IllustrationTRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON 1998 HONDA ACCORD LX.*MR AT VERY LOW MILEAGE. THE COST OF REPAIRS WERE OVER $5000.00. *CB
1998 Honda Accord
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Accord years
Owner complaints for the 1998 Honda Accord are substantially higher than the model-year median of 356.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Accord years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
180–25K
3225–50K
7450–75K
11275–100K
141100–150K
114150K+
491 reports with mileage · 709 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 308 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 276 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 134 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
100 crash reports3 fire reports49 injury reports
Power Train complaints
276 reportsTHE CLUTCH ENGAGED AND WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF GEAR UNTIL VEHICLE DIED. BRAKES HAD TO BE APPLIED FIRMLY BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS MOVING ERRATICALLY. CONSUMER WENT INTO WEB SIDE, AND FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM SHE HAD AS STATED IN COMPLAINT #8013574, FILED ON JUNE 1, 2002. ALSO, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDENLY ACCELERATION.*AK
THE MAIN REASON TO BUY A HONDA IS BECAUSE OF ITS RELIABILITY, AND IF THESE CARS CAN'T EVEN REACH A 100,000 MILES, WHATS THE USE OF DOING ALL THE SERVICES ON TIME? ALL THE FLUIDS AND EVERYTHING WAS TAKEN CARE OF ON TIME AND STILL THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. WHAT'S THE WHOLE CONCEPT? ONE THOUSAND OF ITS QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS HAV…
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THE MAIN REASON TO BUY A HONDA IS BECAUSE OF ITS RELIABILITY, AND IF THESE CARS CAN'T EVEN REACH A 100,000 MILES, WHATS THE USE OF DOING ALL THE SERVICES ON TIME? ALL THE FLUIDS AND EVERYTHING WAS TAKEN CARE OF ON TIME AND STILL THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. WHAT'S THE WHOLE CONCEPT? ONE THOUSAND OF ITS QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS HAVE ENGINERED A MACHINE THAT CAN'T EVEN LAST 100,000 MILES. I'VE HEARD A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED ITS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM OF THEIR COUPE. I THINK IT'S TIME TO HAVE A RECALL. *LA
MASTER CYLINDER ON CLUTCH FAILED. HAD NO CLUTCH. IT TOOK HONDA A WEEK AND ME CALLING CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT AMERICAN HONDA TO LOCATE THE PART. THE CAR RENTAL WAS $315. CUSTOMER RELATIONS IS "PLAYING GAMES" WITH CUSTOMER REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR CAR RENTAL. THEY ARE NOT "USER FRIENDLY." I HAVE HAD TO RENT A CAR OR LOOSE TIME F…
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MASTER CYLINDER ON CLUTCH FAILED. HAD NO CLUTCH. IT TOOK HONDA A WEEK AND ME CALLING CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT AMERICAN HONDA TO LOCATE THE PART. THE CAR RENTAL WAS $315. CUSTOMER RELATIONS IS "PLAYING GAMES" WITH CUSTOMER REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR CAR RENTAL. THEY ARE NOT "USER FRIENDLY." I HAVE HAD TO RENT A CAR OR LOOSE TIME FROM WORK MANY TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS CAR. HONDA IS NOT RESPONSIVE TO THESE PROBLEMS. *JB
THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE DEALER CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION FLUIDS. TWO WEEKS LATER TRANSMISSIONS WAS NOT WORKING. *AK
CLUTCH FAILURE ON 1998 HONDA ACCORD-REPLACEMENT PART (CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER) ON EMERGENCY NATIONAL BACKORDER. TOLD THAT HONDA HAD EXPERIENCED "PROBLEMS" WITH THIS PART. ARE THERE NOT ENOUGH TO HANDLE NATIONWIDE DEMAND?*AK
