JHMBB6247XC0107471999 HONDA Prelude
1999 HONDA Prelude was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 31 owner complain...
Executive Summary
1999 HONDA Prelude
1999 HONDA Prelude was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 31 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 4 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 1 injury reported across 31 owner complaints
- Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- HONDA
- Model
- Prelude
- Year
- 1999
- Body Style
- Coupe
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 2.163092448L 195.00 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Doors
- 2
- Manufacturer
- HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
- Assembly
- SAYAMA, SAITAMA, JAPAN
- GVWR
- Class 1B: 3,001 - 4,000 lb (1,360 - 1,814 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: SAYAMA, SAITAMA
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Fire/ignition recall
- ▸2 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
- ⚠4 recalls on same component: Electrical
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
A snapped timing belt causes immediate, catastrophic engine damage — bent valves, destroyed pistons. No warning. Replace before the interval, not after.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
4 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 4 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 4 recalls is ~64%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
HONDA completes recalls at a good rate (92%), averaging about 16 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~16 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SummaryCERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SummaryCERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
SummaryON 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.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
SummaryON 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.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
Complaint Intelligence
31 complaints analyzed across 6 system categories
32% of complaints filed in Dec & Mar — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME31 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
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.
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. *TR
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*JB
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. *TR
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.*AK
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 *JB
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. *AK
THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE WHICH WAS CAUSED BY A BROKEN CAM SEAL WHICH ALLOWED OIL TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE. NM THE OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONSUMER PULLED OFF THE EXIT AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE DEALER PERFORMED A SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE CHECK UP AND OIL CHANGE ON THE VEHICLE 10 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE LEAKING CAM SEAL WENT UNDISCOVERED OR UNMENTIONED. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BECAUSE THE CONSUMER DROVE A HALF OF A MILE WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE TIMING BELT BROKE ON ANOTHER OCCASION CAUSING SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE AND LOSS OF POWER. *TC THE CONSUMER STATED THE CD PLAYER SHUT OFF. *JB
REPEATED (2 TIMES) SAFETLY RELATED ENGINE MALFUNCTION CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND POWER OF THE VEHICLE. ON NOVEMBER 4, 2004 OWNER OF 1999 HONDA PRELUDE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT NIGHT TIME WHEN SHORTLY AFTERWARDS OWNER'S VEHICLE LOST POWER AND CONTROL FOR THE SECOND TIME ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE'S CAM SEAL BROKE OFF LEAKING THE ENGINE OIL OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY OF RT. 80 AND THE ENGINE SEIZED. OWNER'S VEHICLE HAS PROVEN REPEATEDLY TO HAVE SERIOUS ENGINE DEFECTS THAT POSED A RISK TO THE OWNER AS WELL AS OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. IN OCTOBER 2002, THE FIRST ENGINE MALFUNCTION OCCURRED WHEN THE TIMING BELT BROKE DUE TO A DEFECT WHILE OWNER WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND CONTROL. THE OWNER, A CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT AND OTHER DRIVERS WERE PLACED AT SERIOUS RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH. AS OWNER WAS COVERED UNDER HONDA CARE WHICH EXTENDS THE STANDARD NEW CAR LIMITED WARRANTY UNTIL 100,000 REPAIRS WERE COVERED. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MALFUNCTION OF THE ENGINE PARTS WAS NOT DUE IN ANY PART TO OWNER'S NEGLECT OR FAULT AS OWNER. OWNER HAS FOLLOWED EVERY MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE RECOMMENED. OWNER HAS RECORDS TO INDICATE THIS. ALL OF THE SERVICE WAS PERFORMED ONLY AT SUSSEX HONDA, IN NEWTON, N.J. THIS OWNER REQUESTED THAT MANUFACTURER REPAIR/REPLACE THE ENGINE AT NO COST TO THE OWNER DUE TO SERIOUS SAFETY RELATED DEFECT IN THE ENGINE. AMERICAN HONDA IHAS DECLINED THE OWNER'S REQUEST TO REPAIR THE SAID VEHICLE AT NO COST TO OWNER. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH CONSUMER RAN OVER A POTHOLE THAT CAUSED THE TIRE TO DEVELOP A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL. NITTO P215/40ZR17. BOTH THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALERSHIP WERE CONTACTED.*AK
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. ENGINE IDLE WENT UP AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS. HOWEVER, MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST IN RESOLVING THE PROBLEM. *AK
I HAVE 1999 HONDA PRELUDE THAT CAME WITH BRIDGESTONE POTENZA P205/50 VR16 RE92 TIRES. THE LEFT REAR TIRE BROKE AWAY FROM THE SIDE WALL. THE CAR (TIRES) HAS ONLY 33,800 MILES ON IT. ALL TIRES SHOW CRACKS ON THE SIDE WALLS. THESE TIRES ARE DANGERIOUS, THE SIDE WALL SHOULD NOT FAIL APART.
