Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||||
| 205 | 02/16/2005 | 10015294 | Timesert 14mm drain plug thread repair kit. *tt | 07/13/2005 | |
| 07012004 | 07/01/2004 | 10014017 | Poor a/c cooling during hard acceleration. *eh | 04/27/2005 | |
| 9971 | 06/04/2003 | 10002091 | Coolant in the engine oil pan. *tt | 08/13/2003 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||||
| 11012003 | 11/01/2003 | 10009278 | Heater blower motor gets hot or blows a fuse. honda. servicenews. *tt | 09/21/2004 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 05027 | 06/10/2005 | 10017639 | Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p0420 or engine ping under load. *tt | 11/14/2005 | |
| 03076 | 10/14/2003 | 10004797 | Malfunction indicator lamp comes on with diagnostic trouble code p0131 (primary heated oxygen sensor circuit low voltage) or poor engine performance. *tt | 01/08/2004 | |
| 96057 | 08/04/1998 | 609932 | The timing belt tensioned too tight causing, a whine or chirping noise can be heard coming from the front of the engine at idle or just above idle. yd | 04/11/2000 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||||
| 010402 | 04/01/2002 | 636738 | Subject regarding customer complaints that the engine hesitates briefly when accelerating. *tt | 11/13/2002 | |
| 302 | 03/16/2002 | 631027 | Customers may complain of a brief hesitation when accelerating at high engine speeds. *tt | 05/01/2002 | |
| 01040 | 08/14/2001 | 01040 | 623200 | Subject on regarding civic rear main oil seal leaks. *et | 10/26/2001 |
| 01040 | 06/12/2001 | 623373 | Subject regarding rear main seal leak. *et | 10/26/2001 | |
| 010201 | 02/01/2001 | 619944 | Brief information on long crank time at cold startup. *tt | 07/06/2001 | |
| 011098 | 10/01/1998 | 6092361 | Information on cold start crank time. *tt | 12/06/2000 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||||
| 060103 | 06/01/2003 | 10002701 | Vehicle's emission type. *tt | 09/11/2003 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||||
| 980014A | 03/31/1998 | 98-014 | 600687 | A rattling or buzzing sound from exhaust pipe | 05/29/1998 |
| 98014 | 02/23/1998 | 600261 | Vehicle experiencing a rattling or buzzing sound from the exhaust pipe a. *yc | 05/01/1998 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | |||
| 02/23/2012 | 160000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 02/23/2012 | 160000 | ||
| 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. sm. | |||
| 02/23/2012 | 160000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1998 honda civic. the contact stated that while going 75 mph, the vehicle stalled. the contact stated that he tried to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road. the contact stated that he had to wait several minutes before the vehicle would started. the vehicle functioned normally but the failure recurred several times after. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection but they were unable to determine the failure. the dealer and manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 160,000. ap | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 11/01/2007 | 100000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1998 honda civic. the contact stated while driving at 55mph the vehicle stalled without warning. the failure was experienced numerous times. the vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the distributor and the ignition cable. the repair did not correct the failure. the vehicle continues to stall while driving at any speed. the manufacture would not assist with the repaired because the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 02v120000 electrical system: ignition: switch. the failure mileage was 183,000 and the current mileage was 100,000. li | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | |||
| Fluids from the radiator are leaking, cause unknown. dealer cannot identify the problem. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 10/01/2003 | 1 | ||
| Distributor failed while driving on freeway causing the vehicle to lose engine power. i coasted to a stop in the middle of traffic, unable to restart the engine. *nm | |||
| 07/20/2004 | 3 | ||
| While driving 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the driver tried to restart the vehicle and was able to do so. the vehicle was taken to a body shop for inspection. the mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem at this time. please provide further details. *jb | |||
| 08/13/2004 | 89940 | 3 | |
