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, Nov 25, 2008
OWN A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY BOUGHT BRAND NEW, TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 97,000 MILES. DEALER SERVICE IS NOT SURE IF THE TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO DEFECTS OR THE COMPUTER THAT CONTROLS THE TRANSMISSION CAUSED THE FAILURE, THE COMPUTER WAS ALSO FOUND TO BE A PROBLEM AND IS BEING REPLACED. VEHICLE DOES HAVE FACTORY INSTALLED TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM THAT HAS NEVER BEEN TURNED ON SINCE WE HAVE OWED THE VAN. VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED BY HONDA DUE TO BUYING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. HONDA REFUSES ANY OWNERSHIP OF PROBLEM OR REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES. ALL MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN PERFORMED BY HONDA DEALERSHIPS. TRANSMISSION FAILURE SHOULD BE A RARE OCCURRENCE FOR ANY OF TODAY'S' VEHICLES. WITH HONDA'S REPUTATION ON THE LINE, YOU WOULD THINK THAT HONDA WOULD HAVE ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM BY NOW AND NOT LET IT CONTINUE INTO FUTURE MODEL YEARS. SEEMS EXCESSIVE THAT MODEL YEARS 1999 THROUGH 2008 ARE STILL HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. SO FAR CHARGES THAT HAVE ACCUMULATED ARE SHIPPING CHARGES FOR THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION, ALL WHEEL ALIGNMENT, STILL COUNTING. *TR
Power train, Nov 20, 2008
HONDA ODYSSEY 2003 WITH 106,000 MILES TRANSMISSION SLIPS BETWEEN GEARS. *TR
Power train, Nov 19, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE TRANSMISSION WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE REPAIR SHOP WILL REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS CHECKED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO SUBMIT HER REPAIR RECEIPT IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR REIMBURSEMENT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000.
Power train, Nov 17, 2008
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY 80,000 MILES TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHILE ACCELERATING. WENT TO HONDA DEALER, TEST DROVE, SAID EVERYTHING OK. AFTER BEING ALMOST RUN OVER BY OTHER VEHICLES BECAUSE THE VAN TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP, WENT BACK TO DEALER, TEST DROVE, NEEDS NEW TRANSMISSION. HAD THE RECALL DONE FOR OVERHEATING DONE WHEN THE RECALL CAME OUT. *TR
Power train, Nov 17, 2008
I PURCHASED A USED 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY IN JANUARY 2006, THE VAN HAD ~50, 000 MILES ON IT. IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR WE TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE AND TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION CHECKED, (THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HESITATE PRIOR TO GOING IN GEAR) THE DEALER CHECKED THE TRANSMISSION AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS. ON NOVEMBER 8, 2008 THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITH ~75,000 MILES. THE DEALER QUOTED $4200 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. UPON DOING RESEARCH I FOUND THE TRANSMISSION WAS RECALLED AND "FIXED" PRIOR TO OUR PURCHASE OF THE VAN. THE DEALER HAS NOT TAKEN ANY ACTION ON THE TRANSMISSION TO DATE AND HAS NOT OFFERED FOR HONDA TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. IT SEEMS APPARENT TO ME THAT HONDA HAS RECOGNIZED A DESIGN DEFECT SINCE A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THIS PROBLEM, YET THE FIX TO THE RECALL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED THAT HONDA HAS SOLD THE PUBLIC A FAULTY PRODUCT AND REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME IN THIS MATTER. *TR
