1998 Honda Civic Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Should You Buy the 1998 Honda Civic?
The 1998 Honda Civic remains one of the safest used compact car investments you can make, thanks to its legendary reliability and widespread parts availability. While its age demands vigilance for common wear items and specific automatic transmission quirks, a well-maintained example will deliver years of economical, dependable service.
Biggest Strengths
- Exceptional fuel economy
- Robust D-series engine design
- Abundant and affordable parts support
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 1998 Honda Civic. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
18 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
What breaks on the 1998 Honda Civic?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Honda Civic by Year
Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Honda Civic. Click any year for its full report.
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Relevant Products for Your 1998 Honda Civic
Parts and accessories matched to your 1998 Honda Civic
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Frequently Asked Questions
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