1999 HONDA PRELUDE SPORT SHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 46,000 MILES AND AT A SPEED OF 36 MPH AS DOCUMENTED BY HONDA! I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING WRONG AND NEITHER HAS ANY OTHER PRELUDE OWNER AND HONDA WANTS $6,000 DOLLARS OF MY HARD EARNED MONEY! YES THAT'S 1/4 THE TOTAL COST OF THE CAR BRAND NEW! PLEASE HELP. *NLM
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND NO WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL HEAVILY JERK AND THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON. DEALER NOTIFIED. *MR
WHILE EXITING FROM THE PARKING LOT THE ENGINE ACCELERATED INTO A PAASING GEAR THRUST WHICH HURTLED THE VEHICLE INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE OF A PASSING VEHICLE. HERITAGE HONDA ADMITTED THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY A FAULTY TRANSMISSION. AFTER REPAIRS THE VEHICLE SURGED AGAIN AS CONSUMER GENTLY EASED FORWARD TO AVOID HITTING A HIGH CURB. THE ENGINE ROARED INTO A FORWARD MOTION, JUMPING THE CURB, THE WHEELS WERE FORCED TO THE RIGHT, LOOSING CONTROL THE VEHICLE CROSSED AN ISLAND, AN ALLEYWAY, AND HIT A PARKED VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER IMPACT, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL WHILE THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE. CONSUMER BELIEVES IT'S A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SENSOR THAT IS AT FAULT. *JG
AFTER DRIVING VEHICLE FOR MORE THAN 20 MINUTES, IT STARTED TO VIBRATE AT SPEEDS OF 35-40 MPH AND OVER. DEALER HAS REPLACED PADS AND ROTORS AT 27000 MILES. AT THIS TIME VEHICLE IS VIBRATING AGAIN.*AK
NO SUMMARY (TIRESIZE: 550)
4TH GEAR BLEW TWICE CAUSING DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. THE TRANSMISSION HAS A DEFECT, NOBODY KNOWS WHAT.*AK
WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR WHILE STOPPING AT A TRAFFICE LIGHT AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS, SHIFT FAILS TO RESPOND AND GEAR FAILS TO GO INTO REVERSE, CAUSING A NEAR VEHICLE CRASH. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTECD DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
NO SUM,MARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
CAR LOOSES POWER WHEN COLD OUTSIDE AND HESITATES OR LOSES POWER WHILE AT CRUSING SPEED. HONDA SERVICE SAID THAT THE COMPUTER IN THE ACCORD SOMETIMES CAN'T KEEP UP WITH THE CAR AND CAUSES HESITATION SO IT MUST BE THE SAME HERE. *AK
TIRE SEPARATION ON INNER SIDE WALL AND CRACKING ON OUTER WALL. *AK (TIRESIZE: P205/50R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P205/50R16 )
AS A RESULT OF TREAD SEPARATION CAR LOST CONTROL AND HIT THE MEDIAN. DRIVER WAS WHIP LASHED AND HER NECK AND BACK HURTS.*AK (TIRESIZE: 205/50R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 205/50R16 )
BOTH FRONT TIRES HAD TREAD SEPERATE FROM SIDEWALL ON THE ENTIRE INNER SIDE OF TIRE, SHOWING STEEL BELT. THE AUTO SHOP HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. THE TIRES WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON THE HONDA PRELUDE. THE TIRES WERE CORRECTLY INFLATED AND WERE SUBJECT TO NORMAL USE. THE TREADS ON THE TIRES WERE STILL IN GOOD CONDITION.( DOT NUMBER: EM3V TIRE SIZE: 205/50R16 )
DRIVER LOST POWER STEERING TWICE WHILE DRIVING. YH
STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. PROBLEM REOCCURED AFTER THE STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK *ML
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 31 total NHTSA complaints filed over 12 years, with the worst year being 2000 (8 complaints, including 1 crash report).
The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 99/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.
Notably, despite 31 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (1999, 2000) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $61,114 (~$1,019/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 1999 HONDA Prelude — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for JHMBB6247XC010747. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
HONDA has been fined $93M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2016: Additional penalties related to Takata airbag recall management.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | JHMBB6247XC010747 |
| Model Year | 1999 |
| Make | HONDA |
| Model | Prelude |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.163092448 |
| Horsepower | 195.00 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. |
| Assembly City | SAYAMA |
| Assembly Country | JAPAN |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | JHM |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 7 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | X |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | C |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 010747 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 4 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 31 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 6/13/2026, 5:01:40 AM.