VIN Vehicle Report

1997 Honda Prelude

JHMBB31400C301392

Vehicle record for the 1997 Honda Prelude (VIN JHMBB31400C301392). Black, coupe, gasoline / lpg. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.

5 recall campaigns → Gasoline / LPG
🚗 Save to garage

No photo of this model yet1997 Honda Prelude · Black on the registration record

We show a representative photo when one is available for this make, model and year.

Full vehicle history report

from $4.99 USD · one-time

Everything below is in the paid report for VIN JHMBB31400C301392, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 5 recall campaigns for this model year are shown free further down.

Title & Salvage Check · $4.99 Full report · $9.95 (everything)

📜 Title & ownership

  • Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)
    🔒
  • Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means
    🔒
  • Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace
    🔒
  • Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign
    🔒

🛞 Odometer

  • Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline
    🔒
  • Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards
    🔒
  • Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average
    🔒

💥 Damage, loss & theft

  • Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date
    🔒
  • Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags
    🔒
  • Theft screenActive and recovered theft records
    🔒
  • Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)
    🔒
  • Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane
    🔒

💰 Liens & value

  • Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records
    🔒
  • Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition
    🔒
  • DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection
    🔒
  • Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid
    🔒

🧰 Factory warranty & equipment

  • Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer
    🔒
  • Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in
    🔒

🚨 Recalls on this VIN

  • Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time
    🔒

History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.

At a glance

ColorBlack
Recall campaigns5

Vehicle identity & specifications

Make
Honda
Model
Prelude
Year
1997
Body style
Coupe
Vehicle type
Passenger car
Displacement
2 L
Fuel type
Gasoline / LPG
Country of origin
Japan

🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1997 Honda Prelude data →

📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)

🏭 Manufacturing & other

sourceua_mvs
Registration regionunknown
Last operation date2025-03-23
Last operation254 - НАЛЕЖНИЙ КОРИСТУВАЧ. РЕЄСТРАЦІЯ
PurposeZahalnyy
Engine cc1997
Own weight kg1405
Total weight kg1720

Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.

Dimensions & weight

Length
178.0 in
Width
68.5 in
Height
52.0 in
Wheelbase
101.6 in
Curb weight
2,954 lb
Front track
59.8 in
Rear track
59.4 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 Honda Prelude. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK Closed

THE ABOVE FAILURE REPORT COUNTS ARE FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 - 2001 HONDA ACCORD MODELS THAT WERE NOT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF A RELATED HONDA RECALL ACTION (NHTSA 03V423); THESE VEHICLES WERE INVESTIGATED BY ODI UNDER DEFECT PETITION (DP) 04-006. COMPLAINT INFORMATION FOR OTHER MODELS AND MODEL YEARS WAS NOT OBTAINED BY ODI. THE NOTED POPULATION INDICATES THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES (INCLUDING THE MY 2002 ACCORD PLUS THE PREL…

NHTSA #PE05002 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2005 · closed Feb 2005

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 81

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 81.

This SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the outer diameter of the ball joint housing being too small. The outer diameter being too small would prevent the part from being installed, a…

Bulletin DORE5C4S09 · Suspension · Jul 2019

CONCERNS WITH ENGINE HESITATION OR STUMBLE CAN BE FELT UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION BETWEEN 1,500 AND 2,000 RPM. *YC UPDATED 10/09/07. *NJ

Bulletin 98074 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2007

DTC (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE) P1279, PGM TESTER SOFTWARE ERROR. *SC

Bulletin 804 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2004

A CONDITION EXIST WHERE THE UPPER WINDSHIELD MOLDING IS WARPED OR DEFORMED. *TT THIS BULLETIN 00-064 REPLACED BULLETIN 98-066 DATED MARCH 28, 2000. *TT

Bulletin 98066 · Visibility · Aug 2004

TYPE 1 IMMOBI BRAKE CODES AVAILABLE ON THE INTERACTIVE NETWORK (HONDA). *NM

Bulletin 05012004 · May 2004

SRS INDICATOR ON AFTER BODY SHOP REPAIR. CHECK FOR SRS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. HONDA SERVICENEWS. APRIL 2004. *TT

Bulletin 04012004 · Air Bags · Apr 2004

HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM LOCKED, NEEDS IMMOBILIZER RELEASE PASSWORD. *NM

Bulletin 204 · Feb 2004

HEATER BLOWER MOTOR GETS HOT OR BLOWS A FUSE. HONDA. SERVICENEWS. *TT

Bulletin 11012003 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2003

BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR COMES ON AND GOES OFF. *TT

Bulletin 03078 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2003

HEATER BLOWER MOTOR OVERHEATS OR BLOWS FUSE. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 INSIGHT AND S2000. *TT

Bulletin 1003 · Equipment · Oct 2003

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the PRELUDE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1997 Honda Prelude. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Other

On certain 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. If the driver does not shift to PARK before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur. Correction:…

Transport Canada #2005037 · Feb 2005

Electrical

On certain vehicles electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started. Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

Transport Canada #2002096 · May 2002

Suspension

On certain vehicles, the front suspension lower ball joints may prematurely wear out due to improper finishing of the surface of the spherical portion of the ball joints between the front lower arm and knuckle. Although a loosening ball joint will emit some noise, in the worst case the ball joint may separate without prior warning. A separated ball joint can result in an appare…

Transport Canada #1999101 · May 1999

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Honda Prelude

The Honda Prelude is a sport compact car produced by the Japanese company Honda. It was produced over five generations from 1978 to 2001, and reintroduced in 2025.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

Safety recall campaigns 5

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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."

Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

NHTSA Campaign #06E060000 · 29/06/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT CONFIRMS INTERLOCK FUNCTION. VEHICLES WILL BE UPDATED WITH A REDESIGNED INTERLOCK LEVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

NHTSA Campaign #05V025000 · manufacturer #P68, P69 · 28/01/2005

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

NHTSA Campaign #02V120000 · 16/05/2002

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

NHTSA Campaign #99V069000 · 10/05/1999

Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.

These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

Get free recall alerts for this vehicle

We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.

Common problems & what to inspect

Based on all 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Honda Prelude, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.

💥 10 involved a crash 🚑 2 reported injuries

Power Train 40 reports

🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Electrical System 7 reports

🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Suspension 7 reports

🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

Engine And Engine Cooling 5 reports

🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Equipment 5 reports

🔍 Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.

Tires 5 reports

🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

Pre-purchase checklist

Owner complaints 74

Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 Honda Prelude.

POWER TRAIN

I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AND HAVE HAD GOOD LUCK WITH HONDA'S IN THE PAST BUT ABOUT 300 MILES OF ME OWNING THIS VEHICLE I WAS ENTERING A FREEWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST ALL POWER WITH CARS GOING HIGHWAY SPEED BEHIND ME I HAD TO PULL OFF TO THE SHOULDER LUCKILY THERE WAS ONE THERE THE FIRST TIME IT GAVE OUT BUT LATER ON THAT DRIVE GOING HOME I WAS DRIVING O…

NHTSA ODI #11254317

POWER TRAIN

ITS THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IT ONLY HAS 136000 MILES ON IT AND I NEED A NEW ONE THAT'S REALLY LOW MILES FOR A 97 NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS EVER WITH ANY OF MY CARS. I HEARD ITS WITH ALL THE HONDAS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10578137

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA PRELUDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE W…

NHTSA ODI #10534140

POWER TRAIN

WELL BASICALLY I BOUGHT MY 97AUTOMATIC PRELUDE, AND NOT MORE THAN A MONTH LATER OF HAVING THE CAR THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. BASICALLY IT WOULD SOUND LIKE A SCREW DRIVER WAS BEING FORCED INTO THE GEARS OR SOMETHING. ON TOP OF THAT IT WAS REVVING RIDICULOUSLY HIGH AND NOT MOVING ANYWHERE. MY FOURTH GEAR WAS GONE THEY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. NO…

NHTSA ODI #10405540

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HONDA PRELUDE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. SHE STATED SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND WHEN RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED AT LEAST SIX TIMES, INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE DEALER DIAGNOSE T…

NHTSA ODI #10350076

POWER TRAIN

MY 1997 HONDA PRELUDE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DIED OUT. WHEN I LOOKED ON THE FORUMS, HONDA IS VERY WELL AWARE OF THE FAILURE BY DESIGN OF THEIR HONDA PRELUDES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10329477

POWER TRAIN

I'VE DRIVING MY PRELUDE FOR 4 YEARS. VERY SOON AFTER I GOT IT I NOTICD THE SHIFTING WAS JERKY. SOON AFTER IT BECAME JUMPY AND NOW WHEN I DRIVIE MY CAR FROM COLD ITS BOLTING INTO GEAR WITH A TREMENDOUS JERK. I FEEL ITS ON ITS WAY OUT.

NHTSA ODI #10323067

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

APRIL 2007 I HAD THE SHIFT INTERLOCK UPDATE AS WELL AS THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL DONE AT MY LOCAL DEALER. THE SHIFT INTERLOCK UPDATE INCLUDED A WHOLE NEW LOCK ASSEMBLY INCLUDING NEW TUMBLERS AND A NEW KEY BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO REMOVE MY OLD KEY WHILE NOT IN PARK. JULY 2009 I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION USING MANY DIFFERENT KEY…

NHTSA ODI #10276984

+ 66 more complaints on record.

Recently searched vehicles

2006 Pontiac GTO 2006 Pontiac GTO 6G2VX12U56L834206 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT KMHD35LHXEU191459 2007 GMC Yukon 2007 GMC Yukon 1GKFK63827J379293 2007 Chevrolet Uplander 2007 Chevrolet Uplander 1GNDV33147D203945 2007 Toyota camry xle 2007 Toyota camry xle JTNBE46K873011259 2006 Chevrolet Uplander 2006 Chevrolet Uplander 1GNDV23L96D216474 2017 Chevrolet Traverse 2017 Chevrolet Traverse 1GNKRGKDXHJ202333 2013 Chrysler 300 2013 Chrysler 300 2C3CCAAG1DH703442

Frequently asked questions

Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?

No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.

Are there safety recalls on the 1997 Honda Prelude?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 1997 Honda Prelude model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

Recall data checked 7 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.