1998 Honda Odyssey
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Honda › Odyssey › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Honda Odyssey. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1998 Honda Odyssey. Newest first.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle IS started.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch. owner notification began june 14, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact honda at 1-800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. certain vehicles were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out and, in the worse case, the ball joint would separate causing the front suspension to collapse.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. also steering controllability would be reduced.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
Owner complaints
73 complaints2 involved a crash3 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Ignition
The contact owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition switch. The contact was able to turn the key to start the vehicle; however, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition switch. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent…
The contact owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition switch. The contact was able to turn the key to start the vehicle; however, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition switch. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure
The contact's friend owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled down to the floorboard. The contact stated that her son inspected the vehicle and noticed that brake fluid was leaking from the vehicle.…
The contact's friend owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled down to the floorboard. The contact stated that her son inspected the vehicle and noticed that brake fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The contact's son added brake fluid to the vehicle; however, the brake fluid leaked out. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the subframe was severely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,148.
- Electrical system › Ignition
The 1998 Honda Odyssey recall for ignition switch I don't believe included all VIN numbers affected. My van is having the exact issue for what is stated in the recall, yet my VIN does not show as a recall. When the switch is turned to the run position, the dash lights may or may not illuminate.…
The 1998 Honda Odyssey recall for ignition switch I don't believe included all VIN numbers affected. My van is having the exact issue for what is stated in the recall, yet my VIN does not show as a recall. When the switch is turned to the run position, the dash lights may or may not illuminate. Once the van is started, there is a 50/50 chance that the stops running because of the switch. I believe this is an issue that needs to be looked into. Has not been confirmed yet because we are awaiting service on the airbag recall to put the van into service.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V026000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that…
The contact owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V026000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
1998 honda odyssey. Consumer writes in regards to airbag inflator safety recall. *Ld the consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair. The part necessary to complete the recall had not been available. *Js
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1998 honda odyssey. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Smail honda (5043 US-30, greensburg, pa 15601) was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available.…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 honda odyssey. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Smail honda (5043 US-30, greensburg, pa 15601) was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. *Dt consumer stated parts have been replaced and repair completed.*jb
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 honda odyssey. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part needed to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified. The contact stated that…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 honda odyssey. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part needed to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
Recall 20v-026. A3877wc012823 received recall letter. made appointment at dealership. Honda IS unable to inspect or repair at this time. waited 60 days. Now filing formal complaint with nhtsa. do not want to be injured by the driver side airbag due to manufacturing issue. *tr
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Electrical system
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.
- Electrical system
1998 honda odyssey. consumer writes in regards to ignition switch replacement parts recall repairs. *smd the consumer stated in 2002, the vehicle was subject to a recall regarding the electrical contacts being replaced on the ignition switch. The work was done, to prevent the vehicle from…
1998 honda odyssey. consumer writes in regards to ignition switch replacement parts recall repairs. *smd the consumer stated in 2002, the vehicle was subject to a recall regarding the electrical contacts being replaced on the ignition switch. The work was done, to prevent the vehicle from stalling. In 2008, the entire ignition switch had to be replaced because it would not release the key. Two weeks ago, the engine stalled repeatedly in traffic. Honda informed the consumer, they would not replace the contacts under warranty or recall, because the recall had already been done. *jb
- Suspension
On 4/01/2015 the lower ball joint on the right front wheel of my 1998 honda odyssey broke, causing that side of the vehicle to collapse to the ground. the half-axle separated and fell out and the car ended up with the right front fender resting on the tire which had flipped out at right angles to…
On 4/01/2015 the lower ball joint on the right front wheel of my 1998 honda odyssey broke, causing that side of the vehicle to collapse to the ground. the half-axle separated and fell out and the car ended up with the right front fender resting on the tire which had flipped out at right angles to the vehicle. the brake hose also burst under the stress as the car came to a literal grinding halt. I had just had all upper and lower ball joints replaced on 9/23/22013 at the brake check shop on austin highway here in san antonio, texas. they tell me the parts were distributed under the brand name driveworks, and sold by advance auto parts. right now I am having the car checked out and repaired at another shop. will have them save the damaged ball joint, which I will be happy to make available to you. just happy accident did not occur on an interstate highway while traveling at 70 mph in front of an 18-wheeler.... *tr
- Engine · Service brakes · Structure › Body
Was in my daughters driveway in nesconset ny, I turned the key put in drive, the car revved, took off at full speed finally hitting a tree. multiple injuries, taken to stony brook medical center. nine weeks hospital and rehab. *tr
- Power train
This transmission failed and I put another one in and it failed within two days. I have looked online and found out that everyone IS having trouble with these transmissions. I think honda should replace these problem transmissions with a recall. I don't have $1,500 to put in a new transmission every day or two. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1998 honda odyssey. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, he saw flames underneath the hood. The contact immediately exit the vehicle and the entire vehicle engulfed in flames. A police and fire report filed stated that there was a crack in the fuel line and it leaked on…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 honda odyssey. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, he saw flames underneath the hood. The contact immediately exit the vehicle and the entire vehicle engulfed in flames. A police and fire report filed stated that there was a crack in the fuel line and it leaked on the catalytic converter. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.the vin was unavailable.
- Electrical system
1998 honda odyssey. consumer writes in regards to electrical malfunction caused doors and windows mechanisms failure. *smd the consumer wrote in on behalf of his mother. The electrical malfunction caused the door and windows mechanisms to fail, which ultimately led to a fire in all four doors.
- Electrical system · Engine
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. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1998 honda odyssey. The contacted stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the starter, battery, and the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 honda odyssey. The contacted stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the starter, battery, and the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 02v120000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 190,057. *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 1998 honda odyssey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was powered off and in park, the vehicle rolled away. The vehicle was stopped by applying the emergency brake. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics and stated that they would have to look at the…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 honda odyssey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was powered off and in park, the vehicle rolled away. The vehicle was stopped by applying the emergency brake. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics and stated that they would have to look at the tumblers to find the cause for the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000 and the current mileage was 98,400.
