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1998 Honda Odyssey

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Fewer warning signs than most model years

Owner complaints for the 1998 Honda Odyssey are lower than the model-year median of 249.5.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

28 reports with mileage · 45 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports3 fire reports4 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

34 reports
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141,223 miles · May 12, 2010
Electrical System

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 T…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10330086

205,535 miles · Mar 3, 2010
Electrical System

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

NHTSA ODI #10316294

16,000 miles · Jan 27, 2010
Electrical System

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 …

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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

NHTSA ODI #10302581

130,000 miles · Aug 28, 2009
Electrical System

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# 02V120…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10282062

70,346 miles · Oct 18, 2007
Electrical System

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 S…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10206241

164,000 miles · Jun 8, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFire

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 FAI…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10192775

Mileage unknown · May 22, 2007
Electrical System

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 SO…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10191438

Mileage unknown · May 21, 2007
Electrical System

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 WHI…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10191335

136,845 miles · Dec 26, 2006
Electrical System

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 UNDE…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10176970

Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2003
Electrical System

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 CA…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10049782

Official recalls

3

20V026000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jan 17, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

02V120000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch

May 16, 2002

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

99V069000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint

May 10, 1999

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.