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1986 Honda Prelude Base 5MT

The 1986 Honda Prelude Base 5MT is a 100-hp 1.8-liter inline-4 sports coupe with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $11,790 MSRP and is rated at 24 mpg combined.

It makes 100 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 109 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway (24 mpg combined).

The Prelude measures 168.9 inches long and has a curb weight of 2,180 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeCoupe
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$11,790 ($34,961 *)
Engine
Engine TypeSOHC inline-4 with CVCC system
Displacement1.8 L
Horsepower100 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque109 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Bore and Stroke80.0 x 91.0
Compression Ratio9.4:1
Injection TypeDual side-draft Keihin carburetors
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Transmission
Transmission5-Speed Manual
Final Drive4.07
Fuel Economy
City21 MPG
Highway29 MPG
Combined24 MPG
Recommended Fuel91 octane
Tank Capacity15.8 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionDouble wishbone with anti-roll bar
Rear SuspensionChapman strut with anti-roll bar
Brakes
Front Brake DiscVacuum-assisted front disc
Rear Brake DiscRear drum
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front13 x 5 in
Wheels Rear13 x 5 in
Tires Front185/70SR-13
Tires Rear185/70SR-13
Dimensions & Weight
Length168.9 in
Width66.5 in
Height51 in
Front Track57.9 in
Rear Track57.9 in
Curb Weight2,180 lbs
Weight Distribution (F/R)61% / 39%
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Similar cars

Rivals to the 1986 Honda Prelude Base 5MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1986 Honda PRELUDE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

May 24, 1995 · SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES. CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. CHECK THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUG ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, THEN PRESS THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS ANY SIGN OF BREAKAGE OR CRACKING, OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, PROMPTLY CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED HONDA/ACURA DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

NHTSA campaign 95V103001

Apr 15, 1993 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

NHTSA campaign 92V028001

14 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1986 Honda PRELUDE

Owner Complaints

14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1986 Honda PRELUDE. See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Fuel System7
Gasoline7
Seat Belts3
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Seats1
Steering1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Sep 26, 2001 · Fuel System, Gasoline
“THIS DEFECT IS COVERED BY NHTSA CAMAIGN ID 92V028001 AND IS A FIRE HAZARD. THIS VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN JAPAN AND AS SUCH DEALERS WILL NOT REPAIR AT NO CHARGE. THE WARRANTY STATES "EXCEPT AS MAY…”
Jun 20, 2001 · Fuel System, Gasoline
“HONDA RECALLED THIS CAR IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE GAS TANK FILLER PIPE DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION, HOWEVER, THE SURROUNDING MOUNTS AND THE FILL PIPE BOWL ON THE FILLER DOOR ARE ALSO EXCESSIVELY…”
Aug 5, 1999 · Fuel System, Gasoline
“VEHICLE LEAKING FUEL FROM TANK AFTER RECALL REPAIRS MADE FOR THAT SYSTEM CAUSING LOWER MILAGE PER TANK. NLM”
Jul 3, 1999 · Fuel System, Gasoline
“VEHICLE FUEL SYSTEM EXPERIENCED FAILURE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE AND AFTER RECALL REPAIR (92V028001). *YC”
Mar 5, 1999 · Fuel System, Gasoline
“RECALL 92V028001; FUEL FILLER AND CAP RUSTED THROUGH WHICH MAY CAUSE A FUEL LEAK AND A FIRE. THERE IS A RECALL, BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS MADE ACCORDING TO CANADIAN…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1986 HONDA PRELUDE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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