1998 Honda Odyssey Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 47%of 73 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 164,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Honda Odyssey, 47% of the 73 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 164,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle stalls unexpectedly and leaves us stranded in traffic. Happens sporadically at first and then with increasing regularity. I had a dealership perform a diagnostic and they found the ignition switch needed to be replaced. Once it was replaced, the problem disappeared. This vehicle had the ignition recall performed in 2004 with a previous owner. I filed for compensation with Honda and now they are saying they don't have to pay for a second ignition switch.”
NHTSA complaint #10933961, filed 2016-12, 190,000 miles“Ref: NHTSA campaign 02v120000 for 1998 Honda Odyssey. The ignition switch in my car was replaced in the recall of 2002. I was not having problems then. However, last fall (2009) and this winter (2010) I was experiencing sudden stalls and in some cases dangerous situations when accelerating at intersections, pulling out into traffic etc. My Honda dealer, in march 2010, could not id the problem. I took the car in the same month to an independent mechanic who first thought it was distributor related. They replaced that part. The problem continued. …”
NHTSA complaint #10330086, filed 2010-05, 141,223 miles“98 Odyssey, engine can be turned off and key can be removed from ignition switch without putting car in park. Appears to be common problem...numerous other complaints on this problem. Am yet another owner wishing recall 03v423000 applied to 1998 Honda Odyssey in addition to the 1998 Honda accord.”
NHTSA complaint #10875442, filed 2016-06, 180,000 miles“While at a stop or while driving the vehicle shuts off. The vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty ignition switch. Honda had a recall on the ignition switch in 2002 for the 1998 Odyssey. The switch was replaced on september 17, 2002. The replacement ignition switch is now having the exact same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10504563, filed 2013-03, 170,000 miles“- the contact stated that he could remove the key from the ignition of his 1998 Honda Odyssey while the transmission was not in park. The contact stated that during one incident the vehicle continued to move forward after inadvertently removing the key. The contact took the car to the dealer, but car was not covered under the recall # 03v43000. His current and failure mileage was 136,845. Updated 1/29/2007 -”
NHTSA complaint #10176970, filed 2006-12, 136,845 milesRelated recalls
- 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 Odyssey 1997–1999, Acura CL 1997–1999, Honda Accord 1997–1999 +5 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 | 38% |
| 2025 | 233 | 52% |
| 2024 | 57 | 46% |
| 2023 | 31 | 30% |
| 2022 | 37 | 26% |
| 2021 | 56 | 38% |
| 2020 | 173 | 35% |
| 2019 | 223 | 22% |
| 2018 | 263 | 26% |
| 2017 | 6 | 15% |
| 2016 | 40 | 15% |
| 2015 | 28 | 14% |
| 2014 | 31 | 10% |
| 2013 | 15 | 7% |
| 2012 | 37 | 15% |
| 2011 | 66 | 28% |
| 2010 | 31 | 12% |
| 2009 | 20 | 10% |
| 2008 | 33 | 7% |
| 2007 | 63 | 8% |
| 2006 | 44 | 6% |
| 2005 | 54 | 7% |
| 2004 | 53 | 9% |
| 2003 | 81 | 9% |
| 2002 | 35 | 4% |
| 2001 | 23 | 4% |
| 2000 | 38 | 6% |
| 1999 | 110 | 21% |
| 1998 | 34 | 47% |
| 1997 | 9 | 45% |
| 1996 | 17 | 24% |
| 1995 | 25 | 26% |
Other parts of the 1998 Honda Odyssey
14 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Honda Odyssey
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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