The 1998 Honda CR-V has 3 recalls, the most serious being a driver's side airbag inflator that can rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin and striking the driver or other occupants.
The remaining two recalls both describe the same underlying wiring problem and should be understood as one issue. An under-dash wire harness routed too close to the brake light switch can rub against it over time, wearing through the wire insulation and causing a short circuit that blows a fuse. Depending on which fuse fails, the vehicle can suddenly lose headlights, tail lamps, turn signals, hazard lights, windshield wipers, the anti-lock braking function, or the battery charging system. Losing any of these without warning, particularly the lights or wipers in poor weather or at night, raises the risk of a crash.
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 under-dash wire harness may contact the brake light switch, wearing through the wire insulation and causing a short circuit that blows a fuse, disabling critical systems like wipers, headlamps, turn signals, hazard lights, brake anti-lock function, or battery charging.
What the fix does
The wire harness will be inspected and repaired if needed. A protective plastic tube will be installed over the harness near the brake switch.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An under-dash wire harness is routed too close to the brake light switch, where it can be damaged by contact. If the harness is damaged, a fuse can blow, disabling critical systems like wipers, headlights, turn signals, tail lamps, brake anti-lock function, and charging.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective plastic tube around the wire harness near the brake switch. Any damaged wires will be repaired.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
