1998 Honda CR-V Problems: 3 Known Issues
1998 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Honda CR-V has 3 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Worn Ignition Switch Contacts Can Stall the Engine (Recall 02V120000), Real Time 4WD Rear Differential Failure from Wrong/Stale Fluid ($60-$2,500 repair) and First-Generation CR-V (1997-2000) Driver Airbag Inflator Recall — NHTSA 20V026000. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $60 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 3 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls4 recalls
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
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, OPERATION OF A CRITICAL COMPONENT CAN BE LOST, INCLUDING WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, THE ANTI-LOCKING FUNCTION OF THE BRAKES, AND BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Honda CR-V problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Honda CR-V has 3 documented issues. Documented issues include: Worn Ignition Switch Contacts Can Stall the Engine (Recall 02V120000), Real Time 4WD Rear Differential Failure from Wrong/Stale Fluid, First-Generation CR-V (1997-2000) Driver Airbag Inflator Recall — NHTSA 20V026000. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Honda CR-V reliable?
The 1998 Honda CR-V has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Worn Ignition Switch Contacts Can Stall the Engine (Recall 02V120000) and Real Time 4WD Rear Differential Failure from Wrong/Stale Fluid and First-Generation CR-V (1997-2000) Driver Airbag Inflator Recall — NHTSA 20V026000. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Honda CR-V problems?
Repair costs for known Honda CR-V issues range from $60 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1997-1999 Honda CR-V Worn Ignition Switch Contacts Can Stall the Engine (Recall 02V120000)?
First-generation Honda CR-V models from 1997 through 1999 fall under NHTSA recall 02V120000. The defect is in the ignition switch itself: starting the vehicle sends high electrical current through the switch, and that current gradually degrades the internal electrical contacts. W… Severity: high.
What is the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V Real Time 4WD Rear Differential Failure from Wrong/Stale Fluid?
The first-gen CR-V's Real Time 4WD (RT4WD) uses a passive dual-pump rear differential. Two internal pumps generate pressure differentials when front and rear wheel speeds differ, engaging clutch packs to send torque rearward. The system REQUIRES Honda Dual Pump Fluid (DPSF / DPF-… Repairs typically run $60-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1997-2000 Honda CR-V First-Generation CR-V (1997-2000) Driver Airbag Inflator Recall — NHTSA 20V026000?
Every model year of the first-generation Honda CR-V from 1997 through 2000 is covered by NHTSA recall 20V026000. These CR-Vs were built with a Non-Azide Driver airbag Inflator (NADI) in the steering wheel. NADI inflators do not use phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propell… Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.