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, Feb 18, 2010
MY WIFE'S 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED CAUSING THE DEALER TO REPLACE IT. WE RECEIVED THE ORIGINAL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NOTIFICATION #04V176000 AND TOOK THE CAR PROMPTLY TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO FAIL TO SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, THEN MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON, THEN VISIT TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION. VEHICLE HAS 58,000 MILES ON IT AND IT HAS BEEN REGULARLY SERVICED BY HONDA DEALERS. AFTER SEEING THE VOLUME OF HONDA TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, I FEEL HONDA SHOULD REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FREE. *TR
Power train, Feb 18, 2010
TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Feb 12, 2010
TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Feb 9, 2010
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY HAS AN APPARENT DESIGN FLAW IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AFTER 60,000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. DRIVING THE CAR DURING THE 3 DAYS AFTER FAILURE WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WITH THE CLUTCH INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING CAUSING HIGH REVVING AND LACK OF CONTROL. SLOWING DOWN (RESULTING IN DOWNSHIFTING) CAUSES THE CAR TO "JERK" SINCE THE CLUTCH ISN'T FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THE CAR ISN'T ABLE TO SMOOTHLY CHANGE GEARS. HONDA ISSUED A RECALL IN 2004 TO ADD AN "OIL JET" INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION ON THE 2ND GEAR TO PREVENT OVERHEATING, BUT THIS FIX HASN'T FIXED THEIR DESIGN FLAW. DESPITE HAVING THIS RECALL TAKEN CARE OF BY THE DEALERSHIP IN 2004, THE TRANSMISSION HAS STILL FAILED. HONDA APPARENTLY ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENSION, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF THIS EXTENSION AND THE DEALERSHIP HAD NO DETAILS ON THIS WARRANTY EXTENSION (OTHER THAN TO TELL ME I AM BEYOND THAT EXTENSION DUE TO TIME LAPSE). HONDA NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS DESIGN FLAW. IT CAUSES A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF NOT IMMEDIATELY ADDRESSED, NOT TO MENTION A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX FOR A PROBLEM THAT HAS PLAGUED HUNDREDS OR PERHAPS THOUSANDS OF 1999-2003 (OR BEYOND) ODYSSEY OWNERS. *TR
Power train, Feb 4, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000 WAS RECALL/REPAIR FOR TRANSMISSION. CAUSED DELAY IN TOTAL FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION. 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH 90K MILES. LAST NIGHT OUT OF BLUE STARTS TO REV WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. ALMOST KILLED, AS SUDDEN FAILURE CAUSED VAN TO HAVE NO POWER WHEN NEEDED TO PULL OUT. REALLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED! *TR
Power train, Feb 4, 2010
MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION GAVE OUT AFTER ONLY 77,000 MILES. MY RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS ARE HAVING OR HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR ODYSSEYS FROM 1999-2004. HONDA SETTLED A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT COVERING FROM 1999-2001. THESE TRANSMISSIONS ARE APPARENTLY ALL DEFECTIVE. HONDA REFUSES TO REPLACE THESE DANGEROUS TRANSMISSIONS FOR FREE LIKE THEY SHOULD. *TR
Power train, Feb 4, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 55-65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND SUDDENLY SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, FOLLOWED BY NO POWER RESPONSE. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE EXHIBITED A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK. THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND HAS BEEN ORDERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Feb 2, 2010
