1988 Honda Prelude Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 37%of 35 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 194,034miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the steering of the 1988 Honda Prelude, 37% of the 35 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 194,034 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1988 Honda Prelude. The power steering pressure line has a leak at the connection right above the exhaust manifold. I contacted american Honda to see if the recall had been taken care off, and they stated that it had. I have the same issue that many other owners have. This posed a serious hazard to property, and possibly life if the fluid leaked too badly and caused loss of control. I did not think this should be considered a wear and tear item. This was due to the design and placement of the line. …”
NHTSA complaint #10187386, filed 2007-04, 195,430 miles“The power steering assembly was recalled in 1988 yet the orig. Owner did not recieve recall notice . Now this fire was caused by the defect, confirmed by my mechanic and costing me approx. 1500.00 dollars to repair with the fire damage. Hopefully Honda will reimburse me for the cost. I have the documentation and receipts along with photo's too.”
NHTSA complaint #719855, filed 2000-03Related recalls
- 88V059000Apr 6, 1988Vibration and high underhood temperatures could cause power steering supply hose at the connector clamp seal to develop a fluid leak.Covers: Honda Prelude 1988
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 1988 Honda Prelude
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Honda Prelude
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology