1998 Honda Prelude Problems & Reliability

If you’re a car enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a reliable ride, the 1998 Honda Prelude might have caught your eye at some point. Known for its sleek design and sporty performance, this classic coupe has been a favorite among drivers who crave a little excitement on the road. However, like any vehicle that’s been around for a couple of decades, the 1998 Prelude isn’t without its quirks and issues. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some of the common problems owners have faced over the years and explore the overall reliability of this iconic car. Whether you’re considering buying one or just curious about its legacy, we’ve got you covered. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the Prelude’s problem areas, it’s important to acknowledge the car’s reputation for reliability. Honda has long been celebrated for producing vehicles that stand the test of time, and the Prelude is no exception. Many owners have enjoyed years of trouble-free driving, thanks to its robust engineering and quality craftsmanship. However, as with any aging vehicle, certain issues can crop up, ranging from minor annoyances to more significant mechanical concerns. So, buckle up as we take a closer look at what you might expect if you’re thinking about getting behind the wheel of a 1998 Honda Prelude.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

  • Doors won’t open due to inner handle rod being too long

Analysis:

The 1998 Honda Prelude seems to have a quirky issue where the doors won’t open because the inner handle rod is too long. While this might be a bit of a hassle, it’s a pretty specific problem that doesn’t necessarily reflect the overall reliability of the car. Generally, the Prelude is known for its solid performance and durability, so this door issue is more of an odd hiccup than a dealbreaker.

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking

Analysis:

The 1998 Honda Prelude is generally a reliable car, but one common issue reported by owners is warped front brake rotors, which can cause vibrations when braking. This problem can be a bit annoying and might require rotor replacement to ensure smooth braking performance. Despite this, many drivers still find the Prelude to be a dependable vehicle overall.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Misaligned Fifth Shift Fork May Cause Transmission to Grind on Upshift

Analysis:

The 1998 Honda Prelude is generally known for its sporty performance and reliability, but it does have a few quirks. One notable issue is the misaligned fifth shift fork, which can cause the transmission to grind when upshifting. While this problem can be annoying, its not a deal-breaker for most owners who appreciate the Preludes overall driving experience.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • Compressed upper damper spacers may cause clunking noise

Analysis:

The 1998 Honda Prelude is generally known for its solid performance and reliability, but some owners have reported issues with compressed upper damper spacers causing a clunking noise. While this problem can be annoying, it’s not a widespread issue and can often be resolved with a simple fix. Overall, the Prelude remains a dependable choice for those who appreciate its sporty handling and classic design.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Engine Leaking Oil

Analysis:

The 1998 Honda Prelude is generally known for its solid performance and reliability, but one common issue that pops up is engine oil leaks. These leaks can be a bit of a hassle, often stemming from worn-out gaskets or seals. While it’s not a deal-breaker, it’s something to keep an eye on to maintain the car’s overall health.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Faulty Master Cylinder Resevoir Filter Can Cause Brake Light After Cold Start

Analysis:

The 1998 Honda Prelude is generally a reliable car, but it does have a few quirks, like the faulty master cylinder reservoir filter that can trigger the brake light after a cold start. While this issue might be a bit annoying, it’s not a deal-breaker for most owners and can usually be addressed with some routine maintenance. Overall, the Prelude holds up well over time, with this being one of the more minor hiccups in its performance.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

  • Check engine light due to oxygen senosr heater fault

Analysis:

The 1998 Honda Prelude is generally known for its reliability, but like any older car, it can have its quirks. One common issue is the check engine light coming on due to an oxygen sensor heater fault. While this problem can be a bit annoying, it’s usually not a major concern and can be fixed relatively easily, keeping the Prelude running smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • Flapping noise from improperly tensioned timing belt

Analysis:

The 1998 Honda Prelude is generally known for its reliability, but one issue that pops up is a flapping noise from an improperly tensioned timing belt. This problem can lead to more serious engine issues if not addressed promptly, so it’s something to keep an ear out for. Overall, while the Prelude is a solid car, keeping an eye on the timing belt tension is key to maintaining its dependability.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

  • Check engine light on due to contaminated fluid and faulty transmission control module

Analysis:

The 1998 Honda Prelude is generally known for its sporty performance and reliability, but like any older car, it can have its quirks. One common issue is the check engine light coming on due to contaminated fluid and a faulty transmission control module. While these problems can be a hassle, they are typically fixable with some maintenance and repairs, keeping the Prelude running smoothly.

Flagship-One-Engine-Computer-In-Stock
Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Conclusion

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Picture of Flagship One

Flagship One

The world's top supplier of programmed OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Engine Control Modules (ECM), Injection Control Modules (IDM), Body Control Modules (BCM), Transmission Control Modules (TCM), Engine Control Units and all other car control units. With over a decade in the business, we are the most reliable source when it comes to programming services for replacement engine control modules.

What Customers Think About Us