylinder 4-speed automatic
  • 2.2L 4 cylinder 5-speed manual
NHTSA Mandated Recalls
  • Recall 50869 [USA]: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash

  • Recall 60949 [USA]: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.

  • Recall 36735 [USA]: 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.

  • Recall 1734 [USA]: Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 10281 [USA]: This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. also steering controllability would be reduced.

  • Recall R/1999/038 [UK]: Premature wear of steering lower ball joints

  • Recall 2005037 [Canada]: Other

  • Recall 2002096 [Canada]: Electrical

  • Recall 1999101 [Canada]: Suspension

To ensure accuracy and for your safety, it is recommended to do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

  • DORE5C4S09 - SUSPENSION: This sku is a front upper ball joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the outer diameter of the ball joint housing being too small. The outer diameter being too small would prevent the part f
  • 204 - UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Honda diagnostic system locked, needs immobilizer release password. *nm
  • 804 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: Dtc (diagnostic trouble code) P1279, pgm tester software error. *sc
  • 05012004 - UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Type 1 immobi brake codes available on the interactive network (honda). *nm
  • 11012003 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM: Heater blower motor gets hot or blows a fuse. Honda. Servicenews. *tt
  • 04012004 - AIR BAGS: Srs indicator on after body shop repair. Check for srs diagnostic trouble codes. Honda servicenews. April 2004. *tt
  • 1002 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Reconnecting accessories after ignition switch recall. Honda october tech line information. *tt
  • 1002 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Keyless, ceiling light, ignition key beeper logic. Honda october tech line information. 2002 prelude also included. *tt
  • 1002 - EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER: Air conditioning (a/c) compressor control logic. Honda october tech line information. 2002 prelude also included. *tt
  • 1002 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP: Clearing anti-lock brake system (abs) diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs). Honda october tech line information. *tt
  • 1002 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP: Grunt noise when accelerating after sitting. Honda october tech line information. 2002 prelude also included. *tt
  • 110102 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Keyless entry, ceiling light, ignition key beeper logic. Honda servicenews. *tt
  • 110102 - EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER: Air conditioning (a/c) compressor out? Check blower motor operation. Honda servicenews. *tt
  • 110102 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP: Anti-lock brake system (abs) grunts when doing a self-check. *tt
  • 1003 - EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER: Heater blower motor overheats or blows fuse. Various models including the 2004 insight and s2000. *tt
  • 03078 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: Brake system indicator comes on and goes off. *tt
  • 060103 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL: Vehicle's emission type. *tt
  • 060103 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM): Grade logic control information. *tt
  • 1202 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Straining the automatic transmission fluid (atf) to diagnose automatic transmissions. *tt
  • 303 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Troubleshooting intermittent anti-lock brake (abs) or traction control system (tcs) diagnostic trouble codes. *tt
  • 020103 - AIR BAGS: Srs indicator on with no srs diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) set. *tt *jb
  • 010103 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Check (atf) automatic transmission fluid condition to diagnose (a/t) automatic transmissions. *tt *jb
  • 011098 - UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Information on active torque transfer system (atts) indicator on with no diagnostic trouble codes. *tt
  • 011098 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE: Tips on immobilizer. *tt
  • 010402 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Subject regarding automatic transmission shift problems - slippage, flare, hard upshift. *tt
  • 010402 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE: Subject regarding customer complaints that the engine hesitates briefly when accelerating. *tt
  • 00039 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE: Service information regarding immobilizer system (type 1). *tt
  • 302 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE: Customers may complain of a brief hesitation when accelerating at high engine speeds. *tt
  • 010202 - SUSPENSION:FRONT: Concerns with front suspension squeaking in cold weather. *tt
  • 5905 - SUSPENSION:FRONT: Customers may complain of a twang noise from the front suspension that sounds like a spring contact. *slc
  • 010102 - STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR: Information on power door locks that may lock by themselves or may cycle twice to unlock and then lock themselves. *tt
  • 102 - SUSPENSION:FRONT: Experiencing a squeal noise at front suspension at low temperatures. *tt
  • 011001 - STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR: Subject regarding power door locks cycle. *slc
  • 011001 - STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR: Subject regarding power door locks cycle. *yd
  • 901 - STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR: Subject regarding power door locks cycle. *jb
  • 010601 - UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Subject regarding bulb check logic. *tt
  • 010101 - UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Subject on regarding: bulb check logic. *et
  • 010101 - POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY: Information regarding: transmission/driveline. *et
  • 010101 - UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Subject on regarding: black smoke on hard acceleration. *et
  • 010101 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE: Subject on regarding: engine mechanical
  • 01070 - POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION: Subject regarding parts to correct 5th gear grinding. *et
  • 01070 - POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION: Subject regarding fifth gear grinds during upshift. *et
  • A000036 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE: Parts information bulletin regarding product update for the front balancer oil seal retainer kit. *tt
  • 010201 - POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY: Information on diagnosing clutch pressure switches when experiencing harsh or late upshifts and downshifts. *tt
  • 00073 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE: Product update regarding front balancer shaft oil seal. *tt
  • 010400 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER: Subject regarding a leaking torque converter. *tt
  • 011000 - EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL : Information pertaining to honda cellular telephone owners manual. *tt
  • 010200 - EQUIPMENT: Information on programming immobilizer keys. *tt
  • 010200 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE: Information on honing fiber reinforced metal (frm) cylinders. *tt
  • 051000 - STEERING:COLUMN: Brief information regarding complaints of steering wheel tilt. *tt
  • 00073 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE: A condition may exist where the front balancer shaft oil seal may back out of the oil pump housing over time. If this happens, the oil can be rapidly pumped out of the engine without warning causing serious engine damage if continued to
  • 011000 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE: Letter to service manager regarding product update campaign - balancer shaft oil seal. *tt
  • 95057 - POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION: A condition may exist where the transmission grinds when shifted into 5th gear. *tt
  • 161000 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE: Subject regarding the front balance shaft retainer product update. *tt
  • 011100 - SUSPENSION:FRONT: Subject regarding campaign parts available for open ordering for front balancer shaft oil seal retainer kit. *tt
  • 00090 - SUSPENSION:REAR: Subject regarding rear suspension clunks. *tt
  • 031600 - STEERING:COLUMN: Information regarding complaints that the steering wheel column will not hold at set position. **mr
  • 98066 - VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD: A condition exist where the upper windshield molding is warped or deformed. *tt this bulletin 00-064 replaced bulletin 98-066 dated march 28, 2000. *tt
  • 97052 - STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR: Some customers may comment that the door is difficult to open from the inside on vehicles thru vin jhmbb6 ... XC010811. *tt
  • 010999 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE: Timing belt auto-tensioner oil. *tt
  • 010999 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE: Subject regarding service manual revisions and illustrations of the exhuast and intake shaft rocker orifices. *tt
  • 010999 - STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR: Brief information on what to look for when the doors lock erratically. *tt
  • 010999 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE: Information on security system tripped sensor feature. *tt
  • 99048 - STRUCTURE:BODY: Concerns with moonroof rattling when open. *tt
  • 98066 - VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD: Information concerning warped/\deformed upper windshield molding. *ak
  • 100598 - STRUCTURE:BODY: E-mail information regarding non-safety related problems. *tt
  • 97048 - STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID: Vehicle may experience clunking noise from the truck area. *tt
  • 99001 - EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER: On vehicles thru vin jhmbb6...WC003961 with manual transmission, the a/c suction line may rub against the radiator hose support bracket. *tt
  • 99014 - EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER: Subject on a/c not cooling properly. *tt
  • 98074 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE: Concerns with engine hesitation or stumble can be felt under light acceleration between 1,500 and 2,000 rpm. *yc updated 10/09/07. *nj
  • 98002 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE: Subject regarding atts sets dtc 79 or dtcs 79 and 41. *yc
  • 98600 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP: Information on abs diagnosis with pgm tester. *yc
  • 98030 - STRUCTURE:BODY: Clunking sound from the power window motor. *yc
  • 98005 - WHEELS: Symptoms with the alloy wheel center cap missing. *yc
  • 97052 - STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR: Difficulties opening door from the inside. *yc
  • 98016 - SEATS: Vehicle experiencing a sqeaking sound coming from the area of the seat belt latch. *yc
  • 97101395057 - POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION: Information regarding the transmission grinds when shifting into fifth grinds. *yc
  • 97080195057 - POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY: Fifth gear shift fork was not manufactured properly. *yc
  • 97030 - UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Rattle from the rear headliner. *tw
  • 97024 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM): Atts light on/dtc 78: vehicle inventory update. *tw
  • 97037 - STRUCTURE:BODY: Atts heat shield rattle or buzzing. *jd
  • 97038 - VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD: Whistle from windshield. *jd
  • MSG15 - VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY: Visor mounting clips causing damage to moonroof seal. *tw
  • MSG14 - EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.: Radio anti-theft card missing from vehicle when deliverd to dealer. *tw
  • MSG013 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP: Some 1997 preludes no longer have a spring loaded flapper door. *tw
  • A59 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION: 1997 prelude no start/hard start in cold weather. Tw
Known Recall Investigations
  • Ignition-park interlock investigation # PE05002

