1981 Honda Prelude recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. THE SPRINGS ARE HELD UP BY A METAL SUPPORT AROUND EACH SHOCK ABSORBER. VEHICLES DRIVEN REGULARLY IN AREAS WHERE ROADS ARE SALTED DURING WINTERTIME ARE SUBJECT TO RUSTING OF THESE SUPPORTS. RUSTING MAY EVENTUALLY ALLOW THE SPRING TO BREAK THROUGH THE SUPPORT.
What could happen:
The fix: THE SPRING SUPPORTS AND SHOCKS WILL BE INSPECTED; DEPENDING ON CONDITION, THE COMPONENTS WILL BE RUSTPROOFED OR REPLACED, IF NECESSARY.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1981 PRELUDE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V086000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary: THE SPRINGS ARE HELD UP BY A METAL SUPPORT AROUND EACH SHOCK ABSORBER. VEHICLES DRIVEN REGULARLY IN AREAS WHERE ROADS ARE SALTED DURING WINTERTIME ARE SUBJECT TO RUSTING OF THESE SUPPORTS. RUSTING MAY EVENTUALLY ALLOW THE SPRING TO BREAK THROUGH THE SUPPORT.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE SPRING SUPPORTS AND SHOCKS WILL BE INSPECTED; DEPENDING ON CONDITION, THE COMPONENTS WILL BE RUSTPROOFED OR REPLACED, IF NECESSARY.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; FRONT AND REAR SPRING SUPPORTS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THE SUSPENSION COULD COLLAPSE WITHOUT WARNING, POSSIBLYCAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (1), Suspension (1), Fuel system (1), Gasoline (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
08/17/2000 · Wheels / tires
THE FRONT TIRE PEELED THROUGH THE CABAZON SECTION OF I10. ALL 3 OF THE FAILURES WERE ON DRIVING WHEELS, ALL WERE ON UNLOADED VEHICLES ON THE FWY, ALL WERE BOUGHT FROM A STORE IN THE DESERT AND COMMUTED ON HEAVILY THROUGH THE DESERT, APPROX 600-800 MI/WK.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P185 70R13 )
12/28/1998 · Suspension
ONLY TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS RELEASED; DEFECTIVE PARTS SHOULD BE REPLACED AT MANUFACTUR COSTS. 73 LISTED BULLETINS ON WEB SITE WWW.ALLDATA.COM.