2003 Honda Odyssey
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 940 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Odyssey model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 54 involved a crash and 13 involved a fire. 53 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
Campaign 19V501000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
Campaign 19V499000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMar 6, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
Campaign 19V182000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleApr 26, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
Campaign 18V268000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 23, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
Campaign 16V344000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleSep 4, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003 Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 28, 2002, to August 30, 2002. The affected vehicles were manufactured with the incorrect air bag modules, rendering the vehicles noncompliant with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Air bags that do not meet the safety requirements increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on October 27, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JU0.
Campaign 15V563000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 15, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda CR-V vehicles, 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 19, 2001, to July 12, 2003, 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 19, 2002, to June 19, 2003, 2003 Honda Element vehicles manufactured June 25, 2002, to July 31, 2003, and 2003 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured November 26, 2001, to August 21, 2003. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU4, JU5, JU6, and JU7. Note: Vehicles that have already received a replacement passenger air bag inflator as part of the recall remedy for an earlier campaign such as 14V353 or 14V700 (Honda recall numbers S95, JH6, JH7, JH8, JH9, JJ0, JJ1, JJ2, JJ6, JM5 and JM6) are not included in this recall. However, this recall does supersede 13V132 and 14V349. Note: On December 18, 2015 Honda informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2004 Honda CR-V vehicles in addition to additional model year 2003 CR-V vehicles.
Campaign 15V370000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
Campaign 15V320000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJan 28, 2015
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured February 13, 2002, to August 13, 2004, and 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to September 23, 2003. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Honda dealers will replace the supplemental restraint system electronic control unit (SRS ECU). The recall began on February 22, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's number for this recall is JN6 (Odyssey), and JN7 (MDX). Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-412. Vehicles that had a noise filter installed as the remedy for that campaign need to have the SRS ECU replaced under this campaign.
Campaign 15V045000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsNov 4, 2014
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V700000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJun 20, 2014
American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V353000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsSep 19, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Odyssey and model year 2003 Acura MDX vehicles. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front air bags, side curtain air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a noise suppressor unit, free of charge. The recall began on November 1, 2013. A renotification letter went out on July 11, 2014 for the 2003 Acura and the 2003-2004 Odyssey. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's recall numbers are JC2 (Honda Odyssey) and JC3 (Acura MDX).
Campaign 13V412000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, switchDec 11, 2012
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.
Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace any necessary part of the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 12V573000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 15, 2004
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Campaign 04V176000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyJan 16, 2003
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, SOME FUEL TANKS HAVE SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS THAT COULD ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE TANK.
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK FOR SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS. IF ANY IMPERFECTIONS ARE FOUND, THE FUEL TANK WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 16, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 03V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
76 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 11, 2010
I DROVE MY CAR TO HONDA DEALER IN HILLSIDE , NJ FOR CHECK-ENGINE-LIGHT ON. ITS SERVICE REP GAVE ME CODES PO 700 & PO 740 FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. HE FIRST GAVE ESTIMATION OF AROUND $4000. I IMMEDIATELY TOLD HIM NO, NOT TO FIX IT. HE THEN SAID TO CHECK HONDA FOR COST. I DROVE AWAY AND HE CALLED ME FOR A QUOTE OF ABOUT $2100. I SAID NO WHEN HE GAVE ME COST OF $4000 BECAUSE I DECIDED TO SELL THE CAR AND BUY A NEW ONE. I TOLD HIM TO ORDER THE PART WHEN HE CALLED ME LATER ON BECAUSE HE COULD FIX THE PROBLEMS AT $2100. DEALER HAD TRANSMISSION CHANGED ON 3/8/10 , AND THE NEXT DAY (3/9/10) THE SAME CHECK-ENGINE-LIGHT CAME ON WITHIN 24 HOURS. I DROVE BACK TO THE DEALER. I WAS SO DISAPPOINTED THAT THE REP GUY TOLD ME THAT ANYTHING COULD CAUSE THE LIGHT ON, AND THE TECHNICIAN GAVE A DIFFERENT CODE. I WAS THEN TOLD IT WAS NOT CHEAP TO FIX IT. I QUESTIONED WHY THEY DID NOT GIVE ME ALL THE PROBLEM CODES AND COSTS IN THE BEGINNING. I WOULD HAVE MADE DECISION TO TRADE IN INSTEAD OF SPENDING $2200, AND THEN BEING TOLD MORE SPENDING TO COME. I WENT IN FOR THE CHECK-ENGINE-LIGHT ON AND I CAME BACK FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITHIN 24 HOURS. WHY WOULDN'T I SELL IT BEFORE I PUT IN $2200? THE SERVICE REP GUY HAD SUCH A BAD ATTITUDE BY KICKING OUT PROBLEMS AND PUSHING AWAY RESPONSIBILITIES. HE SAID DEALER DID NOT MANUFACTURE THE CAR AND INSISTED SAYING MY CAR WAS 10 YEARS OLD. THE SERVICE MANAGER, REQUESTED THE TECHNICIAN TO RESET THE LIGHT, AND SAID HOPEFULLY IT WOULD NOT COME BACK ON AGAIN. I'M AWARE IF A PROBLEM EXISTS, LIGHT WILL COME BACK ON SOONER OR LATER. AND INSPECTION WON'T GO THROUGH WHEN SUCH A LIGHT IS ON. AS PREDICTED, SAME CHECK-ENGINE-LIGHT CAME BACK ON THE 3/10/10 WITHIN 48 HOURS. AND I CALLED THE MANAGER, HE SAID IT WAS GOING TO COST ANOTHER $875 PLUS TAX. I DIDN'T EXPECT A TRANSMISSION'S PROBLEM BEFORE 100K MILES FOR A JAPANESE CAR. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 8, 2010
1. FAILURE OCCURRED MUST LIKELY THROUGH DEFECTIVE PARTS IN 2003-2005 HONDA ODYSSEY'S. 2. FRONT AND SIDE ENGINE MOUNTS NO LONGER CONNECTED. 3. FAILURE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPLACED. FAILURE OF THE MOUNTS LEAVES THE POSSIBILITY OF ENGINE DROPPING OUT. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ODYSSEY'S OF THIS YEAR. NOT NEAR CAR TO OBTAIN VIN#. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 26, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. I WAS ENTERING THE HIGHWAY FROM THE ON-RAMP. THE CAR FAILED TO SHIFT AT AROUND 38 MPH. THE ENGINE REVVED TO THE RED LINE BUT, THE CAR DIDN'T ACCELERATE. I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED BY THE GUY WHO HAS SERVICED MY THREE PREVIOUS HONDAS. THE DEALERSHIP FAILS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS AN ISSUE BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE IT DURING A 30 MIN TEST DRIVE. AFTER READING THE OTHER COMPLAINTS, I AM CONVINCED I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. I AM HOPING AND PRAYING THAT I AM LUCKY ENOUGH TO NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT WHEN THIS PROBLEM APPEARS REGULARLY. THE PROBLEM STARTED COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO AND IT HAS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN A COUPLE OF TIMES EACH DAY. I JUST DON'T KNOW THE EXACT CONDITION IT RECURS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 29, 2009
ENGINE GASKET FAILURE. NOTICED A SMALL OIL LEAK ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. WE WERE TOLD THAT A NEW HEAD GASKET WAS NEEDED FOR $1,861. GOT A CALL TODAY AND WAS TOLD THAT THE BOLTS IN THE ENGINE WERE STRIPPED (IT HAS NOT BEEN TOUCHED BY ANYONE SINCE MANUFACTURE) AND THAT WE CAN PAY AN ADDITIONAL $400 TO HAVE THE BOLTS RESEATED OR BUY A USED MOTOR FOR $2,900. NEITHER SEEMS FAIR. TRANSMISSION FAILED IN OCTOBER AND WAS $5,200 BUT GIVEN A $1,800 DISCOUNT. THIS IS THE 6TH MAJOR REPAIR TO THIS VAN SINCE ITS PURCHASE AS A NEW VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW IF THE COMPLAINTS SHE FOUND FROM OTHER CONSUMERS THAT HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLES LIKE HER WERE MADE AT THE SAME PLANT AROUND THE SAME TIME HER VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED. UPDATED 01/05/10. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 18, 2009
