1991 Honda Prelude: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Honda Prelude first registered in 1991: we looked at the 143 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 143 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1991 Honda Prelude MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1991 Honda Prelude MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension31% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes23% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics17% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions17% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Tyres16% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks15% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1991 Honda Prelude
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Honda Prelude?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Honda Prelude compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2000 | 493 | Suspension 40% |
| 1999 | 540 | Suspension 39% |
| 1998 | 517 | Suspension 47% |
| 1997 | 444 | Suspension 40% |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
| 1994 | – | Too few tests |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
| 1992 | 128 | Suspension 30% |
| 1990 | 112 | Suspension 28% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
| 1984 | – | Too few tests |
| 1983 | – | Too few tests |
| 1982 | – | Too few tests |
| 1981 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Honda Prelude cars first registered in 1991. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score