1. MANUFACTURER REMEDY TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 04V17600 DOES NOT CORRECT HEAT BUILD UP/ GEAR FAILURE IN 2002-2004 HONDA ODYSSEY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. IT ONLY DELAYS THE FAILURE. 2. COOLER RETURN LINE REVISION WAS PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE AT 17,847 MILES. DESPITE THE MANUFACTURER DESIGN REVISION THE GEARS FAILED THIS LAST WEEK (CODE P730 - GEAR RATIO ERROR) AT 44,500 MILES. I WAS FORTUNATE. IT ONLY RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER. THERE WAS NO TRANSMISSION LOCK UP OR CRASH, THIS TIME. I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE. EVEN CURSORY INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALS OVER 1300 REPORTS OF CONTINUING FAILURES AT THE EDMUNDS SITE ALONE; SOME VEHICLES HAVING HAD AS MANY AS THREE TRANSMISSION REBUILDS BY THE MANUFACTURER. 3.COOLING LINE REVISION HAS NOT CORRECTED THE HEAT BUILD UP PROBLEM. THE GEARS STILL GET HOT ENOUGH TO LOSE TEMPER, SOFTEN AND FAIL UNDER NORMAL LOADS. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL DEBRIS FROM THE FAILED GEARS CAUSE A TRANSMISSION LOCK UP AND CRASH. TO DATE AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. DECLINES TO HELP ME WITH THIS ONGOING PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Traction control system, Feb 2, 2010
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2003 ODYSSEY JUST FAILED AT 83,000 MILES. 2ND AND 3RD GEARS, MAINLY OVER 25 MILES PER HOURS, DO NOT WORK PREDICTABLY. WHEN ONE WOULD NORMALLY EXPECT IT TO GO TO THIRD GEAR, IT SLIPS. THE CAR JUST STARTED THIS TODAY. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, THE DEALERSHIP WILL CHARGE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE IT. I AM DROPPING IT OFF TONIGHT OR EARLY TOMORROW MORNING. I HOPE IT IS ONLY A PART, AND THAT I DON'T HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION; I CAN'T AFFORD IT. THE CAR HAS HAD AVERAGE MAINTENANCE BY THE DEALERSHIP. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I CAN'T PULL INTO AND OUT OF INTERSECTIONS PREDICTABLY. TAKING A LEFT FROM A BUSY HIGHWAY, SUCH AS THE ONE I LIVE NEAR, IS DANGEROUS, BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE VAN WILL ACCELERATE LIKE. WHAT IF IT SLIPS OUT OF GEAR, AND I GET STUCK IN A LANE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC? I HOPE THAT HONDA IS REQUIRED TO FIX OR REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. NO ONE EXPECTS THIS OUT OF A SIX TO SEVEN YEAR OLD CAR WITH 83,000 MILES ANYMORE. PEOPLE MAY TRY TO DRIVE SLOWLY ANYWAY, BECAUSE THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THERE ARE ACCIDENTS WAITING TO HAPPEN, BECAUSE THE CARS BEHIND THE VAN WILL EXPECT IT TO ACCELERATE, AND IT WILL GET CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS. *TR
Power train, Feb 1, 2010
IT SHUDDERS WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 30-35 MPH SPEED. I SHOWED TO MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK-UP CLUTCH IS CAUSING THIS ISSUE AND IT IS VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH ODYSSEY. I PERFORM ALL REGULAR MAINTENANCE BUT STILL THIS HAPPENED. *TR
Power train, Feb 1, 2010
VEHICLE: 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH 84,000 MILES. WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR VAN HOME FROM THE GYM AND UPON RETURNING HOME REPORTED TO ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AS IT SHIFTED FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE HONDA REPAIR SHOP ABOUT 5 MILES AWAY AND OBSERVED THE SAME THING. THEY WENT AND "DIAGNOSED" THE PROBLEM AND REPORTED TO ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACED. IN FACT, THEY SAID THAT THEY BARELY MADE IT BACK TO THEIR SHOP AT THE CONCLUSION OF THEIR DIAGNOSIS. IN ADDITION TO TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT, HONDA REQUIRES THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL COMPUTER BE REPLACED AS WELL BECAUSE THERE IS NEW VERSION THAT RUNS THE TRANSMISSION. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS YEAR AND MODEL OF VEHICLE RELATING TO THE TRANSMISSION, BUT WAS SIMPLY AN INSPECTION AN A SUBSEQUENT INSTALL OF AN "OIL JET." THIS RECALL HAD BEEN COMPLIED WITH ON MY VEHICLE. I BELIEVE HONDA KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS AND IS DOING A DISSERVICE TO CONSUMERS. THE EARLY RECALL COUPLED WITH THEIR REQUIREMENT TO REPLACE THE COMPUTER, AND THEIR WILLINGNESS TO PAY A PORTION OF MY REPAIR TO ME IS PROOF OF THEIR ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF A PROBLEM WITH THEIR INITIAL DESIGN. IN MY OPINION THERE ARE ALSO LEGITIMATE SAFETY CONCERNS WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 28, 2010
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY HAS A UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND HAD TO APPLY BRAKES SEVERELY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE THIS HAPPENED TWICE FOR THE VEHICLE AND WAS INFORMED TO THE DEALER AND HONDA OF USA.*CW
