1999 Honda Prelude

Introduction:

The 1999 Honda Prelude was a popular sports car known for its sleek design and agile handling. It was available with two engine options: a 2.2-liter inline-four (H23A4) producing 195 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque and a 2.2-liter VTEC inline-four (H22A7) producing 200 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, while a 4-speed automatic transmission was optional.

While the Prelude was praised for its performance and styling, it had its share of issues, particularly with its engines and suspensions.

Engine

H22A7 VTEC

VSA Actuator Failure: Description/Symptoms: Vibration, rough idle, loss of power Solution: Replace VSA actuator Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found

Engine Overheating: Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, radiator failure Solution: Replace leaking parts, possibly replace radiator Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ Recalls: None Found

H23A4 Non-VTEC

Engine Knocking: Description/Symptoms: Metal on metal knocking sound from engine Solution: Replace connecting rods and/or pistons Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

Clutch Failure: Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch Solution: Replace clutch Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Slipping: Description/Symptoms: Delay in gear engagement, rough shifting Solution: Replace transmission Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ Recalls: None Found

Suspension

Front Strut Mount Failure: Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from front suspension, reduced handling Solution: Replace strut mounts Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 Recalls: None Found

Rear Subframe Bushing Failure: Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or creaking noise from rear suspension, alignment issues Solution: Replace rear subframe bushings Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found

Electrical

Alternator Failure: Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dimming lights, engine stalling Solution: Replace alternator Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 Recalls: None Found

Ignition Switch Failure: Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting engine, key stuck in ignition Solution: Replace ignition switch Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 Recalls: None Found

Interior

Dashboard Cracking: Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the dashboard material Solution: Replace dashboard or repair with dashboard cover Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ Recalls: None Found

Door Panel Loose: Description/Symptoms: Loose or rattling sound from door panel Solution: Tighten or replace door panel clips Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 Recalls: None Found

Exterior

Roof Paint Peel: Description/Symptoms: Paint peeling from the roof panel Solution: Repaint roof or install new roof panels Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1999 Honda Prelude had several common issues, primarily with its engines, particularly the VTEC version. The cost of repairs could range from minor to expensive, with some issues requiring major component replacements. Despite these problems, the Prelude remained a popular sports car due to its performance and styling.