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: power train
535 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, May 24, 2011
TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALER. 2004 TRANSMISSION RECALL PERFORMED BY DEALER AND FACTORY MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE PERFORMED THROUGHOUT. IN APRIL 2011 NOTICED SLIPPING WHEN SHIFT FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR OCCURRED. IT BECAME IMMOBILE WHILE ACCELERATING ON A BUSY STREET. TAKEN TO HONDA DEALER AND INFORMED TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *TR
Power train, May 17, 2011
20003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. LOST OF POWER IN MIDDLE OF VEHICLE OPERATION. *TR
Power train, May 6, 2011
WE BOUGHT OUR 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY FROM A PRIVATE PARTY IN MAY 2008 WITH AN ODOMETER OF 46,000 MILES. WE HAVE BEEN WELL SATISFIED WITH THE VAN SINCE THEN. WE NOW HAVE 101,000 MILES. WE WERE VISITING OUR DAUGHTER & FAMILY IN OXFORD, MS AND WERE RETURNING HOME TO ROCK HILL, SC NEAR TUPELO, MS (ABOUT 50 MILES) WHEN THE TACHOMETER REVVED UP TO 5000+RPM. WE HAD AAA TOW IT TO A SHOP IN TUPELO WHO DIAGNOSED A BURNED UP TRANSMISSION. THE SHOP ESTIMATE OF REPAIR TIME WAS 8.1 HRS BASED ON THE GUIDE THE OWNER SAID IT TOOK ABOUT THAT TIME TO REMOVE THE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION. WHEN CALLING AAA WE TOLD THEM TO TAKE IT TO ANY SHOP THAT COULD REPAIR IT. I WILL BE CONTACTING HONDA ABOUT ASSISTANCE ON THE REPAIR COSTS, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOT THE HONDA DEALER. WE HAVE MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE FAITHFULLY ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL. *TR
Power train, May 4, 2011
TODAY, WHILE DRIVING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL, MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY STARTED TO ACT FUNNY. THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND DOWN. THE CAR STARTED SHIFTING GEARS UP AND DOWN WHEN DRIVING AT THE SAME CONSTANT SPEED. THEN, THE TCS LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ALSO, THE D IN THE SHIFTER DISPLAY STARTED FLASHING. BARELY HAD TIME TO PULL PART WAY INTO A MALL PARKING LOT DRIVEWAY, HALFWAY OUT OF TRAFFIC BEFORE THE CAR LOST ALL MOMENTUM AND STOPPED. HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED BY DEALER AND AUTHORIZED HONDA MECHANIC AT SUGGESTED INTERVALS SINCE THE VAN WAS BOUGHT OFF THE LOT NEW. *TR
Power train, May 4, 2011
OUR HONDA ODYSSEY VAN - 2003 - HAS HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES. MOST RECENTLY, THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. IT APPEARS THAT MANY MINIVANS FROM THIS SAME ERA HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES AND HONDA IS NOT OFFERING ME ANY ASSISTANCE (EXCEPT FOR A NEW $4,800 TRANSMISSION). I LOVE HONDA, BUT THIS IS AN OUTRAGE - CLEARLY THEY HAVE ISSUES AND THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO CORRECT THEIR ERROR. *TR
Power train, Apr 17, 2011
STARTED SLIPPING ON A MAJOR STREET....LEAVING ME IN A DANGEROUS POSITION. OCCURRED AT 159.00 MILES AFTER BEING SERVICED AT THE ORIGINAL DEALER I PURCHASED FROM. WAS FIRST TOLD 4300.00 FOR REBUILT. GOT HONDA INVOLVED, AND IT WAS REDUCED TO 1900.00 AFTER VOICING MY COMPLAINT. *TR
Power train, Apr 11, 2011
