1998 Honda Accord Problems
- Complaints
- 1,200filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles, 490 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 6campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.3L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Honda Accord (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year cluster around two long-running themes: automatic transmission problems (slipping, harsh or delayed shifts, and in some cases replacement) and electrical/stalling complaints, many tied to the ignition switch and related electrical parts. Paint and clear-coat deterioration, subframe corrosion around the front passenger-side area, and airbag-inflator recall parts being unavailable also appear repeatedly. Reported mileages range widely, from under 50,000 to well past 200,000.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Automatic transmission slipping or failing to shift
- 212 complaints (18%)
- median 85,980 mi at 6.5 yrs old (124 state mileage)
- 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,000 (median of 39 quotes)
- filed 1998–2023
Owners describe the automatic transmission slipping between gears, revving high before slamming into the next gear, hesitating on acceleration, or dropping in and out of gear while driving. Several say the car would not move above low speed or felt as if it had shifted into neutral. Some report the dealer recommending a transmission replacement or rebuild; in a few complaints the replacement did not resolve the symptom. Reported from roughly 74,000 to 175,000 miles, with many complaints in the 75,000-120,000 mile range and often noticed first on cold starts or at low speed.
Recall 98V0180002 related service bulletins
What to check: Drive the car from cold and check for delayed or harsh 1-2 shifts, slipping under light acceleration, and transmission fluid leaks. Ask for transmission service records and whether the fluid has been changed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1998 Honda Accord complete automatic transmission failure at 91,150 miles. Incident below resulted in near collision when my vehicle pulled out to merge into traffic and vehicle would not accelerate more than approximately 15 MPH. Other vehicle had to slam on brakes to avoid side collision. I have a 1998 Honda Accord lx, 4- door, 4 cylinder, automatic transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10475460, filed 2012-09, 91,150 miles“Have a 1998 Honda Accord. Was driving slowly up a hill in congested traffic and the car acted like I had put it in neutral. At this time the car rpms jumped up and the car started rolling backwards almost rolling into a car behind me. The car then jumped into gear and lurched forward almost hitting the car in front of me. The car started to run fine after that but since it had first happened it has re-occurred a number of time, just not on a hill. …”
NHTSA complaint #10301760, filed 2010-01, 89,000 miles - Electrical system
Engine stalls or will not start (ignition switch and
- 412 complaints (34%)
- median 118,000 mi at 11.4 yrs old (228 state mileage)
- 27 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,350 (median of 24 quotes)
- filed 1998–2023
Complaints describe the engine shutting off without warning while driving, sometimes with loss of power steering and brakes, and then restarting normally. Others report intermittent no-starts, especially in hot weather, or the key light coming on. Several owners say the ignition switch or its electrical portion was replaced, some after a prior recall repair, and that the dealer declined further coverage because the part had already been replaced. Reported across a wide range, from about 45,000 to 260,000 miles, with several complaints at 100,000-170,000 miles and some noting hot-weather no-starts.
Recall 03V423000Recall 02V1200005 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch recalls (02V120000 and 03V423000) were performed and whether the switch has been replaced since. Test a cold start and a hot restart, and watch for a flickering key or immobilizer light.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving, the engine got shut, steering got completely locked (can't do any left-right). The key light got on. All other lights were off. Luckily there was no car behind my car. Else I would have met severe accident. I stopped the car, restarted it, and reached home safely. I am scared now to drive anymore.”
NHTSA complaint #10351451, filed 2010-08, 112,086 miles“I have replaced my ignition switch last year and am having the sane problem. I looked online and noticed there is a recall for this part for my vehicle. The vehicle cuts off while im driving or will not turn over all the way when I switch it on. I can tell when the switch catches.”
NHTSA complaint #11325177, filed 2020-05, 160,000 miles - Engine cooling
Check engine light and emission codes (EGR, EVAP, catalyst)
- 92 complaints (8%)
- median 112,000 mi at 8.8 yrs old (59 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $894 (median of 22 quotes)
- filed 1998–2020
Owners report the check engine light coming on repeatedly with codes for insufficient EGR flow, EVAP system leaks, and catalyst efficiency. Some had the EGR valve replaced or the catalytic converter replaced, and the light returned. Complaints describe failed emissions tests and inconsistent explanations from dealers about warranty coverage at higher mileage. Reported mostly between about 60,000 and 160,000 miles, often noticed during emissions testing or after long-term ownership.
What to check: Scan for stored codes before purchase and ask whether the check engine light has been coming back after repairs. Confirm the car currently passes an emissions inspection.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This car hasn't been a major problem but this is the second time I am dealing with this EGR valve on this Honda. First, one year ago my check engine light came on and the car was cutting off when it came to a stop or was idling and the Honda dealer said that there was a warranty repair on the car. They replace the EGR valve and said everything was fine. 7 months later my check engine light is back on but the car's performance had not changed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10008125, filed 2003-02, 97,000 miles“Check engine light came on in july 03 at 110k miles, code p0420. To pass emissions, after talking to several sources, I replaced the catalytic converter with an oem replacement ($250 instead of $800 from the dealership). The c.e. Light has now come back on with the same code as before, p0420. Obviously there is a problem with the car's emission system or it's sensors. The light stayed off for 11 months with the new c.c.. I find it hard to believe I have burned through another c. Converter in 25k miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10098728, filed 2004-11, 134,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag inflator recall and parts availability
- 71 complaints (6%)
- median 120,000 mi at 7.2 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 41 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2022
Owners describe receiving recall notices for the front airbag inflator and being told parts were not yet available, in some cases waiting months. A few complaints describe airbags that deployed but did not inflate properly in a crash, or did not deploy at all. Others report the SRS light issues after body work. Reported from about 100,000 to 178,000 miles, mostly in recent years after the inflator recall was announced.
Recall 20V0260001 related service bulletin
What to check: Check the VIN against open recalls for the driver and passenger inflator and confirm the recall repair has actually been completed, not just scheduled.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was in a bad accident I was in the far right lane on the highway I'm going 55mph someone jumped in front of me I used my breaks then my car jerked right into the other person car causing my car to spin around 2 time on a 6 lane highway . The airbag never deployed the staring wheel was not turning lots of fluids leaking out of it but it was always jerking for some reason even when the mechanic says that's natural..”
NHTSA complaint #11390856, filed 2021-01, 100,000 miles“I am filing a safety complaint because it has been 7 months since I was notified of the safety recall on my 98 Honda Accord. The recall listed the risks as including serious injury or death if the airbag does not deploy or deploys and expels metal fragments. There is still no replacement parts or updates about when the replacement parts will be available. I am concerned for my safety when driving my vehicle and am requesting an update for all those who have the same recall notice before an incident happens.”
NHTSA complaint #11349140, filed 2020-08, 140,000 miles
Buying note. This is an old vehicle, so condition and maintenance history matter more than the model's reputation. Have a mechanic inspect the transmission, subframe and underbody, scan for stored codes, and verify any open recalls, particularly the airbag inflator, have been completed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 1,200 consumer complaints for the 1998 Honda Accord. 490 of the complaints include a mileage, and 10% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 100,000 miles. Of all complaints, 100 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 65 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 29 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system308 26%
- Transmission and drivetrain276 23%
- Engine cooling134 11%
- Fuel system82 6.8%
- Air bags79 6.6%
- Body and structure76 6.3%
- Vehicle speed control67 5.6%
- Suspension62 5.2%
- Other or unknown52 4.3%
- Brakes51 4.3%
Also reported: Seat belts (29), Steering (29), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (27), Equipment (25), Seats (25), Tires (23), Engine (18), Wheels (8), Exterior lighting (7), Latches, locks and linkages (7), Interior lighting (3), Electronic stability control (2).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The ignition switch is faulty. The car will run and suddenly cut out and has difficulty starting. Most other models of accords manufactured in this timeframe were covered under an ignition recall in 2002. I owned a different Accord in 2006 that was repaired under the recall. However, I was told by a Honda dealer my particular model is not covered under the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10861701, filed 2016-04, 148,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “(1) my 1998 Honda Accord (v6 coupe) began jerking and failing to accelerate. After repeated occurrence of this, I took my car to the Honda dealership to identify the problem (2) it was determined that transmission, specifically, the torque converter failed and needed to be replaced. (3) the transmission was replaced with a refurbished transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10204763, filed 2007-10, 101,000 milesEngine cooling: “While driving my 1998 Honda Accord, the engine suddenly shuts off. I was able to start the car immediately after it stopped. This has happened about five times in four months. The dealer replaced the electrical portion of the ignition switch and it happened again.”
NHTSA complaint #10297175, filed 2009-12, 122,000 milesFuel system: “1998 Honda Accord shuts off by itself while driving. Happens sporadically. Replaced fuel pump, fuel igniter, cap, rotor, plugs, wires, etc. Nothing fixed it. Now they say it might be the ignition switch. There was a recall for this in 2002 but my VIN doesn't come up as part of that recall so I have to pay to have it replaced. And that may not fix it either.”
NHTSA complaint #10402408, filed 2011-05, 155,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
10% of the 490 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 74,000 and 145,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1998 Honda Accord. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accord · coupe | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
| Accord · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1998 Honda Accord version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accord FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Accord FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Accord FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Accord FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Accord FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V026000Jan 17, 2020Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Honda Accord 1998–2000, Civic 1996–2000, CR-V 1997–2000 +6 more
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL…
- 03V423000Oct 27, 2003Electrical system › Ignition › SwitchCovers: Honda Accord 1998–1999, Acura CL 1998–1999, TL 1999 +1 more
On certain passenger vehicles and mini vans, the ignition switch may wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to "park."
- 02V120000May 16, 2002Electrical system › Ignition › SwitchCovers: Honda Accord 1997–1999, Acura CL 1997–1999, Honda CR-V 1997–1999 +5 more
On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.
- 99V069000May 10, 1999Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball jointCovers: Honda Accord 1997–1998, Acura RL 1996–1998, TL 1996–1998 +4 more
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.
