RoadVitals

1998 Honda Odyssey Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
73
Latest Apr 15, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
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.
5

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1998 Honda Odyssey, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical3441.5%
  • Brakes78.5%
  • Airbags67.3%
  • Engine67.3%
  • Body & structure44.9%
  • Visibility33.7%
  • Interior & seats33.7%
  • Powertrain (other)33.7%
  • Tires & wheels22.4%
  • Driver assistance22.4%
  • Suspension11.2%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

34
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 15, 2025

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 · filed Jun 22, 2021
All 34 reports naming electrical

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. STOPPED AT AUTOZONE TO HAVE THEM READ THE CODE. THE CODE P0740, INDICATED A TCC FAILURE. UPON CONSULTING WITH THE HONDA DEALERSHIP ON MY 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY, AND CONSULTING THE INTERNET, DETERMINED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 1998 - 2002 HONDA ODYSSEY'S. HONDA OFFERED NO HELP. THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 100,000 MILES ON AT THE TIME. *TR

NHTSA ID 10357465 · filed Sep 25, 2010

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON MY 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY CAME ON WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTERED A PROBLEM CODE OF P0740-TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR HONDAS WHICH SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE NHTSA. *TR

NHTSA ID 10241658 · filed Sep 9, 2008
All 11 reports naming transmission

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact's friend owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled down to the floorboard. The contact stated that her son inspected the vehicle and noticed that brake fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The contact's son added brake fluid to the vehicle; however, the brake fluid leaked out. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the subframe was severely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,148.

NHTSA ID 11596160 · filed Jun 24, 2024

WAS IN MY DAUGHTERS DRIVEWAY IN NESCONSET NY, I TURNED THE KEY PUT IN DRIVE, THE CAR REVVED, TOOK OFF AT FULL SPEED FINALLY HITTING A TREE. MULTIPLE INJURIES, TAKEN TO STONY BROOK MEDICAL CENTER. NINE WEEKS HOSPITAL AND REHAB. *TR

NHTSA ID 10692830 · filed Mar 8, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V026000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11419188 · filed Jun 1, 2021

1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG INFLATOR SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. THE PART NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE RECALL HAD NOT BEEN AVAILABLE. *JS

NHTSA ID 11375532 · filed Dec 2, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WAS IN MY DAUGHTERS DRIVEWAY IN NESCONSET NY, I TURNED THE KEY PUT IN DRIVE, THE CAR REVVED, TOOK OFF AT FULL SPEED FINALLY HITTING A TREE. MULTIPLE INJURIES, TAKEN TO STONY BROOK MEDICAL CENTER. NINE WEEKS HOSPITAL AND REHAB. *TR

NHTSA ID 10692830 · filed Mar 8, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE SAW FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY EXIT THE VEHICLE AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT FILED STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL LINE AND IT LEAKED ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10575079 · filed Mar 27, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact's friend owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled down to the floorboard. The contact stated that her son inspected the vehicle and noticed that brake fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The contact's son added brake fluid to the vehicle; however, the brake fluid leaked out. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the subframe was severely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,148.

NHTSA ID 11596160 · filed Jun 24, 2024

WAS IN MY DAUGHTERS DRIVEWAY IN NESCONSET NY, I TURNED THE KEY PUT IN DRIVE, THE CAR REVVED, TOOK OFF AT FULL SPEED FINALLY HITTING A TREE. MULTIPLE INJURIES, TAKEN TO STONY BROOK MEDICAL CENTER. NINE WEEKS HOSPITAL AND REHAB. *TR

NHTSA ID 10692830 · filed Mar 8, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VISOR ON DRIVER SIDE BROKE WHILE DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO PUT IT DOWN TO BLOCK THE SUN. WHEN IT BROKE, IT DANGLED IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER AND BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VISION OF THE ROAD. FORTUNATELY, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO GRAB THE VISOR AND HOLD IT OUT OF THE WAY AND REGAIN SIGHT OF THE ROAD BEFORE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE SUPPORTING METAL ARM SEPARATED AT THE POINT WHERE THE WIRE FOR THE MIRROR LIGHT EXITS THE ARM. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN AND THE CASTING. *NLM

NHTSA ID 10010758 · filed Mar 19, 2003

THE SUN VISOR SNAPPED OFF WHILE BEING ADJUSTED. IT BROKE DUE TO METAL FATIGUE AT THE PLACE WHERE THE POWER CORD FOR THE VANITY MIRROR LIGHT EXITED THE SUPPORT SHAFT. THE STRESS CONCENTRATION CAUSED BY THIS EXIT HOLE GUARANTEES THAT THIS PART WILL FAIL. THIS COULD EASILY CAUSE FATAL ACCIDENTS IF IT HAPPENED AT HIGH SPEED.