    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 (nhtsa 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 (nhtsa 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.

NHTSA decoded information from VIN

138 Results returned successfully. NOTE: Any missing decoded values should be interpreted as NHTSA does not have data on the specific variable. Missing value should NOT be interpreted as an indication that a feature or technology is unavailable for a vehicle.

Variable Value
Body ClassCoupe
DisplacementCC2163.092448
DisplacementCI132
DisplacementL2.163092448
Doors2
Engine ConfigurationIn-Line
Engine Cylinders4
EngineHP195
EngineKW145.4115
Engine ModelH22A4
Error Text0 - VIN decoded clean. Check Digit (9th position) is correct
Fuel Type PrimaryGasoline
MakeHONDA
MakeID474
ManufacturerHONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
Manufacturer Id987
ModelPrelude
ModelID5107
Model Year1997
NCSA Body Type2-door sedan,hardtop,coupe
NCSA MakeHonda
NCSA ModelPrelude
Plant CitySAYAMA
Plant CountryJAPAN
Plant StateSAITAMA
SeriesVTEC
Transmission StyleManual/Standard
VINJHMBB6144VC013443
Valve Train DesignDual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR
Most Recent Consumer Complaints and Accidents
CrashFireTowedInjuredDeathsFailure
Date
NoNoN NoneNone20190627

I bought this car used and have had good luck with honda's in the past but about 300 miles of me owning this vehicle i was entering a freeway when all of a sudden i lost all power with cars going highway speed behind me i had to pull off to the shoulder luckily there was one there the first time it gave out but later on that drive going home i was driving over a bridge with traffic when it did it again i was so scared because i'm stuck in a line of traffic on a bridge and the car wants to roll back and it didn't want to turn on until it cooled down which was 30 minutes of ugly looks of cars driving by me when i finally got home i had never felt so relieved so that's when i told my father about it we looked at it drive it and he hoped it was just a bad ignition coil so we changed that but after doing some research online i saw that this was a very common problem with cars transmission so i dig a little bit more and found out that honda knew about this problem but only is honoring the 2000 year models and up under warranty which is really unfair because one they knew there automatic transmissions were weak and it could of cost me my life twice! So i'm taking the time to stand up for all of us because no one deserves to be hurt or fatally wounded by a poorly made transmission

NoNoN NoneNone20140405

Its the automatic transmission it only has 136000 miles on it and i need a new one that's really low miles for a 97 never had a problem like this ever with any of my cars. I heard its with all the hondas. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20130606

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 honda prelude. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 02v120000 (electrical system) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 186,000. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20100810