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION ISSUE PLEASE REFER TO HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F0FALLE/467 THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS AGAINST HONDA ODYSSEY'S TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WHOSE OWNERS ARE FRUSTRATED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND OUR GOVERNMENT'S LACK OF ACTION TO ENFORCE THE BETTER QUALITY AND CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR CONSUMERS. I HAVE 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WHICH NEEDS NEW TRANSMISSION AT A QUOTED COST OF OVER $4,000 AT THE DEALER WHO DENIED FOR BEING ABLE TO COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY. WHAT UPSETS ME IS THAT THERE IS A "GOOD-WILL REPAIR" BY THE HONDA MOTORS AMERICA, WHO HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE ISSUES INVOLVING ALL HONDA ODYSSEYS THEY MADE, NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND THEY ARE HANDLING IT ON A CASE BY CASE; NO UNIFORM REGULATIONS ARE BEING APPLIED. SUCH UNFAIR PRACTICES OF CUSTOMER SERVICES. AT THE MOMENT, MY CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP UNTIL I HAVE TIME TO TALK AND COMPLAINT TO THE COMPANY. NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ACCORDING TO THE COMPANY. HOWEVER, 99-2001 MODELS, THEY HAVE EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 109K MILEAGE. SOME OF THE CUSTOMERS WITH OVER 145K-189K HAVE BEEN REIMBURSED THE COST BY THE COMPANY. AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO DO IT UNLESS YOU HAVE TO BE PERSISTENT AND LOUD. TAKING TOO MANY BUREAUCRACY IN RESOLVING THE PROBLEM WHEN THE PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF CAR IS WIDE SPREAD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 2009
HOLE IN CONDENSER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 10, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND BEGAN SHIFTING ERRATICALLY BETWEEN GEARS. THE ENGINE REVVED EXTREMELY HIGH AND THEN THE RPM'S DECREASED TO ZERO. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE RESUMED TO NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR AN IDENTICAL FAILURE. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED. THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE CONTROL MODULE WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,334 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 22, 2009
I HAVE A 2003 HONDA ODESSY AND DISCOVERED THIS PASS WEEKEND THAT THERE WAS A MAJOR OIL LEAK THE CAR HAS ONLY BEEN SERVICED BY A HONDA DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS A STRIPPED HEAD BOLT, AFTER SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET HONDA IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT IS KEEPING THIS QUIET, MY OUT OF POCKET COST IS OVER $2,000.00. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Nov 13, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED TO LOW GEAR WITHOUT ASSISTANCE AND THE RPM'S INCREASED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. WHENEVER THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK OR REVERSE, THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY LUNGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,500. UPDATED 08/31/2011 *LN *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 25, 2008
ENGINE MOUNTS ON 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 80,000 MILES...SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING TO ALOT OF PEOPLE...DESIGN FLAW PERHAPS? $700 DOLLARS TO REPAIR...AMERICAN HONDA NO HELP...DEALER NO HELP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Feb 20, 2008
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH TRANSMISSION FAILURE. CONSUMER STATES THAT TRANSMISSION WAS FOUND NOT SWITCHING GEARS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS WARMED UP. HE ALSO FOUND THAT THE FLUID WAS DIRTY. TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *KB THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD THE FRONT AND SIDE ENGINE MOUNTS REPLACED. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AS WELL. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 24, 2007
FAILURE OF GASKET MATERIAL TO CONTAIN OIL WITHIN ENGINE VALVE COVER CYLINDER HEAD HAS CREATED OIL LEAK THAT WAS INITIALLY NOTICED ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. DEALER HAS VERIFIED PROBLEM BY INJECTING DYE AND USING BLACK-LIGHT TO ESTABLISH THE SOURCE OF THE OIL LEAK. THIS MIGHT TYPICALLY BE A NON-ISSUE FOR AN OLDER MODEL YEAR VEHICLE BUT I WOULD NOT EXPECT SUCH A PROBLEM ON A VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN IN SERVICE LESS THAN 4 YEARS AND PERSONALLY OWNED FOR ONLY 2 1/4 YEARS. PROBLEM COULD BE ONE OF MANUFACTURE INSTALLATION OR MATERIAL DEFECT OR A COMBINATION OF THE TWO. ENGINE FAILURE COULD RESULT IF PROBLEM IS NOT ADDRESSED/RESOLVED. RESOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM REQUIRES A SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL COMMITMENT THAT COVERS THE LABOR TO DROP THE ENGINE IN ORDER TO REMOVE AND REPLACE THE VALVE COVER GASKET. THIS OWNER THINKS THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE DEALER SINCE THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED OR OPERATED IN EXTREME CONDITIONS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 26, 2006, crash
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY VEHICLE QUALITY AND VEHICLE SERVICE***CC THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP WAS DOING DISHONEST BUSINESS PRACTICES. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT DO ENOUGH TO HELP WITH THE PROBLEMS HE WAS EXPERIENCING WITH HIS VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED REGARDING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, THE TCS AND ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A FAULTY EGR VALVE. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE, SO THE DEALER RESET THE LIGHT, HOWEVER THE NEXT DAY IT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER WAS LATER INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, WHICH THE CONSUMER BELIEVED WAS DUE TO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WAS OFF CENTER, IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT AN ALIGNMENT BE PERFORMED, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE STEERING PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE ACCIDENT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 1, 2005
DT: A HONDA 2003, GETS VERY BAD GAS FUMES IN THE CAR WHEN STARTING THE CAR. HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 2 YEARS. HE HAS 4 SMALL CHILDREN. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 23, 2004
DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION, PROBLEM WITH SECOND GEAR. AND TIMING BELT. *BF THIS DOCUMENT IS WRITTEN IN SPANISH. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 7, 2004
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN STARTING VEHICLE IN THE MORNING, IT MADE A LOUD SOUND. IT GOT LOUDER WHEN HE WAS TRAVELING AT A LOW SPEED. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER , AND THEY COULD NOT FIND WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 28, 2004
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.V EHICLE STARTED TO STALL. VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER, AND CONSUMER HAS BEEN TOLD TO CHANGE THE GAS HE USES. *AK A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS RUN ON THE VEHICE WHICH FOUND CODES P0301, P0304, P0305. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGH SPEED OF 50-70 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, HOWEVER THEY ARE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 6, 2004
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY RECALL 04V176000. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED OF A VEHICLE RECALL THROUGH A RADIO BROADCAST. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER IN EARLY APRIL ABOUT THE RECALL. THE REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED THAT THE NOTICES HAD NOT BEEN MAIL YET BUT WOULD BE SENT IN MAY. AS OF THE MIDDLE OF JUNE THE CONSUMER HAD NOT RECEIVED THE NOTICE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED HONDA DEALER IF THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE PROBLEMS OR IF THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER ANTICIPATES USING THE VEHICLE FOR A TRIP DURING THE SUMMER AND DOESN'T WANT TO RISK HAVING TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE AND AN EXPIRED WARRANTY WHILE ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAD 33,000 MILES. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 2, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CAUSE OF THE STALLING HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jan 15, 2004, crash
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 9, 2004
