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1998 Honda Civic electrical problems

88 complaints (20% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 134,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
88
of this car's complaints
20%
typical mileage
134,000
crashes
2
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Ignition: switch
    38
  • Ignition
    15
  • Alternator/generator/regulator
    6
  • Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
    2
  • Wiring: front underhood
    2
  • Wiring
    2
  • Ignition: module
    2
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    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 Civic electrical problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202026

Related recalls

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

What 1998 Honda Civic owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 16, 2017 · Electrical · 168,500 miles · VA

Key won't come out of switch when in park. Was told the federal safety agency 610316 is the fix, but can't find on internet.

Filed Feb 14, 2016 · Electrical · 215,770 miles · NY

There is a recall on 1998 honda civics for the ignition. I am being told my car is not in the recall . My car should be part of the recall it is stalling in the middle of traffic due to the ignition losing it's connection . It has almost cost me my life a few times . The car has become unusable due to this problem. When I was driving on the hi way doing 67 miles a hour the car just stopped. Luckily I was able to get it to the side before I was hit . It has done this now every time I try to drive . The mechanic told me what was wrong and told me to check about the recall . I was told my VIN was not covered . It should be.

Filed Nov 2, 2015 · Electrical · 190,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda civic. When the ignition was turned to the on position, the contact had to hold the ignition key in order for the vehicle to run. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 02v120000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Oct 27, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 180,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda civic. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The contact was unsure of what part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was aware of the federal safety agency campaign number: 02v120000 (electrical system) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed Jun 9, 2015 · Electrical · 150 miles · TX

Car stalls without warning. Have to wait 5 to 10 minutes to restart. Mechanic tried several repairs and finally concluded it's a faulty ignition switch. The federal safety agency recall # 02v‑120. Today, I almost got hit and parked it until problem is fixed. Lucky to have a backup car. Honda customer service line said they won't fix it, because it has 220 miles. I want honda to act responsibly and fix it. This problem is a recipe for roads disasters especially for people who don't have multiple cars or just taking it for granted. Today, I could have been killed or hurt an innocent person .I am sure there are a lot of honda owners struggling with the same problem and fear to come out of the shadows with this scary problem and just driving as if everything is ok. Sometimes when accidents happen because of this, the whole truth is unknown.

Filed Apr 29, 2015 · Electrical · MN

1998 honda civic. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall and seeks reimbursement for repairs. *smd the consumer stated last year, the vehicle stalled a number of times, while he was wife was driving. It happened about 14 times, over a period of just a few days.

Filed Apr 3, 2015 · Electrical · 45,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda civic. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.

Filed Jan 19, 2015 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 153,000 miles · MI

On saturday, 01/17/2015, while driving at approximately 25 MPH on busy street car stalled while driving. I had to pull over to middle median lane, and then received help to push car out of busy street/traffic to safety on sidestreet curb. The car would not start, it cranked and tried to turn over but would not start. I had to be pushed home by neighbor. After taking it to mechanic, I have had the coil replaced, distributor replaced, spark plugs and wires replaced as well as a sensor. The car still will not start. I have learned of the recall of the faulty ignition, and would like for this to be replaced by dealer under recall process. Nothing is working so far. Please assist, need car to take child to school and to able to work, take care of business.

Filed Oct 9, 2014 · Electrical · OH

My car stalls without warning. Speed doesn't matter. All dash lights go out. Headlights barely light at night when it occurs. You lose all power. One day it might do it 4 times, the next it might not do it all. If you turn the key off and try starting it again sometimes it starts right up, other times you might have to sit for a few minutes. I just worry about someone hitting me when it happens. Please let me know something.

Filed Jul 28, 2013 · Electrical · VA

My car cut off for no reason while I was in motion. I had just got a new distributor. I need to make sure my VIN is on the list so I can get my ignition switched replaced. It was a issue when I called honda. Honda said that my car was never fixed previous but they couldn't help me. I would appreciate it if this matter can be resolved.

Questions about the 1998 Honda Civic electrical

Does the 1998 Honda Civic have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 88 complaints about the electrical of the 1998 Honda Civic, 20% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Honda Civic electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 134,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Honda Civic electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 02V120000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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

The Honda Civic model years with the most electrical complaints are 2016 (119 complaints), 1999 (118 complaints) and 2017 (104 complaints).

Is there a class action lawsuit over the Honda Civic?

Yes. Class action says Honda and Acura keyless entry makes cars easy to steal and asks for theft protection (November 12, 2026).

Other 1998 Honda Civic problems

Airbags 96Engine 56Transmission 48Acceleration 29Body 26Visibility 24Tires 18Brakes 11Fuel system 11Seat belts 10Suspension 9Lights 7Steering 7Seats 6Driver assistance 2Locks 2Wheels 1

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