RoadVitals

1998 Honda Odyssey Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints 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.
34
Latest Apr 15, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
47%
of 73 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 1998 Honda Odyssey submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 34 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming electrical

The 25 most recent of 34, in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Apr 15, 2025

The contact owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition switch. The contact was able to turn the key to start the vehicle; however, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition switch. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.

NHTSA ID
11654658
Incident
Jan 15, 2025
Mileage
225,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 22, 2021

The 1998 Honda Odyssey recall for ignition switch I don't believe included all VIN numbers affected. My van is having the exact issue for what is stated in the recall, yet my VIN does not show as a recall. When the switch is turned to the run position, the dash lights may or may not illuminate. Once the van is started, there is a 50/50 chance that the stops running because of the switch. I believe this is an issue that needs to be looked into. Has not been confirmed yet because we are awaiting service on the airbag recall to put the van into service.

NHTSA ID
11421924
Incident
Jun 21, 2021
Electrical
Filed Dec 8, 2016

VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY AND LEAVES US STRANDED IN TRAFFIC. HAPPENS SPORADICALLY AT FIRST AND THEN WITH INCREASING REGULARITY. I HAD A DEALERSHIP PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY FOUND THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ONCE IT WAS REPLACED, THE PROBLEM DISAPPEARED. THIS VEHICLE HAD THE IGNITION RECALL PERFORMED IN 2004 WITH A PREVIOUS OWNER. I FILED FOR COMPENSATION WITH HONDA AND NOW THEY ARE SAYING THEY DON'T HAVE TO PAY FOR A SECOND IGNITION SWITCH.

NHTSA ID
10933961
Incident
Oct 8, 2016
Mileage
190,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 20, 2016

98 ODYSSEY, ENGINE CAN BE TURNED OFF AND KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM IGNITION SWITCH WITHOUT PUTTING CAR IN PARK. APPEARS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM...NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM. AM YET ANOTHER OWNER WISHING RECALL 03V423000 APPLIED TO 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY IN ADDITION TO THE 1998 HONDA ACCORD.

NHTSA ID
10875442
Incident
Jun 1, 2015
Mileage
180,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 4, 2016

1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT PARTS RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IN 2002, THE VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS BEING REPLACED ON THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE WORK WAS DONE, TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM STALLING. IN 2008, THE ENTIRE IGNITION SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT RELEASE THE KEY. TWO WEEKS AGO, THE ENGINE STALLED REPEATEDLY IN TRAFFIC. HONDA INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE CONTACTS UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL, BECAUSE THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE. *JB

NHTSA ID
10852658
Incident
Apr 1, 2016
Electrical
Filed Jul 23, 2013
Fire reported

1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION CAUSED DOORS AND WINDOWS MECHANISMS FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER WROTE IN ON BEHALF OF HIS MOTHER. THE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION CAUSED THE DOOR AND WINDOWS MECHANISMS TO FAIL, WHICH ULTIMATELY LED TO A FIRE IN ALL FOUR DOORS.

NHTSA ID
10525457
Incident
Jul 1, 2013
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 26, 2013

WHILE AT A STOP OR WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. HONDA HAD A RECALL ON THE IGNITION SWITCH IN 2002 FOR THE 1998 ODYSSEY. THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2002. THE REPLACEMENT IGNITION SWITCH IS NOW HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10504563
Incident
Mar 11, 2013
Mileage
170,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 11, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER, BATTERY, AND THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,057. *TR

NHTSA ID
10502342
Incident
Jan 1, 2013
Mileage
190,057 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 20, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT HAD THE IGNITION REPLACED ACCORDING TO RECALL 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH) IN 2009. RECENTLY, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVE GEAR AND WAS ABLE TO PULL THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT THE TUMBLERS TO FIND THE CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 163,111.

