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.

1998 Honda CR-V

▲ Better than typical

1998 Honda CR-V
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:48:41.318Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 128
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

1998: 128 complaints

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	962
2009	386
2010	481
2011	554
2012	402
2013	382
2014	587
2015	673
2016	394
2017	1,775
2018	2,156
2019	1,106
2020	368
2021	340
2022	273
2023	524
2024	393
2025	261
2026	172

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

30% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing switch and wiring.

FIRE

Show 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, 2004-11-18

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, 2018-05-13

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, 2018-02-21

Air bags

15% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURY

Show 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, 2004-09-28

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-05-13

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, 1999-05-11

Engine and engine cooling

7% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Power train

6% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).

Tires

5% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt.

CRASH

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1999-11-04Electrical system99V282000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2002-06-14Electrical system02V120000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-10-01Air bags20V026000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Honda CR-V — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 38 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 19 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 99V282000 · Electrical system
Recall 02V120000 · Electrical system
Recall 20V026000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.