1998 Honda CR-V
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 128 |
| 1999 | 127 |
| 2000 | 129 |
| 2001 | 142 |
| 2002 | 515 |
| 2003 | 468 |
| 2004 | 501 |
| 2005 | 479 |
| 2006 | 398 |
| 2007 | 887 |
| 2008 | 961 |
| 2009 | 386 |
| 2010 | 480 |
| 2011 | 552 |
| 2012 | 402 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 587 |
| 2015 | 670 |
| 2016 | 392 |
| 2017 | 1762 |
| 2018 | 2135 |
| 2019 | 1095 |
| 2020 | 356 |
| 2021 | 330 |
| 2022 | 255 |
| 2023 | 519 |
| 2024 | 386 |
| 2025 | 246 |
| 2026 | 133 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
30% of complaints: electrical system — 38 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and wiring.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I RECENTLY READ THE PRESS REGARDING FIRES STARTING UNDERNEATH HONDA CRVS. LAST YEAR, FOLLOWING AN OIL CHANGE, I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND HEARD PEOPLE SCREAMING AT ME FROM THEIR CARS-THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER MY CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20041118
I SAW THIS HAS A RECALL, BUT WHEN I TYPED IN MY VIN INTO YOUR SYSTEM IT SAYS '0 RECALLS.' I HAVE ALL THE ISSUES HAPPENING FOR THIS RECALL AND I WAS WONDERING HOW TO PROCEED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180513
Also filed under VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHOM WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT SOLUTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180221
15% of complaints: air bags — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED 5 MINUTES LATER AFTER THE COLLISION HAPPENED AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040928
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
NHTSA ODI report, 19990513
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES DEPLOYMENT OF BOTH AIR BAGS WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. NO POTHOLE OR ANYTHING WAS HIT OR ROLLED OVER TO CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO HAPPEN.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990511
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
6% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).
5% of complaints: tires — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE 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. IF THIS OCCURS, OP
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A 70MM PROTECTIVE, CORRUGATED PLASTIC TUBE OVER THE WIRE HARNESS, IN THE AREA OF THE BRAKE STOP SWITCH. IF ANY WIRE OR WIRES ARE DAMAGED, THEY WILL BE REPAIRED.
Campaign 99V282000 — check if this car was fixed
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 VEHIC
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
Campaign 02V120000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 20V026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Honda CR-V — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V282000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V120000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V026000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Honda CR-V reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Honda CR-V is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Honda CR-V?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Honda CR-V have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.