Well basically i bought my 97automatic prelude, and not more than a month later of having the car the transmission started to malfunction. Basically it would sound like a screw driver was being forced into the gears or something. On top of that it was revving ridiculously high and not moving anywhere. My fourth gear was gone they check engine light is on. Not to mention when the problem was addressed to the dealer they said bring it in and they will erase the code "good as new" to be exact. But honestly as a consumer a loyal one, i feel like i should be compensated by having my transmission replaced or fully rebuilt. Cause everyone knows as well as honda mechanics who have filled me in with the ss transmission problems being the cause of bad bearings and bad internals and bad torque converters. Seeing as me being the consumer and being constantly put in a situation been am i gonna break down on the freeway on the way to work or yet even worse at night past midnight when i'm off. Now let me remind u it's still a lease and there are some facts i know ad researched on like "the magnuson-moss warranty act (15 u.S.C. 2302)" which states: this federal law regulates warranties for the protection of consumers. The essence of the law concerning aftermarket auto parts is that a vehicle manufacturer may not condition a written or implied warranty on the consumers using parts or services which are identified by brand, trade, or corporate name (such as the vehicle maker's brand) unless the parts or service are provided free of charge. The law means that the use of an aftermarket part alone is not cause for denying the warranty. However, the law's protection does not extend to aftermarket parts in situations where such parts actually caused the damage being claimed under the warranty. Further, consumers are advised to be aware of any specific terms or conditions stated in the warranty which may result in its being voided. The law states in relevant part: ??No warrantor of. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20100616

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 honda prelude. While driving approximately 20 mph in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. She stated she turned the vehicle off and when restarting, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The contact stated the failure had occurred at least six times, intermittently. The manufacturer advised the contact to have the dealer diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 02v120000 (electrical system: ignition: switch). The contact did not feel safe driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 146,565 and the current mileage was 146,765.

NoNoN NoneNone20100417

My 1997 honda prelude automatic transmission died out. When i looked on the forums, honda is very well aware of the failure by design of their honda preludes. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20100330

I've driving my prelude for 4 years. Very soon after i got it i noticd the shifting was jerky. Soon after it became jumpy and now when i drivie my car from cold its bolting into gear with a tremendous jerk. I feel its on its way out.

NoNoN NoneNone20090710

April 2007 i had the shift interlock update as well as the ignition switch recall done at my local dealer. The shift interlock update included a whole new lock assembly including new tumblers and a new key because i was able to remove my old key while not in park. July 2009 i started having problems turning the key in the ignition using many different keys. So i took it to the dealer. They informed me that the problem was that the tumblers were damaged and that the whole lock assembly would need to be replaced again. I was having no problems with the lock prior to the recall work. The new lock installed during the recall lasted just over 2 years and honda would not warranty the work because it had been over 12 months 12000 miles. I asked them to explain to me why my original lock lasted 10 years and was having no issues when recalled, and the replacement only 2 years. They said that they couldn't explain it but the charge to replace was $887. I had no choice but to replace in order to be able to drive my car. It is my belief that the new lock assembly installed because of the recall was defective, and it was extremely expensive for me to replace. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20080805

My transmission on my 97 honda prelude went out on me it started to slip every day. *tr

Read and Submit Vehicle Complaints -- 60+ complaints filed
Common OBD-II Error Codes
  • P1279 [1] P1279
  • C0108 [1] C0108
  • C0039 [1] Right Rear Tone Wheel (Subfault)
  • P2055 [1] Reductant Injection Valve Circuit High Bank 1 Unit 2
Latest VINs Decoded for this Manufacturer
VIN Year Model Manufactured In
JHMBB6150VC0097541997PreludeSAYAMA SAITAMA, JAPAN
JHMBB6244VC0050961997PreludeSAYAMA SAITAMA, JAPAN
JHMBB6148VC0065271997PreludeSAYAMA SAITAMA, JAPAN
JHMBB6144VC0152111997PreludeSAYAMA SAITAMA, JAPAN
JHMBB6144VC0134431997PreludeSAYAMA SAITAMA, JAPAN

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