I HAVE A 1998 ACCORD EX, ONLY 75000 MILES. AT FIRST I HEARD NOICES UNDER THE VEHICLE AT LOW SPEED. LATER I NOTICE MY TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKS AND THEN THE NOICE GOT LOUDER. THE GEAR SEEMS TO SLIP AND NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY WHEN ACCELLERATING AND DECELERATING, THIS OCCURRED MORE ESPECIALLY AT COLD START. I THEN BROUGHT THE CAR TO …
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I HAVE A 1998 ACCORD EX, ONLY 75000 MILES. AT FIRST I HEARD NOICES UNDER THE VEHICLE AT LOW SPEED. LATER I NOTICE MY TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKS AND THEN THE NOICE GOT LOUDER. THE GEAR SEEMS TO SLIP AND NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY WHEN ACCELLERATING AND DECELERATING, THIS OCCURRED MORE ESPECIALLY AT COLD START. I THEN BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY FAMILY MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE MY TRANSMISSION NEED TO BE REBUILT, THAT I HAVE A BROKEN BEARING WHICH CAUSED THE FLUID TO LEAK AND MAKING ALL THE NOICES. LATER HE TOLD ME THAT ONE OF THE SOLENOID SHIFT VALVE WAS BAD IN WHICH CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT OUT OF THE ORDINARY AND WOULD NOT SHIFT UP AND DOWN AT LOW GEAR PER ENGINE ROTATIONAL SPEED (RPM). HE TOLD ME THAT IF I HAD DRIVEN THIS VEHICLE LONGER IT WOULD COST ME A FORTUNE TO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. IF THIS IS THE PROBLEM WITH HONDA, WHY IT'S NOT RESOLVING THIS ISSUE WITH A RECALL. I AM SO SKEPTICAL OF BUYING ANOTHER HONDA VEHICLE. MY LAST 1993 TOYOTA 4RUNNER DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEM AT 189,000 MILES. IF YALL OUT THERE KNOW ANY INFO, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANKS. *AK
98 HONDA ACCORD, TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE AND TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE SEALS ARE DAMAGED BECAUSE THE INTERNAL CV JOINT BEARING IS DAMAGED, CAUSING METAL TO RUIN TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY. ESTIMATE TO REPAIR$5,000. I CALLED AMERICAN HONDA AND I WAS TOLD TO" ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY CAR". THE CAR STARTED …
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98 HONDA ACCORD, TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE AND TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE SEALS ARE DAMAGED BECAUSE THE INTERNAL CV JOINT BEARING IS DAMAGED, CAUSING METAL TO RUIN TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY. ESTIMATE TO REPAIR$5,000. I CALLED AMERICAN HONDA AND I WAS TOLD TO" ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY CAR". THE CAR STARTED ACTING UP AT 103,000 MILES. I CURRENTLY HAVE 110,000 AND HOPE IT WILL LAST LONG ENOUGH TO SCRAPE UP THE MONEY TO BUY SOMETHING ELSE. NOTE PLEASED WITH THE ATITUDE OF ANY REPRESENTATIVE OF HONDA. *AK
I HAVE A 1998 HONDA ACCORD 4DR EX THAT IS HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT SEEM TO DRIVE FORWARD. WHEN IT DOES GO FORWARD, SEEMS LIKE THE VEHICLE IS HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING GEAR. THE RPMS GOES UP ABOUT 5000 AND THE CAR DOES NOT SEEM TO MOVE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, IT WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG…
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I HAVE A 1998 HONDA ACCORD 4DR EX THAT IS HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT SEEM TO DRIVE FORWARD. WHEN IT DOES GO FORWARD, SEEMS LIKE THE VEHICLE IS HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING GEAR. THE RPMS GOES UP ABOUT 5000 AND THE CAR DOES NOT SEEM TO MOVE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, IT WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER. IS THERE ANY RECALL REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER?*AK
THIS COMPLAINT IS SIMILAR TO INVESTIGATION NUMBER PE 03-014. MY WIFE'S 1998 HONDA ACCORD (4 CYLINDER WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) ROLLED AWAY FROM THE SPOT WHERE SHE HAD PARKED IT. APPARENTLY SHE HAD LEFT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE, BUT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. WHEN SHE RETURNED FROM HER ERRAND, THE CAR WAS NO …