NHTSA ID 728847 · filed Aug 23, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FAILURE OF DIMMER CONTROL FOR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SO INSTRUMENT LIGHTS FAILED. *JB

NHTSA ID 10183406 · filed Feb 24, 2007

WHILE DRIVING, THE ELECTRICAL DRIVER SEAT WOULD INADVERTENTLY MOVE BACK AND FORTH. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

NHTSA ID 10073354 · filed May 10, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS TRANSMISSION FAILED AND I PUT ANOTHER ONE IN AND IT FAILED WITHIN TWO DAYS. I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT EVERYONE IS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS. I THINK HONDA SHOULD REPLACE THESE PROBLEM TRANSMISSIONS WITH A RECALL. I DON'T HAVE $1,500 TO PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION EVERY DAY OR TWO. *TR

NHTSA ID 10586591 · filed May 5, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF AND IN PARK, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED BY APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT THE TUMBLERS TO FIND THE CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,400.

NHTSA ID 10493728 · filed Jan 22, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS INDICATING A PROBLEM, THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN FLUSHED SEVERAL TIMES, THE TORQUE CONVERTER HAS LOCKED UP DUE TO CLUTCH FAILURE.*JB

NHTSA ID 567075 · filed Aug 12, 2002

TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AT 55MPH. ABLE TO GET TO ROAD SHOULDER WITHOUT INJURY BUT THERE WAS DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER. CALLED GOODYEAR, THEY SAID THAT "NO GOODYEAR TIRES HAVE BEEN RECALLED. GOODYEAR SHOP GAVE PRO-RATED REPLACEMENT OF TIRE BUT SAID THAT THIS MODEL NO LONGER MANUFACTERED. BUMPER STILL NOT REPAIRED. AS PER NEWS MEDIA, GOODYEAR HAS A "SILENT RECALL " FOR CERTAIN 15INCH TIRES.IF SO,THEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR BUMPER DAMAGE.I AM ALSO CONCERNED IF REMAINING TIRES POSE A SAFETY HAZARD. *AK (DOT NUMBER: MKURHKUR09 TIRESIZE: P205/65R15)

NHTSA ID 735973 · filed Nov 8, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE HONDA DEALER HAS TAKEN GREAT CARE OF MY CAR UNTIL THIS EVENT. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT, BACKED UP AND BARELY HIT A POLE WITH THE REAR BUMPER. THEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE, AND THE CAR TOOK OFF AT FULL SPEED OUT OF CONTROL, BURNING RUBBER, EVEN THOUGH I WAS HITTING THE BRAKES, PUMPING THEM, TRYING TO STOP. I ONLY HAD TIME TO SWERVE TO AVOID A PARKED CAR, THEN WENT INTO A BRICK WALL AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE AIR BAGS WENT OFF. THE MPH IS AN APPROXIMATION BASED ON THE CARS DAMAGE SINCE I COULD NOT LOOK AT THE ODOMETER UNDER THESE EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES. I WAS ONLY SLIGHTLY INJURED, BUT I WILL HAVE TO SEE A CHIROPRACTOR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10423110 · filed Sep 2, 2011

VERY PRONE TO AN ACCIDENT AS CAR UNEXPECTEDLY LEAPS AHEAD. *AK

NHTSA ID 720930 · filed Apr 3, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

ON 4/01/2015 THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL OF MY 1998 HONDA ODYSSEY BROKE, CAUSING THAT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE TO THE GROUND. THE HALF-AXLE SEPARATED AND FELL OUT AND THE CAR ENDED UP WITH THE RIGHT FRONT FENDER RESTING ON THE TIRE WHICH HAD FLIPPED OUT AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE HOSE ALSO BURST UNDER THE STRESS AS THE CAR CAME TO A LITERAL GRINDING HALT. I HAD JUST HAD ALL UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON 9/23/22013 AT THE BRAKE CHECK SHOP ON AUSTIN HIGHWAY HERE IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. THEY TELL ME THE PARTS WERE DISTRIBUTED UNDER THE BRAND NAME DRIVEWORKS, AND SOLD BY ADVANCE AUTO PARTS. RIGHT NOW I AM HAVING THE CAR CHECKED OUT AND REPAIRED AT ANOTHER SHOP. WILL HAVE THEM SAVE THE DAMAGED BALL JOINT, WHICH I WILL BE HAPPY TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO YOU. JUST HAPPY ACCIDENT DID NOT OCCUR ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH IN FRONT OF AN 18-WHEELER.... *TR

NHTSA ID 10703979 · filed Apr 6, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .