1990 Honda Prelude
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1990 Honda Prelude is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 10 on record.
1990 Honda Prelude at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1990 Honda Prelude recalls 1
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.
Fix: 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 SECU…
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1990 Honda Prelude common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1990 Honda Prelude safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1990 Honda Prelude 2-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
1990 Honda Prelude MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1990 Honda Prelude costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1990 Honda Prelude — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 2
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.
INFORMATION REGARDING CAM-ON FUEL FILL CAP FAILURES DURING SMOG CHECK. *YH
Bulletin 010901 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2001INFORMATION ON HONING FIBER REINFORCED METAL (FRM) CYLINDERS. *TT
Bulletin 010200 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2000Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the PRELUDE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 1
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1990 Honda Prelude. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the platic front seatbelt release buttons may break allowing plastic pieces to fall into the buckle assembly. If this should happen, a no latch, false latch or failure to unlatch condition could occur creating the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash or sudden stop. Correction: Front seatbelt buckles will be repaired or replaced as necessary.
Transport Canada #1995086 · May 1995Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Honda Prelude
The Honda Prelude is a sport compact car produced by the Japanese company Honda. It was produced over five generations from 1978 to 2001, and reintroduced in 2025.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
1990 Honda Prelude vehicles on record
1990 Honda PreludeJHMBA41700C100406
1990 Honda PreludeJHMBA41700C112109
1990 Honda PreludeJHMBA41800C202905
1990 Honda PreludeJHMBA41700C207771
1990 Honda PreludeJHMBA41700C201151
1990 Honda PreludeJHMBA42700C208025
1990 Honda PreludeJHMBA41700C205028
1990 Honda PreludeJHMBA41700C111366
1990 Honda PreludeJHMAB0000L1009090
1990 Honda PreludeJHMBA21400C004015