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1998 Honda Accord electrical complaints

Page 3 of 11: complaints 41 to 70 of 308, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1998 Honda Accord electrical problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 16, 2013 · Electrical · 197,000 miles · WA

Engine stalls without warning. Can happen at any speed. There is an existing recall for this exact same issue (02v120000) for the same make, model & year but my VIN is not covered. Honda says those covered by that recall had a different ignition switch. Well guess what, they need to include mine too!

Filed Aug 14, 2013 · Electrical · 27,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact stated that the engine failed, causing the vehicle to stall without warning while driving at various speeds. Additionally, the engine would sporadically fail to start. The contact inspected the vehicle and located the failure at the ignition switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 27,000 and the current mileage was 50,000.

Filed Jul 20, 2013 · Electrical, Fuel system · 157,800 miles · KY

1998 honda accord: vehicle lost power several times at highway speed. Motor stopped, powers steering and brakes lost, gauge needles spun to zero, as if car was shut off at during normal operation. We did not touch key! Almost got run over by car behind us. Problem occurred six more times before we could get to local honda dealership. They charged me $186.26 to replaced defective ignition switch and they advised they fix a recall for switch interlock while car was in shop for four days! We sent a letter to honda,[xxx] from honda america california called me to decline reimbursing my cost! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed May 3, 2013 · Electrical · 65,000 miles · TN

The car engine would turn off with out warning intermittently. The problem was increasing in frequency, so we were in the process of taking it to the honda dealer when the engine suddenly turned off on the interstate. We were able to coast to a stop and then we called a towing company for fear it would happen again. Thankfully, no one was injured. We bought the car used, but we were informed by the honda dealer that this particular car had undergone the recall repair for the faulty ignition switch in 2002.

Filed Apr 18, 2013 · Electrical · 222,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle had been previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 03v423000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 222,000 and the current mileage was 222,759.

Filed Apr 10, 2013 · Electrical · 188,000 miles · OR

This has happened several times over the past year, and just yesterday it happened 3 times over a ten mile range. My car stalls in middle of driving, it doesnt matter what speed I am traveling. It has happened at 55 miles per hour while driving on the freeway. My car stalls, the steering wheel locks up, and I have to coast without the ability to steer onto the side of whatever road I am traveling on. Then I have to try to start the car, sometimes this can take up to 5 minutes. I have had it looked at by a honda dealership and a personal mechanic and both tell me that I need a new ignition switch. There is a recall on the ignition switch for 1998 honda accords, but my VIN number is not included in the range, so I am not included in the recall. I have to pay out of pocket to fix a faulty ignition switch before my own car kills me, when it is obviously something that was wrong with the vehicle from the get go. I have a 1998 honda that is behaving as the cars you describe for this limited recall. Fix it please!

Filed Nov 27, 2012 · Electrical · 140,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the vehicle had a defective ignition switch. The contact noticed a the federal safety agency campaign I.d. 03v423000 (electrical system: ignition: switch). The contact called the manufacturer regarding the recall. The manufacturer stated the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2012 · Electrical, Transmission · 2,450 miles · NY

Please be advised that this has happened on multiple dates ranging from 1999-2012. I thought it was covered through the federal safety agency campaign id #: 98v018000 but I did not use the car enough to recognize a pattern until 2002. I think at that time, there may have been several thousand miles in 2002 when I began to use the car on more routine bases. There are two occasions that cause the issue to arise. While I am driving, the steering column will lock up causing an issue to shift from gear to gear and the mobility of the car. As the steering column would lock and cause the horn to malfunction and not make a sound and the limit my mobility to park the car. Most streets that I drive are not on an incline but there have been few occasions, where if the car was on a slight incline, it would begin to roll. I would use the gear brakes to prevent an accident. Another issue involves another path (occasion) which causes the steering wheel to lock which causes malfunctions in the horn and the interlocking incident. If I am driving and in the stages of parking my car, the steering column will lock affecting the ability for me to change gear and my ability to adequately mobility when park. This has occurred more frequently now but it has occurred in 1999. When I was advised of the interlock recall, I thought this was addressed. Once this occurs, the car can only be unlocked when I drive when I press down of the hear charger, put the key in the slight covering the gear changer and move the steering wheel. Between the federal safety agency campaign id #: 03v423000 and the federal safety agency campaign id #: 02v120000, I thought these issue was addressed. When I called honda today and spoke to [xxx] 800‑999‑1099 ext [xxx], the recall is associated with the VIN soi wanted to make sure this was acknowledged for incidents for my car model & VIN. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 28, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 138,000 miles · IL

Car suddenly shuts off on its own while driving; all electrical goes off except for check engine light, ABS light, or none at all. Happened 3 or 4 times, sometimes at freeway speed, car restarted from neutral a few minutes later. Taken to honda dealer & diagnosed with a faulty transmission module, replaced for $450. Yet the problem just recurred not long after that repair. This creates a serious road hazard & potential for crash & serious injury, as suddenly & without warning, the vehicle shuts down & cannot be controlled with any acceleration, power steering or normal braking. This vehicle has always been maintained meticulously, since new, per recommended schedule with honda dealerships. Browsing the internet shows this to be an unusually common, serious & difficult to diagnose issue with hondas & acuras from ~1997-2002.

Filed Jun 29, 2012 · Electrical · 194,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord ex. The contact was traveling 30 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the vehicle had already inspected for the federal safety agency campaign id number :03v423000(electrical system:ignition:switch). The manufacturer was also contacted but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 194,000 and the current mileage was 194,700. Updated 8/8/12 *cn the consumer stated when the outside air is 95 degrees and above the vehicle stalled.a new ignition switch was installed on 6-30-2012. The vehicle no longer stalls. Updated 08/14/2012

Filed Jun 19, 2012 · Electrical · 140,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that every light on the instrument panel illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle to a complete stop. Upon restart, the vehicle operated as normal. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The contact was taken to the dealer for an inspection and they stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there was nothing to be done under a recall because the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed May 2, 2012 · Electrical · 192,000 miles · CT · fire

My car experienced stalling at both highway speeds and slow speed operation. This of course LED to a loss of throttle response and power steering, jeopardizing the safety of the vehicle. The smell of burning plastic and light smoke were also evident coming from the steering column during these events. This stalling had the exact same symptoms as if the key had been switched to the accessory position (I.e. Power was lost to the dash and the engine shut off, but radio and other accessories stayed powered), indicating an electrical failure. The engine would turn over and catch when the key was put in the "start" position, but it would stall when the key returned to the "on" position. Research indicated that these symptoms matched recall 02v120000 exactly. This recall called for the replacement of a faulty ignition switch. Honda dealer and honda america both said the car had already been serviced under this recall and that they would only honor the recall if it was inspected at a dealer at owner expense. When the owner replaced the ignition switch the problem was rectified. The replaced part showed melted solder (that had melted off of the contact and into the outer casing of the switch) and melted plastic at the "1g1" terminal of the ignition switch, explaining the smoke event. A multi-meter also showed inconsistent continuity between the "1g1" terminal and the wiring harness when the switch was in the "on" position, matching the description of the prior recall and explaining the stalling. Upon searching online forums and the federal safety agency safety complaints database, it is evident that this problem is widespread in cars that have already been serviced under the recall. Please investigate.

Filed Apr 11, 2012 · Electrical · 170,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact was driving 45 MPH when smoke was seen coming from the steering column. The contact merged into a parking area where the vehicle was towed to the mechanic. The mechanic inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the ignition switch had burned out. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 02v120000 (electrical system: ignition: switch). The dealer advised the contact that they had previously made repairs to the vehicle under the recall and they would not repair the failure a second time unless it was at the contact's expense. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact stated that the mechanic would repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was 170,000. Updated 04/25/12 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle would only stall in the evenings. Updated 04/30/12 updated 05/15/12*lj updated 05/31/12

Filed Jan 13, 2012 · Electrical · 250,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact stated the vehicle would stall abruptly and without warning. The contact spoke with a mechanic who advised that there was a recall for the year, make and model vehicle under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v42300 (electrical system: ignition switch). The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 250,000 and the current mileage was 252,000. Updated 02/15/12*lj the consumer stated since the harness was installed, the stalling has ceased. Updated 02/22/12

Filed Jan 8, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 134,043 miles · GA

The engine fails while driving for no apparent reason. The car is running fine, then at different speeds, the engine fails. All braking and power functions fail. This occurs at different times and dates. There does not seen to be any reason for it. The engine runs fine when it is re-started.

Filed Dec 30, 2011 · Electrical · 45,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Nov 21, 2011 · Electrical · 176,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord ex. The contact was driving 45-55 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and they confirmed that the recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 02v120000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) applied to the vehicle but the recall had since expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 176,000 and the current mileage was 176,100.

Filed Oct 18, 2011 · Electrical · 139,750 miles · CA · crash

My car underwent the ignition switch interlock recall in 2002. But this ignition switch was faulty and again in 2011, the switch failed. My car stalled a few times on the freeway and I was in great danger of being in a accident. The system was while driving the car, it would immediately cut off the engine and if I put it back in neutral and restart it would start fine. Honda knew about the faulty switch replaced and now is recommending a new and improved version at the owners cost. I had to tow the car at my expense to a nearby mechanic and spend my money to fix this issue instead of honda fixing the faulty component.

Filed Sep 18, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · FL

When I stop or slow down the car shuts off. I have no steering and no brakes and no hazard lights. Car shuts down while driving.