OUR 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY HAD A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE FROM A STOPPED POSITION IN A BUSY TURN-LANE. THE ENGINE REVVED WHEN GAS WAS APPLIED, THEN THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON, AN ERROR CODE APPEARED,AND THE DRIVE GEAR LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. SOMEHOW I WAS ABLE TO MAKE THE TURN AND PARK SAFELY IN A RESTAURANT PARKING LOT. THE VAN WAS TOWED TO MEL RAPTON HONDA. WE WERE OFFERED A RENTAL CAR AT $25 PER DAY, OUR COST, WHICH WE DECLINED. THE NEXT DAY WE RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM MEL RAPTON HONDA SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYING THAT OUR TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THE COST TO US WOULD BE $4,589.94. WE THEN INFORMED HIM THAT WE WERE AWARE OF THE ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT FOR CERTAIN MODEL YEARS, AND THAT THE 2003 MODEL HAS TRANSMISSION DESIGN FLAWS THAT HONDA IS WELL AWARE OF. WE ASKED THAT HE CALL HONDA TO SEE IF THEY WOULD COVER THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT 100%, AS ANY COMPANY WITH INTEGRITY FOR THEIR PRODUCTS SHOULD. WITH NO APOLOGY, HE SAID HE WOULD CALL THEM AND GET BACK TO US. HE THEN CALLED US BACK TO STATE THAT HONDA WOULD COVER 25% OF THE COST ONLY, AND GIVE THE REPLACEMENT A 3YEAR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY. WHEN WE PICKED UP THE VEHICLE, THE WARRANTY WAS NOT IN WRITING UNTIL WE INSISTED ON THEM DOING SO. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLERK HAND-WROTE IT SLOPPILY ON THE RECEIPT AND THEN MADE A COMPUTER NOTE WHICH HE PRINTED OUT. NOTHING WAS IN WRITING FROM HONDA DIRECTLY. NOW, TODAY, THERE IS AN OIL LEAK AFTER THE REPLACEMENT THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED BY THE DEALERSHIP.
Power train, Apr 5, 2011
TRANSMISSION FAILURE - 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY @65,000 MILES - LOST 4TH GEAR FIRST, THEN 2ND GEAR WHEN I SLOWED DOWN. BY THE TIME I GOT TO THE DEALER, ALL OF THE GEARS WERE MALFUNCTIONING AND CAR WAS UNDRIVEABLE. PENDING A RESPONSE FROM HONDA AS TO WHETHER THEY WILL GRANT ME A "GOODWILL REPAIR" ALLOWANCE, I HAVE NOT TAKEN ANY REPAIR ACTION. THIS TRANSMISSION WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL IN 2004, WHICH I RESPONDED TO. HONDA SETTLED A LAWSUIT REGARDING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS IN THEIR 1999-2002 TRANSMISSIONS. IT'S TIME FOR AN INVESTIGATION ON THE 2003-2004 TRANSMISSIONS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHICH WERE SUBJECT TO THE ORIGINAL RECALL. *TR
Power train, Apr 1, 2011
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION, WHEN UP-SHIFTING ACTUALLY CAUSES THE VAN TO LOSE POWER AND SLOW DOWN. *TR
Power train, Mar 26, 2011
NOTICED HARD SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OF MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH JUST UNDER 80,000 MILES. A FEW WEEKS AFTER THAT, PERSISTENT SLIPPING OF THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL (CAUSING STALL) WAS NOTED AND ADDRESSED BY A DEALER. DEALER COULD NOT REPRODUCE SLIPPAGE AND I WAS TOLD TO BRING IT BACK WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN (DIFFICULT WHEN IT STOPS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD). DEALER QUOTED ME APPROX. $4500 FOR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT, WHICH IS MORE THAN HALF WHAT THE VAN IS WORTH. ALL TRANSMISSION SERVICING WAS DONE ACCORDING TO HONDA SERVICE ADVICE. *TR
Power train, Mar 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD SPUTTER AND STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED A TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND ADVISED REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
Power train, Mar 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE TO A LOWER SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS NO WARRANTY OR RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE $5000 REPAIRS COSTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A CLAIM WAS FILED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000. UPDATED 5/2/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED SLUGGISH ACCELERATION AND A NOISE WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED FROM PARK TO REVERSE. UPDATED 05/16/11
Power train, Mar 24, 2011
