1998 HONDA ACCORD

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Harsh or delayed 2nd-to-3rd gear shifts, Slipping under acceleration, especially uphill, Burnt transmission fluid smell, dark/metallic fluid on dipstick, Check Engine light with P0730 or P0740 codes

Fix: Honda's 4-speed automatic is notorious for premature failure due to inadequate cooling and weak internal clutches. Rebuilds fail again quickly. Best fix is remanufactured unit with upgraded torque converter and auxiliary cooler install. 8-12 labor hours for R&R plus fluid service.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Burning 1+ quart oil every 500-1000 miles, Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Fouled spark plugs, misfires on multiple cylinders, Oil residue in intake manifold and throttle body

Fix: The J30A1 V6 suffers from weak piston ring design and oil control issues. Rings wear prematurely, causing excessive consumption. Proper fix requires engine removal, full disassembly, honing, new pistons/rings, and bearing inspection. 25-35 labor hours if not doing full rebuild.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000

Typical onset: 150,000-200,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible leaks, White smoke from exhaust, sweet smell, Overheating, especially under load, Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap, Bubbles in coolant reservoir with engine running

Fix: V6 head gaskets leak externally and internally. Both heads typically need work simultaneously. Requires heads removed, resurfaced, new gaskets, timing belt/water pump/seals while apart. 18-24 labor hours, assuming no warpage requiring machine work.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800

Symptoms: Intermittent no-start, no dash lights, no crank, Key won't turn or feels loose in cylinder, Accessories cut out while driving, Steering wheel lock engages unexpectedly

Fix: Electrical contacts in ignition switch wear out, causing intermittent connection loss. Multiple NHTSA recalls issued but not all units covered. Replacement requires steering column disassembly and SRS precautions. 2-3 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $350-550

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, Vibration at idle in gear, smooths in Park/Neutral, Visible engine/trans movement when revved, Harsh engagement into gear

Fix: Upper transmission mount (torque strut) fails from fluid leakage and rubber deterioration. Common on both 4-cyl and V6. Replacement is straightforward with engine support. 1.5-2 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $200-350

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking over bumps at low speed, Wandering steering, loose feel, Uneven tire wear on inside edge, Visible play when prying on control arm

Fix: Ball joints are pressed into control arms. Most shops replace entire lower control arm assemblies rather than pressing new joints. NHTSA recall issued for some VINs but not comprehensive. Both sides typically done together. 3-4 labor hours including alignment.

Estimated cost: $450-750

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi

Symptoms: Oil visible on valve cover perimeter or spark plug wells, Oil dripping from rear of cylinder head onto exhaust, Burning oil smell but no smoke, Low oil level without visible drips on ground

Fix: Valve cover gaskets harden and leak. 4-cylinder also develops distributor O-ring leak at rear of head. Both are maintenance items but let go too long, oil cooks on exhaust. Valve cover 1.5-2 hours, distributor seal adds 0.5 hour.

Estimated cost: $250-450