Most Reported Problem Reports for the 1998 Honda Civic : RepairPal

Wipers Won't Park Due to Windshield Wiper Motor Failure

for the Honda Civic

On certain models the windshield wipers will not park in the proper place or won't shut off. The wiper motor must be replaced to repair this issue.

70 Reports

Vibration When Braking Due to Rotor Problem

for the Honda Civic

The front brake rotors can warp and cause a vibration when braking. The rotors will need to be machined or in cases where they are worn to thin, replaced to correct this issue.

69 Reports

Hood Release Cable May Break at Handle

for the Honda Civic

On some models the hood release cable breaks at the hood release handle.

44 Reports

Vibration, Roughness, and Rattle Due to Damaged Engine Mounts

for the Honda Civic

Damaged engine mounts can lead to vibration and roughness felt in the steering wheel. A rattle in the dash and engine area may also be heard. Replacement of damaged mounts will commonly correct these issues.

32 Reports

Plugged Moon Roof Drains May Cause Water Leak

for the Honda Civic

Plugged moon roof drains can cause a water leak inside the car, usually over the head of the driver or passengers head when turning a corner. Cleaning the drains will fix this problem.

25 Reports

Cracked Exhaust Manifold/Catayltic Converter

for the Honda Civic

Cracked exhaust is common on both exhaust manifolds and manifold/catalytic converter combination. Replacing the cracked component will repair the problem.

15 Reports

Engine Rear Main Oil Seal May Leak

for the Honda Civic

The engine rear main oil seal can leak. The transmission has to be removed to replace the seal to stop the leak.

14 Reports

Harsh Shifting of Automatic Transmission

for the Honda Civic

The shift control solenoid externally mounted on the automatic transmission (non CVT) can fail and causes a harsh 1-2 shift. Replacing the shift solenoid and flushing the transmission with genuine Honda automatic transmission fluid may eliminate harsh shifting characteristics. A broken internal spring can cause the same issue. If the shift control solenoid does not repair the problem, the transmission will have to be replaced.

13 Reports

Check Engine Light Due to Moisture Freezing in MAP Sensor

for the Honda Civic

On certain models in colder climates the Check Engine light can set due to moisture in the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor freezing. The MAP sensor needs to be replaced and on some models the intake manifold needs replacing also.

11 Reports

Mold on AC evaporator

for the Honda Civic

Evaporators can collect mold and give off a foul smell. Disinfecting the evaporator or replacing it will address this issue.

8 Reports

AC Evaporator May Leak

for the Honda Civic

A refrigerant leak may develop from the AC evaporator causing the AC to blow warm air. Verifying failure of this component is difficult. A good shop will use leak detection dye to verify a failing evaporator.

7 Reports

Brake Light On Due to Faulty Master Cylinder Resevoir Filter

for the Honda Civic

A faulty brake master cylinder reservoir filter can cause the brake system indicator to illuminate after a cold start and then go off. Replacement of the reservoir filter will commonly fix this problem.

7 Reports

Upper windshield molding may vibrate/make noise at higher speeds

for the Honda Civic

On certain models the upper windshield molding vibrates at a higher speed causing a noise. Back filling the molding with silicone sealer will eliminate the noise.

7 Reports

Rattle or Cluck Type Noise Over Bumps

for the Honda Civic

Trailing arm bushings can crack and break resulting in a clunking or rattle noise over bumps. Cracked bushings will require replacement.

7 Reports

Seat Belt Issues Covered Under Honda's Lifetime Seat Belt Limited Warranty

for the Honda Civic

Some Honda Civics have seat belt issues that may be covered under Honda's Lifetime Seat Belt Limited Warranty. Please contact your local Honda dealer to see if your seat belt problem is covered.

6 Reports

EVAP soleniod failure due to road salt

for the Honda Civic

The evaporative emission control solenoid can fail in areas of the country where salt is used on the roads during winter. The solenoid needs to be replaced to correct this issue.

6 Reports

Misfires and catalyst deterioration due to poor igniter connections

for the Honda Civic

On certain models poor igniter connections can cause misfires and catalyst deterioration. Cleaning and securing the connections will correct the problem.

5 Reports

Oxygen sensor heater may fail

for the Honda Civic

Primary oxygen sensor heater failures can cause a Check Engine light. Replacing the sensor is required to repair this issue.

5 Reports

Torque converter may not work due to faulty thermostat

for the Honda Civic

Some models have an issue where a faulty thermostat does not allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature and because of that the computer will not allow the torque converter to operate in the lock-up mode. Replacing the thermostat will repair this issue.

5 Reports

Ignition Switch May Bind

for the Honda Civic

On certain models the ignition switch binds. The ignition switch needs to be replaced to repair this issue.

5 Reports

Growling Noise From Front of Engine

for the Honda Civic

The AC idler pulley can fail causing a growling noise from the engine. A new idler pulley will be needed.

5 Reports

Oxygen sensor failure due to front impact damage

for the Honda Civic

Impact damage to the front of the vehicle can cause the primary oxygen sensor to blow fuse 15 and cause the Check Engine light (MIL) to come on. In most cases the primary oxygen sensor needs replacing and a new fuse installed to repair the issue.

4 Reports

Faulty regulator may cause head lights to change intensity

for the Honda Civic

A faulty regulator on some models will cause the head lights to change intensity. The alternator needs to be replaced for this issue.

4 Reports

Checklist

Problem Reports

1998 Honda Civic