Power train, Nov 13, 2008
I HAD COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY ON SAT. NOV.8,2008. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT 10 MINUTES BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A HONDA DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION WITH A REFURBISHED ONE SINCE NEW TRANSMISSIONS FOR THIS MODEL ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. WE HAVE CONTACTED HONDA CORPORATE AND THEY HAVE AGREED TO A 50/50 SPLIT ON THE REPAIR. THIS WILL PUT US OUT OF POCKET FOR THIS AROUND 2500.00. THE VEHICLE HAS 135,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AT THE DEALERSHIP. WE HAVE INVESTIGATED AND LEARNED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE IN 2003 MODEL HONDA ODYSSEYS AND I COMPLAINED WHEN I CARRIED MY VEHICLE IN FOR A RECALL IN 2006 THAT THE ENGINE WAS SLIPPING WAS SLIPPING ON THE INTERSTATE BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE THE SLIPPING SENSATION AND I WAS SENT HOME WITHOUT A REPAIR. I WAS STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY FOR 1&1/2 HOURS AND LATE FOR WORK. I AM NOW GOING TO HAVE A USED PART IN MY VEHICLE THAT HAS FAILED ALREADY WITH ONLY A 36,000 MILE WARRANTY TO BACK IT UP. I TRAVEL TO WORK SOMETIMES IN EXCESS OF 100 MILES A DAY AND I AM NOW GOING TO HAVE TO RELY ON A PREVIOUSLY FAULTY PART. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD BY EMPLOYEES OF HONDA THAT THE 2003 ODYSSEY TRANSMISSIONS WERE MADE BY A COMPANY OTHER THAN HONDA AND THEY HAVE KNOWN FOR SOMETIME THAT THE TRANSMISSIONS WERE FAULTY, BUT HAVE REMAINED SILENT HOPING THAT THE TRANSMISSIONS WOULD NOT GO OUT UNTIL AFTER THE NEW CAR WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED ON THE VEHICLE AT WHICH TIME THEY WOULD NOT HAVE TO SHOULDER THE EXPENSE OF REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. AFTER INVESTIGATING ONLINE ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY'S WITH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, I CAN UNDERSTAND WHY THEY HAVE KEPT SILENT, BUT THAT DOES NOT MAKE WHAT THEY ARE DOING RIGHT. THESE TRANSMISSIONS ARE FAULTY AND THEY SHOULD BE REPAIRING THEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER THAT BELIEVED IN THE HONDA NAME AND THEN GOT SADDLED WITH LEMONS. *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
Power train, Nov 10, 2008
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL SERVICE STATION, THEY REPORTED THE CODE PO740-TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH. TOOK CAR TO A TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP, WHO SAID THEY FOUND METAL IN THE BOTTOM OF THE TRANSMISSION SO IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACE. WAITING FOR WORD FROM HONDA ABOUT REPLACEMENT. *TR
Power train, Oct 30, 2008
I HAVE A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH APPROXIMATELY 87,000 MILES. THE VAN SUDDENLY STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH JUMPING AS IT TRIED TO CHANGE GEARS. HONDA ISSUED A RECALL SEVERAL YEARS AGO INVOLVING THE TRANSMISSIONS IN THESE AND OTHER MODEL YEAR ODYSSEYS IN WHICH A REPAIR WAS MADE TO THE VAN TO SUPPOSEDLY CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER IS NOW SAYING WE NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON 2003 MODEL YEAR ODYSSEYS. *TR
Power train, Oct 29, 2008