| 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. *ak the engine had to be replaced again at 89440 miles. the transmission was replaced due to shifting problems at 90552 miles. *nm | |||
| 05/10/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving 65 mph, without warning the vehicle stalled. the driver tried to restart the vehicle but was unsuccessful. the driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that the timing belt needed replacing which was not mounted properly. please fill in additional information. *jb | |||
| 05/12/2003 | 1 | ||
| When the consumer started the vehicle it made a clank noise, which was due to a piston slap. *jb | |||
| 04/16/2003 | 1 | ||
| The check engine light keeps coming on in my 1998 honda civic. the dealer has already replaced the oxygen sensor once under warranty but now claims that the warranty period is over. the car only has 34,000 miles on it, and the oxygen sensor was replaced about 13,000 miles ago. i have found many other similar complaints on internet bulletin boards.*jb | |||
| 11/26/2001 | |||
| A carbon buildup causes valves to stick and makes vehicle inoperable. vehicle will not start. this happens intermittently. this problem happened first time in may 2000. contacted dealer, and dealer stated there were no updates or recalls. they do expect recall between now and next year.*ak | |||
| 07/28/2001 | 2 | 02/01/1998 | |
| Electical problem not fixed yet, engine timing prob caused valve damage, head work required...paid by owner, honda notified. *ak | |||
| 12/21/1997 | 1 | 12/01/1996 | |
| Vehicle vibrates due to main bearing failure. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 05/08/2006 | 1 | ||
| O 2 sensor/ exhaust check engine light problem on my 1998 honda civic lx. *tr | |||
| 10/08/2002 | 1 | ||
| While traveling about 30 mph on the highway. without prior warning the vehicle shut down and hit the curb and another vehicle. the dealership is aware of the problem. mr | |||
| 07/20/2002 | |||
| While drivng vehcile stalled out/ lost all power, was unable to steer, resulting in an accident. *ak | |||
| 07/22/2002 | |||
| While driving vehicle just stalled, almost causing an accident. consumer purchased vehicle in 06/02, and vehicle did not have any oil signifying a major oil leak.*ak | |||
| Vehicle would sometimes start up and sometimes not. when vehicle does start it sounds rough. had vehicle towed to dealer, but dealer refused to diagnose or even look at vehicle after starting up. please add vin. *ak | |||
| 02/15/2001 | 1 | 07/01/1998 | |
| Rear main oil seal failed causing oil leak. problem was immediately repaired at a cost of $650.00 by the dealer. dealer also claimed the oil pan gasket needed to be replaced at an additional cost of $250.00 this repair was declined. oil pan gasket does not leak. | |||
| 08/25/1998 | 1 | 01/24/1998 | |
| Rear main seal failed causing oil leak. mjs | |||
| Engine wont start on hot days | |||
| 11/01/1998 | 10/01/1998 | ||
| Vehicle makes strange pinging/rattling noises while accelerating. only found when engine is warm and vehicle is moving(in gear). noise most prevailant just prior to reaching recommended shift point for 5 speed transmission. honda factory troubleshooter calls this strange noise normal. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 1 | |||
| Engine fan belt failed. yh | |||
| 08/01/1998 | 1 | 06/01/1998 | |
| Timing belt, drive shift. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||
| 05/07/2011 | |||
| I took my car in for service and they told me the exhaust manifold was cracked. this is the third time this part has cracked. i had it replaced twice already at the dealership- they did not cover the part under warranty and i paid $1000 each time to have it replaced. i tried to contact american honda and they refused to compensate me for it. | |||
| 07/15/2008 | 90891 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 12/24/2007 | 130000 | 1 | 11/27/1997 |
| Exhaust manifold have a big crack causing a check engine light and exhaust fumes to migrate to the cabin since it is in front of the car. honda have an existing service bulletin 98-081 that only covers 96-97 civics and not 1998 models but they did not do the re-design until 99. it is a well known flaw but honda does not have a recall for it. *tr | |||
| 08/01/2007 | 152000 | 2 | 05/13/1998 |
| 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 . *tr | |||
| 10/01/2006 | 59827 | 1 | 09/01/1998 |
| 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.!!!!!!! *nm | |||
| 04/17/2006 | 1 | 03/15/2006 | |
| Cracked exhaust manifold which leads to exhaust gases being blown into the car when in traffic or at idle. these gases create a danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. *jb | |||