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 28, 2010
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. DRIVING HOME ABOUT 40MPH, SLOWED TO ABOUT 20 TO CROSS A STREET THAT IS CROWNED. STARTED TO ACCELERATE, THE ENGINE JUST REVVED. COASTED TO THE SIDE ABOUT 100 YARDS AHEAD TO GET OFF THE STREET INTO A PARKING LOT. CAR STARTED WORKING AGAIN, PROCEEDED HOME. HAD TO STOP 2 OTHER TIMES TO GET BACK HOME. CHECKED THE WEB AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS. CALLED A REPUTABLE TRANSMISSION SERVICE, TOLD ME THAT THE ENTIRE 2009 YEAR WAS FILLED WITH HONDAS COMING IN! IN FACT, HE HAD AN IDENTICAL HONDA ODYSSEY THERE WHEN I GOT THERE.THIS IS A GIANT SAFETY PROBLEM! I CANNOT IMAGINE BEING IN THE LEFT 5TH LANE DOING 70 AND HAVING THIS HAPPEN- OR A LOCK UP! FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ON THE NET, IT SEEMS HONDA DOES NOT WANT TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. THIS IS MY SECOND HONDA. MY FIRST WENT 248K MILES W/O ANY MAJOR ISSUE WHATSOEVER! THAT IS WHY I BOUGHT ANOTHER. THIS IS TRULY A BAD SAFETY ISSUE.*CW
Power train, Jan 13, 2010
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION ISSUE. CONTINUE TO GET THE CODES: P0740- TCC CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION P0730- GEAR RATIO INCORRECT P1750 MALFUNCTION CONTROL TRANSMISSION NOW HAS 166K MILES ON IT AND IS SLIPPING IN AND OUT OF GEAR. MUST GET THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Dec 31, 2009
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND CATCHING, NEARLY SMACKING MY HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL. CONTENTS OF CAR BECAME MISSILES. TRIED TO GET IT HOME, SLIPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR ON HIGHWAY. REAL DANGEROUS!! *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
Power train, Dec 28, 2009
MY DAUGHTER BORROWED MY WIFE'S HONDA ODYSSEY TO PICK UP HER SISTER'S CHILDREN IN THOUSAND OAKS, CA . THE TRIP IS ABOUT 65 MILES. SHE REPORTED ALMOST GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY BECAUSE 4TH GEAR WENT OUT SUDDENLY. SHE FINISHED HER TRIP CRAWLING ALONG AT 40 MILES PER HOUR. *TR
Power train, Dec 28, 2009
PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION ON 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY AT HIGH SPEEDS: WHEN ACCELERATING FROM SPEEDS OF 40 MPH TO 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LURCHES SUDDENLY, AND IT FEELS AS IF IT WERE SHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR. HISTORY: ON NOVEMBER 7, 2009, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. OUR AUTO MECHANIC CHECKED THE CODE (PO740) AND FOUND THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE LOCKUP CONTROL SYSTEM (TRANSMISSION). ROAD TEST DIDN'T REVEAL ANY PROBLEMS. THE MECHANIC FROZE THE DATA/CLEARED THE CODE TO SEE IF ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME BACK ON. IT DID NOT. HOWEVER, WE SUBSEQUENTLY EXPERIENCED THE LURCHING OF GEARS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEED: NOVEMBER 29TH, 2009; DECEMBER 23RD, DECEMBER 25TH. IT HAPPENS UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT ANY PREDICTABILITY WHEN WE ARE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT, WE'VE TRIED TO AVOID DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY. WE ARE CURRENTLY BORROWING A CAR FROM FAMILY AND ARE TRYING TO FIND A WAY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED FOR A REASONABLE COST. WE WILL NOT DRIVE OUR CHILDREN IN THE CAR ANY LONGER BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IT IS PUTTING THEM AT RISK. *TR
Power train, Dec 28, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 30-35 MPH,THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIGHTLY LOSE POWER, AS IF SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. AFTER A BRIEF MOMENT SHE CAN RESUME NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. IN YEAR 2004 HER VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL NUMBER 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. ON ONE OCCASION THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A CERTIFIED REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED TO-DATE. SHE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND ADVISED TO TAKE IT IN TO HAVE IT INSPECTED. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST HER WITH THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,372. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8.