SUDDEN TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON YET ANOTHER 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY MINIVAN. DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH OUR DAUGHTER IN THE CAR, THE RPMS SUDDENLY STARTING REVVING LIKE CRAZY, WE LOST SPEED AND THE CAR EVENTUALLY STALLED. WE COULD NOT GET IT BACK IN GEAR. TCS AND ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. FORTUNATELY WE WERE NEAR A FIELD WHERE WE LET THE CAR "REST" FOR A WHILE. EVENTUALLY, WE WERE ABLE TO GET IT GOING, LIMPED TO A SERVICE STATION AND POURED SOME TRANSMISSION FLUID. WE BARELY MADE IT HOME. THE CAR IS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD AND HAS 94,000. DEALER SAYS WE NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $5000. WE BALKED. LATER SINCE WE WERE SUCH "GOOD" CUSTOMERS AND HAD RELIGIOUSLY PERFORMED ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AT THE DEALER, THEY 'DROPPED" IT TO $2000. WE STILL SAY NO GO AND HAVE TAKEN IT UP WITH HONDA AMERICA. WE BOUGHT A HONDA THINKING WE WERE BUYING SUPERIOR RELIABILITY AND TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE. WHAT A JOKE. TRANSMISSIONS ARE BUILT TO LAST--EXCEPT FOR HONDAS, JUDGING BY THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS HERE AND ON THE INTERNET. IT IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE TO US TO PAY THE PRICE THAT HONDA CHARGES FOR ITS VANS AND TO BE TOLD LESS THAN 5 YEARS LATER THAT A CAR THAT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED, REGULARLY SERVICED AND HAS NOT EVEN REACHED 100,000 SHOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. WE HAVEN'T EVEN FINISHED PAYING FOR THE CAR AND WE ARE FURIOUS! I AM WONDERING HOW LONG IT IS GOING TO TAKE NHTSA TO OPEN AN INVESTIGATION. *TR
Power train, Oct 28, 2008
PREMATURE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. VAN BEGAN TO SLIP IN GEARS AND HESITATE FROM STANDING STOP. RPM'S WILL RACE WITH VEHICLE IN "D" THEN ENGAGE. WILL DISENGAGE ALL GEAR WHILE DRIVING. CEL CODE P0730. HONDA OF AMERICA WON'T EVEN START A CASE FOR ME SINCE I AM ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY STATIONED OUTSIDE THE US. 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY EX 81,000 MILES TRANSMISSION RECALL PERFORMED IN 2004. *TR
Power train, Oct 22, 2008
TRANSMISSION SHUDDER AT LOW SPEEDS AND LOW POWER. DEALERS CAN'T IDENTIFY PROBLEM OR FIX IT. CAR SHUDDERS ON REGULAR BASIS AND NEW EGR VALVE, FLUID CHANGES TUNE UPS MAKE NO DIFFERENCE. KNOWN TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS MAKE ME NERVOUS OF THE RELIABILITY OF THE TRANS. *TR
Power train, Oct 13, 2008
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, TCS LIGHT, TRANSMISSION FAIL TO ENGAGE 3RD GEAR 50% OF THE TIME. ERROR CODE P0740. HAD THE OIL JET KIT INSTALLED ON AUG 4 2004. *TR
Power train, Oct 2, 2008
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AS THE TCS LIGHT WITH NO OTHER PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS. TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS "A LITTLE" LOW AND "DIRTY" SO AUTHORIZED REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. 24 HOURS LATER, THE GEARS BEGAN STICKING IN BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEARS WITH THE ENGINE JUST REVVING, LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. COULD NOT ACCELERATE. CODE ON COMPUTER SAID TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED/REBUILT. HAVE YET TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED DUE TO COST AND APPARENT ISSUE WITH THE SAFETY OF HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSIONS 2003. *TR
Power train, Sep 19, 2008
TRANSMISSION BROKE DOWN I HAD TO TO TOW IT TO A HONDA DEALER AND GET IT REPAIRED. IT COST ME $3200. *TR
Power train, Sep 10, 2008
