Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Honda Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Honda Civic. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The contact was unsure of what part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 02V120000 (electrical system) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 180,000.
I have a 1998 Honda shadow aero (vt1100-c3) VIN[redacted] that has developed an oil guide plug leak. This leak results in oil being pumped out of the lower portion of the engine directly in front of the rear tire while riding the motorcycle. It has been a proven inherent design problem in model years 1998 through 2001. Honda has issued a warning and the repair instructions in their September 1999 issue of the Honda wrench publication. The dealerships that I have contacted do not claim knowledge of this problem or the article from Honda. My understanding is Honda still refuses to issue a recall for this defect. I stay in contact with a large group of people who own this same style motorcycle via the internet and this problem is widespread. I am going to have this problem repaired at my own expense as I do not consider the motorcycle safe to operate in it's current condition. …
1998 Honda crv, with about 100,000 milage,engine light came on. Repaired the distributor sensor. Took it back four more times and the engine light continue to stay on. A week later, took it in to deale for a diagnostic, valve #3 & 4, needed to be replaced, they recommended a new cylinder head. Notified Honda manufacturer and they decided to pay half of the cost. I have always taken good care of my car, and have the invoices to proof it. I think Honda knows there is a manufacturing problem and should be responsible for the complete repair cost. I am still paying on my car and this is a financial burden for me and my family.
I have a 98 Honda Civic lx, it seems the exhaust manifold on these cars are defective they crack and the gas emissions are circulated to the cabin of the automobile. The exhaust manifold should not crack on normal use. Carbon monoxide co could leak to the cabin of the car, and is poisonous to humans and children. There are a lot of Honda civics out here with crack exhaust manifold, it is hard to find the culprit, because the exhaust manifold is covered with a metal cover, but you will notice the smell inside the cabin of the car, when the car is at running. The NHTSA should investigate on this defective.
Year 2003: 1 o2 sensor replaced year 2007: engine light on. Was informed due to oxygen o2 sensor bad and also a cracked exhaust manifold. Car acts like it will stall when stopped at a light. I am very concerned. According to the dealership, only some Honda civics with a particular VIN # qualify for replacement of oxygen/o2 sensor and exhaust manifold. They stated that mine did not (only up to 1997 qualify) and there is no recall for 1998. According to the internet, there are other complaints for this problem for 1998 Honda civics. Please investigate .
Consumer stated that granddaughter bought a certified Honda Civic and had nothing but trouble since she purchased the vehicle. One month after the vehicle was purchased the head gasket blew out, and needed to be replaced. This was done by the dealer that sold her the vehicle. Then, power steering pump leaked, and it was repaired 2 months later. In May of this year the same thing happened power steering pump leaked again. The engine had to be replaced again at 89440 miles. The transmission was replaced due to shifting problems at 90552 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was safely maneuvered to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle restarted after waiting several minutes. The vehicle functioned normally, but the failure recurred several times after. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection, but they were unable to determine the failure. The dealer and manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Had taken car to get inspection. Would not pass due to the exhaust manifold having a crack in. This car had 59827 miles on it! Naturally I was very upset. This car was only used minimally as witnessed by the year vs miles. Hardly any hwy use. Contacted the dealership and they put up their hands. Can't fix because I don't have $ 2,000. Car will not pass insp. Due to strict codes in texas. I now have my fifth Honda. Honda just dropped the big one on a loyal cust.!!!!!!!
When my 1998 Honda Civic was at 90,891 miles, the Honda dealer service department told me the exhaust manifold was cracked and needed to be replaced. The repair was about $1000. Only 2 years later, they told me the new exhaust manifold was cracked and needed to be replaced again. The service manager told me that this replacement part should last much longer but he was unwilling to stand behind this repair and charged me another $1000 to repair it again.
While driving there was a loud noise like the muffler had gone bad. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the consumer noticed a large crack in the exhaust manifold. The dealership indicated this was a common problem on earlier model years, and the manufacturer extended the warranty on this part. The dealer replaced the manifold with a reinforced part.
Engine complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Honda Civic, 13% of the model year's 435 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Honda Civic engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1998 Honda Civic, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Honda Civic engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.