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.
I just got my first Honda, a used 1998 Honda Accord EX 2.3L 4 cyl with only 43,000 miles. The car run good, transmission shift normal, idle a little high to me (around 800 rpm). Only thing I may not like that much, that is when I shift from "P" or "N" to "R" more clunk noise & jerk then normal. Is that is normal for Honda Accord? or the signal of transmission problem? and what cause the clunk noise and jerk? Shift from "P" or "N" to "D" less clunk noise and less jerk that I think is normal. I wonder any one have same problem and what is solution?
i was actually on my way in for a service when my 98 accord v6 made a very loud whining noise as it shifted from 2nd - 3rd gear. i slowed down and a "winding down" noise came next all the way to a complete stop. Honda wants me to buy a new transmission. they quoted me $2450.00. not sure if that's tax and all. however the service dept. did tell me that Honda has had severe problems with this transmission and that they had extended the warranty till 109,000 miles. i'm too late but hopefully, for those of you that still have some mileage left, this will help, if it is true. if anyone hears of Honda actually doing something about this major problem, please post. i love my car and don't want to have to get rid of it.
- cyndilou01,
Live Oak, FL, US
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I just got my first Honda, a used 1998 Honda Accord EX 2.3L 4 cyl with only 43,000 miles. The car run good, transmission shift normal, idle a little high to me (around 800 rpm). Only thing I may not like that much, that is when I shift from "P" or "N" to "R" more clunk noise & jerk then normal. Is that is normal for Honda Accord? or the signal of transmission problem? and what cause the clunk noise and jerk? Shift from "P" or "N" to "D" less clunk noise and less jerk that I think is normal. I wonder any one have same problem and what is solution?
- Kunimoto K., Keller, TX, US