Vehicles / Honda / CR-V / 1998

1998 Honda CR-V

128 federal complaints (136 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 73 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 30 model years of the Honda CR-V →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
19 city / 23 hwy
Federal complaints
128
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Electrical system
38
Air bags
19
Engine & cooling
15
Power train
8
Tires
7
Brakes
7
Steering
6
Suspension
5
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 10 complaints01 years old: 6 complaints2 years old: 6 complaints3 years old: 4 complaints4 years old: 12 complaints5 years old: 8 complaints56 years old: 5 complaints7 years old: 3 complaints8 years old: 4 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 5 complaints1011 years old: 4 complaints12 years old: 5 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 3 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 4 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 3 complaints19 years old: 4 complaints20+ years old: 14 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 103 of 128 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 1 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 2 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 7 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 1 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 2 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 5 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 8 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 1 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 6 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 3 complaints200,000+ miles: 3 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 39 of 128 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Electrical system

38 complaint records1 fire report
"CONSUMER STATES THAT AFTER DEALERSHIP REMOVE ALARM SYSTEM TO HAVE RECALL DONE, THEY CHARGED TO HAVE ALARM RECONNECTED. TS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Air bags

19 complaint records7 crash reports
"WHILE VEHICLE WAS GOING ABOUT 15-20 MPH AIRBAG DEPLOYED, DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, WENT OFF ROAD AND THE SUV TURNED OVER ON ITS SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

