1983 Honda Prelude recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. IF THE PLASTIC COATING OF THE FUEL FILLER AND/OR BREATHER PIPE IS DAMAGED, SALT WATER MAY ACCUMULATE BETWEEN THE PLASTIC COATING AND THE STEEL PIPES, AND THE ACCUMULATION COULD CAUSE CORROSION WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY RUST THROUGH THE AFFECTED PIPES, ALLOWING GASOLINE FUMES AND FUEL TO LEAK.
What could happen: GASOLINE FUMES AND/OR FUEL LEAKAGE THROUGH THE FILLER ORBREATHER PIPES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
The fix: REPAIRS WILL BE MADE TO VEHICLES WITH CORRODED FILLER OR BREATHER PIPES.
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 1983 PRELUDE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 92V028001.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: IF THE PLASTIC COATING OF THE FUEL FILLER AND/OR BREATHER PIPE IS DAMAGED, SALT WATER MAY ACCUMULATE BETWEEN THE PLASTIC COATING AND THE STEEL PIPES, AND THE ACCUMULATION COULD CAUSE CORROSION WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY RUST THROUGH THE AFFECTED PIPES, ALLOWING GASOLINE FUMES AND FUEL TO LEAK.
Consequence: GASOLINE FUMES AND/OR FUEL LEAKAGE THROUGH THE FILLER ORBREATHER PIPES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy: REPAIRS WILL BE MADE TO VEHICLES WITH CORRODED FILLER OR BREATHER PIPES.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL SYSTEM.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS IN AREAS WHERE SALT AND CALCIUM CHLORIDE AREUSED IN SNOW AND ICE CONTROL.NOTE: THIS IS AN EXTENSION OF NHTSA RECALL 92V028000. HONDA HAS INCLUDED 1986AND 1987 ACCORDS BUILT BETWEEN JUNE 13, 1985 AND SEPTEMBER 15, 1987, AS WELLAS 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 AND 1987 PRELUDES BUILT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 9, 1982 ANDMAY 7, 1987.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1983 Honda Prelude owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (1), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (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)
07/02/2000 · Electrical system · fire
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
12/08/1994 · Brakes
PREMATURE FAILURE OF MASTER CYLINDER/POWER BOOSTERS. *SKD