Photo: Guyon from Richmond, VA, United States of America / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons
1998 Honda CR-V: common problems and reliability
143 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about electrical system. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 CR-V?The 1998 Honda CR-V has 143 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and air bags.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Honda CR-V vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the CR-V?
Across the 30 CR-V model years we track, complaint volume runs from 109 (1997) to 2,141 (2018). With 143 complaints, the 1998 CR-V sits below the model's median of 479.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 CR-V
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 20V026000Honda (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
Campaign 02V120000ON 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
Campaign 99V282000VEHICLE 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment, particularly for the latest hybrid models (2023-2026). The vehicle is consistently praised for its exceptional practicality, spacious and high-quality interior, quiet and smooth ride quality, and refined hybrid powertrain.
Owner insights cover all generations of the CR-V. See the full CR-V owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used CR-V listings typically run $15,932–$25,995.
Other CR-V model years
Compare every CR-V year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the CR-V against its rivals
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