The 1998 Honda Accord has 5 recalls, the most serious involving the driver's side airbag inflator, which can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin.
On the transmission side, two related issues can allow the vehicle to roll away when parked. A worn ignition switch can let the driver remove the key without the transmission being in Park, and a separate defect in the transmission cover can prevent the parking pawl from fully engaging, meaning the vehicle may roll even when the shifter appears to be locked in Park. Both situations become dangerous if the parking brake is not set. There is also a front passenger seatbelt concern: the retractor mounting bracket was not properly welded and can pull away from the vehicle body in a crash, leaving the belt without a secure anchor point.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver air bag inflator may absorb moisture and rupture or fail to fully inflate due to a manufacturing defect in certain non-azide inflator units.
What the fix does
The dealer will inspect the driver air bag inflator and replace it if needed with a different design inflator, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The ignition switch can wear down excessively, causing the transmission interlock to fail. This allows you to turn the key to off and remove it without shifting to park.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the ignition switch cylinder for wear. If wear is found, they'll replace the cylinder body, collar, and latch plate. Otherwise, they'll replace the latch plate with an updated version.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing irregularity on the right side of the transmission cover can restrict the parking pawl lever's movement, preventing the parking gear from engaging fully. This may allow the vehicle to roll away on an incline if the parking brake isn't set.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the transmission and repair it if the irregularity is found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing irregularity in the right-side transmission cover can restrict the parking pawl lever's movement, preventing the parking gear from engaging properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a collar on the transmission parking pawl to restore proper actuation lever movement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat belt retractor mounting bracket was welded incorrectly, which could affect the seat belt's ability to function properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the mounting bracket on the front passenger seat belt retractor.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
