Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

1998 Honda Accord: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1998 Honda Accord, most recently filed January 2020. Owners have filed 1,200 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 6campaigns 2 electrical · 1 air bag · 1 suspension Source: NHTSA Complaints 1,200filed Owner reports, 1994–2003 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 24mpg combined $2,721/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.3 L 4-cyl· 5-speed manual 5 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (6)

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1998 Honda Accord. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 1998 Honda Accord. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V026000 Filed Jan 17, 2020

Air Bag Inflators May Rupture or Underinflate Bag

Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
7.9% repairedof 1,439,841 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V026000
Listed for 1998 Honda Accord. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 03V423000 Filed Oct 27, 2003

HONDA/IGNITION SWITCH

Electrical system · ignition · switch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
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.
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.
Repair progress not yet reported563,861 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V423000
Listed for 1998 Honda Accord. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 02V120000 Filed May 16, 2002

HONDA/IGNITION SWITCH

Electrical system · ignition · switch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Repair progress not yet reported1,000,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 02V120000
Listed for 1998 Honda Accord. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 99V069000 Filed May 10, 1999

HONDA/BALL JOINTS

Suspension · front · control arm · lower ball joint
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Repair progress not yet reported124,875 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 99V069000
Listed for 1998 Honda Accord. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 98V018000 Filed Feb 10, 1998

HONDA/TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL

Power train · automatic transmission · park/neutral start interlock switch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
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.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COLLAR ON THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL TO ENSURE PROPER MOVEMENT OF THE ACTUATION LEVER.
Repair progress not yet reported33,966 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 98V018000
Listed for 1998 Honda Accord. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 97V220000 Filed Dec 16, 1997

HONDA/PASSENGER SEAT BELT BRACKET

Seat belts · front · anchorage
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MOUNTING BRACKET WAS IMPROPERLY WELDED.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE BRACKET TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE BODY IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THESE VEHICLES.
Repair progress not yet reported83 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 97V220000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Accord years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Honda AccordAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (1,200)

1,200 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.

100involved a crash
3involved a fire
65injuries reported
2deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Honda Accord, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 1,200.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 1998 compares with other Accord years

Best and worst Accord years →
369 543 472 460 1,200 1,135 1,183 922 1,050 1,987
1994199519961997199819992000200120022003
This year (1998)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 24 mpg combined

24
mpg combined
21
city
28
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,800
CO₂ tailpipe
370 g/mi
EPA class
Midsize Cars

What it costs you to run

$2,721per year
$227per month
625gallons a year

Miles ÷ 24 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

1998 Honda Accord configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24$2,800370
2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive22 / 28 / 24$2,800370
2.3 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23$2,900386
2.3 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22$3,050404
3 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21$3,200423

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 1998 Accord for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Accord years

Where to next

Which Accord years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →1999 Honda Accord report1,135 complaints · 4 campaigns →1997 Honda Accord report460 complaints · 3 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

1998 Honda Accord FAQ

How many recalls does the 1998 Honda Accord have?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 20V026000 (air bag), 03V423000 (electrical), 02V120000 (electrical), 99V069000 (suspension), 98V018000 (power train), 97V220000 (seat belt). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 1998 Honda Accord problems?

Owners filed 1,200 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (308), Power train (276), Engine and engine cooling (134) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 1998 Honda Accord get?

EPA rates the 2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual version at 21 city, 28 highway and 24 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 1998 Accord compare with other years?

Among the 1994–2003 Honda Accord model years at least five years old, the 1994 drew the fewest complaints (369) and the 2003 the most (1,987). The 1998 drew 1,200. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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