15 complaint records1 crash report
"CONSUMER STATES ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES, AND VEHICLE IS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE AND JERKING WHILE DRIVING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, DEALER REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
20V026000Air BagsHonda (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...Normally free
02V120000Electrical SystemON 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.Normally free
99V282000Electrical SystemVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN IMPROPERLY ROUTED UNDER DASH WIRE HARNESS COULD BE DAMAGED BY CONTACT WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A BLOWN FUSE.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2020014
2020-01-17
Airbag178,835Issue: On certain vehicles, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash.
2002096
2002-05-24
Electrical188,463On certain vehicles electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.
1999212
1999-11-15
Electrical13,710On certain vehicles, the routing of the under-dash wire harness may allow some wires to contact or rub against the brake light switch. Eventually, the insulation on one of the wires may be damaged causing a short circuit and a blown fuse.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
DORE5C4S09
Jul 2019
SuspensionThis SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the outer diameter of the ball joint housing being too small.
SB-99-075
Aug 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingHONDA: TROUBLESHOOTING OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P1456 AND P1457. DEALERS ARE TO RUN EVAP FUNCTION TEST TO FIND IF THERE IS A LEAK SO THE VEHICLE CAN BE REPAIRED. *KB
07012005
Jul 2005
Electrical SystemSPEEDOMETER SHOPS CAN TRANSFER ODOMETER MILEAGE. HONDA SERVICE NEWS. *TT
405
Apr 2005
Electrical SystemTRANSFERRING ODOMETER MILEAGE AT ODOMETER R&R. *TT
05006
Feb 2005
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1298 IS STORED IN THE ECM/PCM. *TT
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
07012004
Jul 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPOOR A/C COOLING DURING HARD ACCELERATION. *EH
06012004
Jun 2004
Power TrainREAR DIFFERENTIAL MOANS MOANS WITH BRAKES APPLIED AT LOW SPEED. (4WD) *SC
104
May 2004
SuspensionDIFFERENTIAL MOAN WHEN BRAKING AT LOW SPEED. (4WD) *SC
05012004
May 2004
EquipmentAUDIO UNIT AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM ANTI-THEFT CODES AVAILABLE ON INTERACTIVE NETWORK. *NM
404
Apr 2004
EquipmentAUDIO, ANTI-THEFT CODES. HONDA. TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT
04012004
Apr 2004
Air BagsSRS INDICATOR ON AFTER BODY SHOP REPAIR. CHECK FOR SRS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. HONDA SERVICENEWS. APRIL 2004. *TT
204
Feb 2004
Power Train2ND TO 5TH OR 3RD TO 5TH GEAR UPSHIFT. *NM
012012003
Dec 2003
Power TrainATF (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID) LEAKS FROM COOLER LINE BANJO BOLT. *SC
11012003
Nov 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingHEATER BLOWER MOTOR GETS HOT OR BLOWS A FUSE. HONDA. SERVICENEWS. *TT
03078
Oct 2003
Service BrakesBRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR COMES ON AND GOES OFF. *TT
1003
Oct 2003
Service BrakesTESTING BRAKE FLUID FOR PETROLEUM CONTAMINATION. THIS INCLUDES 2004 INSIGHT AND S2000. *TT
903
Sep 2003
Power TrainHARD TO ENGAGE 1ST GEAR, GRINDS INTO REVERSE. TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT
090103
Sep 2003
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (A/T) WHINE? MAKE SURE IT'S THE A/T BEFORE REPLACING IT. HONDA SERVICENEWS. *TT
9971
Jun 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingCOOLANT IN THE ENGINE OIL PAN. *TT
060103
Jun 2003
Power TrainGRADE LOGIC CONTROL INFORMATION. *TT
303
Mar 2003
Electrical SystemTROUBLESHOOTING INTERMITTENT ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (ABS) OR TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. *TT
03001
Jan 2003
Fuel SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1457 - EVAP BYPASS SOLENOID VALVE FAILURE. *TT
010103
Jan 2003
Unknown Or OtherSEARCHING ISIS FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE INFORMATION. *TT *JB
120102
Dec 2002
Air BagsSRS INDICATOR COMES ON AFTER BODY SHOP REPAIR. *TT *JB
1102
Nov 2002
Service BrakesANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) OR TCS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) 51 AND/OR 53 TROUBLESHOOTING. HONDA TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT
110102
Nov 2002
Service BrakesANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) GRUNTS WHEN DOING A SELF-CHECK. *TT
1002
Oct 2002
Service BrakesGRUNT NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER SITTING. HONDA OCTOBER TECH LINE INFORMATION. 2002 PRELUDE ALSO INCLUDED. *TT
100102
Oct 2002
VisibilityBUFFETING NOISE WITH REAR WINDOW(S) OPEN IS NORMAL. HONDA SERVICENEWS. *TT
010902
Sep 2002
Air BagsINFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING SRS INDICATOR THAT IS ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES 3-2 AND 4-2 SET. *TT
802
Aug 2002
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING D4, D LIGHT DIM ON ACCELERATION CONDITION. *TT
107
Jul 2002
Electrical SystemINFORMATION ON SERVICING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 3-2 AND 4-2. *TT
402
Apr 2002
Fuel SystemINFORMATION CONCERNING EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM FUNCTION TEST ERROR MESSAGE. *TT
A020016
Apr 2002
Power TrainPARTS INFORMATION BULLETIN REGARDING NOISE FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *TT
010402
Apr 2002
Fuel SystemINFORMATION ON TESTING FOR INTERAL LEAKS WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1456 OR P1457. *TT
5905
Feb 2002
SuspensionCUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A TWANG NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION THAT SOUNDS LIKE A SPRING CONTACT. *SLC
A02001
Jan 2002
Power TrainSUBJECT REGRDING CLUTCH KIT. *TT
01101
Dec 2001
Power TrainCUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENTLY WHILE SELECTING ANY GEAR WITH THE CLUTCH PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED TO BE DIFFICULT. *SLC
01079
Oct 2001
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING NOISE FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *JG
011001
Oct 2001
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING POWER DOOR LOCKS CYCLE. *YD
901
Sep 2001
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING POWER DOOR LOCKS CYCLE. *JB
010901
Sep 2001
StructureINFORMATION REGARDING WATER LEAKAGE DURING A CAR WASH. *YH
01069
Aug 2001
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING WARRANTY EXTENSION CR V AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *ET
010701
Jul 2001
Seat BeltsINFORMATION ON: WHICH MODELS HAVE SEAT BELT TENSIONERS. *ET
01052
Jun 2001
Fuel SystemSUBJECT REGARDING LOW FUEL WARNING INDICATOR NOT COMING ON. *ET
00012
Jun 2001
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING HARSH SHIFTING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *ET
010601
Jun 2001
Child SeatINFORMATION ON INSTALLING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
01019
Mar 2001
Power TrainSERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING CRUISE CONTROL SURGE, ERRATIC SPEEDOMETER, OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0501 (VEHICLE SPPED SENSOR MALFUNCTION) STORED. *TT
010201
Feb 2001
Fuel SystemON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR DOESN'T COME ON AT ALL OR IT DOESN'T COME ON AT THE FUEL LEVEL WHERE IT USED TO COME ON. *TT
010101
Jan 2001
TiresINFORMATION REGARDING INSTALLING THE CORRECT TIRE CHAIN DESIGN AND BRANDS THAT WILL FIT CERTAIN SUVS. *RC
161000
Oct 2000
Power TrainINFORMATION REGARDING DUAL PUMP FLUID. *TT
011000
Oct 2000
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING TRANSFER CASE DIFFERENCES. *TT
041000
Apr 2000
StructureINFORMATION REGARDING CORRUGATED TUBING. *MR
00002
Jan 2000
StructureSOME VEHICLES WITH THE ACCESSORY CARGO COVER MAY BE MISSING THE END CAPS ON THE ACCESSORY CARGO COVER FLEXIBLE RODS. *TT
000101
Jan 2000
StructureEXPERIENCING POPS WHEN THE BODY TWISTS OR SHAKES FROM HAVING DRY TAILGATE HINGES. *TT
010999
Sep 1999
Electrical SystemINFORMATION ON SECURITY SYSTEM TRIPPED SENSOR FEATURE. *TT
99058
Jul 1999
SeatsSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAKING OR CRUNCHING NOISE FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK WHEN THE DRIVER MOVES IN THE SEAT ON VEHICLES WITHIN VIN JHLRD2 ... XC014783 AND VIN JHLRD1 ... XC093385. *TT
98041
Jul 1999
Service BrakesSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ABS LIGHT ON, WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 15 OR 17 (WHEEL SENSOR OPEN OR SHORTED) OR BOTH ARE STORED. *TT
060199
Jun 1999
StructureINFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING BODY OR CHASSIS NOISE FROM REAR. *TT
99031
Apr 1999
StructureCUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN ABOUT STAINS OR SPOTS ON THE GRILLE. *TT
98050
Mar 1999
SuspensionVEHICLES UP TO VIN JHLRD_XC_ MAY EXHIBIT CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS. *TT

Showing 60 of 73 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  2. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Honda CR-V →