28 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000–200,000 miles.
Most common 1998 Honda Odyssey problems
32 of the 73 complaints (44%) are about the electrical system.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
13
0
0
0
Electrical System
8
0
1
0
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission
7
0
0
0
Electrical System › Ignition
6
0
0
0
Air Bags · airbags
6
1
0
1
Structure › Body · body and frame
3
1
0
1
Power Train · transmission
3
0
0
0
Electrical System › Ignition › Module
3
0
0
0
Visibility
2
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
2
0
0
1
4 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.
Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
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.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint99V069000
Filed May 10, 1999124,875 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.
Defect. 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.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Apr 15, 2025225,000 milesGA
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 24, 2024169,148 milesTN
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.
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Jun 22, 2021KY
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.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 1, 2021PA
The contact owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. 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 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.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 2, 2020MN
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. *JS
Air Bags
Filed Sep 29, 2020PA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA 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.*JB
Air Bags
Filed Aug 20, 2020FL
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA 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.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 18, 2020109,000 milesNV
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 NHTSA. DO NOT WANT TO BE INJURED BY THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DUE TO MANUFACTURING ISSUE. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Dec 8, 2016190,000 milesMI
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.
Electrical System
Filed Jun 20, 2016180,000 milesTX
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.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 4, 2016OR
1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT PARTS RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IN 2002, THE VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS BEING REPLACED ON THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE WORK WAS DONE, TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM STALLING. IN 2008, THE ENTIRE IGNITION SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT RELEASE THE KEY. TWO WEEKS AGO, THE ENGINE STALLED REPEATEDLY IN TRAFFIC. HONDA INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE CONTACTS UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL, BECAUSE THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE. *JB
Suspension
Filed Apr 6, 2015TX
ON 4/01/2015 THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL OF MY 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY BROKE, CAUSING THAT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE TO THE GROUND. THE HALF-AXLE SEPARATED AND FELL OUT AND THE CAR ENDED UP WITH THE RIGHT FRONT FENDER RESTING ON THE TIRE WHICH HAD FLIPPED OUT AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE HOSE ALSO BURST UNDER THE STRESS AS THE CAR CAME TO A LITERAL GRINDING HALT. I HAD JUST HAD ALL UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON 9/23/22013 AT THE BRAKE CHECK SHOP ON AUSTIN HIGHWAY HERE IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. THEY TELL ME THE PARTS WERE DISTRIBUTED UNDER THE BRAND NAME DRIVEWORKS, AND SOLD BY ADVANCE AUTO PARTS. RIGHT NOW I AM HAVING THE CAR CHECKED OUT AND REPAIRED AT ANOTHER SHOP. WILL HAVE THEM SAVE THE DAMAGED BALL JOINT, WHICH I WILL BE HAPPY TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO YOU. JUST HAPPY ACCIDENT DID NOT OCCUR ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH IN FRONT OF AN 18-WHEELER.... *TR
Structure › BodyCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 8, 2015169,000 milesCT
WAS IN MY DAUGHTERS DRIVEWAY IN NESCONSET NY, I TURNED THE KEY PUT IN DRIVE, THE CAR REVVED, TOOK OFF AT FULL SPEED FINALLY HITTING A TREE. MULTIPLE INJURIES, TAKEN TO STONY BROOK MEDICAL CENTER. NINE WEEKS HOSPITAL AND REHAB. *TR
Power Train
Filed May 5, 2014267,646 milesSC
THIS TRANSMISSION FAILED AND I PUT ANOTHER ONE IN AND IT FAILED WITHIN TWO DAYS. I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT EVERYONE IS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS. I THINK HONDA SHOULD REPLACE THESE PROBLEM TRANSMISSIONS WITH A RECALL. I DON'T HAVE $1,500 TO PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION EVERY DAY OR TWO. *TR
EngineFire
Filed Mar 27, 201450,000 milesMA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE SAW FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY EXIT THE VEHICLE AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT FILED STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL LINE AND IT LEAKED ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 23, 2013MI
1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION CAUSED DOORS AND WINDOWS MECHANISMS FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER WROTE IN ON BEHALF OF HIS MOTHER. THE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION CAUSED THE DOOR AND WINDOWS MECHANISMS TO FAIL, WHICH ULTIMATELY LED TO A FIRE IN ALL FOUR DOORS.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 26, 2013170,000 milesCA
WHILE AT A STOP OR WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. HONDA HAD A RECALL ON THE IGNITION SWITCH IN 2002 FOR THE 1998 ODYSSEY. THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2002. THE REPLACEMENT IGNITION SWITCH IS NOW HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Mar 11, 2013190,057 milesTN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER, BATTERY, AND THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,057. *TR
Power Train
Filed Jan 22, 201398,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF AND IN PARK, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED BY APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT THE TUMBLERS TO FIND THE CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,400.