NHTSA ID
10361411
Incident
Oct 13, 2010
Mileage
163,111 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 10, 2010

1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH IGNITION SWITCH *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SEVERAL YEARS AGO, A DEFECT DEVELOPED WHICH ALLOWED HIM TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WITHOUT THE VEHICLE BEING IN PARK. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL HAS SINCE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT RECTIFIED AT NO CHARGE. UPDATED 01/05/11.*JB

NHTSA ID
10355332
Incident
Jan 1, 1901
Electrical
Filed May 12, 2010

REF: NHTSA CAMPAIGN 02V120000 FOR 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE IGNITION SWITCH IN MY CAR WAS REPLACED IN THE RECALL OF 2002. I WAS NOT HAVING PROBLEMS THEN. HOWEVER, LAST FALL (2009) AND THIS WINTER (2010) I WAS EXPERIENCING SUDDEN STALLS AND IN SOME CASES DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WHEN ACCELERATING AT INTERSECTIONS, PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC ETC. MY HONDA DEALER, IN MARCH 2010, COULD NOT ID THE PROBLEM. I TOOK THE CAR IN THE SAME MONTH TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO FIRST THOUGHT IT WAS DISTRIBUTOR RELATED. THEY REPLACED THAT PART. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. I RETURNED IT RIGHT AWAY AND THEY DID THE RESEARCH TO ID THE PROBLEM AS THE IGNITION SWITCH. IT IS NOW MAY 12 AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO INSTANCES OF SUDDEN STALLS. PROBLEM FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10330086
Incident
Mar 31, 2010
Mileage
141,223 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 3, 2010

1998 HONDA ODYSSEY VAN IGNITION SWITCH FAILED FACTORY IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED IN 2003, AS PER NHTSA RECALL SUBSEQUENTLY, THE SWITCH HAS FAILED AGAIN THE DEALER IS UNWILLING TO REPLACE IT AGAIN AS A WARRANTY ITEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10316294
Incident
Feb 27, 2010
Mileage
205,535 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 27, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. IF THE KEY IS REMOVED, THE ENGINE WILL STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE 1999 MODEL REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH, BUT NOT ON THE 1998 MODELS. THE CONTACT FEELS A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED ON THE 1998 MODELS AS WELL. FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 02/13/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FACT THAT THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHEN IN A GEAR SELECTOR POSITION OTHER THAN PARK SPECIFICALLY IN NEUTRAL WHICH HAPPENED TO THE CONSUMER WHEN THE ENGINE WAS OFF ALREADY IS DEFINITELY A FAILURE. UPDATED 02/16/10

NHTSA ID
10302581
Incident
Jan 25, 2010
Mileage
16,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 28, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNINGS. AS A CONSEQUENCE HIS RISK FOR A CRASH WAS INCREASED. HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED BY A REPRESENTATIVE THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL# 02V120000. (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH) IN 2002, THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR HIS VEHICLE AGAIN AS A FREE REMEDY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000

NHTSA ID
10282062
Incident
Jul 19, 2009
Mileage
130,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 18, 2007

VEHICLE STALLS (DIES OUT) WHILE DRIVING. OWNER FINDS OUT ABOUT RECALL ITEM AS PROBABLE REASON FOR VEHICLE STALL. OWNER CONTACTS THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER, WHICH REPRESENTS THAT RECALL ITEM REMEDY WAS COMPLETED ON A GIVEN DATE. OWNER ASKS FOR INFORMATION ON WHO REPORTED THAT THE RECALL ITEM WAS REMEDIED. VEHICLE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE. OWNER DISAGREES THAT REMEDY ON THE RECALL ITEM WAS COMPLETED, THEN CHECKS WITH THE LOCAL DEALER (THE ONLY ONE IN TOWN). DEALER DOES NOT HAVE ANY RECORD OF RECALL ITEM BEING COMPLETED, THOUGH HAVE CONFIRMED THROUGH DIAGNOSTICS THAT THE PROBLEM IS BECAUSE OF THE RECALLED ITEM. NO EVIDENCE OF CENTER-PUNCH FOUND AT ENGINE COMPARTMENT VIN TO INDICATE THAT RECALLED ITEM WAS REMEDIED. WORK MUST BE DONE, AND DEALER WILL CHARGE OWNER FOR WORK (PARTS AND LABOR). OWNER FEELS THAT MANUFACTURER INFORMATION IS INCORRECT, AND THAT MANUFACTURER SHOULD HONOR ITS RECALL NOTICE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM REMEDIED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10206241
Incident
Oct 7, 2007
Mileage
70,346 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 8, 2007
Fire reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 164,000. UPDATED 02-01-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPRESENTATIVE MADE A COMMENT THAT THE FIRE MAY HAVE HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE BATTERY CABLES. UPDATED