Filed Sep 8, 2011 · Electrical · 63,050 miles · NY

While braking, car just died (including dashboard electric) and then difficult to restart. After car started no further incident for a few days. Next, while travelling on highway ~50mph at night, car unexpectedly died (no braking involved) and most, not all electric died (emergency flashers worked). No "check engine light" ever came on, before dashboard blanked out. Ignition switch replaced in 2002 with national recall. Mechanic at a loss. Honda headquarters initially denied a problem existed. Car again stalled a few times while braking to slow down or come to a stop, but assumed it might be "bad gas". Evening of 8/3/2011 travelling at ~50mph, car lost all electric 3 times (dashboard blanked out, but headlights worked), but immediately came back on (as though it "blinked off"), without having to restart it. After parking car, took key out of ignition- it was "burning hot". This time when I called honda headquarters they said it "might" be part of a "second recall", but car had to be checked by honda dealer service staff. If it was the ignition switch, it would be replaced free. It was explained to me that this was not part of a nationwide recall. Result- ignition switch was bad and was replaced free. I was lucky I wasn't killed or seriously injured in a bad crash. Please order a nationwide recall- it could save a life or lives.

Filed Aug 26, 2011 · Electrical · 130,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact stated the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 02v120000 ( electrical system:ignition:switch). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic and was awaiting diagnosis. No repairs were performed. The current and failure mileages were 130,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 01/04/12*lj updated 01/09/12

Filed Aug 23, 2011 · Electrical · 140,000 miles · MA

1998 honda accord would stall without warning while running. The failure happened at least two or three times a week for a 2 month period. Brought the car to two mechanics who weren't sure what the problem was. Located information online about a recall in 2002 for the ignition switch. Car was fix during for the recall. Brought car to the dealer and discovered it was the ignition switch again! Cost $100 to replace the second time.

Filed May 2, 2011 · Electrical · 86,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The vehicle stalled while the contact was driving approximately 15 MPH. The failure was experienced numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic that located the failure at the ignition switch. The manufacturer advised the contact that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 02v120000 (electrical system: ignition: switch) and would not assist with the repair costs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 86,000 and the current mileage was 88,700.

Filed Apr 19, 2011 · Electrical · 142,700 miles · IN

Vehicle stopped running due to what dealer said is faulty ignition switch. Car finally restarted and was driven home. Ignition switch had been replaced in 2002 under recall #02v12000. Dealer said this repair not covered by recall as part had already been replaced. Mechanic reports faulty switch is brown (burned?). Dealer replaced switch with new one but is same part that failed.

Filed Mar 15, 2011 · Electrical · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. While driving at various speeds, the contact stated that the vehicle would stall intermittently without warning similar to the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v423000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). The dealer and manufacturer informed the contact that her vehicle was not included in the previous recall and offered no additional assistance. A local mechanic informed the contact that the ignition switch needed to be replaced but did not perform any repairs. The current mileage was 168,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 26, 2011 · Electrical · 145,000 miles · TX

On several occasions my car would not start. This would happen out of nowhere, sometimes it would start up after a few minutes and sometimes I would have to come back and get it. On one occasion the vehicle died while I was driving down the road. Shortly after that I took it to a honda dealership to have it repaired. According to the dealership the ignition switch was the cause of the problem. I paid $233.27 for parts and labor. They also charged me to repair a few other things, in total I spent around $400.00. Since then my brother purchased a 1999 honda accord and they started having the same problems. He found out that his car was part of a recall for the ignition switch and he took his car to the same dealership and they fixed it for free. I looked online and it seems that honda accords from 1997-2002 all have this common problem with the ignition switch failing. I believe my car should be included in the recall. And I believe I should be reimbursed for my expense in repairing the ignition switch.

Filed Feb 22, 2011 · Electrical · 140,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact stated that the ignition switch could degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle was started (this information given per recall 02v120000-electrical system: ignition: switch). The contact was informed that due to the age of the recall, it was closed. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed Jan 31, 2011 · Electrical · 200,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord ex. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly stall without warning. The vehicle was able to restart at times and the vehicle inspected by a dealer who informed the contact that he needed to replace the ignition switch. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Jan 3, 2011 · Electrical · 140,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure was experienced numerous times. The previous owner took the vehicle to the dealer for recall 02v120000 (electrical system: ignition: switch) but the failure was not corrected and the vehicle continued to stall. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 155,000.

Filed Oct 13, 2010 · Electrical · 105,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The ignition switch was repaired under recall campaign number 03v423000 which deals with the ignition. The vehicle did not have a problem stalling prior to the recall repair. After the repair the contact stated that the vehicle began to stall without warning. The vehicle was turned off for a few hours and was difficult to start after 3 to 4 attempts. The failure mileage was 105000. The current mileage was 107000.

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