Power Train
Filed Sep 13, 2012230,000 milesCA
WE WERE JUST TOLD THAT OUR 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $4,000. THIS WOULD BE THE 3RD TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT IN THIS CAR SINCE WE'VE OWNED IT (WE'RE ORIGINAL OWNERS). THAT'S TRIPLE WHAT THE CAR IS WORTH. WE HAVE TAKEN IMMACULATE CARE OF THIS CAR AND THERE IS NO REASON WHY THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD DIE SO OFTEN. IS THERE A CLASS ACTION SUIT WE CAN BE PART OF? *TR
Vehicle Speed Control1 injured
Filed Sep 2, 2011AZ
THE HONDA DEALER HAS TAKEN GREAT CARE OF MY CAR UNTIL THIS EVENT. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT, BACKED UP AND BARELY HIT A POLE WITH THE REAR BUMPER. THEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE, AND THE CAR TOOK OFF AT FULL SPEED OUT OF CONTROL, BURNING RUBBER, EVEN THOUGH I WAS HITTING THE BRAKES, PUMPING THEM, TRYING TO STOP. I ONLY HAD TIME TO SWERVE TO AVOID A PARKED CAR, THEN WENT INTO A BRICK WALL AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE AIR BAGS WENT OFF. THE MPH IS AN APPROXIMATION BASED ON THE CARS DAMAGE SINCE I COULD NOT LOOK AT THE ODOMETER UNDER THESE EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES. I WAS ONLY SLIGHTLY INJURED, BUT I WILL HAVE TO SEE A CHIROPRACTOR. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Oct 20, 2010163,111 milesHI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT HAD THE IGNITION REPLACED ACCORDING TO RECALL 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH) IN 2009. RECENTLY, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVE GEAR AND WAS ABLE TO PULL THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT THE TUMBLERS TO FIND THE CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 163,111.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 25, 201099,000 milesWI
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. STOPPED AT AUTOZONE TO HAVE THEM READ THE CODE. THE CODE P0740, INDICATED A TCC FAILURE. UPON CONSULTING WITH THE HONDA DEALERSHIP ON MY 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY, AND CONSULTING THE INTERNET, DETERMINED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 1998 - 2002 HONDA ODYSSEY'S. HONDA OFFERED NO HELP. THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 100,000 MILES ON AT THE TIME. *TR
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Sep 10, 2010NY
1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH IGNITION SWITCH *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SEVERAL YEARS AGO, A DEFECT DEVELOPED WHICH ALLOWED HIM TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WITHOUT THE VEHICLE BEING IN PARK. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL HAS SINCE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT RECTIFIED AT NO CHARGE. UPDATED 01/05/11.*JB
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed May 12, 2010141,223 milesGA
REF: NHTSA CAMPAIGN 02V120000 FOR 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE IGNITION SWITCH IN MY CAR WAS REPLACED IN THE RECALL OF 2002. I WAS NOT HAVING PROBLEMS THEN. HOWEVER, LAST FALL (2009) AND THIS WINTER (2010) I WAS EXPERIENCING SUDDEN STALLS AND IN SOME CASES DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WHEN ACCELERATING AT INTERSECTIONS, PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC ETC. MY HONDA DEALER, IN MARCH 2010, COULD NOT ID THE PROBLEM. I TOOK THE CAR IN THE SAME MONTH TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO FIRST THOUGHT IT WAS DISTRIBUTOR RELATED. THEY REPLACED THAT PART. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. I RETURNED IT RIGHT AWAY AND THEY DID THE RESEARCH TO ID THE PROBLEM AS THE IGNITION SWITCH. IT IS NOW MAY 12 AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO INSTANCES OF SUDDEN STALLS. PROBLEM FIXED. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Mar 3, 2010205,535 milesCA
1998 HONDA ODYSSEY VAN IGNITION SWITCH FAILED FACTORY IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED IN 2003, AS PER NHTSA RECALL SUBSEQUENTLY, THE SWITCH HAS FAILED AGAIN THE DEALER IS UNWILLING TO REPLACE IT AGAIN AS A WARRANTY ITEM. *TR
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Jan 27, 201016,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. IF THE KEY IS REMOVED, THE ENGINE WILL STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE 1999 MODEL REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH, BUT NOT ON THE 1998 MODELS. THE CONTACT FEELS A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED ON THE 1998 MODELS AS WELL. FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 02/13/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FACT THAT THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHEN IN A GEAR SELECTOR POSITION OTHER THAN PARK SPECIFICALLY IN NEUTRAL WHICH HAPPENED TO THE CONSUMER WHEN THE ENGINE WAS OFF ALREADY IS DEFINITELY A FAILURE. UPDATED 02/16/10
