RoadVitals

1998 Honda Civic

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
435
Latest Jan 23, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
18
Latest Jan 17, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
84
55 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 435 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 Honda Civic, most frequently naming the airbags, electrical and engine categories. 18 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 140 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

18 campaigns cover this model year

View all 18

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V026000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 17, 2020
1,439,841 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
The risk: 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 remedy: 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. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number D8J, Z8GView on NHTSA.gov
09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
DOPE, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

SQ98012ClosedInvestigation

CONDENSER FAN MOTOR INOPERATIVE

Opened Jun 30, 1998
Closed Nov 2, 1998

SEE RESUME FOR DETAILS.

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 435
Airbags
Filed Jan 23, 2023

1998 HONDA CIVIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO 20V-026. THE CONSUMER STATED HE IS STILL AWAITING PARTS FOR THE RECALL.

NHTSA ID
11503173
Incident
Jan 23, 2023
Tires & wheels
Filed Jul 29, 2022

The contact’s daughter owns a 1998 Honda Civic equipped with Continental tires, Tire Line: General Altimax RT43, Tire Size: 185/65/R14, DOT Number: 6Y6LWBLJ1221. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side front tire had a blowout. The contact stated that the tread and tire belt had detached, causing the vehicle to drive on the driver’s side front rim. The contact replaced the driver’s side front tire with the spare tire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who inspected all four tires. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall for the tire. The failure mileage was approximately 123,679.

NHTSA ID
11476478
Incident
Jul 21, 2022
Mileage
123,679 mi
AirbagsFuel systemExterior lighting
Filed Feb 11, 2021

FOR RECALL ON A 1998 HONDA CIVIC DX REPLACE AIR BAG ,FUEL TANKERS, IGNITION SWITCH,FLOOR MAT.

NHTSA ID
11395799
Incident
Feb 10, 2001
Airbags
Filed Dec 18, 2020
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 HONDA CIVIC COUPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, WHEN SHE CRASHED INTO A TRUCK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED COLLARBONE, LEFT KNEE AND RIGHT SHOULDER WAS BRUISED. THE CONTACT DID SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR HER COLLARBONE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE TOWING COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE WAS LOSS. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) AND RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE BACK IN OCTOBER. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11384123
Incident
Dec 15, 2020
Airbags
Filed Oct 7, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11363251
Incident
Oct 7, 2020
Airbags
Filed Sep 13, 2020

WE WERE ON A CITY STREET, APPROACHED AN UNKNOWN DIP IN THE ROAD. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, THE HEADLINER IS SHREDDED. THERE IS NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER, FENDERS OR HOOD. THE SRS SYSTEM LIGHT IS ON. THE DOOR LOCKS WON'T WORK FROM THE FOB. THE SEATBELTS DO APPEAR TO BE FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. I HAVE WAITED FOR THE RECALL TO INCLUDE 98'S KNOWING THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE INCLUDED BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED TO MINE. I DON'T HAVE PICTURES AT THIS TIME BUT WILL PROVIDE.

NHTSA ID
11354740
Incident
May 18, 2018
Mileage
150,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 25, 2020

I RECEIVED THIS RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH ATTACHED, ON MY HONDA CIVIC THAT IS IN EVERYDAY USE AND HAS 160000 MILES ON IT. VIN [XXX], NHTSA RECALL 20V-02600 I CREATED A CASE #[XXX] WITH HONDA AND ATTEMPTED TO HAVE UPDATED INFO ON RECALL REPAIR. IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN 6 MONTHS SINCE RECALL ANNOUNCED. WITH MULTIPLE CALLS TO HONDA REGARDING THE CASE, I FEEL THAT HONDA IS NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO 1998 VEHICLE REPAIR EVEN THOUGH IT IS VERY MUCH IN USE. I HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY SPECIFIC TIME FRAME FOR REPLACEMENT AIRBAG. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY WHILE DRIVING IT. I AM WRITING TO YOU AS I WAS ADVISED TO BRING IT UP TO NHTSA FOR SPEEDY RESOLUTION. THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
11351190
Incident
Mar 20, 2020
Airbags
Filed Aug 4, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF*JB

NHTSA ID
11343163
Incident
Aug 4, 2020

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

A13-022

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE

"SERVICE BULLETIN - FOR VEHICLES WITH SCI COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FUEL TANKS, HONDA IS NO LONGER REPLACING THE FUEL TANK AND SOLENOID VALVE ALTOGETHER. IF YOU REPLACE THE FUEL TANK SOLENOID VALVE, YOU MUST NOW REINSTALL THE ORIGINAL FUEL TANK."

A99034

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

SERVICE BULLETIN - DUE TO THE FLOOR DESIGN, A MISPOSITIONED FLOOR MAT COULD PREVENT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION. IN THIS CASE, THE VEHICLE MAY CONTINUE ACCELERATING EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER MAY NO LONGER BE PRESSING ON THE PEDAL.

A15070B - 7-2-15

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

SERVICE NEWS ARTICLE - PLANNING ON USING A LEAK CHECK DYE TO HELP FIND A LEAK? HERE’S THE CURRENT LIST OF VEHICLES THAT YOU SHOULDN’T USE DYE ON.

A13-022

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

"SERVICE BULLETIN - FOR VEHICLES WITH SCI COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FUEL TANKS, HONDA IS NO LONGER REPLACING THE FUEL TANK AND SOLENOID VALVE ALTOGETHER. IF YOU REPLACE THE FUEL TANK SOLENOID VALVE, YOU MUST NOW REINSTALL THE ORIGINAL FUEL TANK."

DLR MSG - HONDA

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE

"DEALER MESSAGE - THIS IS TO INFORM YOU THAT HONDA SERVICE BULLETIN 06-015, NATURAL GAS FUEL TANK AND FUEL LINE INSPECTION, HAS BEEN REVISED TO INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORDERING THE CNG FUEL TANK INSPECTION LABELS. THESE LABELS CAN BE ORDERED FROM HELM, INC. EITHER ONLINE AT HELMINC.COM OR BY CALLING 800-782-4356. ASK FOR PART NUMBER Y1041."

DLR MSG - HONDA

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE

"DEALER MESSAGE - THIS IS TO INFORM YOU THAT HONDA SERVICE BULLETIN 06-015, NATURAL GAS FUEL TANK AND FUEL LINE INSPECTION, HAS BEEN REVISED TO INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORDERING THE CNG FUEL TANK INSPECTION LABELS. THESE LABELS CAN BE ORDERED FROM HELM, INC. EITHER ONLINE AT HELMINC.COM OR BY CALLING 800-782-4356. ASK FOR PART NUMBER Y1041."

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Honda Civic by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026250044.1
2025662060.7
20241163162.6
20232514261.8
20228784259.3
20211394056.0
20202195058.8
20194164056.5
20187256058.8
20175796056.4
20161,0715055.2
20153771253.9
20142902261.2
20133160251.1
20124543261.8
20111689058.8
20103968054.2
20093958056.3
20089167052.1
20071,2049049.6
20061,40215052.6
200531415469.1
200435015365.2
200349924667.3
200270224466.3
20011,07927465.9
200028718061.9
199933815058.6
1998Viewing43518162.9
199737316163.1
199630517266.2
199519912064.9
199413514065.0
199314613165.9
19929813165.1
19911108365.0
19909110367.8
1989696368.3
1988468363.2
1987393365.3
1986353362.6
1985152059.8
1984530—
1983900—
1982100—
1981101—
1980001—
1979111—
1978010—
1977030—
1976020—
1975020—
1974020—
1973020—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.