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:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
121,697 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.
Was driving vehicle (1998 Accord LX 4 cylinder) when a loud thump was heard from the front passenger side suspension. Put the vehicle up on ramps to inspect and the front subframe on the right side holding the sway bar was completely separated and rotted/rusted out. Prior visual inspection never showed the issue as the rusting was taking place from on top of the subframe. After some quick research this issue is a design flaw where the ac condenser empties directly above the subframe causing premature failure of the subframe. The vehicle only has 49,765 miles on it and the frame should not be failing in this magnitude.
The Accord models from 1998 to 2002 have been having a crucial rust problem. The sub- frame has been rotting out due to a misplaced air conditioning condensation drain. Honda claims that there are not enough complaints out this problem and that is coincidence that there are a rust problem. Here's the deal, all these cars have a major rust problem on the foundation of the car. Honda also, claimed that the A/C drain was not the problem for it. Well then tell me why all these cars have this problem only on the passengers side of the vehicle directly under the A/C drain. Honda needs to recalls this model because if that structure breaks on the road the passenger side wheel could come off or the rack of the power-steering could split and cause the driver to lose control of their car. Not to mention the engine could drop out the bottom or even more devastating things that could hurt people! www.youtube.com/watch"V=bcqzuddas-G www.youtube.com/watch"V=eefxsqpr0pq www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/investigations/center-for-auto-safety-requesting-recall-of-1-5-million-Honda-Accord-for-rust-issue-in-sub-frame.
Right passenger side subframe crossmember has suffered sever corrosion due to poor A/C drain valve location. Damage is extensive into the lower control arm housing, and car has been deemed as unsafe to drive.
Clunking noise when going over bumps or turning right. Got the noise inspected by a mechanic and found out that the passenger side subframe is rusted out.
The contact owns a 1998 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while at the dealer for a safety inspection, the technician stated that the front frame was corroded and the front passenger side axle shaft boost was fractured. As a result, the frame and axle needed to be replaced. The technician advised the contact that the vehicle should not be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
- Clarksdale, MS, USA
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The contact owns a 1998 Honda Accord. The contact stated that whenever a turn was made at any speed, the vehicle vibrated and a clunking noise was heard coming from the front end. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, where the ball joints were replaced on two different occasions. The failure continued. The failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 150,000.
During the first month of purchase, a strong rattling sound coming from the front end everytime the car goes over a little bump on the road. Years later the noise got louder, the front end, front stabilizer arm, ball joints, bushes got worsen. The car is very unsafe to drive.
Consumer states that while driving at any speed there is a heavy vibration in the vehicle causing it to be hard for the consumer to drive. Dealer notified.
I brought the car to two different dealerships for them to fix the rattling noise from the windows. I also spoke to the regional customer service and district service manager to find a solution to fix my car but it still making the smakes noise. I believe I got a lemon. Therefore, I hope manufacturer would help solving the problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Middlefield, OH, USA