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SteeringPart report

1998 Honda Civic Steering Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
2%of 435 total for the year
Median mileage
93,321miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Honda Civic, 2% of the 435 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,321 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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.

“Consumer stated that granddaughter bought a certified Honda Civic and had nothing but trouble since she purchased the vehicle. One month after the vehicle was purchased the head gasket blew out, and needed to be replaced. This was done by the dealer that sold her the vehicle. Then, power steering pump leaked, and it was repaired 2 months later. In may of this year the same thing happened power steering pump leaked again. The engine had to be replaced again at 89440 miles. The transmission was replaced due to shifting problems at 90552 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #10087907, filed 2004-08, 89,940 miles

“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

“In the first incident the steering hose and rack were leaking (at 10,000 miles). I was told at my appt. For an oil change and steering inspection that they didn't have time to do both, so they wanted to change the oil and look at the steering later. I insisted they do the opposite and half an hour later I was told that I could not safely drive my car home. Currently, my transmission computer was found to be faulty after I reported a severe vibration accompanied by a constant sound. This too was shrugged off over the phone as being typical of the CVT automobiles. …”

NHTSA complaint #715799, filed 1999-12

“This vehicle was in a rollover accident which occurred at 55-60 MPH,and the air bags did not deploy after hitting a highway rail. Manufacturer has been contacted.”

NHTSA complaint #836977, filed 1999-04

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026722%
20253140%
20246149%
202319274%
202273483%
20216645%
20203214%
201911326%
201831542%
201717429%
201644641%
2015216%
2014155%
20133812%
20127416%
201142%
2010195%
2009133%
2008243%
2007262%
2006443%
200572%
200462%
2003153%
2002233%
2001202%
200062%
199921%
199872%
199751%
199662%
199595%
199443%
19931510%
199255%
199133%
199022%
198923%
198613%

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 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