| 10/03/2003 | 75000 | 1 | |
| 10 months ago i became aware of exhaust smell inside my 98 honda civic lx vin-2hgej6672wh574910. the problem was worse when i idled the car for a quick warm up before driving. *la the problem got worse and i was getting headaches each day after my commute to work. complained of i removed the heat shield from the engine to investigate the source of the exhaust leak. i found the exhaust manifold had split approx. on each side of the y for a total crack of 6 inches. this was allowing large amounts of exhaust gas to enter the cabin when using the heater or a/c. i was informed by four honda dealers locally that the problem was well known and all 7 local dealers had many manifolds in stock in their parts department. this was an indication to me that many of these were breaking and i was far from alone on this issue. the replacement manifold part number is- 18160-p2e-a12. at ken garff honda in ogden utah, i was told that an extended warranty was in effect for the problem for 8 years or 80k miles. (my civic has 93,000 miles) they stated this was a very common problem for 96,97 and 98 honda civics to have. my concern is if i had sufficient exhaust gas in my cabin to make me ill and the problem was widespread that this could be a serious safety / health issue. a person sitting in their closed, idling car with the ac/heater on they could potentially succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning. with the above in mind, i contacted american honda motor co. customer service at 800-999-1009 to relay my information and discuss the issue. i spoke with a woman named stephanie who told me she would record my concern. i am also concerned that were no symptoms to alert me to the problem other than odor. a non auto savvy person could easily overlook the gradually worsening problem just like i did until they died. please investigate the scope of this issue further and i am convinced that this is a widespread issue due to the feedback i got. thank you. | |||
| 08/19/2003 | 3 | 07/30/1998 | |
| Dealer replaced the ignition switch under recall. also the alternator replaced . but the intermittent problem to start the vehicle continued. *ak there was intermittent grinding noise when the vehicle was started. since the noise didn't occur when the consumer bought it to the dealer, they refused to do anything about it. *ph also the oxygen sensor was replaced. *jb | |||
| 75000 | 1 | 03/02/1998 | |
| Possible problems with exhaust system. *mr. the exhaust system made a loud noise. *ts *jb | |||
| 06/01/2003 | 50000 | 2 | |
| Exhaust manifold/catalytic converter assy. is badly cracked. manifold/converter makes noise and exhaust can be smelled in passenger compartment. manifold/converter assy. was already replaced once at approx. 50,000 miles for the same problem. the problem was noticed again at approx. 100,000 miles. *jb | |||
| 1 | 01/01/2001 | ||
| My car has been stalling our for a period of over two months almost every time i drive it. i recently took it into honda and they said it had something to do with my o2 sensor. why didn't they notify me when i was in the office that there was a recall notice for my faulty ignition switch and that was the problem? they told me nothing about the problems with my car, never offering the information about my ignition switch. i even went over with the honda service department that my car kept stalling out while driving. when i would sit a stop sigh it would cut off as soon as i attempted to pull out. i feel these people were rude to me because i am a girl and do not know much about cars, but they should have told me the truth no matter what gender. does honda not know about their recall notices? *ph **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**770818 | |||
| 10/01/2001 | 1 | 10/01/1997 | |
| Exhaust system failure | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||
| While traveling 55-60 mph engine would stall, engine indicator light would flash on. dealer has been contacted, and technician noticed that oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. please provide further information.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||
| 08/01/2005 | 158000 | 2 | 12/01/1997 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda civic. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for regular maintenance and they noticed that the manifold exhaust cracked. the cause of the failure was unknown. the manifold exhaust was replaced before at 158,000. the current mileage was 198,000 and the failure mileage was 158,000. updated 10/30/07 *tr | |||