NHTSA ID
10192775
Incident
May 27, 2007
Mileage
164,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 22, 2007

JUST ANOTHER OWNER WISHING RECALL # 03V423000 APPLIED TO THE 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY IN ADDITION TO THE 1998 HONDA ACCORD. SINCE AT LEAST A YEAR BEFORE THAT RECALL WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION OF THE ODYSSEY WHILE THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT IN PARK. ON OCCASION THE CAR ROLLED FORWARD OR BACK UNTIL IT BUMPED SOMETHING OR ROLLED PART WAY INTO THE STREET. WHEN THE HONDA RECALL CAME OUT THE DEALER HOWDY HONDA IN AUSTIN SAID THAT IT DID NOT APPLY TO THE ODYSSEY, AND HONDA DEALERSHIPS DID NOT HAVE AN INTERNAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO FIX ODYSSEYS IF OWNERS COMPLAINED.*AK

NHTSA ID
10191438
Incident
Oct 27, 2003
Electrical
Filed May 21, 2007

THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE HAD A NHTSA RECALL PERFORMED AT THE LOCAL HONDA DEALER CONCERNING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRICAL PORTION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. AK NOW THE VEHICLE CAN BE TURNED OFF AND THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHILE IN ANY GEAR. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT I MAY TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, EXIT THE VEHICLE WHILE IT IS STILL IN DRIVE AND IT WILL ROLL AWAY AND RUN OVER SOMEONE. THIS IS THE SAME RECALL NHTSA ISSUED FOR 1998 HONDA ACCORDS AS WELL AS 1999 HONDA ODYSSEYS. I OWN AN AUTO REPAIR

NHTSA ID
10191335
Incident
Apr 20, 2007
Electrical
Filed Dec 26, 2006

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE COULD REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION OF HIS 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY WHILE THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT IN PARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING ONE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD AFTER INADVERTENTLY REMOVING THE KEY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, BUT CAR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL # 03V43000. HIS CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,845. UPDATED 1/29/2007 - *NM

NHTSA ID
10176970
Incident
Dec 26, 2006
Mileage
136,845 mi
Electrical
Filed Dec 15, 2003

THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. I TOOK IT TO PALM HARBOR HONDA, AND THEY CHARGED ME ABOUT $100 JUST TO LOOK AT IT, AFTER WHICH THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE $800 TO FIX IT. SEE THAT THERE HAS BEEN A SAFETY RECALL FOR 1999 ODYSSEY MINIVANS, AND WONDER IF THE IGNITION SWITCH I HAVE MAY POSE A SAFETY RISK AS WELL. IN ANY CASE, I AM VERY DISAPOINTED IN THIS WHOLE SITUATION. THIS CAR IS MY 3RD HONDA, AND WILL LIKELY BE MY LAST.*AK

NHTSA ID
10049782
Incident
Dec 13, 2003
Electrical
Filed Mar 6, 2003

THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE DEALER STATED THEY DID NOT HAVE THE CORRECT TOOLS.*JB

NHTSA ID
10010041
Electrical
Filed Dec 20, 2002

NO PARTS AVAILABLE::::::::::::THE CONSUMER RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH THE DEALER NAME LARRY HOPKINS HONDA SERVICE MAN GABRIEL 408 720 1888 PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS

NHTSA ID
10001360
Incident
Jun 4, 2002
Electrical
Filed Dec 20, 2002

NO PARTS AVAILABLE::::::::::::THE CONSUMER RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH THE DEALER NAME LARRY HOPKINS HONDA SERVICE MAN GABRIEL 408 720 1888 PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS

NHTSA ID
10001359
Incident
Jun 4, 2002
Electrical
Filed Nov 29, 2002

CONSUMER RECIEVED A RECALL LETTER FOR IGNITION. DEALER STATES THE MANUFACTURE HAS NOT PROVIDED THE DEALERSHIPS WITH PARTS. RECALL # 02 V 120 000. PH

NHTSA ID
8023467
Incident
Oct 1, 2002
Electrical
Filed Nov 19, 2002

CONSUMER STATES A RECALL ON THE IGNITION, DEALER DOES NOT HAVE PARTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME, DUE TO MANUFACTURED. TS

NHTSA ID
8022959
Incident
Oct 1, 2002

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.

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