What are the most common Honda Prelude problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 1997-1997 Honda Prelude has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System) Failure (SH Models), 5th Generation Automatic Transmission Failure, Ignition Switch Electrical Failure. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Honda Prelude reliable?
The 1997-1997 Honda Prelude has 7 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System) Failure (SH Models) and 5th Generation Automatic Transmission Failure and Ignition Switch Electrical Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Honda Prelude problems?
Repair costs for known Honda Prelude issues range from $30 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System) Failure (SH Models), typically costs $1,500-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1997-2001 Honda Prelude ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System) Failure (SH Models)?
The 5th generation Prelude SH (1997-2001) features the ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System), a mechanical torque-vectoring system that transfers power between the front wheels for improved cornering. The ATTS unit is complex, uses dedicated fluid separate from the transmission, a… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 1997-2001 Honda Prelude 5th Generation Automatic Transmission Failure?
The 4-speed automatic transmission (MAXA/M6HA) in the 1997-2001 Prelude is prone to premature failure, a problem shared with many late-1990s Honda automatic transmissions. The 3rd and 4th gear clutch packs wear prematurely, and the torque converter can develop shudder. High-milea… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1997-2001 Honda Prelude Ignition Switch Electrical Failure?
The 5th-generation Prelude shares the same faulty ignition switch design that affected many late-1990s Hondas. The electrical portion of the ignition switch (separate from the lock cylinder) develops melted or burned contacts due to high current draw, causing intermittent startin… Repairs typically run $50-$250. Severity: high.
What is the 1992-2001 Honda Prelude Power Steering Rack Seal Leak and Whine?
Preludes across both 4th and 5th generations develop power steering rack seal leaks, causing fluid to drip from the rack boots and a whining noise from the power steering pump due to low fluid. The rack end seals deteriorate with age, and continued driving with low fluid damages… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 1997-2001 Honda Prelude Rear Main Seal Oil Leak (H22/H23)?
The H22A and H23A engines in 5th-generation Preludes are known to develop rear main seal leaks, causing oil to drip from the bell housing area between the engine and transmission. The leak worsens over time and can contaminate the clutch disc on manual transmission cars, causing… Repairs typically run $400-$1,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 1993-2001 Honda Prelude VTEC Solenoid Gasket Oil Leak?
The VTEC solenoid on H22A and H23A engines in 1993-2001 Preludes develops oil leaks from the solenoid gasket and filter screen. Oil weeps from the solenoid housing onto the back of the engine, creating a mess and potentially dripping onto the exhaust manifold (fire risk in extrem… Repairs typically run $30-$300. Severity: medium.
What is the 1997-2001 Honda Prelude A/C Compressor Clutch and Relay Failure?
The A/C compressor clutch on 5th-generation Preludes is prone to failure, often due to the clutch relay overheating and failing, or the clutch coil itself burning out. When the relay fails intermittently, the A/C may work sometimes but not others. A seized compressor can also sna… Repairs typically run $50-$800. Severity: medium.
