The contact owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition switch. The contact was able to turn the key to start the vehicle; however, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition switch. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.
The worst 1998 Honda Odyssey problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical34
- Transmission14
- Brakes7
- Airbags6
- Engine6
- Body4
- Visibility3
- Acceleration2
- Tires2
- Lights1
- Locks1
- Seats1
- Suspension1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Honda Odyssey
Trouble codes owners of the 1998 Honda Odyssey mention
P0740 4
Recalls 3
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1‑888‑234‑2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1‑800‑255‑6727.
Recall number 20V026000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- 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
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain vehicles were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out and, in the worse case, the ball joint would separate causing the front suspension to collapse.
- Risk
- This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. Also steering controllability would be reduced.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
Recall number 99V069000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Honda Odyssey 45
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Audio unit and navigation system anti-theft codes available on interactive network
- Audio, anti-theft codes
- Grunt noise after sitting for several hours
- Heater blower motor gets hot or blows a fuse
- Automatic transmission diagnostic trouble code P0740, P0741 repair tips
- Grade logic control information
- SRS indicator on with no SRS diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) set
- Check (ATF) automatic transmission fluid condition to diagnose (a/t) automatic transmissions
- Searching isis for diagnostic trouble code information
- Straining the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to diagnose automatic transmissions
1998 Honda Odyssey fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 24 | 21 |
What 1998 Honda Odyssey owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact's friend owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled down to the floorboard. The contact stated that her son inspected the vehicle and noticed that brake fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The contact's son added brake fluid to the vehicle; however, the brake fluid leaked out. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the subframe was severely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,148.
The 1998 Honda Odyssey recall for ignition switch I don't believe included all VIN numbers affected. My van is having the exact issue for what is stated in the recall, yet my VIN does not show as a recall. When the switch is turned to the run position, the dash lights may or may not illuminate. Once the van is started, there is a 50/50 chance that the stops running because of the switch. I believe this is an issue that needs to be looked into. Has not been confirmed yet because we are awaiting service on the airbag recall to put the van into service.
The contact owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20V026000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
1998 honda odyssey. Consumer writes in regards to airbag inflator safety recall. *ld the consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair. The part necessary to complete the recall had not been available.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda odyssey. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Smail honda (5043 us-30, greensburg, pa 15601) was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. *dt consumer stated parts have been replaced and repair completed.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 honda odyssey. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part needed to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Recall 20v‑026. A3877wc012823 received recall letter. Made appointment at dealership. Honda is unable to inspect or repair at this time. Waited 60 days. Now filing formal complaint with the federal safety agency. Do not want to be injured by the driver side airbag due to manufacturing issue.
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly and leaves us stranded in traffic. Happens sporadically at first and then with increasing regularity. I had a dealership perform a diagnostic and they found the ignition switch needed to be replaced. Once it was replaced, the problem disappeared. This vehicle had the ignition recall performed in 2004 with a previous owner. I filed for compensation with honda and now they are saying they don't have to pay for a second ignition switch.
98 odyssey, engine can be turned off and key can be removed from ignition switch without putting car in park. Appears to be common problem...numerous other complaints on this problem. Am yet another owner wishing recall 03v423000 applied to 1998 honda odyssey in addition to the 1998 honda accord.
Compare the 1998 Honda Odyssey
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Other model years
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Questions about the 1998 Honda Odyssey
Is the 1998 Honda Odyssey reliable?
Owners have filed 73 complaints about the 1998 Honda Odyssey, fewer than a typical Odyssey model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Honda Odyssey?
Electrical system, with 34 complaints, typically around 164,000 miles. Next is transmission (14).
How many recalls does the 1998 Honda Odyssey have?
3 recalls, covering air bags, electrical system and suspension.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Honda Odyssey electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 02V120000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Honda Odyssey have the most electrical problems?
The Honda Odyssey model years with the most electrical complaints are 2018 (265 complaints), 2025 (243 complaints) and 2019 (225 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Honda Odyssey get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Honda Odyssey range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 24 highway.
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