| 10/05/2004 | 2 | ||
| Consumer heard a loud noise coming from the rear. consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that exhaust manifold pipe needed to be replaced. this vehicle was not on recall, and the warranty expired. consumer had to pay for parts and labor. *ak the consumer stated that he wanted to cancel his complaint. he was advised by honda service manager to take his vehicle to any dealership for an inspection. defective part immediately replaced free of charge. *tc | |||
| 06/01/2004 | 1 | 07/24/1998 | |
| Possible defective exhaust manifold. has crack in manifold for unknow reason!. *ak | |||
| 75000 | 1 | ||
| 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. *ak the dealer replaced the manifold with a reinforced part. *jb | |||
| 06/15/2003 | 79000 | 1 | 02/11/1998 |
| Multiple cracks in exhaust manifold radiating from oxygen sensor. *la | |||
| 08/01/2001 | 2 | 11/01/1998 | |
| I noticed a loud noise and odor, took car to honda mechanic, manifold was cracked and had to pay $500+ to fix. my sister has the same vehicle and she had the same problem at about the same time. inquired with honda to see about recall...there wasn't one?? we both fixed the problem, which was over 1 year ago. the problem has recently recurred...now i am seeking answers?? *jb | |||
| 1 | |||
| The cast iron exhaust manifold had a tendency to crack which caused carbon monoxide to migrate into the vehicle's passenger compartment. *scc *jb | |||
| While driving vehicle the check engine light illuminated. consumer states there was the smell of the exhaust in the vehicle. the vehicle also was making a noise accompanied with a rattle. please provide any further information. ts | |||
| 09/02/2002 | 06/01/2098 | ||
| I have been driving for over 35 years and never had to replace an exhaust manifold on any of my vehicles. today my mechanic told me that mine was the second one in less than a month that he has replaced on a honda. there is obviously something wrong here.*ak | |||
| 02/15/2002 | |||
| A crack in exhaust manifold leaked fumes into vehicle. feel free to provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| In regards to the exhaust manifold crack--- i noticed an exhaust smell coming into passenger compartment and noticed that the engine compartment was slightly louder than usual. i got used to the smell but now i just get headaches. i figured it needed a new exhaust manifold gasket but upon further inspection before buying a gasket, i noticed a crack in the exhaust manifold where the pipes come together under the heat shield. the crack looks like it stems out in different ways from the oxygen sensor; it is probably due to poor design. i figure that it probably impairs the functionality of the oxygen sensor thus altering emmissions. i contacted honda and found out that a new exhaust manifold costs over $700 dollars just in parts, which i cant afford. i found that honda extended the warranties on the 1997 models due to the same problem and found that the 2002 honda civics' are equipped with stainless steel manifolds rather than the cast iron found on my car, therefore i know honda is aware of the problems and they should fix the problems before the crack stems all around and my exhaust system falls off causing further damage or causes me to fail a smog check. in regards to the rear passenger windows, the buttons don't work thus not allowing rear windows to be rolled up or down.*ak | |||
| 07/03/2001 | 1 | ||
| There was a clicking sound coming from engine compartment. consumer pulled off exhaust manifold cover and noticed two cracks. *slc | |||
| 08/01/2001 | 12/01/1998 | ||
| The exhaust manifold has a hole in it. many 1998 civics have had this problem, but it is not on a recall list yet.*ak | |||
| 10/01/2000 | 0 | ||
| There is a crack inside of exhaust manifold. consumer smelled exhaust fumes coming inside of vehicle. dealership is aware of problem. *ak | |||
| 07/15/2000 | 1 | 06/01/1998 | |
| I began the process of having the car repaired on august 14, 2000. by today, august 18th, the honda dealer had mentioned to the repair shop that iam having the work done at that they had ordered 6 of these manifolds. on monday when i had called the dealer for parts, they did not have the manifold in stock. i belive that this could be a sign of a major defect. although it does not directly pose a threat to me physically, it could allow exhuaust fumes into the vehicle. i would like to presue the manufacture and attempt to have them replace the part. | |||
| 12/15/1998 | 1 | 03/15/1998 | |
| Exhaust head pipe failed. yh | |||