The Honda Prelude has been produced from 1978 to 2001, with a highly anticipated return scheduled for the 2026 model year. Using the correct oil capacity, viscosity, and type is essential for maintaining performance and longevity. This guide lists all model years with full oil specifications and maintenance recommendations.
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2026 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Hybrid I4 (LFC-2) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.9 qt (3.7 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 7,500 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 29 lb-ft (39 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 15400-PLM-A02, Mobil 1 M1-110A |
The 2026 Honda Prelude uses a 2.0L Hybrid I4 that requires 4.2 quarts of Full Synthetic oil. Using SAE 0W-20 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
2001 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L VTEC I4 (H22A4) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional or Synthetic Blend |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 5,000 miles or 6 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 33 lb-ft (44 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 15400-PLM-A02, K&N HP-1004 |
The 2001 Honda Prelude uses a 2.2L VTEC I4 that requires 5.1 quarts of Conventional or Synthetic Blend oil. Using SAE 5W-30 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
2000 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L VTEC I4 (H22A4) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional or Synthetic Blend |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 5,000 miles or 6 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 33 lb-ft (44 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 15400-PLM-A02, Fram PH7317 |
The 2000 Honda Prelude uses a 2.2L VTEC I4 that requires 5.1 quarts of Conventional or Synthetic Blend oil. Using SAE 5W-30 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
1999 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L VTEC I4 (H22A4) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional or Synthetic Blend |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 5,000 miles or 6 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 33 lb-ft (44 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 15400-PLM-A02, Mobil 1 M1-110A |
The 1999 Honda Prelude uses a 2.2L VTEC I4 that requires 5.1 quarts of Conventional or Synthetic Blend oil. Using SAE 5W-30 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
1998 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L VTEC I4 (H22A4) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional or Synthetic Blend |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 5,000 miles or 6 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 33 lb-ft (44 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 15400-PLM-A02, Wix 51344 |
The 1998 Honda Prelude uses a 2.2L VTEC I4 that requires 5.1 quarts of Conventional or Synthetic Blend oil. Using SAE 5W-30 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
1997 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L VTEC I4 (H22A4) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional or Synthetic Blend |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 5,000 miles or 6 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 33 lb-ft (44 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 15400-PLM-A02, K&N HP-1004 |
The 1997 Honda Prelude uses a 2.2L VTEC I4 that requires 5.1 quarts of Conventional or Synthetic Blend oil. Using SAE 5W-30 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
1996 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L VTEC (H22A1) / 2.3L (H23A1) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) / 4.5 qt (4.3 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) / 4.2 qt (4.0 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 3,750 miles (Severe) – 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 33 lb-ft (44 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 15400-PLM-A02, Fram PH3593A |
The 1996 Honda Prelude uses a 2.2L VTEC or 2.3L I4 that requires 5.1 quarts or 4.5 quarts of Conventional oil respectively. Using SAE 5W-30 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
1995 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L VTEC (H22A1) / 2.3L (H23A1) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) / 4.5 qt (4.3 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) / 4.2 qt (4.0 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 3,750 miles (Severe) – 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 33 lb-ft (44 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 15400-PLM-A02, Mobil 1 M1-104 |
The 1995 Honda Prelude uses a 2.2L VTEC or 2.3L I4 that requires 5.1 quarts or 4.5 quarts of Conventional oil respectively. Using SAE 5W-30 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
1994 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L VTEC (H22A1) / 2.3L (H23A1) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) / 4.5 qt (4.3 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) / 4.2 qt (4.0 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 3,750 miles (Severe) – 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 33 lb-ft (44 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 15400-PLM-A02, K&N HP-1004 |
The 1994 Honda Prelude uses a 2.2L VTEC or 2.3L I4 that requires 5.1 quarts or 4.5 quarts of Conventional oil respectively. Using SAE 5W-30 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
1993 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L VTEC (H22A1) / 2.3L (H23A1) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) / 4.5 qt (4.3 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) / 4.2 qt (4.0 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 3,750 miles (Severe) – 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 33 lb-ft (44 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 15400-PLM-A02, Wix 51334 |
The 1993 Honda Prelude uses a 2.2L VTEC or 2.3L I4 that requires 5.1 quarts or 4.5 quarts of Conventional oil respectively. Using SAE 5W-30 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
1992 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L I4 (H23A1) / 2.2L I4 (F22A1) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.5 qt (4.3 L) / 4.0 qt (3.8 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) / 3.7 qt (3.5 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 3,750 miles (Severe) – 7,500 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 33 lb-ft (44 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 15400-PLM-A02, Fram PH3593A |
The 1992 Honda Prelude uses a 2.3L I4 or 2.2L I4 that requires 4.5 quarts or 4.0 quarts of Conventional oil respectively. Using SAE 5W-30 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
1991 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.1L (B21A1) / 2.0L (B20A5) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.0 qt (3.8 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 3,000–5,000 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 29 lb-ft (39 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 15400-PLM-A02, Mobil 1 M1-104 |
The 1991 Honda Prelude uses a 2.1L or 2.0L I4 that requires 4.0 quarts of Conventional oil. Using SAE 5W-30 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
1990 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.1L (B21A1) / 2.0L (B20A5) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.0 qt (3.8 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 3,000–5,000 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 29 lb-ft (39 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 15400-PLM-A02, Fram PH3593A |
The 1990 Honda Prelude uses a 2.1L or 2.0L I4 that requires 4.0 quarts of Conventional oil. Using SAE 5W-30 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
1988–1989 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L (B20A5) / 2.0L (B20A3) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.0 qt (3.8 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 10W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 3,000–5,000 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 29 lb-ft (39 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM 15400-PLM-A02, Wix 51334 |
The 1988–1989 Honda Prelude uses a 2.0L I4 that requires 4.0 quarts of Conventional oil. Using SAE 10W-30 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
1983–1987 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L (A20A) / 1.8L (A18A) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.4 qt (3.2 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 3,000 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 29 lb-ft (39 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | Fram PH3593A, STP S2808 |
The 1983–1987 Honda Prelude uses a 2.0L or 1.8L I4 that requires 3.7 quarts of Conventional oil. Using SAE 10W-30 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
1979–1982 Honda Prelude Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L (EL/EK) |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 3.7 qt (3.5 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 3.4 qt (3.2 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Conventional |
| Viscosity | SAE 10W-30 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 3,000 miles |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 29 lb-ft (39 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | Fram PH3593A, Wix 51334 |
The 1979–1982 Honda Prelude uses a 1.8L I4 that requires 3.7 quarts of Conventional oil. Using SAE 10W-30 oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.
Oil Maintenance & Service Tips
Regular oil maintenance is critical for the high-revving VTEC engines found in the Honda Prelude. Always check the oil level on a flat surface after the engine has cooled down for at least 5 minutes. For older models with high mileage, checking the oil level every other fuel fill-up is recommended to monitor consumption.
When performing an oil filter replacement, ensure the old gasket is removed from the mating surface before installing the new filter. Hand-tighten the new filter to avoid damage. Synthetic oil is highly recommended for 1992–2001 VTEC models (H22/H23) to prevent sludge buildup in the variable valve timing solenoids.
Normal vs. Severe Driving Conditions
| Condition Type | Definition | Recommended Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Highway driving, steady speeds, mild weather | 5,000–7,500 miles |
| Severe | Stop-and-go, short trips (<5 miles), extreme heat/cold | 3,000–3,750 miles |
When exploring Honda, don’t miss our detailed guides on popular models like the Honda Insight, Honda CRX del Sol, Honda Passport, and Honda CR-Z. Understanding engine oil capacity is crucial for proper maintenance, and our expert resources explain the exact oil requirements for these models. You’ll also find insights on recommended oil types, service intervals, and common issues linked to incorrect oil levels, ensuring your Honda always delivers reliable performance.
FAQs Section
What kind of oil does a Honda Prelude use?
The Honda Prelude typically uses SAE 5W-30 conventional or synthetic blend oil for models produced between 1988 and 2001. Older models (1979–1987) often use 10W-30 or 10W-40, while the upcoming 2026 hybrid model will likely require SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil.
How much oil does a Honda Prelude take?
Most 5th generation (1997–2001) Preludes with the H22 engine take 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) of oil with a filter change. Fourth generation models (1992–1996) require between 4.5 and 5.1 quarts depending on whether they have the H23 or H22 engine.
What is the recommended oil type for a Honda Prelude?
For 1992–2001 models, High Mileage or Synthetic Blend oil is recommended to protect aging seals and engine components. For the 2026 Prelude Hybrid, Full Synthetic oil is required to ensure proper viscosity for the hybrid powertrain’s stop-start cycles.
What is the oil change interval for a Honda Prelude?
The recommended oil change interval is every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for normal driving conditions. However, for older engines or severe driving conditions such as frequent short trips, an interval of 3,000 to 3,750 miles is advisable to maintain engine health.
Conclusion
The Honda Prelude requires specific oil capacities ranging from 3.7 quarts in early models to 5.1 quarts in the high-performance VTEC generations. Using the correct viscosity—typically 5W-30 for 1990s models and 0W-20 for the 2026 hybrid—ensures optimal lubrication and variable valve timing function. Always use manufacturer-approved oil and filters to maintain the reliability and performance of your vehicle.
