1998 Honda Accord Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 308about this part
- Share
- 26%of 1,200 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 126,036miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 308 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Honda Accord, 26% of the 1,200 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 126,036 miles. 9 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 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“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 miles“Car died when I was driving. All the dash lights went off. I let the car sit for a while and then was able to start it again. I drove a few more miles and the same thing happened again. I have done some research on this and it appears that the ignition switch has had a recall for this problem. I called Honda and they said they don't have a recall for this year.”
NHTSA complaint #10713824, filed 2015-04, 180,000 miles“I have a 1998 Honda Accord when I call Honda to let them know my car is stalling while driving they tell me this is not a covered recall on my certain car for my VIN also the lower ball joints are not covered but they have a recall for the parts on line for other 1998 cars but it is crazy neither of these items are covered on my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10607701, filed 2014-07, 333,233 milesRelated recalls
- 03V423000Oct 27, 2003On certain passenger vehicles and mini vans, the ignition switch may wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the…Covers: Honda Accord 1998–1999, Acura CL 1998–1999, TL 1999 +1 more
- 02V120000May 16, 2002On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current…Covers: Honda Accord 1997–1999, Acura CL 1997–1999, Honda CR-V 1997–1999 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 10018467Sep 1, 2005Troubleshooting tips for dtc p1381.
- 10016770Aug 16, 2005Diagnostic trouble code p1381, cylinder sensor intermittent interrupt. Honda tech line summary.
- 10018004Aug 1, 2005A 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, 2005If 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…
- 10014106Jul 16, 2004Poor radio reception, seek-stop test.
- 10014025Jul 1, 2004Dtc p1381 set check the ignition coil shield.
- 10013977May 1, 2004Broken alternator bracket or bracket mounting bolt.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 7% |
| 2025 | 11 | 11% |
| 2024 | 26 | 17% |
| 2023 | 23 | 26% |
| 2022 | 107 | 41% |
| 2021 | 68 | 28% |
| 2020 | 55 | 15% |
| 2019 | 109 | 16% |
| 2018 | 296 | 16% |
| 2017 | 155 | 29% |
| 2016 | 201 | 33% |
| 2015 | 237 | 39% |
| 2014 | 378 | 38% |
| 2013 | 417 | 29% |
| 2012 | 32 | 9% |
| 2011 | 18 | 6% |
| 2010 | 34 | 6% |
| 2009 | 44 | 6% |
| 2008 | 105 | 7% |
| 2007 | 60 | 11% |
| 2006 | 42 | 10% |
| 2005 | 96 | 15% |
| 2004 | 146 | 14% |
| 2003 | 142 | 7% |
| 2002 | 69 | 7% |
| 2001 | 78 | 8% |
| 2000 | 171 | 14% |
| 1999 | 388 | 34% |
| 1998 | 308 | 26% |
| 1997 | 96 | 21% |
| 1996 | 40 | 8% |
| 1995 | 43 | 8% |
| 1994 | 32 | 9% |
| 1993 | 28 | 15% |
| 1992 | 26 | 13% |
| 1991 | 17 | 8% |
| 1990 | 26 | 14% |
| 1989 | 6 | 7% |
| 1988 | 4 | 5% |
| 1987 | 4 | 4% |
| 1986 | 3 | 6% |
| 1984 | 2 | 9% |
| 1983 | 1 | 14% |
| 1982 | 2 | 20% |
| 1981 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1998 Honda Accord
276 complaintsEngine cooling
134 complaintsFuel system
82 complaintsAir bags
79 complaintsBody and structure
76 complaintsVehicle speed control
67 complaintsSuspension
62 complaintsOther or unknown
52 complaintsBrakes
51 complaintsSeat belts
29 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Honda Accord
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