Five problems related to underbody shield have been reported for the 1998 Honda Accord. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1998 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle and the vehicle would veer to the left. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that a section of the sub frame located on the front passenger side was rusted and corroded due to fluid draining from the air conditioning drainage pipe onto the sub frame. In addition, the front passenger side tie rod was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 161,000.
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.
I have had so many corrosion issues with this car, it is structurally dangerous. The car has 160,000 miles on it but has been kept in a garage and has had the under carriage frequently washed since I live in the northeastern us. In the last 2 years I have had to replace both the brake and gas lines do to corrosion. The gas line ruptured during a drive. Fortunately there was no fire. The gas tank rusted through and was replaced. It was leaking for some time. The leak was near the half way mark and only leaked when over half full and during driving or going up hill. Fortunately we did not have a fire. I just found out the front sub frame is completely rotted out and will not pass inspection this year. Body rust is minimal and normal for age and the northeast winters. The clear coat is pealing off everywhere. I am very disappointed with my first and probably only Honda. Looking back, I am very lucky that the car didn't catch fire and kill someone.
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.
The subframe on this car is broke. Rotted right out. I feel Honda should fix this problem.