I HAVE A 2003 ODYSSEY THAT I BOUGHT IN JAN 03. AT 74,000 MILES AND 1.5 MONTHS AFTER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED, THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AT THE DEALER I WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL RECOMMENDATION HAD BEEN COMPLETED PREVIOUSLY AND THERE'S NOTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DONE. I HAD PREVIOUSLY TAKEN THE VAN IN COMPLAINING THAT IT WAS NOT DRIVING RIGHT AND FELT LIKE IT WAS SHUTTERING. THE TECH INSPECTED AND FOUND NOTHING. I WAS TOLD THE TECH THOUGHT IT PROBABLY WAS THE WAY I DROVE IT. IT ENDED UP THAT IT WASN'T "MY DRIVING", IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. AT THE TIME THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED IT WAS NOTED THAT MOTOR MOUNTS ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO BREAKAGE. THIS WAS THE 2ND TIME IN LESS THAN 12 MONTHS THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Aug 23, 2008
I OWN A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WHICH CURRENTLY HAS 82,000 AND I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO 75,000. ON 11/3/04 I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP PER THE SAFETY RECALL FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION. AT THAT TIME MY CAR HAD 29,000 MILES ON IT. THE DEALER INSTALLED AN OIL JET KIT. PER THE RECALL, CARS UNDER 15,000 MILES WERE TO GET THE KIT AND CARS OVER 15,000 WERE TO BE CHECKED FOR HEAT DISCOLORATION, WHICH INDICATES POSSIBLE DAMAGE AND IF FOUND, IF FOUND, THE DEALER WAS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. NO WHERE ON MY SERVICE RECEIPT DOES IT INDICATE THAT THE INSPECTION EVER TOOK PLACE. IN JUNE 2005 I HAD PROBLEMS GETTING THE CAR IN AND OUT OF GEAR AND TOOK THE CAR TO BE SERVICED AND HONDA CLAIMED THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM AND AGAIN THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THEY CHECKED THE TRANSMISSION FOR HEAT DISCOLORATION. I CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS BUT RELUCTANT TO TAKE THE CAR BACK SINCE THEY CLAIMED THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM. IN DEC. 2006 WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, I TOOK THE CAR BACK AGAIN STILL COMPLAINING ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION AND THE GEARS BEING DIFFICULT. HONDA CLAIMS IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, REPLACED THE SWITCH AND SAID THE GEARS WERE WORKING OK. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY ON THE WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET A DIFFERENT PROBLEM CORRECTED WHEN THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING. I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF OF THE HIGHWAY BUT WAS STUCK IN THE CENTER LANE OF ANOTHER VERY BUSY ROAD AND HAD TO WAIT 30 MINUTES BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. NOW WITH 82,000 MILES I AM TOLD THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I FEEL HONDA WAS COMPLETELY AWARE OF THIS DEFECT AND I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT. HONDA IS NOT WILLING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND SO I AM FORCED TO LODGE A COMPLAINT. *TR
Power train, Aug 20, 2008
I HAD NO WARNING THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG UNTIL I WAS DRIVING ON THE PA TURNPIKE TODAY AND ALL POWER WAS SHUT OFF. I IMMEDIATELY GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD THE VAN TOWED AND I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I JUST READ THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND UNFORTUNATELY, I NEVER GOT ANY MAIL INFORMING ME OF A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. NOW I AM STUCK WITH A 3,000 BILL TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Aug 15, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING THE FAILURES DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. WHENEVER HE PLACES THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE, THE GEAR INDICATOR LIGHT BEGINS TO FLASH WHILE THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 86,000.
