VIN Vehicle Report

1996 Honda Prelude

JHMBB91400C000205

Vehicle record for the 1996 Honda Prelude (VIN JHMBB91400C000205). Blue, coupe, gasoline / lpg. Registered in Kyiv. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.

6 recall campaigns → Gasoline / LPG
🚗 Save to garage
Stock photo of a 1996 Honda Prelude, Blue, Coupe — not the actual vehicle with VIN JHMBB91400C000205
1996 Honda Prelude, as sold new. Not this exact car. · Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Your ad could be here Reach in-market car buyers — from $39/week Advertise →

Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate

Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.

🖨️ Print inspection checklist

Full vehicle history report

from $2.50 USD · one-time

Everything below is in the paid report for VIN JHMBB91400C000205, 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 6 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.

Title & Salvage Check · $4.99 Full report · $13.95 (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 cost nothing.

At a glance

LocationKyiv, UKRAINE
ColorBlue
Recall campaigns6

Vehicle identity & specifications

Make
Honda
Model
Prelude
Year
1996
Body style
Coupe
Vehicle type
Passenger car
Displacement
2 L
Fuel type
Gasoline / LPG
Country of origin
Japan

🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1996 Honda Prelude data →

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

🏭 Manufacturing & other

sourceua_mvs
Registration regionkyiv
Last operation date2023-06-20
Last operation431 - ПЕРЕРЕЄСТРАЦІЯ ТЗ ПРИ ВИДАЧІ ІНДИВІДУАЛЬНОГО НОМЕРНОГО ЗНАКУ
PurposeЗагальний
Engine cc1958
Own weight kg1240
Total weight kg1740

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

MPG & running costs

U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1996 Honda Prelude.

Combined21–23 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,560
FuelPremium
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume80 cu ft
Cargo volume8 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,800 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1996 Honda Prelude costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,800
Fuel only$17,800
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
174.8 in
Width
69.7 in
Height
50.8 in
Wheelbase
100.4 in
Curb weight
2,932 lb
Front track
60.2 in
Rear track
59.8 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1996 Honda Prelude. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 22

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 covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 22.

VEHICLE'S EMISSION TYPE. *TT

Bulletin 060103 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2003

SRS INDICATOR ON WITH NO SRS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) SET. *TT *JB

Bulletin 020103 · Air Bags · Feb 2003

CHECK (ATF) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID CONDITION TO DIAGNOSE (A/T) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. *TT *JB

Bulletin 010103 · Power Train · Jan 2003

STRAINING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF) TO DIAGNOSE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. *TT

Bulletin 1202 · Power Train · Dec 2002

CLEARING ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). HONDA OCTOBER TECH LINE INFORMATION. *TT

Bulletin 1002 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2002

SUBJECT REGARDING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS THAT THE ENGINE HESITATES BRIEFLY WHEN ACCELERATING. *TT

Bulletin 010402 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2002

CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A BRIEF HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING AT HIGH ENGINE SPEEDS. *TT

Bulletin 302 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2002

CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A TWANG NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION THAT SOUNDS LIKE A SPRING CONTACT. *SLC

Bulletin 5905 · Suspension · Feb 2002

CONCERNS WITH FRONT SUSPENSION SQUEAKING IN COLD WEATHER. *TT

Bulletin 010202 · Suspension · Feb 2002

EXPERIENCING A SQUEAL NOISE AT FRONT SUSPENSION AT LOW TEMPERATURES. *TT

Bulletin 102 · Suspension · Jan 2002

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

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1996 Honda Prelude. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

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 6

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

NHTSA Campaign #08E050000 · 11/08/2008

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 CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

NHTSA Campaign #06E049000 · 24/05/2006

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

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND 11-732, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDAR…

Remedy: POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.

NHTSA Campaign #06E025000 · 21/03/2006

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 15 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 done at no charge.

Get 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 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Honda Prelude, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.

🔥 1 involved a fire

Engine And Engine Cooling 2 reports

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

Electrical System 1 report

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

Suspension 1 report

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

Pre-purchase checklist

🖨️ Print this checklist for your mechanic

Owner complaints 4

Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1996 Honda Prelude.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ELECTRICAL FIRE IN VEHICLE TRUNK. *NM

Fire · NHTSA ODI #10135083

SUSPENSION

WHILE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 20 MPH BALL JOINTS WENT OUT, AND CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THERE IS A RECALL ON VEHICLE FOR SAME PROBLEM, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK THERE WAS A FAILURE OF FRONT LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT, WHICH RESULTED IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT, WHILE TRAVELING ON FLAT PAVED STREET.*JB

NHTSA ODI #896704

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

THE MAIN BEARINGS IN MY MOTOR SPUN AND ARE SCORED, THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE TO THE CRANKSHAFT AND BEARING JOURNALS. DUE TO THIS LOSS OF PRESSURE THE ENGINE BLOCK,CRANKSHAFT,JOURNALS, AND MAIN BEARINGS ARE RUINED. THE TOP HALF OF MY MOTOR IS FINE INCLUDING THE DUAL OVERHEAD CAM,PISTONS,VALVES,LIFTERS,CONNECTING RODS,ETC. I HEARD OF A RECALL OF MI…

NHTSA ODI #741527

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 75MPH THE VEHICLE CUT COMPLETELY OFF. HAS BEEN TO DEALER AT LEAST 6 TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #821498

Recently searched vehicles

2019 Chevrolet tahoe 2019 Chevrolet tahoe 1GNSKBKC1KR280877 2008 Volkswagen Passat 2008 Volkswagen Passat WVWAK73C48P053347 2011 Ford Fusion 2011 Ford Fusion 3FAHP0HA2BR293856 2014 Mercedes-benz G-Class 2014 Mercedes-benz G-Class WDCYC7DFXEX219963 2006 Nissan Maxima 2006 Nissan Maxima 1N4BA41E66C847934 1998 Cadillac Seville 1998 Cadillac Seville 1G6KS54Y6WU900504 2012 Nissan Titan 2012 Nissan Titan 1N6BA0CA5CN309655 2012 Toyota Yaris 2012 Toyota Yaris JTDKTUD32CD530804
Your ad could be here Reach in-market car buyers — from $29/week Advertise →

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 1996 Honda Prelude?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1996 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 done at no charge.

What fuel economy does the 1996 Honda Prelude get?

The 1996 Honda Prelude has U.S. EPA estimates of 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).

Recall data checked 15 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.