Model year record

1998 Honda Accord

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,429 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V026000

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

Component
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
Manufacturer
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Vehicles affected
1,439,841
Reported to NHTSA
2020-01-17
Owners notified
2020-10-01

Defect description

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 vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V423000

Electrical system: ignition: switch

Component
Electrical system: ignition: switch
Manufacturer
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
Vehicles affected
563,861
Reported to NHTSA
2003-10-27
Owners notified
2003-12-08

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO "PARK."

Safety risk

IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT SHIFT TO "PARK" BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT DETERMINES THE AMOUNT OF CYLINDER BODY WEAR. IF SIGNIFICANT WEAR IS INDICATED, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CYLINDER BODY, COLLAR, AND LATCH PLATE. IF NO SIGNS OF WEAR ARE INDICATED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LATCH PLATE WITH A REDESIGNED PART. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V120000

Electrical system: ignition: switch

Component
Electrical system: ignition: switch
Manufacturer
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
Vehicles affected
1,000,000
Reported to NHTSA
2002-05-16
Owners notified
2002-06-14

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V069000

Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint

Component
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
Manufacturer
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
Vehicles affected
124,875
Reported to NHTSA
1999-05-10
Owners notified
1999-05-17

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V018000

Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
Manufacturer
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
Vehicles affected
33,966
Reported to NHTSA
1998-02-10
Owners notified
1998-02-12

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES (HONDA ACCORD SEDANS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 18, 1997 TO JANUARY 10, 1998; COUPES MANUFACTURED DECEMBER 11, DECEMBER 15, 1997, AND JANUARY 5, 1998; ACURA 2.3CL MANUFACTURED OCTOBER 22, 1997 THROUGH JANUARY 7, 1998). DURING MANUFACTURING, THE CASTING DIE CAUSED AN IRREGULARITY IN THE RIGHT-SIDE TRANSMISSION COVER. THIS IRREGULARITY CAN LIMIT THE MOVEMENT OF THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATION LEVEL AND PREVENT ADEQUATE ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARKING GEAR PAWL. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN AN INCLINE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS LOCKED IN "PARK," INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COLLAR ON THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL TO ENSURE PROPER MOVEMENT OF THE ACTUATION LEVER.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V220000

Seat belts: front: anchorage

Component
Seat belts: front: anchorage
Manufacturer
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
Vehicles affected
83
Reported to NHTSA
1997-12-16
Owners notified
1997-12-15

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MOUNTING BRACKET WAS IMPROPERLY WELDED.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE BRACKET TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE BODY IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THESE VEHICLES.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Power train: automatic transmission20485,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch143123,000 mi
Electrical system98140,000 mi
Unknown or other5068,000 mi
Air bags4990,462 mi
Structure: body41137,500 mi
Vehicle speed control41100,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling33100,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline33
Suspension31161,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition3095,720 mi
Power train28114,000 mi
Air bags: frontal26120,000 mi
Fuel system, other25
Engine and engine cooling: engine2380,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor2182,500 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly19
Engine18170,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1741,000 mi
Electrical system: horn1688,000 mi
Steering15146,000 mi
Tires15109,000 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields14133,000 mi
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system13
Seats1387,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline12134,043 mi
Seat belts12132,000 mi
Suspension: front1289,760 mi
Power train: clutch assembly1160,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission1094,799 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner1099,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip1070,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components10
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch92,450 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint9147,031 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module8
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system895,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)897,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor8
Structure: frame and members8150,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls8
Fuel/propulsion system7138,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic752,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor7101,000 mi
Structure: body: door798,000 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly7
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash652,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control670,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner6
Equipment: electrical6
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.6
Seat belts: front: anchorage6
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar6
Tires: tread/belt664,818 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages6
Visibility: windshield6
Equipment5100,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder5
Wheels5100,000 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator490,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module4
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system490,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights4
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch463,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)490,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter4101,000 mi
Service brakes4100,000 mi
Structure4
Vehicle speed control: cruise control446,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system430,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module348,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly3
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap3
Interior lighting3
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift363,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads3
Suspension: rear3
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery2
Electrical system: starter assembly: relay2103,579 mi
Electrical system: wiring290,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)255 mi
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: filling/charging2
Latches/locks/linkages290,000 mi
Parking brake: conventional2
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift260,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: power adjust2142,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc2
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages22 mi
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device296,008 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system2
Suspension: front: wheel bearing2
Tires: sidewall2
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices2
Wheels: rim260,000 mi
Air bags: side/window1
Child seat155,000 mi
Child seat: latch connector/clip1
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel185,000 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly1105,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: rear compartment/trunk1
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood170,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift1
Equipment: other: labels1
Exterior lighting1
Exterior lighting: brake lights1
Exterior lighting: headlights: concealment devices1
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit1
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock1
Parking brake1
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)186,400 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines170,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly1
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)1
Power train: driveline: differential unit1
Power train: manual transmission: shift pattern indicator1
Seat belts: front1
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly1
Seat belts: front: webbing1
Service brakes, air: antilock1
Service brakes, air: disc: chamber1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum1
Steering: gear box: shaft pitman1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections1
Steering: linkages: drag: link: connection1
Steering: rack and pinion1
Structure: body: bumpers1
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments1
Structure: body: roof and pillars1
Suspension: front: control arm1
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm184,800 mi
Suspension: front: shock absorber1
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar1
Suspension: multiple axle1
Suspension: multiple axle: torque arm1
Suspension: rear: shock absorber1
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly1
Tires: valve1
Vehicle speed control: cables1
Visibility/wiper1223,993 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior1
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer1
Wheels: hub1

The 1997 model has 3 times as many complaints as this one. The 1999 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.