Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Honda Odyssey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition switch. The contact was able to turn the key to start the vehicle; however, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition switch. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.
The 1998 Honda Odyssey recall for ignition switch I don't believe included all VIN numbers affected. My van is having the exact issue for what is stated in the recall, yet my VIN does not show as a recall. When the switch is turned to the run position, the dash lights may or may not illuminate. Once the van is started, there is a 50/50 chance that the stops running because of the switch. I believe this is an issue that needs to be looked into. Has not been confirmed yet because we are awaiting service on the airbag recall to put the van into service.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. Approximately an hour after parking the vehicle he noticed flames and smoke coming from under the hood. The fire department was notified but was unable to determine the cause of the fire. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle to determine the cause of the fire. The current and failure mileages were 164,000. Updated 02-01-08. The consumer stated the representative made a comment that the fire May have had something to do with the battery cables. Updated
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly and leaves us stranded in traffic. Happens sporadically at first and then with increasing regularity. I had a dealership perform a diagnostic and they found the ignition switch needed to be replaced. Once it was replaced, the problem disappeared. This vehicle had the ignition recall performed in 2004 with a previous owner. I filed for compensation with Honda and now they are saying they don't have to pay for a second ignition switch.
98 Odyssey, engine can be turned off and key can be removed from ignition switch without putting car in park. Appears to be common problem...numerous other complaints on this problem. Am yet another owner wishing recall 03V423000 applied to 1998 Honda Odyssey in addition to the 1998 Honda accord.
Vehicle stalls (dies out) while driving. Owner finds out about recall item as probable reason for vehicle stall. Owner contacts the vehicle manufacturer, which represents that recall item remedy was completed on a given date. Owner asks for information on who reported that the recall item was remedied. Vehicle manufacturer stated that information was not available. Owner disagrees that remedy on the recall item was completed, then checks with the local dealer (the only one in town). Dealer does not have any record of recall item being completed, though have confirmed through diagnostics that the problem is because of the recalled item. No evidence of center-punch found at engine compartment VIN to indicate that recalled item was remedied. Work must be done, and dealer will charge owner for work (parts and labor). …
Ref: NHTSA campaign 02V120000 for 1998 Honda Odyssey. The ignition switch in my car was replaced in the recall of 2002. I was not having problems then. However, last fall (2009) and this winter (2010) I was experiencing sudden stalls and in some cases dangerous situations when accelerating at intersections, pulling out into traffic etc. My Honda dealer, in March 2010, could not id the problem. I took the car in the same month to an independent mechanic who first thought it was distributor related. They replaced that part. The problem continued. I returned it right away and they did the research to id the problem as the ignition switch. It is now May 12 and there have been no instances of sudden stalls. Problem fixed.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated when the vehicle is in neutral the key can be removed from the ignition. If the key is removed, the engine will stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is a recall for the 1999 model regarding the electrical system:ignition:switch, but not on the 1998 models. The contact feels a recall should be issued on the 1998 models as well. Failure mileage was 160,000. Updated 02/13/10 the consumer stated the fact that the key can be removed when in a gear selector position other than park specifically in neutral which happened to the consumer when the engine was off already is definitely a failure. Updated 02/16/10
1998 Honda Odyssey. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch replacement parts recall repairs. The consumer stated in 2002, the vehicle was subject to a recall regarding the electrical contacts being replaced on the ignition switch. The work was done, to prevent the vehicle from stalling. In 2008, the entire ignition switch had to be replaced because it would not release the key. Two weeks ago, the engine stalled repeatedly in traffic. Honda informed the consumer, they would not replace the contacts under warranty or recall, because the recall had already been done.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Honda Odyssey. The contacted stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the starter, battery, and the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 02V120000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 190,057.
Related recalls
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.
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 free remedy within a…
Electrical complaints in other Odyssey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1998 Honda Odyssey?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Honda Odyssey, 47% of the model year's 73 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Honda Odyssey electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-120 (switch, May 16, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Honda Odyssey electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 164,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.