NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 21 owner complaints for the 2001 Honda Prelude. Most complaints involve power train (11) and electrical system (4). The EPA rates it 21–22 mpg combined.
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTERLOCK OPERATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO PARK.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TAKATA RECALL ANY TIME I PUT MY CAR IN D4 (AUTOMATIC) IT GETS TO ABOUT 2500 RPM TO 3000 RPM IN 1ST THEN I HAVE TO MESSAGE THE THROTTLE SO IT WILL SHIFT AND ONCE IT SHIFTS TO 2ND IT STARTS SHIFTING VERY QUICKLY NO MATTER THE RPMS TO 3RD THEN 4TH. ALSO WHEN IT'S SHIFTING IT JERKS PRETTY VIOLENTLY.”
“WHILE DRIVING THE CAR JUST TURNS OFF THEN WONT START FOR AWHILE WHEN STARTS BACK UP SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WE KNOW THERE IS A RECALL ON THE IGNITION SWITCH AND INTERIOR LIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE WE HAVE THREE KIDS THAT RIDE IN THIS CAR AND DON'T WANT SOMETHING TO HAPPEN WHILE WE ARE DRIVING THE CAR AND IT SHUTS OFF ND WONT START WHILE WE ARE IN TRAFFIC. PLEASE HELP. *TR”
“BRAKES ARE STICKING AND CAUSING THE CAR TO VIBRATE AND EMIT A LOW HUMMING NOISE. WHEN I PUT MY FOOT UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PULLED IT UP THE NOISE WENT AWAY. HONDA DEALERSHIPS HAD'CUT THE ROTORS THREE TIMES, WHICH WAS NOT IN ANY WAY NORMAL! THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO REFUSED TO FIX IT, BUT DIDN'T THE NEED TO CUT THE ROTORS THREE TIMES INDICATE A SERIOUS PROBLEM?*AK”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelude Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
| Prelude Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (11), electrical system (4), service brakes, hydraulic (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2001 Honda Prelude at 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).