Problems with 1998 Honda Accord SUSPENSION

The vehicle fail state inspection because the sub-frame on the passenger side had completely rusted through. i understand that this has been a known and documented problem with this make and model year. what has been the manufacturers response, have they issued a recall? this is a serious safety issue.

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. while driving various speeds, the upper control arm squeaked and was about to detach without warning. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the subframe was rusted out and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the technician recommended that the entire subframe be replaced. the dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. the failure was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 84,800.

Front subframe rusted on passenger side presumably from a/c drain design flaw. has not failed yet but will not pass state inspection without replacement of subframe.

The front subframe is getting rusty and i can see a lot of water draining from the ac system on it. i think it might fail and cause a major issue. my car is not rusty, it is in a great shape for the age. the only place that is rusted so bad is that area. honda's bad design that makes the ac water drain plug dump into the subframe made that problem happen.

Http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/investigations/center-for-auto-safety-requesting-recall-of-1-5-million-honda-accords-for-rust-issue-in-sub-frame. this is what happened

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. the contact stated that while driving approximately 3 mph, the ball joints became fractured. the failure recurred on multiple occasions. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate mileage was 190,000.

Heard clunking noise while turning. figured it was a cv joint, took it to my very trusted mechanic. he confirmed the right joint was bad, and said that on the left joint, the boot was already off, and it is slinging grease everywhere. more disturbing, he also said that the front subframe is dangerously rusted out. he specifically mentioned that the "cradle", which holds up the front of the engine is almost completely rusted through. he said "you are one pot-hole away from total failure...the engine will fall to the ground. do not drive it." i looked online and saw that there is a recall for the same make/model/year, but my car falls outside of the covered dates. my vehicle was made in dec 1997, and the recall only goes through aug 1997. quite frankly, given that the failure mode is exactly what is covered by the recall, i believe my car should be included in the recall. while i recognize that the car is old, the frame of a 98 model accord shouldn't corrode and break in half, potentially leading to catastrophic results. *tr

Sub-frame is rusted out on the passenger side between the cv axle and tie rod. *tr

Coming home from work suspension broke car flew up landed on railing almost went over. *tr

My vehicle is one of the 2 million+ honda accords with sub-frame rot, caused by the a/c drain hose. i have had it inspected through local mechanics during routine oil changes and they warn me it is unsafe to drive. i am worried the engine and/or transmission will eventually fall out. it is only rotted on the passenger side directly underneath the ac hose, driver side is fine.

I took my 1998 honda accord ex 4cylinder v-tec to get new shocks, and struts which had 161,000 miles. my mechanic called to tell me that i needed a new subframe. i had heard a tire squeal when i made right turns, and i have brand new firestone tires so i knew it wasn't the tires. so i went to the shop to look at the car myself, and sure enough up under the passenger side of the car was rusted out as if the car wasn't maintained properly, which isn't the case. i keep my car regularly serviced, and when the "check engine light" comes on the issue is always addressed, and fixed. i don't think that it's fair as a consumer to take care of something that's just going to fall apart in turn. come on honda, bite the bullet and reimburse us consumers who've had to have this expensive problem taken care of. *tr

Upon routine brake inspection vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive due to passenger sub frame that has cracked due to rust. sub frame is cracked in multiple places. *tr

Upon servicing front brakes, safety inspection revealed accelerated corrosion off the passenger side sub frame component. the driver side is solid and intact. deemed unsafe for highway use. *tr

I have a 1998 honda accord when i call honda to let them know my car is stalling while driving they tell me this is not a covered recall on my certain car for my vin also the lower ball joints are not covered but they have a recall for the parts on line for other 1998 cars but it is crazy neither of these items are covered on my car. *tr

after hearing and feeling a cracking sound and then inspecting under the car, i noticed that the subframe of the car was rusted thru and a visible separation of the subframe. the point of the rust thru is at the passenger side rear corner of the vehicle's subframe. the car is at the mechanic's being repaired, he stated the cause is the drain hose for condensation from the ac at that location. this car has been an excellent vehicle throughout. this rust thru of the subframe could have caused a accident. *tr

Took 1998 honda accord to mechanic for check on bumping noise in passenger front tire area. told that the subframe rusted and rotted out. mechanic said it is because the ac drain hose is leaking onto passenger front subframe. must replace subframe. mechanic said it is very dangerous.

Failed clear coat and faded paint were the first problems to occur with my silver honda accord. next was the gas tank leak, where fumes and leaked gas could be smelled and seen on the ground when filling the tank more than half full. finally my passenger side front subframe rear cross member rusted thru and now the car isn't safe to drive and won't pass inspection without major repairs to the frame. none of the rest of the under body is rusted, just that section. not happy! *tr

A clunking noise was noticed while driving. the vehicle was taken in for service and it was advised that the passenger's side sub frame was rusted. the private mechanic stated that the entire sub frame needed to be replaced and that the vehicle was not safe to be driven. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. *tr

Rusted sub-frame assembly, right front passenger side resulted from a/c drippings.