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THIS COMPLAINT IS SIMILAR TO INVESTIGATION NUMBER PE 03-014. MY WIFE'S 1998 HONDA ACCORD (4 CYLINDER WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) ROLLED AWAY FROM THE SPOT WHERE SHE HAD PARKED IT. APPARENTLY SHE HAD LEFT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE, BUT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. WHEN SHE RETURNED FROM HER ERRAND, THE CAR WAS NO LONGER IN THE PARKING SPOT WHERE SHE HAD LEFT IT. THE CAR HAD ROLLED ABOUT 75 FEET AWAY, SOMEHOW MANAGING TO MISS SEVERAL OTHER CARS IN THE PARKING LOT. THANKFULLY, SHE AND OUR BABY WEREN'T HALFWAY OUT THE CAR DOOR WHEN THE CAR ROLLED AWAY. I VERIFIED THAT THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED WITH THE SHIFTER IN DRIVE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE HONDA DEALER HERE IN COLORADO SPRINGS, AND THEY INDICATED THAT THERE MAY BE A MECHANICAL PROBLEM IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, BUT THAT IT ISN'T COVERED BY A WARRANTY OR RECALL. THEY ALSO SAID IT WOULD BE PRETTY EXPENSIVE TO FIX SINCE THE ELECTRICAL PART OF THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE MECHANICAL PART AND THE ELECTRICAL PART OF THE SWITCH HAS AN ANTI-THEFT FEATURE THAT READS A COMPUTER CHIP IN THE KEY AND THAT THE SYSTEM WOULD HAVE TO BE REPROGRAMMED (INCLUDING THE REMOTE CONTROLS FOR THE DOORS...). THE CAR HAD ABOUT 60,000 MILES ON IT WHEN WE FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM. WE DON'T RECALL THE EXACT DATE OF WHEN IT HAPPENED, BUT IT WAS DURING THE SUMMER OF 2002 WHEN WE FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS ISSUE. MICHAEL BRADY (719) 668-4068. *AK
Official recalls
620V026000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jan 17, 2020
Honda (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 Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
03V423000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch
Oct 27, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO "PARK."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT SHIFT TO "PARK" BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT DETERMINES THE AMOUNT OF CYLINDER BODY WEAR. IF SIGNIFICANT WEAR IS INDICATED, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CYLINDER BODY, COLLAR, AND LATCH PLATE. IF NO SIGNS OF WEAR ARE INDICATED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LATCH PLATE WITH A REDESIGNED PART. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
02V120000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch
May 16, 2002
ON 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
99V069000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
May 10, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.
98V018000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch
Feb 10, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES (HONDA ACCORD SEDANS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 18, 1997 TO JANUARY 10, 1998; COUPES MANUFACTURED DECEMBER 11, DECEMBER 15, 1997, AND JANUARY 5, 1998; ACURA 2.3CL MANUFACTURED OCTOBER 22, 1997 THROUGH JANUARY 7, 1998). DURING MANUFACTURING, THE CASTING DIE CAUSED AN IRREGULARITY IN THE RIGHT-SIDE TRANSMISSION COVER. THIS IRREGULARITY CAN LIMIT THE MOVEMENT OF THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATION LEVEL AND PREVENT ADEQUATE ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARKING GEAR PAWL. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN AN INCLINE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS LOCKED IN "PARK," INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COLLAR ON THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL TO ENSURE PROPER MOVEMENT OF THE ACTUATION LEVER.
