CarComplaints.com Notes: The 1998 Honda Accord suffers from widespread transmission failure, peeling paint, & subframe rust. We recommend avoiding this model year like the plague.

The transmission begins slipping & eventually has to be replaced, typically soon after 100,000 miles & with a repair cost of over $2,000.

Peeling paint has also been a huge issue for these Accords. Most of the complaints are with darker paint colors -- especially green & blue.

Subframe rust near the front passenger side wheel has become a problem recently, due to the poorly positioned A/C drain hose directly above that area. Repair cost to the subframe is over $2,000.

2.2

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,683 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Honda Accord suspension problems

suspension problem

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1998 Honda Accord Owner Comments

problem #9

Sep 072009

Accord 4-cyl

  • 158,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1998 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an extremely loud noise while at traffic lights. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and inspected where it was determined that the front ball joints were loose. The contact was given an estimate of $339, no repairs have been made. The manufacturer stated that NHTSA campaign number: 99V069000, suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint were directly related to the failure; however, the VIN didn't qualify. The manufacturer offered no compensation. The failure mileage was 158,000. Updated 10/23/09 updated 10/27/09.

- West Linn, OR, USA

problem #8

Aug 122009

Accord

  • 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Honda Accord. While slowing down the vehicle at 10 mph, the front driver's side wheel failed and detached. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the front ball joint failed. The contact is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. A repair estimate has not yet been provided. The contact called the manufacturer and they stated that her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 99V069000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint); therefore, no compensation would be provided. The contact feels that the vehicle is unsafe and that it should be included in the recall. The failure mileage was 98,000.

- Bellvue, WA, USA

problem #7

Aug 152002

Accord

  • 70,000 miles
Right front ball joint collapsed -separated from suspension, luckily while entering a driveway, at slow speed - car became immobile. This recall exists as campaign #99V069000 for this year and model, but according to Honda, not for this car's VIN number. Leads me to think that this is more prevalent than at first thought.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #6

Jun 162008

Accord 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 154,112 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1998 Honda Accord. After placing fuel in the vehicle and shifting it into gear, the vehicle collapsed. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic's shop. The mechanic installed a temporary lower ball joint so that the contact could drive to a local dealer. Once at the dealer, the contact was informed that the ball joint separated from the frame. A recall related to the failure was found, but the dealer stated that the VIN was not included. The dealer repaired the ball joints on the passenger side of the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 154,112. Updated 07/29/08. Recall # 99V069000. The consumer also stated the transmission made a grinding noise when it was in gear. The transmission had a leak as well. Updated 07/29/08

- Lynchburg, VA, USA

problem #5

Oct 262003

Accord

  • 147,031 miles
While traveling 25 mph the front driver's side wheel separated from the axle (ball joint failure), causing sudden deceleration and steering lost. Also the ignition key was able to be turned to the off position and removed even though the transmission was not set to park. The consumer stated that Honda issued a recall for both problems that his vehicle experienced, however the consumer was told his vehicle was not included. (recalls 03V423000 & 99V069000)

- Dedham, MA, USA

problem #4

Jul 272003

Accord

  • miles
Consumer stated that they have the same problem as recall#99V06900, lower ball joint. Dealer will not repair because VIN# was not included.

- Springfield, VA, USA

problem #3

Jun 192002

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving ball joint broke and vehicle narrowly avoided a collision. Consumer discoverd there was a recall, 99V069, on the lower ball joint and requested reimbursment, however the request was denied, consumer was informed that the vehicle identification number did not apply to vehicle.

- Keasbey, NJ, USA

problem #2

Mar 172000

Accord

  • miles
While making a turn passenger's side lower ball joint fell out, causing vehicle to collapse. A recall has been issued on the vehicle's make and model. However, this vehicle was not included. Dealer will be notified.

- Linden, NJ, USA

problem #1

Feb 011999

Accord

  • miles
When driving at any speed and applying the brakes, pedal is very hard, and there isn't any power steering. Also some type of noise is coming from the vehicle due to lower ball joins wearing out..

- Newark, DE, USA

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