I drive a 98 honda accord sedan. The engine and the whole electrical system died on me while I was driving on I-75. There was sudden loss of power, no hydraulic brakes, no power steering, no head lights, it was so scary. It was very difficult to stop the car and get the car to shoulder. This happened to me twice.
1998 Honda Accord electrical complaints
Page 5 of 11: complaints 101 to 130 of 308, newest first, as owners wrote them.
1998 honda accord quit running in an intersection, on interstate, and other dangerous situations. Would start back up seconds after it quit running. Faulty ignition switch found to be cause. Started occurring over the last year very infrequently then more frequently.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. While driving various speeds, the vehicle would stall without warning. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and the entire engine was replaced. One year later, the failure resurfaced accompanied by a no-start condition. The dealer would not repair the vehicle according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v120000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) because she allowed an independent mechanic to replace the engine. The manufacturer also would not assist. She never received a recall notice, even though she is the original owner of the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 127,111.
1998 honda accord had recall for the ignition switch. *nj ***nar*** the consumer stated the vehicle would unexpectedly shut off while driving. The consumer had to put the vehicle in neutral and had to try several times to restart it. The auto service informed the consumer the ignition switch needed to be replaced. When the consumer contacted the dealer, he was told that no such recall showed in the computer database. The consumer contact honda and was told his vehicle was not on the recall list and with the amount of miles on the vehicle that he should expect for the ignition switch to fail.
My 1998 honda accord had the ignition switch recall performed with the recall came out. In november 2008, I started to notice starting issues. The dash light would flicker. After trying a couple of times the car would start. The car ran fine until around january 2009 when the car engine shut down without warning while stopping at a traffic light while driving home from work. The car was able to start back up immediately. One day while driving on the interstate in feb. 2009, the engine RPM started dropping and I could not accelerate to get more speed. I pulled into the emergency lane and stopped the car while the car was still on and in drive position. Once I stopped, I could accelerate again. Another time the dash lights flicker when I tried to start the car. The car did not start until after a couple of tries. Each time, these problems occurred, I check if it was related to a certain condition (weather, temperature, etc). The problems happened randomly. After reading various complaints on this site and other sites, I started to try to reproduce the dash board flickering just by turning the car on but not starting the engine. I was able to reproduce the flickering by slowly turning the key toward the off position. I talked to honda headquarters and they told me the recall was already accomplished and the my car was out of warranty and they can not do anything about it. My car now 142250 miles. I talked with the dealership that I had the recall done and they said they could not do anything about it. I talked with another dealership where I get my maintenance done now. They said that it would be $100 to run a diagnostic on the car. I told them what would guarantee me that the problem would be found if the car was running fine at the time. I will be replacing the ignition switch on I figure out how to get to the wiring since honda will help with this issues. This switch is putting me in unsafe situations when driving.
The ignition system fails in my 1998 honda accord. It has already been through the recall process for the same problem (03v423000). Design problems were obviously not corrected. The recall appears to have replaced existing parts with new parts that are the same. Car cuts out due to failure of ignition circuit to be completed. This can occur anywhere. It has happened driving down the road at 60 MPH. Sitting for 1 minute will sometimes correct the situation. Jiggling the key will sometimes correct the situation. Can result in dangerous situations in traffic.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. While driving 10 MPH in local traffic, the vehicle shut off several times. The contact took the vehicle to a repair shop and they stated that the ignition switch was failing. A report was filed with the manufacturer and they stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id numbers 02v120000 or 03v423000 (electrical system: ignition: switch). The contact stated that he will purchase the switch and replace it himself. The current and failure mileages were 148,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. While driving less than 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. All of the instrument panel indicators illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The dealer replaced the ignition switch the following day according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v120000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). On a separate occasion, the vehicle stalled again. The dealer replaced the battery and the positive coil at the cost of $300 and stated that the failure should not recur. The vehicle stalled again and the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 44,000 and current mileage was less than 145,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. While driving 70 MPH, the contact smelled a strong odor of gasoline. The vehicle stalled and then automatically restarted. The dealer stated that because the vehicle was previously repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v423000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) in 2004, they would not assume financial responsibility for any additional repairs. The manufacturer did not assist. The failure and current mileages were 150,688.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The vehicle was almost in a crash due to the vehicle shutting off on a six-lane highway. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id numbers 03v423000 or 02v120000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). In november of 2008, while driving approximately 55 MPH on the road, the entire dashboard flickered off and the vehicle completely shut off for approximately one second before restarting. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in any relevant recalls. The current mileage was approximately 145,000 and failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The vehicle is cutting off while driving whether you are at a traffic light or driving at various speeds. This has not caused an accident yet but it is only a matter of time before it causes one. As I looked on the web I see where there are several other complaints about this issue.