Was driving vehicle (1998 accord lx 4 cylinder) when a loud thump was heard from the front passenger side suspension. put the vehicle up on ramps to inspect and the front subframe on the right side holding the sway bar was completely separated and rotted/rusted out. prior visual inspection never showed the issue as the rusting was taking place from on top of the subframe. after some quick research this issue is a design flaw where the ac condenser empties directly above the subframe causing premature failure of the subframe. the vehicle only has 49,765 miles on it and the frame should not be failing in this magnitude. *tr

Right passenger side subframe crossmember has suffered sever corrosion due to poor a/c drain valve location. damage is extensive into the lower control arm housing, and car has been deemed as unsafe to drive. *tr

Clunking noise when going over bumps or turning right. got the noise inspected by a mechanic and found out that the passenger side subframe is rusted out. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. the contact stated that while at the dealer for a safety inspection, the technician stated that the front frame was corroded and the front passenger side axle shaft boost was fractured. as a result, the frame and axle needed to be replaced. the technician advised the contact that the vehicle should not be driven. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

The accord models from 1998 to 2002 have been having a crucial rust problem. the sub- frame has been rotting out due to a misplaced air conditioning condensation drain. honda claims that there are not enough complaints out this problem and that is coincidence that there are a rust problem. here's the deal, all these cars have a major rust problem on the foundation of the car. honda also, claimed that the a/c drain was not the problem for it. well then tell me why all these cars have this problem only on the passengers side of the vehicle directly under the a/c drain. honda needs to recalls this model because if that structure breaks on the road the passenger side wheel could come off or the rack of the power-steering could split and cause the driver to lose control of their car. not to mention the engine could drop out the bottom or even more devastating things that could hurt people! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcqzuddas-g http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eefxsqpr0pq http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/investigations/center-for-auto-safety-requesting-recall-of-1-5-million-honda-accords-for-rust-issue-in-sub-frame. *tr

The front suspension, control arm and lower ball joints are becoming worn and causing loose suspension. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. the contact stated that whenever a turn was made at any speed, the vehicle vibrated and a clunking noise was heard coming from the front end. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, where the ball joints were replaced on two different occasions. the failure continued. the failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 150,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. the contact stated that the vehicle was making an extremely loud noise while at traffic lights. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and inspected where it was determined that the front ball joints were loose. the contact was given an estimate of $339.00, no repairs have been made. the manufacturer stated that nhtsa campaign number: 99v069000, suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint were directly related to the failure; however, the vin didn't qualify. the manufacturer offered no compensation. the failure mileage was 158,000. updated 10/23/09 *cn updated 10/27/09.*jb

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. while slowing down the vehicle at 10 mph, the front driver's side wheel failed and detached. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the front ball joint failed. the contact is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. a repair estimate has not yet been provided. the contact called the manufacturer and they stated that her vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 99v069000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint); therefore, no compensation would be provided. the contact feels that the vehicle is unsafe and that it should be included in the recall. the failure mileage was 98,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled and the front suspension collapsed. as a result, the vehicle crashed into the ground. a police report was not filed, but the contact suffered injuries from the crash. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where the body damage and lower ball joints were repaired. the failure was not diagnosed. the failure mileage was 250,876.

During the first month of purchase, a strong rattling sound coming from the front end everytime the car goes over a little bump on the road. years later the noise got louder, the front end, front stabilizer arm, ball joints, bushes got worsen. the car is very unsafe to drive. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 honda accord. after placing fuel in the vehicle and shifting it into gear, the vehicle collapsed. the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic's shop. the mechanic installed a temporary lower ball joint so that the contact could drive to a local dealer. once at the dealer, the contact was informed that the ball joint separated from the frame. a recall related to the failure was found, but the dealer stated that the vin was not included. the dealer repaired the ball joints on the passenger side of the vehicle. the failure and current mileages were 154,112. updated 07/29/08. *lj recall # 99v069000. the consumer also stated the transmission made a grinding noise when it was in gear. the transmission had a leak as well. updated 07/29/08

While turning left from a stop sign, across two lanes of eastbound traffic, the driver-side front suspension collapsed. car could barely be directed to the side of the road out of the way of on-coming traffic. assessment at repair shop was that both upper and lower ball joints had separated resulting in collapse of suspension. this also caused in a broken driver-side axle. repair shop replaced upper and lower driver-side ball joints with after-market parts. the vehicle also had the passenger-side, upper ball joint replaced (february 2008) with honda parts. this vehicle has had consistent suspension problems, both front and rear including looseness and clunking that honda dealers and independent shops have not been able to diagnose effectively. there is a recall on 1998 honda accord lower ball joints, but allegedly this vin number was not affected. vehicle had 117,000 miles on it at the time of the incident. *tr

