Model year guide

1998 Honda CR-V

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Honda CR-V is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 26 on record.

1998 Honda CR-V — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 Honda CR-V at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints143
Typical price$1,808

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1998 Honda CR-V recalls 3

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #20V026000 · 17/01/2020

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 Inflator…

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 o…

Electrical System:ignition:switch NHTSA Campaign #02V120000 · 16/05/2002

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.

Fix: 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 REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash NHTSA Campaign #99V282000 · 19/10/1999

VEHICLE 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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A 70MM PROTECTIVE, CORRUGATED PLASTIC TUBE OVER THE WIRE HARNESS, IN THE AREA OF THE BRAKE STOP SWITCH. IF ANY WIRE OR WIRES ARE DAMAGED, THEY WILL BE REPAIRED.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1998 Honda CR-V common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 143 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

What's a 1998 Honda CR-V worth?

Low
$900
Typical price
$1,808
High
$3,000

From 26 comparable 1998 Honda CR-V listings.

1998 Honda CR-V trims & engines on record

Trims
EX · LX
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 126 hp

1998 Honda CR-V vehicles on record

Other Honda CR-V model years

1998 Honda CR-V — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Honda CR-V have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 1998 Honda CR-V. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Honda CR-V?

Based on 143 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, engine, electrical system.

How much is a 1998 Honda CR-V worth?

Comparable 1998 Honda CR-V listings run roughly $900–$3,000, typically around $1,808 (from 26 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.