Power train, Aug 13, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT APPROX. 99000 MILES. HAD TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AND 2 WEEKS LATER TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE A 4400.00 REPAIR INCLUDING THE ECU. HONDA PAID HALF OF REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION AS WELL AS ECU FOR "GOODWILL" EVEN THOUGH WE WERE INITIALLY TOLD THAT THEY WOULD CONTRIBUTE NOTHING. TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD BEEN CHANGED TWICE DURING OWNERSHIP. TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO SERVICED WITH THE EARLIER HONDA RECALL. FAILURE OCCURRED OUT OF TOWN WHILE ON VACATION - HAD TO LEAVE THE CAR IN NEIGHBORING STATE AND RETURN HOME IN A BORROWED CAR. *TR
Power train, Aug 5, 2008
THE TRANSMISSION ON OUR 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY IS FAILING - WON'T ENGAGE 3RD GEAR. YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE, THE RPM'S INCREASE, BUT THE VEHICLE JUST COASTS. IT'S GETTING WORSE. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP "CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM" AND REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Aug 5, 2008, fire
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY (PURCHASED OCTOBER 2002). IN SUMMER OF 2004, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION, AND POTENTIAL FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A HONDA DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIR. WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE, AND NO REPAIR WAS NECESSARY. IN JULY 2006, WITH APPROX. 84,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, MY TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, CAUSING TRANSMISSION FLUID AND OIL TO SPLATTER EVERYWHERE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE, FOR APPROX. HALF AN HOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER 90 MILES FROM MY HOME. AFTER NEGOTIATIONS WITH AMERICAN HONDA, A REBUILT TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED AND WAS COVERED BY HONDA. NOW, JUST OVER TWO YEARS AND 40,000 MILES LATER, THE EXACT SAME THING HAS OCCURRED. AM ATTEMPTING TO NEGOTIATE WITH HONDA TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. ON BOTH OCCASIONS, WAS TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR, AND WAS FORCED TO COMPROMISE THEIR SAFETY AS WELL AS MINE, WHILE WAITING ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY FOR OVER AN HOUR. *TR
Power train, Aug 5, 2008, fire
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY (PURCHASED OCTOBER 2002). IN SUMMER OF 2004, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION, AND POTENTIAL FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A HONDA DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIR. WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE, AND NO REPAIR WAS NECESSARY. IN JULY 2006, WITH APPROX. 84,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, MY TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, CAUSING TRANSMISSION FLUID AND OIL TO SPLATTER EVERYWHERE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE, FOR APPROX. HALF AN HOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER 90 MILES FROM MY HOME. AFTER NEGOTIATIONS WITH AMERICAN HONDA, A REBUILT TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED AND WAS COVERED BY HONDA. NOW, JUST OVER TWO YEARS AND 40,000 MILES LATER, THE EXACT SAME THING HAS OCCURRED. AM ATTEMPTING TO NEGOTIATE WITH HONDA TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. ON BOTH OCCASIONS, WAS TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR, AND WAS FORCED TO COMPROMISE THEIR SAFETY AS WELL AS MINE, WHILE WAITING ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY FOR OVER AN HOUR. *TR
Power train, Jul 30, 2008
WE HAVE A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY VAN WITH APPROXIMATELY 111,000 MILES ON IT. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO I NOTICED A LONGER DELAY FROM THE TIME I WOULD PUT IT IN REVERSE TO THE TIME IT ACTUALLY WENT INTO REVERSE. THEN, JUST A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED BETWEEN 2 AND THIRD GEAR WHILE ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE FREEWAY. WE TOOK IT INTO OUR LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE. THE SAME SLIPPAGE HAS NOW HAPPENED TWICE MORE IN THE LAST WEEK. THIS MILEAGE IS A LITTLE LOW TO HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SO I STARTED TO DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET. TO MY SURPRISE THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL OF VAN. THE COST TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP WAS QUOTED TO ME AT $2,700. SEEMS TO ME THAT HONDA KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. *TR
Power train, Jul 30, 2008
TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO SHIFT FROM ONE GEAR TO THE OTHER HARD. SORT OF FEELS LIKE A JUMP IN THE TRANSMISSION. I'VE RESEARCHED AND NOTICED HONDA HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY PERIOD FOR HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSIONS IN PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS FOR THE SAME REASON. IN OUR 2003 THEY HAVE NOT YET EXTENDED THE WARRANTY AND I'M CONCERNED OURS WILL FAIL WITHIN THE NEXT 10,000 MILES. HONDA HAS OWNED UP TO PUTTING IN BAD TRANSMISSIONS IN THE 2002 AND PRIOR YEARS AND THEY EXTENDED THOSE WARRANTIES. MY 2003 IS NOW SHOWING SIGNS OF A BAD TRANSMISSION. I HOPE FILLING THIS COMPLAINT HELPS TO SUPPORT OTHER 2003 ODYSSEY COMPLAINTS ON TRANSMISSIONS. *TR