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 2, 2016
WE COULD HAVE DIED YESTERDAY 02-01-2016.THE TRANSMISSION WENT INTO A WILD VIOLENT DOWNSHIFT AS WE WE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT. IN THE VEHICLE WERE MY WIFE WHOM IS 38 WEEKS PREGNANT, MY 5 SONS AGES 12 (AUTISIM),AGE 5,AGE 4 (ADHA),AGE 3 (AUTISIM),AND AGE 2. I LUCKILY AVOIDED BEING T-BONED DUE TO THE GRACE OF GOD. WE MADE IT HOME EVENTUALLY AND IT FAILED TO GO INTO REVERSE AND WHEN IT DID IT WAS A VERY HARD ENGAGE AND A VERY AWFUL SMELL WAS COMING FROM THE DIPSTICK TUBE WHEN I GOT IT PARKED. WHAT I CAN NOT UNDERSTAND IS THAT THESE VERY RICH OWNERS MAKING BILLIONS THRROUGH HONDA AND SEEM TO HAVE NO CARE FOR ANYONE. I CAN NOT AFFORD ANOTHER FAMILY VEHICLE. BUT THE SAD OFFENSE IS HONDA CARES FOR NO ONE . IT WILL TAKE AN ABSOLUTE TRAGIC DEATH DEALING WITH THESE VERY CHEAP TRANSMISSIONS.
Power train, Dec 3, 2015
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH LESS THAN 127,000. *SMD
Power train, Nov 24, 2015
VEHICLE WENT IDLE WHILE IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY AND HAVE ALMOST GOT REAR-ENDED BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS. THE MILEAGE READING IS 130,000 AND THE CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED IN A HONDA DEALERSHIP.
Power train, Sep 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
Power train, Aug 18, 2015
THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT 70MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY SHIFTED DOWN TO EITHER SECOND OR THIRD GEAR CAUSING THE VEHICLE SLOW DOWN AND MOVE AT A MAXIMUM SPEED AROUND 20MPH. THIS COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF THERE WAS ANOTHER VEHICLE BEHIND US.
Power train, Aug 5, 2015
MY TCS LIGHT HAD COME ON A FEW DAYS PRIOR. I WAS GOING DOWN HIGHWAY AT 55MPH THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND DRIVE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. MY CAR LOST ALL POWER AND ACCELERATION WITH NO WARNING CAUSING THE PERSON BEHIND ME TO ALMOST HIT ME. I PULLED OVER MY RPM'S WERE GOING UP BUT CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE UNLESS FLOORED AND THEN BARELY. NO PRIOR WARNING OR SLIPPING.
Power train, Jul 27, 2015
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SLIPPING INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING. *SMD
Power train, Traction control system, Engine, Jul 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Power train, Jul 13, 2015
THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING FINE, AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING. TRYING TO STOP AT THE LIGHT, THE ABS SEEMED TO ENGAGE, THE CAR HAD A HARD TIME STOPPING AND DOWNSHIFTING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, AND THE TCS LIGHT STAYED ON. THE CAR ALMOST DIDN'T STOP IN TIME, AND THERE WAS 5 PASSENGERS IN THE MINIVAN. UPDATED 10/9/15 *LN UPDATED 11/14/2017*CN
Power train, Jun 27, 2015
WAS DRIVING FROM DESOTO STATE PARK BACK HOME TO TUSCALOOSA WHEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD AND THEN AGAIN BETWEEN 4TH AND 5TH. ENDED UP HAVING TO DRIVE HOME DOING 40 MPH ON BACK ROADS. REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION TO THE TUNE OF $4000. TWO YEARS AND 40,000 MILES LATER THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN...SAME EXACT ISSUE. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM TO EVERY MECHANIC I HAVE DEALT WITH. THIS ISSUE HAS EXISTED SINCE THE CAR HIT THE MARKET. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. NOW I HAVE A GIGANTIC PAPERWEIGHT SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. THE VANS VALUE IS LESS THAN IT WILL COST TO FIX. PEASE INVESTIGATE.
