1998 Honda Cr-V

Routine

Owners filed 128 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
123,552 milesMedian miles at failure

39 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System17
000
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch13
000
Air Bags13
101
Tires6
100
Engine6
100
Unknown or Other5
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission5
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline5
000
Air Bags › Frontal5
504
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar4
101

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V026000
Filed Jan 17, 20201,439,841 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. 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.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch02V120000
Filed May 16, 20021,000,000 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.

Defect. 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.

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash99V282000
Filed Oct 19, 1999100,891 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN IMPROPERLY ROUTED UNDER DASH WIRE HARNESS COULD BE DAMAGED BY CONTACT WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A BLOWN FUSE. IF THIS OCCURS, OPERATION OF A CRITICAL COMPONENT CAN BE LOST, INCLUDING WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, THE ANTI-LOCKING FUNCTION OF THE BRAKES, AND BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM.

Risk. A SUDDEN, UNEXPECTED LOSS OF LIGHTING OR A FAILURE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS IN BAD WEATHER, COULD BE HAZARDOUS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A 70MM PROTECTIVE, CORRUGATED PLASTIC TUBE OVER THE WIRE HARNESS, IN THE AREA OF THE BRAKE STOP SWITCH. IF ANY WIRE OR WIRES ARE DAMAGED, THEY WILL BE REPAIRED.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Jan 26, 2021199,000 milesOR

I WAS DRIVING NORMALLY, GOING 47MPH & ACCELERATING AS I WAS ABOUT TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC ON HIGH WAY, WHEN MY CARS ENGINE SUDDENLY DIED. I DIDENT EVEN NOTICE AT FIRST BECAUSE IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY AND QUIETLY. I ONLY NOTICED BECAUSE THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND I FOUND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL. I WAS ABLE TO PUT ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND STOP THE CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. CAR WOULD NOT RUN SINCE THIS HAPPENED. CAR WILL START BUT DIE ON IDEL. HAVE REPLACED STARTER, MAIN RELAY, IGNITION, SPARK PLUGS AND HAVE HAD 4 AUTO SHOPS LOOK AT IT AND STILL NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT THE ISSUE..

Air Bags
Filed Oct 15, 2020FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. HONDA OF FORT MYERS (14020 S. TAMIAMI TRL, FORT MYERS, FL 33912, 239-288-2397) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 6, 2020CT

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED CARDINAL HONDA (531 CT-12, GROTON, CT 06340; (860) 449-0411) WHERE IT WAS 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB

Air Bags
Filed Oct 5, 2020MO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE LOCAL DEALER LEE'S SUMMIT HONDA LOCATED AT 401 NE COLBERN RD, LEE'S SUMMIT, MO 64806 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. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 21, 2020PA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 18, 2020UT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE LOCAL DEALER KEN GARFF HONDA LOCATED AT 195 E. UNIVERSITY PKWY, OREM, UT 84058 WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 4, 2020WA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED KLEIN HONDA (10611 EVERGREEN WAY, EVERETT, WA 98204, (425) 355-7500) AND RAIRDON'S HONDA OF MARYSVILLE (15714 SMOKEY POINT BLVD, MARYSVILLE, WA 98271, (360) 363-8600) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN INVALID.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 14, 2020FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 12, 2020NM

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED HONDA OF SANTA FE (7511A CERRILLOS RD, SANTA FE, NM 87507; (505) 471-7007) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 6, 2020GA

THIS AIRBAG HAS BEEN RECALLED 3/20 AND AS OF 8/20 ARE STILL NOT PROVIDING THE PARTS FOR REPAIR, THEY HAVE BEEN PROMISING FREE REPAIR FOR 5 MONTHS NOW, AND WE HAVE BEEN PAYING INSURANCE ON THE CAR BUT ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 27, 2020200,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL, SHE WAS UNABLE TO INSERT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 12, 2020UT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. STEPHEN WADE HONDA (1630 S HILTON DR, ST. GEORGE, UT 84770, (435) 628-6100) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 18, 2020NY

THE AIRBAGS IN THE 1998 HONDA CRV'S HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE WITH NO REMEDY, WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE IN A VEHICLE OVER 20 YEARS OLD. THIS VEHICLE IS USED TO TRANSPORT MY FAMILY AND IT IS UNBELIEVABLE THAT HONDA CAN ALLOW SUCH A FATAL PROBLEM TO GO UNSOLVED FOR SO MANY YEARS. THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ANY INJURIES SUSTAINED DUE TO THESE DYSFUNCTIONAL AIRBAGS UNTIL THEY ARE ABLE TO REPLACE SAID AIRBAGS WITHOUT CHARGE.

Engine
Filed Apr 3, 2019175,000 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING WITH RADIO ON THE ENGINE CUTS OUT AFTER SITTING FOR A COUPLE MINUTES IT WILL START BACK UP HOWEVER IT STALLS AGAIN IF RADIO IS ON. THIS PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS WHEN I HAVE RADIO ON IF I LEAVE THE RADIO OFF IT WORKS OK

Electrical System
Filed May 13, 2018NE

I SAW THIS HAS A RECALL, BUT WHEN I TYPED IN MY VIN INTO YOUR SYSTEM IT SAYS '0 RECALLS.' I HAVE ALL THE ISSUES HAPPENING FOR THIS RECALL AND I WAS WONDERING HOW TO PROCEED.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 21, 2018NJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHOM WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT SOLUTION. A DEALER MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED TO REPLACE THE STARTER BEFORE THE CONTACT OWNED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER (AVALON HONDA, 100 AVALON BLVD, CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ 08210, (877) 515-6611) STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE FURTHER INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Power Train
Filed May 11, 2017170,000 milesCA

THE TRANSMISSION GOES INTO NEUTRAL BY ITSELF AND NO GEARS WORK AT ALL UNTIL YOU TURN IT OFF AND RESTART IT THEN IT WILL MOVE A SHORT DISTANCE AND DO IT AGAIN IT HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY AND I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT.

Electrical System
Filed May 9, 2017IL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT WOULD PERFORM THE REPAIR; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD HAVE TO DISABLE THE ALARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Engine
Filed Apr 10, 2017185,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CR-V. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 20, 2016172,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CR-V. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN DRIVING OVER A BUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.

20 of 128 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2018
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2026135030Routine
2025247150Above average
2024388200Above average
2023514310Above average
2022255310Above average
2021329410Above average
2020352720Above average
20191,097821Fatalities reported
20182,137520Above average
20171,765740Above average
2016392340Above average
2015670340Above average
2014587173Fatalities reported
2013382200Above average
2012403340Above average
20115531320Above average
20104811521Fatalities reported
20093861220Above average
20089611130Above average
20078871241Fatalities reported
200639813160Above average
200547914180Above average
200450113390High concern
200346814250High concern
200251516170Above average
2001142131Fatalities reported
2000129251Fatalities reported
1999127301Fatalities reported
1998 — this page128310Routine
1997108210Routine

Compare every Cr-V year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 17, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.