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Honda · Known Issues

1998 Honda Odyssey Problems: 2 Known Issues

1998 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Honda Odyssey has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are 1998-2000 Odyssey NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall (NHTSA 20V026000) and Ignition Switch Electrical Contact Degradation — Stall Risk (Recall 02V120000). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Odyssey Safety/Recalls1
  • Odyssey Electrical1
  • Recalls13
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Electrical1
  • Recalls13
  • FAQ

All 2 Known Issues

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On the 1998-2000 Honda Odyssey, the 1998, 1999 and 2000 Honda Odyssey is included in NHTSA recall 20V026000. The driver frontal airbag in these minivans uses a Non-Azide Driver airbag Inflator (NADI), which contains no phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant — a different design, and a different recall, from the PSAN inflator campaigns. Because of a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator can absorb moisture. In a crash that deploys the driver airbag, the inflator may rupture and throw metal fragments toward the driver or other people in the van, or the cushion may underinflate and fail to protect the driver as it should. NHTSA states that both scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death. Worth noting for a family vehicle: the recall record specifically describes fragments striking the driver or other occupants, so the hazard is not confined to the driver's seat. Campaign-wide, the filing covers 1,439,841 vehicles across all affected Honda, Acura and Isuzu models.

How to Fix

The remedy is free at a Honda dealer: they inspect the driver frontal airbag inflator and replace it with an inflator of a different design if it needs it. The recall started October 1, 2020. Check your van's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the repair is still open — mailed owner notices rarely follow a 20-plus-year-old vehicle through its owners. American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center is at 1-888-234-2138.

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 1997-1999 Honda Odyssey, nHTSA recall 02V120000 includes the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Honda Odyssey. Each engine start pushes a high electrical current through the ignition switch, and that current can degrade the switch's electrical contacts over the life of the van. If the contacts wear enough, the engine can stall without warning while the Odyssey is in motion — a serious concern in a vehicle typically carrying passengers. NHTSA reports about 1,000,000 units for the entire campaign, a figure that spans all the Honda and Acura sedans, coupes, hatchbacks and SUVs involved rather than the Odyssey specifically.

Common Symptoms

  • Engine stalls without warning during driving
  • Unexpected loss of engine power

How to Fix

Honda dealers replace the ignition switch at no cost under this recall. Owner notification began June 14, 2002; if your first-generation Odyssey was bought used or you have no service records showing the switch was changed, look the VIN up at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the campaign is still outstanding, then book the free repair at an authorized Honda dealer. Should the dealer schedule the work and then fail to deliver the free remedy in a reasonable time, Honda can be contacted at 1-800-999-1009.

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NHTSA Recalls13 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.

Campaign #20V02600017/01/2020

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.

Campaign #20V02700017/01/2020
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Other Honda Models

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Odyssey problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Honda Odyssey has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 1998-2000 Odyssey NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall (NHTSA 20V026000), Ignition Switch Electrical Contact Degradation — Stall Risk (Recall 02V120000). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Honda Odyssey reliable?

The 1998 Honda Odyssey has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 1998-2000 Odyssey NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall (NHTSA 20V026000) and Ignition Switch Electrical Contact Degradation — Stall Risk (Recall 02V120000). 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.

What is the 1998-2000 Honda Odyssey 1998-2000 Odyssey NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall (NHTSA 20V026000)?

The 1998, 1999 and 2000 Honda Odyssey is included in NHTSA recall 20V026000. The driver frontal airbag in these minivans uses a Non-Azide Driver airbag Inflator (NADI), which contains no phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant — a different design, and a different rec… Severity: high.

What is the 1997-1999 Honda Odyssey Ignition Switch Electrical Contact Degradation — Stall Risk (Recall 02V120000)?

NHTSA recall 02V120000 includes the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Honda Odyssey. Each engine start pushes a high electrical current through the ignition switch, and that current can degrade the switch's electrical contacts over the life of the van. If the contacts wear enough, the engine c… 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.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

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.

Campaign #02V12000016/05/2002

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

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."

Campaign #03V42300027/10/2003

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVAN. IN EXTREMELY COLD, WET WEATHER, ICE CAN FORM IN THE THROTTLE BODY PREVENTING THE THROTTLE RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO REMAIN OPEN EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER HAS REMOVED HIS OR HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Campaign #99V15700024/06/1999

+ 8 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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