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Aug 28, 2009130,000 milesNC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNINGS. AS A CONSEQUENCE HIS RISK FOR A CRASH WAS INCREASED. HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED BY A REPRESENTATIVE THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL# 02V120000. (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH) IN 2002, THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR HIS VEHICLE AGAIN AS A FREE REMEDY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 9, 2008149,161 milesCA
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON MY 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY CAME ON WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTERED A PROBLEM CODE OF P0740-TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR HONDAS WHICH SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE NHTSA. *TR
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 16, 200891,005 milesNC
TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 90K MILES. HAVE READ THAT MANY '98 HONDA ODYSSEY'S HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND MANY WERE REPLACED INSTEAD OF SIMPLE REPAIR. THEY REPLACED MINE AND REFUSED TO RECALL OR ASSIST WITH REPAIRS. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 24, 2008NC
1998 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT. CONSUMER STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT SHOULD BE RECALLED. HE STATES THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE THIS MATTER TO BE INVESTIGATED. *KB THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE SHIFTED ROUGH. THE MECHANIC STATED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK WAS DRY.*JB
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (prndl)
Filed Nov 2, 200790,150 milesNY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE ENGINE WOULD RANDOMLY SHUT OFF IN LOCAL STREETS OR WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS, SUCH AS 25 MPH. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. IN ONE INSTANCE, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE, PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ROLLED BACKWARDS WITH HER DAUGHTER INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT JUMPED BACK IN THE VEHICLE AND SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. SHE LATER REALIZED THAT EVEN WHEN THE GEAR WAS PLACED IN REVERSE, THE KEY WAS STILL ABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. SHE FOUND A RECALL ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER; HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 90,150.
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Oct 18, 200770,346 milesHI
VEHICLE STALLS (DIES OUT) WHILE DRIVING. OWNER FINDS OUT ABOUT RECALL ITEM AS PROBABLE REASON FOR VEHICLE STALL. OWNER CONTACTS THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER, WHICH REPRESENTS THAT RECALL ITEM REMEDY WAS COMPLETED ON A GIVEN DATE. OWNER ASKS FOR INFORMATION ON WHO REPORTED THAT THE RECALL ITEM WAS REMEDIED. VEHICLE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. OWNER DISAGREES THAT REMEDY ON THE RECALL ITEM WAS COMPLETED, THEN CHECKS WITH THE LOCAL DEALER (THE ONLY ONE IN TOWN). DEALER DOES NOT HAVE ANY RECORD OF RECALL ITEM BEING COMPLETED, THOUGH HAVE CONFIRMED THROUGH DIAGNOSTICS THAT THE PROBLEM IS BECAUSE OF THE RECALLED ITEM. NO EVIDENCE OF CENTER-PUNCH FOUND AT ENGINE COMPARTMENT VIN TO INDICATE THAT RECALLED ITEM WAS REMEDIED. WORK MUST BE DONE, AND DEALER WILL CHARGE OWNER FOR WORK (PARTS AND LABOR). OWNER FEELS THAT MANUFACTURER INFORMATION IS INCORRECT, AND THAT MANUFACTURER SHOULD HONOR ITS RECALL NOTICE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM REMEDIED. *TR
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › CablesFire
Filed Jun 8, 2007164,000 milesLA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 164,000. UPDATED 02-01-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPRESENTATIVE MADE A COMMENT THAT THE FIRE MAY HAVE HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE BATTERY CABLES. UPDATED
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed May 22, 2007TX
JUST ANOTHER OWNER WISHING RECALL # 03V423000 APPLIED TO THE 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY IN ADDITION TO THE 1998 HONDA ACCORD. SINCE AT LEAST A YEAR BEFORE THAT RECALL WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION OF THE ODYSSEY WHILE THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT IN PARK. ON OCCASION THE CAR ROLLED FORWARD OR BACK UNTIL IT BUMPED SOMETHING OR ROLLED PART WAY INTO THE STREET. WHEN THE HONDA RECALL CAME OUT THE DEALER HOWDY HONDA IN AUSTIN SAID THAT IT DID NOT APPLY TO THE ODYSSEY, AND HONDA DEALERSHIPS DID NOT HAVE AN INTERNAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO FIX ODYSSEYS IF OWNERS COMPLAINED.*AK
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed May 21, 2007TX
THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE HAD A NHTSA RECALL PERFORMED AT THE LOCAL HONDA DEALER CONCERNING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRICAL PORTION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. AK NOW THE VEHICLE CAN BE TURNED OFF AND THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHILE IN ANY GEAR. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT I MAY TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, EXIT THE VEHICLE WHILE IT IS STILL IN DRIVE AND IT WILL ROLL AWAY AND RUN OVER SOMEONE. THIS IS THE SAME RECALL NHTSA ISSUED FOR 1998 HONDA ACCORDS AS WELL AS 1999 HONDA ODYSSEYS. I OWN AN AUTO REPAIR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 7, 2007117,000 milesFL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S OBD DIAGNOSTICS SYSTEM REMAINED ACTIVATED WHICH IS AN EMISSION RELATED FAILURE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND WOULD NOT DIM. THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY THREE YEARS AGO WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER 150,000 MILES. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 153,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Interior Lighting
Filed Feb 24, 200789,000 milesMA
FAILURE OF DIMMER CONTROL FOR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SO INSTRUMENT LIGHTS FAILED. *JB
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Dec 26, 2006136,845 milesNC
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE COULD REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION OF HIS 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY WHILE THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT IN PARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING ONE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD AFTER INADVERTENTLY REMOVING THE KEY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, BUT CAR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL # 03V43000. HIS CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,845. UPDATED 1/29/2007 - *NM
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 30, 2004TX
THE VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED ON THE FRONT LEFT SIDE. BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, HOWEVER THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT INFLATE. *BF *NAR NAR *JLS *SC *JB
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust
Filed May 10, 2004126,000 milesNY
WHILE DRIVING, THE ELECTRICAL DRIVER SEAT WOULD INADVERTENTLY MOVE BACK AND FORTH. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Dec 15, 2003FL
THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. I TOOK IT TO PALM HARBOR HONDA, AND THEY CHARGED ME ABOUT $100 JUST TO LOOK AT IT, AFTER WHICH THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE $800 TO FIX IT. SEE THAT THERE HAS BEEN A SAFETY RECALL FOR 1999 ODYSSEY MINIVANS, AND WONDER IF THE IGNITION SWITCH I HAVE MAY POSE A SAFETY RISK AS WELL. IN ANY CASE, I AM VERY DISAPOINTED IN THIS WHOLE SITUATION. THIS CAR IS MY 3RD HONDA, AND WILL LIKELY BE MY LAST.*AK
Visibility
Filed Mar 19, 200359,000 milesCT
VISOR ON DRIVER SIDE BROKE WHILE DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO PUT IT DOWN TO BLOCK THE SUN. WHEN IT BROKE, IT DANGLED IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER AND BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VISION OF THE ROAD. FORTUNATELY, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO GRAB THE VISOR AND HOLD IT OUT OF THE WAY AND REGAIN SIGHT OF THE ROAD BEFORE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE SUPPORTING METAL ARM SEPARATED AT THE POINT WHERE THE WIRE FOR THE MIRROR LIGHT EXITS THE ARM. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN AND THE CASTING. *NLM
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Mar 6, 2003TX
THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE DEALER STATED THEY DID NOT HAVE THE CORRECT TOOLS.*JB
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Dec 20, 2002CA
NO PARTS AVAILABLE::::::::::::THE CONSUMER RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH THE DEALER NAME LARRY HOPKINS HONDA SERVICE MAN GABRIEL 408 720 1888 PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Dec 20, 2002CA
NO PARTS AVAILABLE::::::::::::THE CONSUMER RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH THE DEALER NAME LARRY HOPKINS HONDA SERVICE MAN GABRIEL 408 720 1888 PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS
Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Dec 18, 2002CA
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE NOT TO ACCELERATE. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Nov 29, 2002NJ
CONSUMER RECIEVED A RECALL LETTER FOR IGNITION. DEALER STATES THE MANUFACTURE HAS NOT PROVIDED THE DEALERSHIPS WITH PARTS. RECALL # 02 V 120 000. PH
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Nov 19, 2002NJ
CONSUMER STATES A RECALL ON THE IGNITION, DEALER DOES NOT HAVE PARTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME, DUE TO MANUFACTURED. TS
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Oct 23, 2002CA
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. IN ORDER TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK REPAIRED, THE VEHICLE ALARM MUST BE DISCONNECTED AND RECONNECTED AT CONSUMERS EXPENSE BECAUSE IT IS AN AFTER MARKET PRODUCT. CONSUMER FEELS THE COST TO DISCONNECT AND RECONNECT THE ALARM SHOULD BE INCLUDED OR HONDA'S RESPONSIBILITY, IN THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. *JG
Complaints 1-50 of 73, newest first, reproduced as filed.
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.