- Power train
We were just told that our 1998 honda odyssey needs a new transmission for $4,000. this would be the 3RD transmission replacement in this car since we've owned it (we're original owners). that's triple what the car IS worth. we have taken immaculate care of this car and there IS no reason why the transmission should die so often. IS there a class action suit we can be part of? *tr
- Vehicle speed control
The honda dealer has taken great care of my car until this event. I was in a parking lot, backed up and barely hit a pole with the rear bumper. Then I put it in drive, and the car took off at full speed out of control, burning rubber, even though I was hitting the brakes, pumping them, trying to…
The honda dealer has taken great care of my car until this event. I was in a parking lot, backed up and barely hit a pole with the rear bumper. Then I put it in drive, and the car took off at full speed out of control, burning rubber, even though I was hitting the brakes, pumping them, trying to stop. I only had time to swerve to avoid a parked car, then went into a brick wall and the car was totaled. The air bags went off. The mph IS an approximation based on the cars damage since I could not look at the odometer under these emergency circumstances. I was only slightly injured, but I will have to see a chiropractor. *tr
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda odyssey. The contact had the ignition replaced according to recall 02v120000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) in 2009. Recently, the contact had the vehicle in the drive gear and was able to pull the key out of the ignition. The dealer stated that they would have to look at the tumblers to find the cause for the failure. The current and failure mileages were 163,111.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Check engine light came on. stopped at autozone to have them read the code. the code p0740, indicated a tcc failure. upon consulting with the honda dealership on my 1998 honda odyssey, and consulting the internet, determined that this was a common problem with 1998 - 2002 honda odyssey's. honda offered no help. the car had less than 100,000 miles on at the time. *Tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
1998 honda odyssey. Consumer states problem with ignition switch *tgw the consumer stated several years ago, a defect developed which allowed him to remove the key from the ignition without the vehicle being in park. *Jb the consumer stated a recall has since been issued for the problem and would like to have it rectified at no charge. Updated 01/05/11.*jb
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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…
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. I returned it right away and they did the research to ID the problem as the ignition switch. it IS now may 12 and there have been no instances of sudden stalls. problem fixed. *Tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10014232Grunt noise after sitting for several hours.
- 10013953Audio unit and navigation system anti-theft codes available on interactive network.
- 10013779Anti-lock braking system (ABS) or tcs diagnostic trouble code (dtc) 51 and/or 53 troubleshooting. Honda tech line summary.
- 10009279Automatic transmission diagnostic trouble code p0740, p0741 repair tips. Another look. Honda servicenews.
- 10009278Heater blower motor gets hot or blows a fuse. Honda. Servicenews.
- 10009048Audio, anti-theft codes. Honda. Tech line summary.
- 10005934Reconnecting accessories after ignition switch recall. Honda october tech line information.
- 10005933Keyless, ceiling light, ignition key beeper logic. Honda october tech line information. 2002 prelude also included.
- 10005932Srs diagnostic trouble code 1-1 to 1-5, driver's airbag inflator circuit. Honda october tech line information.
- 10005930Air conditioning (a/c) compressor control logic. Honda october tech line information. 2002 prelude also included.
- 10005929Clearing anti-lock brake system (ABS) diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs). Honda october tech line information.
- 10005927Grunt noise when accelerating after sitting. Honda october tech line information. 2002 prelude also included.
- 10005881Keyless entry, ceiling light, ignition key beeper logic. Honda servicenews.
- 10005879Damaged cable reel can cause srs diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs). Honda servicenews.
- 10005871Anti-lock brake system (ABS) grunts when doing a self-check.
- 10002699Grade logic control information.
- 10002575Straining the automatic transmission fluid (atf) to diagnose automatic transmissions.
- 10001811Srs indicator on with no srs diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) set.
- 10001793Searching isis for diagnostic trouble code information.
- 10001790Check (atf) automatic transmission fluid condition to diagnose (a/t) automatic transmissions.
- 636987This article applies to torque specifications missing for timing belt tensioner bolt.
- 636755Subject regarding automatic transmission shift problems - slippage, flare, hard upshift.
- 636753Information on testing for interal leaks with diagnostic trouble code p1456 or p1457.
- 631000Concerns with front suspension squeaking in cold weather.
- 629541Customers may complain of a twang noise from the front suspension that sounds like a spring contact. *Slc
- 629289Experiencing a squeal noise at front suspension at low temperatures.
- 626824Information regarding a/c cycles rapidly at idle.
- 626764Subject regarding speed sensor plug missing. *Slc
- 626752Information regarding a warranty extenstion that covers egr system clogging.
- 626611Information regarding air conditioner compressor cycles rapidly at idle.
- 624054Information regarding: transmission/driveline.
- 623657Some vehicles a/c compressor cycles rapidly idle.
- 619937Information on diagnosing clutch pressure switches when experiencing harsh or late upshifts and downshifts.
- 618987Information on preventing diagnostic trouble code 1-3 after anti-lock brake system (ABS) modulator work.
- 618985Subject regarding a leaking torque converter.
- 618962Information on programming immobilizer keys.
- 618954Brief information regarding the oil pump o-ring.
- 610230Concerns with vehicles exhibiting a malfunction indicator lamp on with automatic transmission diagnostic trouble codes p0740, faulty lock-up control system, and p0700, transmission control system malfunction, stored in the powertrain control module (pcm).
- 608042Corrective procedure for retrieval of automatic transmission freeze data with pgm tester.
- 608011Information on security system tripped sensor feature.
Every Honda Odyssey model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.