Horn works only on rare occasions, primarily when wheel is turned sharply to either direction. Dealer has stated that this is a known problem, but it will take several hundred dollars to fix, which includes replacing part of the driver air bag assembly. Over time, the problem has worsened, and dealer says it likely the horn will eventually fail completely.*ak due to financial difficulties, I do not have the money to fix, thus I no longer have a working horn. I am concerned that the air bag may also fail in an accident. I notice that there have been at least 5 other complaints about this problem, yet no investigation or recall has been initiated. This is a serious and known safety defect which needs to be addressed. Many owners of these cars may have non-working horns and not even realize it until it is too late.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. While driving between 45-50 MPH, the vehicle would shut off on its own. The key switch would blink on and off seconds before the vehicle would shut off. The dealer stated that her VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v120000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). The dealer stated that the ignition needed to be replaced at the cost of $250. The failure mileage was 151,000 and current mileage was 154,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. After turning the key in the ignition, the key must remain in the run position to keep the vehicle on, even while driving. The key is currently stuck in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic and the contact was informed that the ignition lock assembly needed to be replaced. Afterwards, he will be able to take the vehicle to the dealer to reprogram the key. The current and failure mileages were 176,360.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact stated that on five separate occasions, while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle completely shut off without warning. The vehicle was restarted after approximately five minutes. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but they could not locate the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then taken to another mechanic and they stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v120000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). The current mileage is 118,238 and failure mileage was 117,000. Updated 07/03/08
My stepdaughter's car would shut down with no warning. Being an aircraft mechanic I spent a lot of time trouble shooting this intermittent problem and was quite sure this was an electrical problem which can be the hardest problem to narrow down so I change quite a few of the common part and tuned up the vehicle I changed the following components: distributor cap rotor, timing belts wires cleaned the fuel injection and a few other components yet the vehicle would mysteriously shut down. Going in to florida winter the problem seem to go away however I was not surprised once it warmed-up the problem started again and more frequently. I did an internet search and found there had been a recall on the ignition switch for this exact problem. I called honda america and the informed me the recall had been performed on the vehicle I was less than convinced. I finally switched vehicle for a week to trouble shoot the problem. Having to main suspect in mine the ignition switch and the main relay I went to the local junk yard to see if I could find these two components with out spending. Finding these two components on my way home the car stalled ' I quickly change the relay car still stalled then changed the ignition switch and the problem has again seemed to gone away since honda said the performed the recall work I can only surmise the replacement parts are also faulty or the recall work was not done, however documented. I have the switch as an exhibit should any one want to see the fault. I noticed the solder has flowed off two of the contacts and the inner working look excessively heat worn.
Subject: 1998 honda accord 117,000 miles. Events that LED to complaint: vehicle engine and all electrical completely shuts down leaving no control over vehicle: no lights, no brakes, no steering, no signals, no check engine light. A sudden and complete loss of vehicle control with 2-3 kids in car and 2 adults. We went on line for recall notices and found the following: compliant: recall # 02v120000,may 16th, 2002' & 03v423000 oct 27,2003' "ignition switch contacts worn out causing the engine to stall with out warning". "catastrophic failure!" honda of oxnard replaced part back on may 2002' with same faulty part. Registered compliant 4/3/08 without resolution with honda america and honda of oxnard dch: honda america case # n012008-04-0200208 - senior regional case manager:jamahl brown 1‑800‑999‑1009 x118263. Jamahl asked that we take the subject car in to dch honda of oxnard for diagnostic to confirm failure. Failure was confirmed by clint stremcha-service tech, rose siela - service manager, to be the "ignition switch"! Same as recalled part. I brought the results back to jamahl brown at honda america and he said he would not perform any good will because of age of vehicle. I stated to him that this car was still on the round transporting kids to and from school daily. A catastrophic failure of this magnitude could cause great bodily injury or death. He replied that is my problem and that I need to keep the vehicle serviced. I further explained this part is not a serviceable part like brakes and oil are. I also said I have a honda that has 200,000 miles that is still on the road without incident. I asked him why did he ask me to take the car to honda to it get diagnosed to confirm the failed part? With out answering the question he said he would stand by his decision not offer me any financial support or solution to this failure. End of explanation.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact stated that his vehicle was repaired in may of 2002 for the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v423000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). Five years later, while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle completely stalled without warning. The dealer stated that because the vehicle was already repaired under the recall, they would no longer assume liability. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 105,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact stated that the ignition switch was defective and was included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v120000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). The engine would occasionally shut off when the vehicle was stopped. The dealer inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the cause was the iginition switch. The contact had the vehicle repaired previously, but it failed again. The current mileage was 246,000 and failure mileage was 124,068. Updated 01/29/08
Follow up to phone complaint 10/11/07 3:50 pm pst. No reference number, told 4 to 6 weeks before I get form to review and another 4 to 6 weeks to review. I decide to use website. I'm original owner of 1998 honda accord lx . On 9/24/02 ignition switch was recalled as engine stops running when driving. Did not find recall on your website, have copy if needed. Dealer is bill pearce 780 kietzke lane reno nv 89502 tel 775‑789‑7999 who completed warranty work on 10/12/02. Daughter owns car and moved to las vegas in august a few days later engine cut off at a stop sign. After talking with our mechanic he thought it might due to key chip as car started right up or one time occurrence it was 112 degrees. On 10/5/07 driving on the freeway engine turns off at 70 MPH. Tries to pull over car recycles and starts. Spoke to our mechanic asks about ignition switch recall. Dealer confirms they replaced the part. Mechanic said its unlikely to be ignition switch if replaced. Daughter inquired with local mechanics who gave various solutions. I elect to retrieve car. She is a full-time student with 22 credits could not afford to be without car or spend time seeing if an unknown mechanic resolve. Driving back to reno engine stops again. Going about 70 MPH able to pull over. Drive home close to rode side. My mechanic works only on honda and toyota (own three honda cars). He determines its ignition switch. Dealer confirms to him part was replaced. But had no record of part coming out of inventory and VIN was not punched for recall replacement. Dealer would not replace without charging (I can forward paper work on repair and other issues that occurred after they repair. Concern/complaint, if replaced why almost 5 yrs to date issue re-occurred. Is manufacturer part still defected? Have there been other consumer complaints? Odd original recall was 5 yrs from the date of purchase 10/31/97, have invoice if needed.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. While the contact's daughter was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle began to lose power. As she pulled to the shoulder, the vehicle reset itself and regained normal acceleration. The ignition switch was recalled on september 9, 2002 and was replaced by the dealer. Five years later, in october of 2007, the ignition switch failure recurred. While driving to the dealer regarding the ignition failure, the vehicle stalled. The dealer stated that the ignition switch was the cause of the failure and they will not repair it a second time. The current mileage was 98,000 and failure mileage was 50,000. * updated 12/12/07
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact stated that the vehicle stalls and has to be restarted each day. He also stated that occasionally the vehicle does not start on the first attempt. The vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v120000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) in september of 2002. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the ignition switch failed. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current mileage was 130,000 and failure mileage was 127,000. Updated 10/10/07
1998 honda accord ex 4-door: horn functions intermittently. While driving straight ahead (normal highway driving), horn usually does not work. Isolated the malfunction and found that the steering shaft is only intermittently grounded, and the horn requires that ground in order to function. The horn (and the steering shaft ground) operates perfectly when the key is removed from the ignition switch. It appears that something in the ignition switch is causing the loss of ground. This year and model vehicle has already had two different recalls for different problems with the ignition switch. I know of at least 2 other people with identical symptoms, and one of them has already had an accident that would have been avoided with a working horn. As far as I know, this vehicle has never been in an accident. The failure has not been repaired as of yet.