I had car accident and two days after i had picked up car from body shop i notice that a a noise . i called the insurance and the rep. said to take car back to shop. i did and from what the insurance and we're told the car just needed an alingment., i remember hearing a loud heavy sound on left front end of car on passenger side and all of the sudden the car looses control . i rememberd the vehicle was on its roof i, felt arm getting burn by fire . it seemed that the roof of vehicle was not protected.and did not server it purpose . my speed was about 25 30 mph . the left front side and wheel were sticking out from body frame of car . the same side where shop had made, repairs and the arm axel had been replaced just few days before per insurance request . the insurance had used and after market in invoice . if we check all of the parts the car had put in and the extend of the damage and the wheel not align with body of car along with the loud sound and jolt i felt could only show the neglect and the lack of safety . *tr

I have owned this car for two years and have had two axles replaced, as well as rotors and breaks replaced twice. the brakes wear, the rotors had to be replaced, the horn does not function properly when pushed. recently i went to get an inspection sticker and failed because of the emissions part. my check engine light does not work because a bulb is malfunctioning which means there is no sensor, my three way catalytic converter needs to be replaced and there is supposedly a problem with my fuel tank evaporative emission valve. recently my car has shut off while i was in drive and continued to roll. it has also turned off while i was driving up a hill and would not start for ten minutes. i have invested almost 1500 dollars in repairs for this car and i would like honda to repair and hopefully reimburse me for past repairs. *nm

While traveling 25 mph the front driver's side wheel separated from the axle (ball joint failure), causing sudden deceleration and steering lost. also the ignition key was able to be turned to the off position and removed even though the transmission was not set to park. the consumer stated that honda issued a recall for both problems that his vehicle experienced, however the consumer was told his vehicle was not included. *cb (recalls 03v423000 & 99v069000) *jb

Consumer stated that they have the same problem as recall#99v06900, lower ball joint. dealer will not repair because vin# was not included. *ph

Right front ball joint collapsed -separated from suspension, luckily while entering a driveway, at slow speed - car became immobile. this recall exists as campaign #99v069000 for this year and model, but according to honda, not for this car's vin number. leads me to think that this is more prevalent than at first thought. *tr

Consumer states that while driving at any speed there is a heavy vibration in the vehicle causing it to be hard for the consumer to drive. dealer notified. *mr

While on a hill vehicle drifts back about a car length.*ak

While driving ball joint broke and vehicle narrowly avoided a collision.*ak consumer discoverd there was a recall, 99v069, on the lower ball joint and requested reimbursment, however the request was denied, consumer was informed that the vehicle identification number did not apply to vehicle.*jb

There is no adjustment for the right rear camber. the car therefore has never been in proper alignment. the result is that i have had premature wear on my tires. i went to have my front end aligned when the dealer informed me of the problem. i feel honda should be responsible for replacing the parts that would put the car in proper alignment. the car has never been in an accident and shows no signs of impact.

While traveling there was a noise coming from the front end of vehicle, consumer had vehicle serviced, technician noticed wheel bearing needed to be replaced. *ak consumer stated that three out of the four wheel bearings were damaged. *yh

While making a u turn ball joint separated from vehicle. it just happened like mentioned in recall 99v069000, ball joint can prematurely wear out and separate.*ak

Car shimmied at 20 mph. took vehicle to dealer, and they said it was consumer's fault, and they were not going to repair it. *ak

While making a turn passenger's side lower ball joint fell out, causing vehicle to collapse. a recall has been issued on the vehicle's make and model. however, this vehicle was not included. dealer will be notified. *ak

I brought the car to two different dealerships for them to fix the rattling noise from the windows. i also spoke to the regional customer service and district service manager to find a solution to fix my car but it still making the smakes noise. i believe i got a lemon. therefore, i hope manufacturer would help solving the problem.*ak

Right rear suspension produces an abnormal and annoying drumming noise in the passenger compartment at40 mph or greater on concrete highways and rough asphalt roads. it also sounds like bouncing basketballs when crossing lane markers or tar strips.

When driving at any speed and applying the brakes, pedal is very hard, and there isn't any power steering. also some type of noise is coming from the vehicle due to lower ball joins wearing out. *ak.

Swaybar connecting rod came disconnected from pothole. was told that i was the only one to have problem, later another friend with identical car had same problem.

Vibration thriughout the car over 62 mph,wheels balanced 8 separate times at 4 different shops. *ak