1998 Honda Accord electrical problems

308 complaints (26% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 127,000. 9 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 308
of this car's complaints: 26%
typical mileage: 127,000
crashes: 9
recalls: 2

Which part fails

Ignition: switch
142
Ignition
30
Horn
16
Ignition: module
8
Wiring: interior/under dash
6
Ignition: anti-theft: control module
4
Alternator/generator/regulator
4
Wiring
2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Honda Accord electrical problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Honda Accord electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Warning lights 5

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported October 27, 2003 · 563,861 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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."
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.
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 number 03V423000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported May 16, 2002 · 1,000,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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: 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.

Recall number 02V120000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Ignition-park interlockOpened September 9, 2003, closed December 17, 2003

Six of the odi complaints are duplicative of honda complaints, as well as four of the crashes.the one injury occurred when a rollaway vehicle struck the exiting operator who had inadvertently parked the vehicle in an unsecured state (not in park, brake not engaged).honda identified the warranty claims from complaint descriptions that contended the interlock system failed to operate properly.honda presented the results of their investigation into interlock system failures at an october 16, 2003 meeting with odi in which honda identified a supplier and an engineering specification change for the ignition cylinder body (cb), a subcomponent of the ignition lock assembly.results from honda?s analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between the production date range of vehicles that experienced higher interlock warranty claim rates and the implementation dates of the changes.an engineering specification for a surface treatment process for the cb was eliminated at the beginning of my 1998.the supplier of the cb was changed in february 1999.vehicles built within this time period contain a cb with poor surface hardness that can wear prematurely.as the wear progresses, the interlock system becomes incapable of preventing key removal when the shifter is in a non-park position.interlock failure increases the risk of a vehicle rollaway and subsequent crash or injury when vehicles are parked unsecured.honda accord vehicles subject to this change include my 1998 and my 1999 through february 1999 production.vehicles produced after this date are not affected by this condition and thus are not considered at risk for failure.odi notes that 12 of the 13 voq reports fall within this production range (the 13th does not have a VIN and cannot be verified).the above population represents the number of the accord vehicles to be recalled.honda also reported that certain odyssey and acura cl and tl models were affected and would also be recalled.a total of 570,120 vehicles will be recalled.under recall 03v‑423, honda will inspect vehicles and replace components (including the cb) on vehicles with excessive wear.vehicles not showing wear will have a redesigned part installed which prevents wear.

EA03017

What 1998 Honda Accord owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 23, 2023 · Electrical · SC

When I was driving my 98 Honda accord lx . I notice it shuts off itself if hitting a hard bump . Then I noticed online they had folks saying that the ignition switch was beginning to be a big issue . I nearly died after picking my 2 kids up from school the car shut off in the middleof the intersection.it’s even a recall on the insurance app about the same part . Do I need to call Honda myself and I shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for this . Everything shuts off no lies no throttle until I shift in nuetral to crank vehicle up

Filed Aug 31, 2022 · Electrical · 155,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 1998 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. Additionally, the battery had to be recharged on several occasions in order to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. No repair was performed and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failures. The failure mileage was 155,000.

Filed Jan 31, 2021 · Airbags, Electrical · 100,000 miles · NC · crash · 2 injuries

I was in a bad accident I was in the far right lane on the highway I'm going 55mph someone jumped in front of me I used my breaks then my car jerked right into the other person car causing my car to spin around 2 time on a 6 lane highway . The airbag never deployed the staring wheel was not turning lots of fluids leaking out of it but it was always jerking for some reason even when the mechanic says that's natural..

Filed May 19, 2020 · Electrical · 160,000 miles · MA

I have replaced my ignition switch last year and am having the sane problem. I looked online and noticed there is a recall for this part for my vehicle. The vehicle cuts off while im driving or will not turn over all the way when I switch it on. I can tell when the switch catches.

Filed Feb 28, 2019 · Electrical · 187,000 miles · CA

My ignition turns off while im driving.

Filed Dec 30, 2018 · Electrical · 123,000 miles · CA

Takata recall ignition switch failure car won't stay on unless key is hold forward

Filed Sep 25, 2018 · Electrical · MS

The car loses power while driving and operating the car. The ignition completely shuts the car off. The car can restart, but the ignition continues to shut off repeatedly

Filed Aug 21, 2018 · Electrical · 149,212 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact started upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle turned off without warning. The contact mentioned in order to keep the vehicle on the key had to be forcefully pushed into the ignition. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as the federal safety agency campaign number: 02v120000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to have it diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,212.

Filed Jul 7, 2018 · Body, Electrical · IN

Takata recall? I bought this vehicle from my co worker which stated these issues were already happening for months, firstly the cluster clusters instrument gages do not work (replaced them and nothing happens) , only the gage lights turn on. These include the gas gage, RPM, speedometer, temp. Which is another issue, the electrical issues even though you try to brighten the lights with the dim knob they are hardly brightened its hard to see the clock time or any thing that lights up to help see at night, the interior lights dont work, the horn doesnt work, cruise control doesnt work. As if all these are tied together thru the electrical wiring. (checked all fuses and replaced most) my wind shield leaks in the top corners, the trunk fills with water everyone it rains due to a leak. Defects in the sealing my rear view mirror fell off on my way to work today as well which caused the windshield to crack around where the mirror was. The hood latch is hard to close, I have to use pliers to push down the latch before shutting hood, (this is another part I replaced with the same factory part number) it looks to be the spring. Ball joints I am guessing... When barely turning the wheel either way you hear a grinding noise like metal against metal. Its a scary sound when making turns not sure if the wheel is you g to break off while making the turn a costly issue daily I have to add oil to the vehicle the oil pump gasket seal leaks every time the engine is running. Exterior issue the paint looks horrible due to the top clear coat peeling. Now after researching, I realize I'm not the only one who has these issues. Please get these issues fixed

Filed Jun 8, 2017 · Electrical · 13 miles · WI

On several occasions, while driving at highway speeds on a multi land road in traffic the engine suddenly shut off. After pulling over I attempted to restart engine. After several attempt of turning the key all indicator lights illuminated and I was able to continue on.

Questions about the 1998 Honda Accord electrical

Does the 1998 Honda Accord have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 308 complaints about the electrical of the 1998 Honda Accord, 26% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1998 Honda Accord electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 127,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Honda Accord electrical?

Yes, 2 recalls: 03V423000, 02V120000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Honda Accord have the most electrical problems?

The Honda Accord model years with the most electrical complaints are 2013 (417 complaints), 1999 (388 complaints) and 2014 (378 complaints).