Car did fine for a while then it went crazy on us. Accelerator petal sticks, brake lights don't work, horn does not work, cruise control does not work, door locks wouldn't work, front left blinker works only sometimes!
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. The contact is experiencing the same failure with his vehicle as noted in recall # 02v120000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). He has taken the vehicle to the honda dealer for inspection, however, the paperwork does not provide a remedy or state whether or not the component has been previously replaced. The contact would like clarification regarding this as well as the remedy for the recall. The current mileage is 153,000 and failure mileage was 140,000.
98 honda accord, car went dead while driving 30 MPH, coasted into lot and restarted. Ran fine. 2 weeks later car went dead while traveling 60 MPH, turned key while driving, car restarted, kept driving. Car has been in for earlier, 2003 or 2004 , ignition recall. Do not know if replaced. Now at dealer, who stated they could not find find anything. Very dangerous. Has this issue been fixed?
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda. The contact experienced a duplicate failure per the federal safety agency recall #02v120000 regarding the ignition switch. When the ignition was engaged the vehicle didn't start normally, the engine shut off and occasionally started again. Honda stated that this was not recall related, and that he needed to have the ignition switch column replaced. The dealer diagnosed all of the components except the ones that were related. A local mechanic stated that there was the federal safety agency recall on this year, make, and model vehicle. The failure mileage was 85,000, and the current mileage was 106000.
Engine light won't turn off! Over the last several years, I have taken this in to my mechanic and he checks it and finds nothing wrong and turns it off. A couple weeks later, it comes on again! I'm sick of this. This is supposed to be a good car. But I think the 1998 is a lemon.
My car shut off when I was in the highway doing 60 m.p.h, this car was recall in 2002 for a ignition switch that was bad. It was replaced but unfortunately I'm having the same problems. I'm very thankful that it was early in the day and not rush hour or anything could had happen.
During the last 6 months I began having problems with my ignition locking up and car would not start & occasionally the car would stop running while in motion for no reason. The dash lights would all flash and then lock-up & die. I checked online and discovered there had been two recalls on my 98 honda accord lx, ignition switch and interlock. I phoned my local dealer, honda of ocala and they gave me an appt. For 10/20/06. They took a look at my car and then tried to sell me other services. I asked that they only fix the two recalls as scheduled. I waited for 1 1/2 hours and then was informed that the ignition switch was bad but I would have to pay $205.00 if I wanted it fixed because it had already been fixed. They couldn't tell me where or when this was. I refused to pay for a recall that was supposed to be done free of charge. After making me wait another 35 minutes my car was returned. I asked about the interlock recall, had it been fixed? He said no you'll have to call and make another appt. This appt. Was for both recalls. They had my car for over 2 hrs and did nothing. I went home and called honda of america. I spoke with a rep that took my complaint. On 10/23 I was told by both reps that my only option was paying labor and getting it done at honda of ocala. I did not want to return to this specific dealership due to them treating me so miserably at the first appt. I have no records that this recall was ever fixed. My parents were the previous owner's and they don't either. Regardless the part is obviously defective as this is not normal and should be covered in full, free of charge by this recall.
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