1998 Honda Odyssey: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Honda Odyssey: 3 recalls, 73 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #99V069000 · 1999 · 124,875 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. Also steering controllability would be reduced.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
Electrical Vehicle recall #02V120000 · 2002 · 1,000,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began June 14, 2002.
Airbags Vehicle recall #20V026000 · 2020 · 1,439,841 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (34): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (11), electrical failure (8), door / lock issues (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (14): the most common themes are warning light on (3), stalls / loses power (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (6): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Airbags (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1998 Honda Odyssey has 73 owner complaints, ranking #28 of 34 Odyssey model years for complaints (well below the 376 average). Complaints peaked in 2002 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 139,034 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (20 complaints, 2 recalls), 1999 (518 complaints, 9 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Honda Odyssey.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Honda Odyssey have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Honda Odyssey, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Honda Odyssey problems?
Owners have filed 73 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (34), transmission & drivetrain (14), brakes (hydraulic) (6).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Honda Odyssey get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Honda Odyssey repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.