CarComplaints.com Notes: The 1998 Honda Accord suffers from widespread transmission failure, peeling paint, & subframe rust. We recommend avoiding this model year like the plague.
The transmission begins slipping & eventually has to be replaced, typically soon after 100,000 miles & with a repair cost of over $2,000.
Peeling paint has also been a huge issue for these Accords. Most of the complaints are with darker paint colors -- especially green & blue.
Subframe rust near the front passenger side wheel has become a problem recently, due to the poorly positioned A/C drain hose directly above that area. Repair cost to the subframe is over $2,000.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
58,725 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
: the contact stated while accelerating, the vehicle jerked. While taking the vehicle in for an oil change the dealer determined the automatic transmission assembly needed to be replaced. The seat belt was slow to retract and the rear brakes were service. Updated 11/30/06.
I have owned this car for two years and have had two axles replaced, as well as rotors and breaks replaced twice. The brakes wear, the rotors had to be replaced, the horn does not function properly when pushed. Recently I went to get an inspection sticker and failed because of the emissions part. My check engine light does not work because a bulb is malfunctioning which means there is no sensor, my three way catalytic converter needs to be replaced and there is supposedly a problem with my fuel tank evaporative emission valve. Recently my car has shut off while I was in drive and continued to roll. It has also turned off while I was driving up a hill and would not start for ten minutes. I have invested almost 1500 dollars in repairs for this car and I would like Honda to repair and hopefully reimburse me for past repairs.
Problems began when I took my 1998 Accord ex in to have the 30,000 mile service. I was told that the brake pads needed to be replaced. I had them replaced and went in for another major service check a year later and was told the car needed new brake pads again, that's only 18,000 miles later. The Honda dealership mechanic told me replacing the pads every 20,000 miles is not uncommon for these cars. I, then, took the car to a non-Honda repair shop who replaced the pads and guaranteed them for 48,000 miles. When I took the car in for the second major service check my car horn was working. After leaving Honda's service shop the horn has not worked properly again. When I turn the engine on the horn turns off. As long as the engine's off the horn works without a problem. I took it back to Honda who told me that the problem is probably related to a cable in the steering column and would cost me over $200 to repair. They also told me that it could be the key switch and there has been a recall on the switch but my car was not included. Again they estimate $200 to repair. This car has not had excessive wear, it is a 1998 and has less than 48,000 miles on it today. I have no confidence in what they are telling me and am very displeased with my Honda and the service that I am getting.
- Renton, WA, USA
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I was backing up in a parking lot. My car suddenly started to accelerate. I pressed on the brakes, but they did not work. It was like I had no control over the car. The car finally stopped after I crashed through a fence and hit a tree.
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- Lake Villa, IL, USA