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1998 Honda Civic engine problems

56 complaints (13% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,891. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
56
of this car's complaints
13%
typical mileage
90,891
crashes
2
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    16
  • Exhaust system
    13
  • Engine: gasoline
    9
  • Engine
    9
  • Exhaust system: emission control
    2
  • Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
    2
  • Exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
    1
  • Cooling system: radiator assembly
    1

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 engine problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Honda Civic engine

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

Stalling 42Check engine light 9Loss of power 6Won't start 6

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1998 Honda Civic owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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 Oct 17, 2014 · Engine, Steering · 96,702 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda civic. While driving 10 MPH, the engine stalled and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,702.

Filed Jun 20, 2012 · Engine · 160,000 miles · KS

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda civic. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was safely maneuvered to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle restarted after waiting several minutes. The vehicle functioned normally, but the failure recurred several times after. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection, but they were unable to determine the failure. The dealer and manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed May 12, 2011 · Engine · CA

I took my car in for service and they told me the exhaust manifold was cracked. This is the third time this part has cracked. I had it replaced twice already at the dealership- they did not cover the part under warranty and I paid $1000 each time to have it replaced. I tried to contact american honda and they refused to compensate me for it.

Filed Sep 15, 2010 · Engine · 90,891 miles · CA

When my 1998 honda civic was at 90,891 miles, the honda dealer service department told me the exhaust manifold was cracked and needed to be replaced. The repair was about $1000. Only 2 years later, they told me the new exhaust manifold was cracked and needed to be replaced again. The service manager told me that this replacement part should last much longer but he was unwilling to stand behind this repair and charged me another $1000 to repair it again.

Filed Jul 14, 2010 · Engine · 180,000 miles · CA

I have a 98 honda civic lx, it seems the exhaust manifold on these cars are defective they crack and the gas emissions are circulated to the cabin of the automobile. The exhaust manifold should not crack on normal use. Carbon monoxide co could leak to the cabin of the car, and is poisonous to humans and children. There are a lot of honda civics out here with crack exhaust manifold, it is hard to find the culprit, because the exhaust manifold is covered with a metal cover, but you will notice the smell inside the cabin of the car, when the car is at running. The federal safety agency should investigate on this defective.

Filed Dec 27, 2007 · Engine · 130,000 miles · MD

Exhaust manifold have a big crack causing a check engine light and exhaust fumes to migrate to the cabin since it is in front of the car. Honda have an existing service bulletin 98-081 that only covers 96-97 civics and not 1998 models but they did not do the re-design until 99. It is a well known flaw but honda does not have a recall for it.

Filed Oct 16, 2007 · Engine · MD

O 2 sensor/ exhaust check engine light problem on my 1998 honda civic lx.

Filed Sep 6, 2007 · Engine · 152,000 miles · VA

Year 2003: 1 o2 sensor replaced year 2007: engine light on. Was informed due to oxygen o2 sensor bad and also a cracked exhaust manifold. Car acts like it will stall when stopped at a light. I am very concerned. According to the dealership, only some honda civics with a particular VIN # qualify for replacement of oxygen/o2 sensor and exhaust manifold. They stated that mine did not (only up to 1997 qualify) and there is no recall for 1998. According to the internet, there are other complaints for this problem for 1998 honda civics. Please investigate .

Filed Aug 17, 2007 · Engine · 158,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda civic. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for regular maintenance and they noticed that the manifold exhaust cracked. The cause of the failure was unknown. The manifold exhaust was replaced before at 158,000. The current mileage was 198,000 and the failure mileage was 158,000. Updated 10/30/07

Questions about the 1998 Honda Civic engine

Does the 1998 Honda Civic have engine problems?

Owners have filed 56 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Honda Civic, 13% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Honda Civic engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,891 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Honda Civic engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Honda Civic have bad engine?

The Honda Civic model years with the most engine complaints are 2006 (377 complaints), 2007 (243 complaints) and 2008 (207 complaints).

Other 1998 Honda Civic problems

Airbags 96Electrical 88Transmission 48Acceleration 29Body 26Visibility 24Tires 18Brakes 11Fuel system 11Seat belts 10Suspension 9Lights 7Steering 7Seats 6Driver assistance 2Locks 2Wheels 1

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