1998 Honda Odyssey problems
The 1998 Honda Odyssey has 89 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (39%) concerns electrical system. After that come transmission (15%) and brakes (10%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 89 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Electrical system 39% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 4 and 4
- Injuries and deaths
- 6 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 156,000 miles 34 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 2 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 1 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 5 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 3 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 3 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 10 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 3 |
| 200k+ miles | 4 |
What the data shows
Among the 34 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 156,000 miles. For electrical system specifically, the median reported mileage is about 164,000 miles (14 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 4 complaints mention a crash; 4 complaints mention a fire; 6 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1998 ranks 29th most-complained-about out of 31 model years of the Honda Odyssey with enough data (38 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 3 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
The vehicle was impacted on the front left side. Both front air bags deployed, however the drivers side air bag did not inflate. *nar nar *jls
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.
Transmission replaced at 90k miles. Have read that many '98 honda odyssey's had transmission problems and many were replaced instead of simple repair. They replaced mine and refused to recall or assist with repairs.
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.