I HAD LEASED A BRAND NEW, 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY IN SEPTEMBER, 2003 FROM BAYRIDGE HONDA IN BROOKLYN, NY. I PICKED UP THE CAR ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2003. ON SEPTEMBER 9, I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IT WAS SURGING, ON THE VERGE OF STALLING. THEY KEPT THE VEHICLE AND AT THAT TIME RESET THE COMPUTER, I BELIEVE. I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE THE SAME DAY AFTER BEING TOLD THAT IT WAS FIXED. ABOUT A MONTH LATER, THE CAR STALLED OUT WHILE I WAS WAITING ON A RED LIGHT, AND THEN STARTED STALLING ON STOP SIGNS AND WHILE MAKING TURNS. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER ON OCTOBER 23, 2003. ONCE AGAIN, I PICKED UP THE CAR THE SAME DAY AFTER THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS FIXED. THE VERY NEXT DAY, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN WHERE THE CAR CONTINUED TO STALL IN THE SAME SITUATIONS. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD TO BRING IT BACK, WHICH I DID ON OCTOBER 25, 2003. YET AGAIN THEY HAD ME PICK UP THE CAR TELLING ME IT WAS FIXED. ABOUT A MONTH LATER, THE STALLING STARTED AGAIN, AND THIS TIME A LOT MORE OFTEN. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER ON DECEMBER 15, 2003 AND IT HAS BEEN THERE SINCE THEN - FOR 3 1/2 WEEKS. I HAD CALLED HONDA OF AMERICA TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. THEIR ANSWER IS THAT THE DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, WHICH DOES NOT CHANGE THE FACT THAT THE CAR STALLED MANY TIMES WHEN I DROVE IT. I FEEL VERY UNCOMFORTABLE PICKING UP MY CAR AS IT IS RIGHT NOW, AS NOTHING WAS DONE ON IT BY THE DEALER. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR THAT STALLS IN TRAFFIC, WHILE WAITING ON TRAFFIC LIGHTS, ETC. I HAD TRIED RESOLVING THIS WITH THE DELEARSHIP, AS WELL AS WITH HONDA OF AMERICA BUT ALMOST 4 WEEKS THE ONLY THING THEY ARE TELLING ME IS THAT THEY CANNOT DIPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND WILL CONTINUE DRIVING MY CAR MEANWHILE. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP OR ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE ME AND I THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. SINCERELY, LANA KRICHMAR-LIVERANT, PH.D. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Wheels, Aug 11, 2003
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE 1919 TORRANCE BOULEVARD MAIL STOP: 500 - 2N - 7D TORRANCE, CA 90501-2746 CLAIM NUMBER: [XXX] DEAR HONDA, WE ARE WRITING TO YOU IN ORDER TO PUT YOU ON NOTICE OF A POTENTIAL VEHICLE DEFECT WITH MY NEW 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY, VIN: [XXX]. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE JUST 6 WEEKS THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: 1. BRAKES BEGAN TO GET SOFTER AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE TILL ALMOST TO THE FLOOR 2. WHILE WAITING AT A SIGNAL THE CAR ENGINE APPEARS TO BE REVVING UP AND SHAKING 3. RATTLING NOISE EMANATING FROM THE MUFFLER LINKAGE 4. LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHEN GAGE IS STILL AT TANK. OF GRAVE CONCERN IS AN INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED LAST FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2003 WHILE MY WIFE WAS TAKING MY SON TO CELEBRATE HIS 6TH BIRTHDAY AT SUMMER CAMP. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED: AFTER MAKING A TURN ON A STEEP HILL MY WIFE PROCEEDED DOWN THE HILL. WHILE GOING DOWN THE HILL THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE FOLLOWING LIGHTS ILLUMINATE ON THE DASH , BATTERY, OIL, DOOR OPEN WARNING LIGHTS. THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON AND SHE HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. WE WERE VERY FORTUNATE THAT THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT GOING FAST AND WE WERE ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. MY WIFE WAS EXTREMELY FRIGHTENED AND UPSET BY THE INCIDENT. SHE WAS ALMOST IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT! WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO BEAVERTON HONDA WHO ADVISES US THUS FAR THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEMS. YOU CAN SURELY UNDERSTAND OUR CONCERNS WITH THIS VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IF THERE APPEARS TO BE NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. WE WOULD LIKE HONDA OF AMERICA TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEPS TO PROTECT OUR FAMILY AND IT'S BRAND: 1. PROVIDE US WITH A LOANER ODYSSEY UNTIL& (2) 2. EXCHANGE OUR ODYSSEY WITH THE SAME EXACT VEHICLE FROM A DIFFERENT FACTORY OR FULLY REFUND OUR PURCHASE. *NLM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 12, 2003
WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND DID NOT RESTART. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 30, 2003
ON 02/10/03 WHILE MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE DEALER STATED THE SPEED SENSOR HAD FAILED. *JB