WE HAD PURCHASED OUR 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY BRAND NEW FROM A HONDA DEALERSHIP AFTER EXTENSIVE BROWSING, RESEARCHING, AND COMPARING, WE FELT HONDA WAS THE WAY TO GO DUE TO THEIR REPUTATION FOR "MAKING QUALITY VEHICLES THAT LAST A LONG TIME AND WORK GREAT." HOW WRONG WE WERE. WE BABIED THIS VAN. MADE SURE IT GOT ANY OIL, LUBE, OR FIX IT NEEDED AND HAVE THE DOCUMENTATION TO PROVE IT. SHORTLY AFTER BUYING IT WE HAD RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING PROBLEMS THAT YEAR'S MODEL HAD WITH THE V6 TRANSMISSIONS, SO WE TOOK IT OVER AND HAD THEM FIX WHAT WAS "SUPPOSEDLY" THE PROBLEM. IN APRIL, 2009 WE DECIDED WE'D GET A DETAILED "FULL SERVICING" DONE AND FIX ANY ISSUES OR POTENTIAL ISSUES THE ODYSSEY HAD AT THAT TIME WHICH, AFTER ALL THE REPAIRS, COST $1,300. AT THAT TIME THEY HAD PERFORMED A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE ALONG WITH EVERYTHING ELSE. LAST TUESDAY WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME I WAS GOING ABOUT 50 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION JUST COMPLETELY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD CAUSING THE CAR BEHIND ME TO SWERVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I TOOK IT STRAIGHT TO A SHOP NEARBY WHO THEN SHOWED ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS SO BURNT UP IT WAS BLACK AND THICK LIKE ENGINE OIL. AFTER INITIALLY ASSUMING FROM THE LOOKS OF IT THAT I HADN'T EVER HAD A TFC, HE WAS SHOCKED WHEN I TOLD HIM IT HAD NOT EVEN A YEAR AND A HALF AGO. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST $5200 TO FIX. I THEN ASKED WHY, IF THE TRANNY WENT OUT JUST BECAUSE, WAS THE TRAN.FLUID SO BURNT UP AFTER ONLY A YEAR. THEY BASICALLY SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING FOR ME IN REGARDS TO OWNING UP AND REPLACING THE DEFECTED TRANSMISSION WHICH THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE IN THE FIRST PLACE WHEN THE RECALL HAPPENED BACK IN 2004! I REFUSE TO PAY FOR THIS AND AM DEMANDING THAT HONDA TAKE CARE OF THIS TRANSMISSION SO I CAN SELL THIS VAN AND NEVER BUY ANOTHER HONDA AGAIN. GO AHEAD AND GOOGLE "2003 ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION". IT'S HORRIFYING TO SEE HOW MANY STORIES ARE JUST LIKE MINE AND UNRESOLVED. *TR
Power train, Mar 23, 2011
VAN WILL SOMETIMES STALL IN SECOND GEAR, NECESSITATING THAT I EITHER STEP ON THE BRAKE OR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL BEFORE SHIFTING BACK INTO DRIVE. THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM WHEN I'M THE ONLY ONE ON THE ROAD, BUT BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN TURNING CORNERS OR ACCELERATING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH 136,000 MILES. HONDA DEALER SAYS THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND COMPUTER MUST BE REPLACED COMPLETELY. *TR
Power train, Mar 22, 2011
TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON HONDA ODYSSEY 2003. VEHICLE PART OF THE RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED IN 2004. OIL COOLER INSTALLED BUT IT DID NOT FIX THE ORIGINAL ISSUE OF THE SECOND GEAR HAVING TOOTH CHIPPING. TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS CHANGED AS RECOMMENDED, ACCORDING TO HONDA. THE CAR HAS 78K MILES ON IT AND THE SECOND GEAR IS SLIPPING. HONDA NEVER FIXED THE ORIGINAL ISSUE OF THE SECOND GEAR FAILING. THIS CAR WAS ONE OF THE FIRST CARS ISSUED IN THE 2003 YEAR MODEL. I THINK THIS IS STILL A SAFTY ISSUE BECAUSE HONDA NEVER FIXED THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Mar 19, 2011
APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS BEFORE THE TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE,VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A WHIRRING SOUND AND WAS SOMETIMES SLOW TO ENGAGE IN DRIVE AFTER A COLD START. THERE WERE ALSO SOME ERRATIC SHIFTS. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO HONDA DEALER WHERE WERE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW AND ALWAYS SERVICED AND MAINTAINED .(INCLUDING TRANSMISSION FLUID SERVICES).DEALER DIAGNOSED THE REPAIR AS A TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $4177. BECAUSE OF THE COST,I DECIDED TO CONSIDER MY OPTIONS AND STARTED TO DRIVE HOME. APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES LATER THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP,LOST POWER, AND STOPPED DEAD AGAINST ONCOMING TRAFFIC AS I ATTEMPTED TO TURN ONTO A SIDE STREET.(SINCE THIS OCCURRED ON BUSY STATE HIGHWAY 303 WITH A 50 MPH SPEED LIMIT,THERE WERE A FEW ANXIOUS MOMENTS UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO PUSH THE VAN OFF THE ROADWAY). AFTER A 2 HOUR WAIT FOR A TRUCK,THE VAN WAS TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WHO CONFIRMED THE TRANSMISSION HAD COMPLETELY FAILED. THIS SHOP REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION FOR $3000. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT HONDA IS UNWILLING TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW AND I WAS LOYAL TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ALL MY SERVICE,AND ALL MAINTENANCE PERFORMED AS RECOMMENDED VEHICLE WAS ALWAYS GENTLY DRIVEN AND NEVER USED FOR TOWING OR HAULING. *TR
Power train, Mar 9, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. HE DROVE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, WAITED APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES AND TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK ON. WHEN THE VEHICLE RESTARTED THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT SHUT OFF BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WOULD CALL THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND WAS NOT SURE IF HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,500.
Power train, Mar 4, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN EXHIBITING A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE AND BECAME RESISTANT TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THIS WAS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF THE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND SHE WAS AWAITING A RETURN CALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,472.
Power train, Mar 4, 2011
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY HONDA ODYSSEY IS FAILING STARTING JUST BEFORE 100,000 MILES. IT LURCHES INTO GEAR ESPECIALLY UP AN INCLINE AND WHEN IT PUT INTO REVERSE. I HAVE KEEP METICULOUSLY CARE OF THE CAR AND HAVE THE RECORDS TO PROVE IT. I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT OUR LOCAL DEALER AND IT WOULD COST ME $3750, WHICH IS CONSIDERED A REDUCED PRICE FROM THEM. THIS IS A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH HONDA STARTING WITH THEIR RECALL 04V176000 AND IT IS A DISGRACE THAT THEY AREN'T HELD ACCOUNTABLE. *TR
Power train, Mar 4, 2011
I BOUGHT A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY VAN FROM A HONDA DEALER IN BOWIE MARYLAND. IT HAD (30,000) MILES ON IT, I PUT DOWN ($3000) CASH TOWARDS THE PURCHASE. I HAVE BEEN UP TO DATE WITH THE SERVICE MAINTENANCE AT THE SAME BOWIE DEALER. LAST MONTH JUST (2) YEARS AFTER THE PURCHASE THE LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH BOARD I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AFTER EXAMINING IT THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION AND IT WOULD COST ($5000). THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THEY WERE NOT HELPFUL AT ALL. I DECIDED TO GET A SECOND OPINION FROM A SPECIALIZED HONDA MECHANIC HOW CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM. HE SUGGESTED REBUILDING THE TRANSMISSION. I HAD TO GET THE VAN FIXED QUICKLY AS I NEEDED THE VAN FOR THE FAMILY, IT COST ($3400) WHICH I PUT ON MY CREDIT CARD. I COMPLAINED TO HONDA AMERICA THEY ASKED ME TO FAX THE BILL TO THEM WHICH I DID AND THEN TOLD ME THEY WOULD ONLY PAY ME BACK ($500) TOWARDS THE REPAIRS. *TR
Power train, Feb 28, 2011
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 63000 MILES. THIS SEEMS TO BE A REGULAR OCCURRENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND MODEL. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND IT SIMPLE STOPPED MOVING IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY. NOT VERY SAFE AND IT SEEMS THAT HONDA IS NOT WILLING TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Feb 27, 2011
MY HUSBAND EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC BREAKDOWN OF THE TRANSMISSION IN OUR 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WHILE HE WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE CAR JUST STOPPED WORKING AT 65 MPH. HE WAS ABLE TO PARTIALLY PULL OFF THE ROAD AND ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED TO HELP PUSH HIM OFF COMPLETELY. HE HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK WHICH COST $150 TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO OUR HOME TOWN AND OUR REPAIR CENTER. OUR ODYSSEY HAS 136,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED. THE NEW TRANSMISSION THAT WAS REQUIRED COST $4700 AND WE WERE WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR 12 DAYS. *TR
Power train, Feb 25, 2011
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, LEADING TO EVENTUAL FAILURE. TRANSMISSION SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WHEN GOING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, ENGINE REVS, WHEELS LOSE POWER. EVENT HAS OCCURRED 10-12 TIMES OVER THE LAST 2 MONTHS, PARTICULARLY WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A SLOW SPEED (TRAFFIC LIGHT, STOP SIGN, TURN, ETC.). IT GETS HAZARDOUS WHEN THERE ARE CARS BEHIND YOURS BECAUSE YOUR VEHICLE LOSES POWER TO THE DRIVE WHEELS LEAVING THE DRIVER TO PUMP THE ACCELERATOR, DOWN SHIFT TO D3 OR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL THEN BACK TO DRIVE. I'VE HAD TO PULL OFF TO THE SHOULDER TO PREVENT GETTING RUN OFF THE ROAD BY CARS BEHIND ME.
Power train, Feb 22, 2011
I HAVE A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM . SEEMS IT SLIPS OUT OF SECOND GEAR A KNOWN PROBLEM IN HONDA ODYSSEYS FROM 1999 TO 2004. HONDA ISSUED A RECALL FOR A TEMPORARY FIX TO GET THE CARS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE SALES MANAGER AT HONDA IN GURNEE ILLINOIS CONFIRMED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN HONDA ODYSSEY AND HONDA IS BURYING THEIR HEAD IN THE SAND. MY CAR NOW NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION ESTIMATE COST 3800. I CALLED HONDA AND THEY DENIED ANY RECOVERY OF THIS COST. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND THIS PROBLEM IS HUGE IN THESE VANS. I KNOW 3 PEOPLE WITH HONDA ODYSSEY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Feb 20, 2011
I BOUGHT A USED 2003 EX FROM CARMAX IN 2006 WITH 36K MILES ON IT. IT NOW HAS 82K MILES ON IT. WE HAVE TAKEN GOOD CARE OF IT AND ALWAYS SERVICED IT AT A HONDA DEALER. A MONTH AGO WE OCCASIONALLY STARTED TO FEEL BUMPY SHIFTING OF THE GEARS BETWEEN 20-40 MPH. THE PROBLEM SLOWLY WORSENED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME LAST WEEK. I GOT INTO THE SERVICE CENTER TO GET IT CHECKED UP AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT ! WE HAVE ALWAYS BOUGHT AND STUCK TO HONDA FOR ITS RELIABILITY AND LONGEVITY. APPARENTLY WE WERE WRONG ! THE QUOTE GIVEN BY THEM FOR THE REPAIRS WAS $4521 + TAX !! I AM STILL DUMBFOUND AND INFURIATED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD WHICH HAS BEEN UN-ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE PARENT COMPANY. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT. HONDA IS TAKING THE AMERICAN CONSUMER FOR A RIDE. THEIR COMPENSATION PACKAGE OFFERED FOR THE TRANNY BY THE HONDA IS VERY ADHOC AND SUSPECT. *TR