1998 Honda Odyssey — Known Issues & Recalls

Your Odyssey experienced an electrical malfunction that caused the door and window mechanisms to fail, and this electrical problem ultimately led to a fire in all four doors. This is a serious safety issue that requires immediate inspection of the electrical system and door wiring.

Your dashboard lights may not turn on when you turn the ignition switch to the run position, and your van has a 50/50 chance of stalling after it starts due to the ignition switch failing. You're experiencing the same problem described in a Honda recall, but your vehicle's VIN doesn't show as affected by that recall. A technician should inspect and likely replace your ignition switch to resolve the stalling issue.

Your engine stalls without warning while driving, sometimes sporadically at first but then more frequently, leaving you stranded in traffic. A dealership diagnosed the problem as a faulty ignition switch, and replacing it solved the issue. Even though your vehicle had an ignition recall performed in 2004, Honda is refusing to cover the cost of this second ignition switch replacement.

Your engine can be turned off and the key can be removed from the ignition switch even when your car is not in Park. This means you could accidentally leave your van in Drive or Reverse while thinking it's safely parked. The owner is requesting that Honda apply recall 03V423000 (which was issued for 1998 Accords) to 1998 Odysseys as well. The fix would likely involve replacing or adjusting the ignition switch mechanism to prevent key removal unless the transmission is in Park.

Your ignition switch has had a history of problems. In 2002, Honda recalled your vehicle to replace the electrical contacts to prevent stalling, and that repair was completed. In 2008, the entire ignition switch had to be replaced because the key wouldn't release. Recently, your engine stalled repeatedly while driving in traffic. When you contacted Honda, they refused to replace the contacts again under warranty or recall because the previous recall work had already been done. The fix will likely involve replacing the ignition switch assembly or its internal contacts.

Your 1998 Honda Odyssey stalled unexpectedly while driving at 60 mph without any warning. A mechanic diagnosed that your starter, battery, and ignition switch all needed replacement. Honda confirmed your vehicle wasn't covered under a related recall for electrical system issues, and the vehicle was never repaired.

Your key got stuck in the ignition switch and wouldn't come out, even though you were able to start the vehicle normally. This happened at around 225,000 miles on your 1998 Honda Odyssey. The fix will likely involve replacing the ignition switch cylinder or the entire ignition assembly.

Your 1998 Honda Odyssey is under a recall for airbags (NHTSA Campaign 20V026000), but the replacement parts needed to fix the problem aren't available yet. You've been notified of the recall, but the manufacturer and your dealer haven't received the parts, and the delay has exceeded what you consider a reasonable timeframe. Your airbags haven't failed yet, but the repair will likely involve replacing the faulty airbag components once they become available.

You received a recall notice (20V-026) about a potential manufacturing defect with your driver's side airbag. You scheduled a service appointment at the Honda dealership, but they were unable to inspect or repair the vehicle. After waiting 60 days without resolution, you're concerned about the safety risk of a defective airbag deploying while driving.

Your 1998 Honda Odyssey is part of a safety recall (campaign 20V026000) for the airbag system, but the replacement part needed to fix the issue hasn't been made available yet. You contacted your Honda dealer and confirmed the part is still unavailable. You believe Honda has taken longer than reasonable to provide the replacement part, and you've notified the manufacturer of your concern.

Your Honda Odyssey is subject to an airbag inflator safety recall, but the manufacturer has taken longer than reasonable to complete the repair. The replacement part needed for this recall has not been available, delaying the fix.

You received a recall notice for your 1998 Honda Odyssey's airbags, but the replacement parts weren't available when you tried to get the work done. You contacted Smail Honda in Greensburg, PA, and they confirmed the parts were on backorder, causing a significant delay in completing the recall repair. Honda was notified about the extended wait time. The repair has since been completed with the replacement airbag components.

Your transmission failed completely, and when you replaced it with another one, it failed again within two days. You've found that other owners are reporting similar transmission failures online. Getting a new transmission fixed is very expensive, and you shouldn't have to replace it this frequently.

Your parked Honda Odyssey rolled away while the engine was off and the transmission was in Park. You were able to stop it by using the emergency brake. The dealer suspected the problem might be with the transmission's internal locking mechanism (tumblers), but the vehicle hasn't been repaired yet. This issue may require transmission inspection or repair to ensure the vehicle stays in place when parked.

Your 1998 Honda Odyssey is being recommended for its third transmission replacement since you've owned it, at a cost of $4,000. Despite careful maintenance, the transmission keeps failing prematurely. The repair involves removing and replacing the entire transmission assembly.

Your brake pedal sank all the way to the floor when you tried to brake from a stop, and your son found brake fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. When he added brake fluid, it leaked back out immediately. A mechanic discovered severe rust on the subframe, which likely caused the brake fluid leak and brake system failure.

Your lower ball joint on the right front wheel broke and caused that side of your vehicle to collapse to the ground, with the half-axle separating and falling out. Your right front fender ended up resting on the tire, and your brake hose burst from the stress, bringing the car to a halt. This happened only about 2 years after you had all ball joints replaced with DriveWorks brand parts from Advance Auto Parts.

Your car unexpectedly accelerated to full speed when put into drive, even though you hadn't pressed the gas pedal. The vehicle crashed into a tree, resulting in serious injuries requiring hospitalization and rehabilitation. This type of sudden unintended acceleration could indicate a problem with the engine control system, throttle mechanism, or brake system that needs immediate professional diagnosis.

While driving at 20 mph, you noticed flames coming from under the hood and immediately exited the vehicle. The entire car then caught fire and was destroyed. According to police and fire reports, a crack in the fuel line allowed fuel to leak onto the catalytic converter, causing the fire. The problem occurred at 50,000 miles. Fixing this would require replacing the fuel line and inspecting the catalytic converter system.

Your engine shuts off unexpectedly while stopped or driving due to a faulty ignition switch. Even though Honda replaced the ignition switch under recall in 2002, the replacement switch is now experiencing the same problem. The ignition switch will need to be inspected and likely replaced again.