- 98V018000Feb 10, 1998Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switchCovers: Honda Accord 1998, Acura CL 1998
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles (honda accord sedans manufactured from september 18, 1997 to january 10, 1998; coupes manufactured december 11, december 15, 1997, and january 5, 1998; acura 2.3cl manufactured october 22, 1997 through january 7…
- 97V220000Dec 16, 1997Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Honda Accord 1998
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The front passenger seat belt retractor mounting bracket was improperly welded.
Recall details for the 1998 Honda Accord → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA03017Ignition-park interlockClosed · Sep 9, 2003
- PE03014Ignition-park interlock systemClosed · Apr 15, 2003
- PE02072Seat frame bracket failureClosed · Oct 2, 2002
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 29 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10144037Aug 9, 2018Equipment. Dealer message - Today, American Honda is notifying dealers of a voluntary noncompliance recall for a small number of Honda vehicles due to an error on the replacement (service part) underhood…
- 10144032Aug 9, 2018Engine cooling. Service bulletin - Emission certification labels that were replaced on a small number of vehicles may have been replaced with a label listing incorrect information. The affected emission labels are…
- 10053545Aug 9, 2013Engine cooling, Fuel system. Honda: troubleshooting of diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p1456 and p1457. Dealers are to run evap function test to find if there is a leak so the vehicle can be repaired.
- 10017432Nov 3, 2006Suspension. Rear stabilizer link is broken.
- 10020176Jun 17, 2006Suspension. Replaceable ball joints.
- 10018467Sep 1, 2005Electrical system. Troubleshooting tips for dtc p1381.
- 10016770Aug 16, 2005Electrical system. Diagnostic trouble code p1381, cylinder sensor intermittent interrupt. Honda tech line summary.
- 10018004Aug 1, 2005Electrical system. A short to ground in the blk/yel alternator wire could cause the ecm/pcm to set certain dtcs and intermittently blow the no. 6 (15a) fuse in the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box.
- 10018077Jul 16, 2005Electrical system. If the blk/yel wire is shorted to ground at the rear of the non ulev alternator, the ecm/pcm may retain diagnostic trouble code p1298, p0141, p0135, p0753 or p1753 and the number 6 fuse in the…
- 10016295May 16, 2005Engine cooling. Engine-cranks won't start, immobilizer light flashes.
Other model years of the Honda Accord
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14 | 500 | 0 | 5 | 32 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 96 | 5,045 | 0 | 5 | 32 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 153 | 15,700 | 3 | 5 | 32 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 88 | 37,200 | 5 | 5 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 261 | 23,343 | 4 | 5 | 32 | 19 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 246 | 69,000 | 4 | 5 | 32 | 14 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 368 | 13,000 | 5 | 5 | 30 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 698 | 19,000 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 63 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 1,897 | 22,000 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 540 | 25,000 | 3 | 5 | 26 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 612 | 36,000 | 4 | 5 | 27 | 48 · Typical | Rising |
| 2015 | 601 | 40,000 | 5 | 5 | 27 | 42 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 982 | 46,000 | 4 | 5 | 27 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 1,427 | 45,000 | 5 | 5 | 27 | 74 · More | Stable |
| 2012 | 373 | 25,284 | 8 | 5 | 26 | 55 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 296 | 44,000 | 9 | 5 | 26 | 28 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 581 | 41,000 | 12 | — | 25 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 727 | 32,944 | 10 | — | 24 | 83 · More | Stable |
| 2008 | 1,521 | 27,046 | 8 | — | 24 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 524 | 68,510 | 9 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 433 | 77,300 | 12 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 656 | 72,674 | 15 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,018 | 90,000 | 13 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 1,987 | 88,000 | 13 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 1,050 | 88,324 | 5 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 922 | 85,000 | 7 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 1,183 | 90,400 | 8 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 1,135 | 105,689 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 1,200 | 100,000 | 6 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 460 | 107,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 472 | 106,602 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 543 | 115,000 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 369 | 118,750 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 186 | 155,250 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 206 | 125,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 212 | 166,219 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 192 | 152,011 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1989 | 86 | 116,000 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 88 | 200,000 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 111 | 73,512 | 3 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 54 | 164,200 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 13 | 117,000 | 1 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 22 | 165,367 | 2 | — | 26 | — | Stable |
| 1983 | 7 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1982 | 10 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1981 | 7 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Honda Accord model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Honda Accord?
Complaints on this model year cluster around two long-running themes: automatic transmission problems (slipping, harsh or delayed shifts, and in some cases replacement) and electrical/stalling complaints, many tied to the ignition switch and related electrical parts. The issues reported most often: Automatic transmission slipping or failing to shift; Engine stalls or will not start (ignition switch and; Check engine light and emission codes (EGR, EVAP, catalyst).
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Honda Accord have?
NHTSA recorded 1,200 consumer complaints for the 1998 Honda Accord as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Honda Accord is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 308 complaints (26% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 276.
Has the 1998 Honda Accord been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Honda Accord get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Honda Accord (Accord, 2.3L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Honda Accord reported?
Among the 490 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 100,000 miles and the middle half falls between 74,000 and 145,000 miles; 10% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.