97V220000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage
Dec 16, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MOUNTING BRACKET WAS IMPROPERLY WELDED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE BRACKET TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE BODY IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THESE VEHICLES.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3EA03017 · IGNITION-PARK Interlock
Opened Sep 9, 2003 · Closed Dec 17, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition:switch; Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
SIX OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ARE DUPLICATIVE OF HONDA COMPLAINTS, AS WELL AS FOUR OF THE CRASHES.THE ONE INJURY OCCURRED WHEN A ROLLAWAY VEHICLE STRUCK THE EXITING OPERATOR WHO HAD INADVERTENTLY PARKED THE VEHICLE IN AN UNSECURED STATE (NOT IN PARK, BRAKE NOT ENGAGED).HONDA IDENTIFIED THE WARRANTY CLAIMS FROM COMPLAINT DESCRIPTIONS THAT CONTENDED THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY.HONDA PRESENTED THE RESULTS OF THEIR INVESTIGATION INTO INTERLOCK SYSTEM FAILURES AT AN OCTOBER 16, 2003 MEETING WITH ODI IN WHICH HONDA IDENTIFIED A SUPPLIER AND AN ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION CHANGE FOR THE IGNITION CYLINDER BODY (CB), A SUBCOMPONENT OF THE IGNITION LOCK ASSEMBLY.RESULTS FROM HONDA?S ANALYSIS DEMONSTRATED A STRONG CORRELATION BETWEEN THE PRODUCTION DATE RANGE OF VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCED HIGHER INTERLOCK WARRANTY CLAIM RATES AND THE IMPLEMENTATION DATES OF THE CHANGES.AN ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION FOR A SURFACE TREATMENT PROCESS FOR THE CB WAS ELIMINATED AT THE BEGINNING OF MY 1998.THE SUPPLIER OF THE CB WAS CHANGED IN FEBRUARY 1999.VEHICLES BUILT WITHIN THIS TIME PERIOD CONTAIN A CB WITH POOR SURFACE HARDNESS THAT CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.AS THE WEAR PROGRESSES, THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM BECOMES INCAPABLE OF PREVENTING KEY REMOVAL WHEN THE SHIFTER IS IN A NON-PARK POSITION.INTERLOCK FAILURE INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ROLLAWAY AND SUBSEQUENT CRASH OR INJURY WHEN VEHICLES ARE PARKED UNSECURED.HONDA ACCORD VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THIS CHANGE INCLUDE MY 1998 AND MY 1999 THROUGH FEBRUARY 1999 PRODUCTION.VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THIS DATE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION AND THUS ARE NOT CONSIDERED AT RISK FOR FAILURE.ODI NOTES THAT 12 OF THE 13 VOQ REPORTS FALL WITHIN THIS PRODUCTION RANGE (THE 13TH DOES NOT HAVE A VIN AND CANNOT BE VERIFIED).THE ABOVE POPULATION REPRESENTS THE NUMBER OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES TO BE RECALLED.HONDA ALSO REPORTED THAT CERTAIN ODYSSEY AND ACURA CL AND TL MODELS WERE AFFECTED AND WOULD ALSO BE RECALLED.A TOTAL OF 570,120 VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED.UNDER RECALL 03V-423, HONDA WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND REPLACE COMPONENTS (INCLUDING THE CB) ON VEHICLES WITH EXCESSIVE WEAR.VEHICLES NOT SHOWING WEAR WILL HAVE A REDESIGNED PART INSTALLED WHICH PREVENTS WEAR.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:ignition:switch
SIX OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ARE DUPLICATIVE OF HONDA COMPLAINTS, AS WELL AS FOUR OF THE CRASHES.THE ONE INJURY OCCURRED WHEN A ROLLAWAY VEHICLE STRUCK THE EXITING OPERATOR WHO HAD INADVERTENTLY PARKED THE VEHICLE IN AN UNSECURED STATE (NOT IN PARK, BRAKE NOT ENGAGED).HONDA IDENTIFIED THE WARRANTY CLAIMS FROM COMPLAINT DESCRIPTIONS THAT CONTENDED THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY.HONDA PRESENTED THE RESULTS OF THEIR INVESTIGATION INTO INTERLOCK SYSTEM FAILURES AT AN OCTOBER 16, 2003 MEETING WITH ODI IN WHICH HONDA IDENTIFIED A SUPPLIER AND AN ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION CHANGE FOR THE IGNITION CYLINDER BODY (CB), A SUBCOMPONENT OF THE IGNITION LOCK ASSEMBLY.RESULTS FROM HONDA?S ANALYSIS DEMONSTRATED A STRONG CORRELATION BETWEEN THE PRODUCTION DATE RANGE OF VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCED HIGHER INTERLOCK WARRANTY CLAIM RATES AND THE IMPLEMENTATION DATES OF THE CHANGES.AN ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION FOR A SURFACE TREATMENT PROCESS FOR THE CB WAS ELIMINATED AT THE BEGINNING OF MY 1998.THE SUPPLIER OF THE CB WAS CHANGED IN FEBRUARY 1999.VEHICLES BUILT WITHIN THIS TIME PERIOD CONTAIN A CB WITH POOR SURFACE HARDNESS THAT CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.AS THE WEAR PROGRESSES, THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM BECOMES INCAPABLE OF PREVENTING KEY REMOVAL WHEN THE SHIFTER IS IN A NON-PARK POSITION.INTERLOCK FAILURE INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ROLLAWAY AND SUBSEQUENT CRASH OR INJURY WHEN VEHICLES ARE PARKED UNSECURED.HONDA ACCORD VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THIS CHANGE INCLUDE MY 1998 AND MY 1999 THROUGH FEBRUARY 1999 PRODUCTION.VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THIS DATE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION AND THUS ARE NOT CONSIDERED AT RISK FOR FAILURE.ODI NOTES THAT 12 OF THE 13 VOQ REPORTS FALL WITHIN THIS PRODUCTION RANGE (THE 13TH DOES NOT HAVE A VIN AND CANNOT BE VERIFIED).THE ABOVE POPULATION REPRESENTS THE NUMBER OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES TO BE RECALLED.HONDA ALSO REPORTED THAT CERTAIN ODYSSEY AND ACURA CL AND TL MODELS WERE AFFECTED AND WOULD ALSO BE RECALLED.A TOTAL OF 570,120 VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED.UNDER RECALL 03V-423, HONDA WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND REPLACE COMPONENTS (INCLUDING THE CB) ON VEHICLES WITH EXCESSIVE WEAR.VEHICLES NOT SHOWING WEAR WILL HAVE A REDESIGNED PART INSTALLED WHICH PREVENTS WEAR.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
SIX OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ARE DUPLICATIVE OF HONDA COMPLAINTS, AS WELL AS FOUR OF THE CRASHES.THE ONE INJURY OCCURRED WHEN A ROLLAWAY VEHICLE STRUCK THE EXITING OPERATOR WHO HAD INADVERTENTLY PARKED THE VEHICLE IN AN UNSECURED STATE (NOT IN PARK, BRAKE NOT ENGAGED).HONDA IDENTIFIED THE WARRANTY CLAIMS FROM COMPLAINT DESCRIPTIONS THAT CONTENDED THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY.HONDA PRESENTED THE RESULTS OF THEIR INVESTIGATION INTO INTERLOCK SYSTEM FAILURES AT AN OCTOBER 16, 2003 MEETING WITH ODI IN WHICH HONDA IDENTIFIED A SUPPLIER AND AN ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION CHANGE FOR THE IGNITION CYLINDER BODY (CB), A SUBCOMPONENT OF THE IGNITION LOCK ASSEMBLY.RESULTS FROM HONDA?S ANALYSIS DEMONSTRATED A STRONG CORRELATION BETWEEN THE PRODUCTION DATE RANGE OF VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCED HIGHER INTERLOCK WARRANTY CLAIM RATES AND THE IMPLEMENTATION DATES OF THE CHANGES.AN ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION FOR A SURFACE TREATMENT PROCESS FOR THE CB WAS ELIMINATED AT THE BEGINNING OF MY 1998.THE SUPPLIER OF THE CB WAS CHANGED IN FEBRUARY 1999.VEHICLES BUILT WITHIN THIS TIME PERIOD CONTAIN A CB WITH POOR SURFACE HARDNESS THAT CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.AS THE WEAR PROGRESSES, THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM BECOMES INCAPABLE OF PREVENTING KEY REMOVAL WHEN THE SHIFTER IS IN A NON-PARK POSITION.INTERLOCK FAILURE INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ROLLAWAY AND SUBSEQUENT CRASH OR INJURY WHEN VEHICLES ARE PARKED UNSECURED.HONDA ACCORD VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THIS CHANGE INCLUDE MY 1998 AND MY 1999 THROUGH FEBRUARY 1999 PRODUCTION.VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THIS DATE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION AND THUS ARE NOT CONSIDERED AT RISK FOR FAILURE.ODI NOTES THAT 12 OF THE 13 VOQ REPORTS FALL WITHIN THIS PRODUCTION RANGE (THE 13TH DOES NOT HAVE A VIN AND CANNOT BE VERIFIED).THE ABOVE POPULATION REPRESENTS THE NUMBER OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES TO BE RECALLED.HONDA ALSO REPORTED THAT CERTAIN ODYSSEY AND ACURA CL AND TL MODELS WERE AFFECTED AND WOULD ALSO BE RECALLED.A TOTAL OF 570,120 VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED.UNDER RECALL 03V-423, HONDA WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND REPLACE COMPONENTS (INCLUDING THE CB) ON VEHICLES WITH EXCESSIVE WEAR.VEHICLES NOT SHOWING WEAR WILL HAVE A REDESIGNED PART INSTALLED WHICH PREVENTS WEAR.
