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EnginePart report

1998 Honda Civic Engine Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
1%of 435 total for the year
Median mileage
160,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Honda Civic, 1% of the 435 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 160,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The contact owns a 1998 Honda Civic. While driving 10 MPH, the engine stalled and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,702.”

NHTSA complaint #10648308, filed 2014-10, 96,702 miles

“The contact owns a 1998 Honda Civic. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The contact was unsure of what part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 02v120000 (electrical system) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 180,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10786272, filed 2015-10, 180,000 miles

“The contact owns a 1998 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was safely maneuvered to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle restarted after waiting several minutes. The vehicle functioned normally, but the failure recurred several times after. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection, but they were unable to determine the failure. The dealer and manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 160,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10462433, filed 2012-06, 160,000 miles

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026516%
202557%
202443%
202383%
2022111%
202153%
2020136%
2019337%
2018578%
20176611%
2016959%
2015318%
2014238%
2013227%
2012327%
201174%
2010195%
2009277%
200815617%
200717014%
200622716%
2005144%
2004103%
200382%
2002172%
2001192%
200041%
1999144%
199831%
199731%
199621%

Other parts of the 1998 Honda Civic

Air bags
96 complaints
Electrical system
88 complaints
Engine cooling
53 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
49 complaints
Vehicle speed control
29 complaints
Body and structure
26 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaints
Tires
18 complaints
Other or unknown
16 complaints
Brakes
11 complaints
Fuel system
11 complaints
Equipment
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1998 Honda Civic

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