Power train, Dec 21, 2009
FIRST TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 61,000. REPLACED WITH A REFURBISHED HONDA TRANSMISSION. SUPPOSED TO BE BETTER THAN NEW TRANSMISSION. SECOND TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 119,000. ALMOST DIDN'T MAKE IT TO THE DEALER. THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING SO MUCH. AT ONE POINT, I COULD NOT GET IN ANY GEAR. *TR
Power train, Dec 20, 2009
MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION SUFFERED SUDDEN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IN TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN ANY FURTHER AND WAS LEFT IN A DANGEROUS SPOT AND REQUIRED TOWING TO THE HONDA DEALER.THE VEHICLE COULD BE CRANKED AND PLACED IN GEAR BUT THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THE ENGINE REVS THE SAME IN BOTH PARK AND IN DRIVE. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM UNTIL SOME ERRATIC REVS APPEARED ON THE TACH GOING FROM NORMAL CRUISING REVS OF ~2K UP TO 5K A COUPLE OF MINUTES PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE ONLY OTHER INDICATION WAS THE "CHECK ENGINE " LIGHT WHICH ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL INDICATES AN EMISSIONS SYSTEM PROBLEM...NOT A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED FRIDAY NIGHT AND THE DEALER CALLED SAT MORNING AND SAID THE TRANSMISSION REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET I SEE MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR 2003 ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION AND IN FACT THEIR HAS BEEN CLASS ACTION SUIT ON PRIOR YEAR AND MAYBE ANOTHER ONE THAT COVERS 2003. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND NOT DOING ANYTHING. THERE WAS A RECALL AND I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN BUT THE CHANGES THEY MADE WERE NOT EFFECTIVE. ADDITIONALLY, I UNDERSTAND THAT THE FILTER IS INTERNAL AND CANNOT BE CLEANED OR CHANGED. *TR
Power train, Dec 9, 2009
I DROVE CAR TO CHURCH; PARKED MY CAR AND WENT INSIDE. AFTER CHURCH IS OVER, I CAME OUT, MY VAN DID START BUT I WAS NOT ABLE TO SHIFT THE GEAR, I HAD TO TOW IT TO REPAIR SHOP TO CHANGE BREAK SWITCH. *TR
Power train, Dec 6, 2009
MY HONDA 2003 ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION LOCK UP AND I CANT DRIVE IT FROM MY GARAGE, I WASN'T INFORM ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION RECALL BY HONDA. *TR
Power train, Dec 5, 2009
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON HIGHWAY. DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS WITHIN THE SPEED LIMIT, UPON DOWNSHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE THE TRANSMISSION "SLIPPED" CAUSING A DRIVING SAFETY SITUATION AT FULL SPEED PUTTING MY ENTIRE FAMILY AT RISK OF AN ACCIDENT. THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AND CONTINUED TO PERFORM UNACCEPTABLY OFF AND ON THAT DAY. I STOPPED DRIVING IT EXCEPT TO TAKE IT TO THE SHOP WHERE THEY TOLD ME IT HAS TO BE REPLACED. VERY LOW MILEAGE (68K OR SO). *TR
Power train, Dec 2, 2009
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR