1998 Honda Accord Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 134about this part
- Share
- 11%of 1,200 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 134 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Honda Accord, 11% of the 1,200 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“The engine completely blew out one day. I was on the way to work and there was an explosion under my hood. Honda put in a re-built engine and I have had nothing but problems since then. A few months later...the paint gradually started to fade away on the roof. It has only gotten worse and will get much worse. It is a 1998 Honda!! This stuff shouldn't be happening!”
NHTSA complaint #10069151, filed 2004-01, 58,000 miles“My 1998 Honda Accord 4 door sedan l4 engine stalls and the engine dies while driving in traffic. I am very concerned about this issue as it relates to my safety and the safety of my family. The first time this event happened the car stalled then died. The check engine light came on. After I let the car sit for awhile I attempted to start the car. It took four times. I then sought service or repair. Four attempts have been made to correct this problem. None of which are successful.”
NHTSA complaint #10326248, filed 2010-04, 170,000 miles“Catalytic converter has a premature life span according to a number of mechanics that I have talked to. The check engine light came on around 80,000 miles, and the mechanic said the computer sensed a failure in the catalytic converter. We had the Honda extended warranty but they stated that it did not cover the catalytic converter”
NHTSA complaint #10049610, filed 2003-12, 80,000 miles“I have a 1998 Accord ex with 113,000miles and have had the same check engine light problem 2 times. Each time the dealership told me I have to replce catalytic converter and gave me an estimate of about $1,000. I took it to have it check ed by a muffeler shop and they said nothing wrong with my catalytic converter. They also said catalytic converter on Honda never goes bad. Not sure waht to do?”
NHTSA complaint #10065850, filed 2004-04, 112,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10144032Aug 9, 2018Service 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…
- 10053545Aug 9, 2013Honda: 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.
- 10016295May 16, 2005Engine-cranks won't start, immobilizer light flashes.
- 10015294Feb 16, 2005Timesert 14mm drain plug thread repair kit.
- 10013614Oct 1, 2004Use oil deflector when changing oil filter.
- 10013838Sep 16, 2004Oil filter deflector.
- 10014050Aug 16, 2004Dtc (diagnostic trouble code) p1279, pgm tester software error.
- 10014017Jul 1, 2004Poor a/c cooling during hard acceleration.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 10 | 1% |
| 2018 | 28 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 7 | 0% |
| 2012 | 9 | 2% |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% |
| 2010 | 12 | 2% |
| 2009 | 29 | 4% |
| 2008 | 41 | 3% |
| 2007 | 26 | 5% |
| 2006 | 19 | 4% |
| 2005 | 27 | 4% |
| 2004 | 28 | 3% |
| 2003 | 95 | 5% |
| 2002 | 33 | 3% |
| 2001 | 29 | 3% |
| 2000 | 65 | 5% |
| 1999 | 144 | 13% |
| 1998 | 134 | 11% |
| 1997 | 48 | 10% |
| 1996 | 96 | 20% |
| 1995 | 43 | 8% |
| 1994 | 84 | 23% |
| 1993 | 35 | 19% |
| 1992 | 19 | 9% |
| 1991 | 14 | 7% |
| 1990 | 13 | 7% |
| 1989 | 12 | 14% |
| 1988 | 8 | 9% |
| 1987 | 6 | 5% |
| 1986 | 3 | 6% |
| 1985 | 1 | 8% |
| 1984 | 4 | 18% |
| 1982 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1998 Honda Accord
308 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
276 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 28, 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