PE03014 · IGNITION-PARK Interlock System
Opened Apr 15, 2003 · Closed Sep 5, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
SIX OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ARE DUPLICATIVE OF THE MANUFACTURER COMPLAINTS, AS WELL AS FOUR OF THE CRASHES.THE NOTED INJURY OCCURRED WHEN A ROLLAWAY VEHICLE THAT HAD BEEN INADVERTENTLY PARKED IN NEUTRAL STRUCK THE EXITING OPERATOR.THE WARRANTY CLAIM COUNT SHOWN FOR OTHER REPRESENTS INCIDENTS WHERE HONDA'S ANALYSIS OF CLAIM DETAIL INDICATES THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM UTILIZES A LEVER TO BLOCK IGNITION KEY REMOVAL WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN PARK.HONDA HAS IDENTIFIED A WEAR CONDITION OF THE INTERLOCK LEVER THAT CAN CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION; WHEN WEAR OCCURS THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE SHIFTER IS IN A NON-PARK POSITION.HONDA DOCUMENTS INDICATE THAT A MANUFACTURING PROCESS MAY BE THE CAUSE OF INTERLOCK LEVER WEAR, AND THAT THIS PROCESS WAS REVISED IN JANUARY OF 2001.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS WILL BE OPENED TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS CONCERN AND ITS SCOPE.
PE02072 · Seat Frame Bracket Failure
Opened Oct 2, 2002 · Closed Mar 28, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats
THIS PE WAS OPENED BASED ON 10 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS IN THE ODI DATABASE ALLEGING THAT THE POWER ASSISTED SEATS WERE FAILING IN CERTAIN 1998-2002 HONDA ACCORD VEHICLES.FAILURES ARE CONCENTRATED IN THE 1998-99 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES.THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT BOTTOM TO THE SEAT BASE IS FRACTURING DUE TO: 1-THE WELD CONDITION OF BRACKET, 2-THE DRIVERS WEIGHT, AND 3-THE IMPACT ON THE SEAT WHEN THE DRIVER ENTERS THE VEHICLE AND SITS DOWN.OVER TIME THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT MAY FAIL AT THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE SEAT BOTTOM.THE OTHER 3 POINTS OF ATTACHMENT OF THE SEAT BOTTOM TO THE SEAT BASE STAY ATTACHED AND THE SEAT MOVEMENT IS LIMITED.THE ATTACHMENT OF THE SEAT BOTTOM TO THE SEAT BACK DOES NOT FAIL.THE CONDITION IS MOST APPARENT DURING RAPID ACCELERATION CAUSING THE SEAT TO TILT REARWARD.ALTHOUGH A FEW COMPLAINTS REPORT CONCERN OVER LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, NO LOSS OF CONTROL INCIDENTS, CRASHES OR INJURIES ARE REPORTED.IN RESPONSE TO CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS, HONDA WILL PROVIDE OWNERS OF 1998 AND SOME 1999 ACCORDS A NO-COST REINFORCEMENT FOR THE SEAT AT THE LEFT FRONT CORNER.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.