Power train, Jun 5, 2015
TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 150K MILES. HONDA IS AWARE THAT THE TRANSMISSIONS OF THE OLDER ODYSSEYS ARE NOT LASTING LONG.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, May 2, 2015
I WAS DRIVING MY VAN WITH MY TWO KIDS IN IT WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE VAN WAS JERKING FREQUENTLY AND THERE WAS NO PICK UP. THE RPM WENT TO 4 AND 5 THOUSAND BUT THE SPEED WAS NOT ABLE TO GO BEYOND 50 AND 60 MPH. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE I WAS ON A FREEWAY. WHEN I TOOK THE VAN TO OUR USUAL MECHANIC SHOP, THEY FOUND THAT IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. GETTING A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS VERY EXPENSIVE AND I HAD TO SETTLE FOR A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, I FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH HONDA ODYSSEYS BUILT DURING THE YEAR MY VAN WAS BUILT. I WOULD LIKE FOR NHTSA TO ENSURE HONDA PAYS FOR OUR REPAIRS AND ENSURES THE COMPANY FIXES ALL REMAINING VANS ON THE ROAD WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Apr 29, 2015
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 40MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED MAKING REAL BAD GRINDING NOISE THEN STOPPED WORKING. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 26, 2015
I PARKED MY CAR AND TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. ONLY PROBLEM WAS THAT THE CAR WAS STILL IN DRIVE. I KNOW THIS WAS AN KNOWN ISSUE (RECALL) WITH THE CAR. I HAD IT FIXED AT A DEALER TO ADDRESS THE RECALL ON THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE. OBVIOUSLY IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Apr 25, 2015
TRAVELING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, TRANSMISSION FAILED. FLUID EXITED TRANSMISSION AND "SMOKE" APPEARED AT REAR OF VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND ESTIMATED REPAIR COSTS AT $2500-3500. SINCE WE WERE 1000 MILES FROM HOME AND DID NOT WANT TO PUT THAT MUCH INTO REPAIRS, WE BOUGHT A NEW CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP. LATER FOUND OUT THIS TRANSMISSION FREQUENTLY FAILS UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES DUE TO LACK OF FLUID CIRCULATION. FLUID IS "BLOWN" OUT OF TRANSMISSION AND TO REAR OF CAR. IT MAY BE DUE TO A DEFECT IN DESIGN. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 30, 2015
CAR WAS RUNNING ON CITY ROAD AND SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME UP IMMEDIATELY. IT WAS GOOD THAT I WAS NOT BUSY AND NOT RUNNING FAST OR NOT IN THE FREEWAY, AND THERE IS NO CAR BEHIND MY CAR. I STOP ENGINE; AFTER SOMETIME I STARTED AND IT WAS RUNNING AGAIN AND AFTER 20 MINUTES IT STOPPED ON THE ROAD AGAIN. I DROVE TO A NEARBY HONDA SERVICE CENTER FOR CHECKING AND THEY GAVE ME DOCUMENTS THAT SAID A TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT NEEDED THAT COST MORE THAN 6,000. I DROVE BACK IN MY PARKING LOT AND PARK THERE AND DID NOT DRIVE ON THE ROAD AGAIN. I TRIED IN THE PARKING LOT AND FOUND IT RUNS WHEN THE CAR IS COLD, BUT WHEN IT HEATED IT STOP, BUT AFTER SOMETIMES IT RUN AGAIN. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE AND DO NOT DRIVE THIS CAR ON THE ROAD. SOME OF MY FRIENDS ALSO BROUGHT THE SAME CAR AND THEY FACED THE SAME PROBLEM AFTER 100,000-180,000. IF A CAR TRANSMISSION FAILED LIKE THIS AND IF IT HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY WITH 70 SPEED IT CAN MAKE SERIOUS ACCIDENT. HONDA CO. MUST RECALL THIS MODEL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Mar 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED EIGHT DAYS LATER TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
Power train, Mar 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,600. UPDATED 5/12/15*CN UPDATED 9/29/2017*CN
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 18, 2015
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 20 MPH AND I HAD TO USE THE BRAKES, MY CAR JERKED SUDDENLY TWICE WHILE I WAS GENTLY PUSHING THE BRAKES (AS IF I SLAMMED ON THEM TWICE). I ACCELERATED SLOWLY AND ONCE I GOT BACK INTO SECOND GEAR MY CAR WOULDN'T CATCH AND STARTED TO MAKE A WHIRRING NOISE. ONCE IT GOT PAST SECOND GEAR IT DRIVES SLOWER THAN USUAL FOR THE AMOUNT OF RPMS BEING USED. THIS IS A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM. IT'S ONLY ON THE SECOND GEAR THAT IT GLITCHES UP. I KNOW THIS CAR HAS A LOT OF MILES BUT IT HAS A NEWER MOTOR AND WE HAVE KEPT UP ON THE FLUIDS FOR THE VEHICLE. IT SHOULD NOT BE ACTING THIS WAY AND I EXPECT A RECALL ON THIS PROMPTLY. EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY VAN IT IS NOT LIKE IT USE TO BE. IT'S SLOWER AND AS STATED BEFORE THE RPMS IT USES SHOULD MAKES ITS SPEED FASTER BUT THE SPEED SLOWLY INCREASES WHILE THE RPMS INCREASE DRASTICALLY AND QUICKLY. I WANT THIS FIXED AND I WANT THIS FIXED NOW!! I WILL NOT ALLOW MY CHILDREN IN THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE WAY IT'S ACTING AND IT IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE FOR ANYONE AT THIS POINT. I WILL BE CONTACTING CORPORATE IF NEEDED. I EXPECT A RESPONSE FROM HONDA PROMPTLY. *TR
Power train, Feb 19, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED AND A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 08/09/17*LJ UPDATED 9/20/2017*CN
Power train, Feb 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SECOND GEAR TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Power train, Jan 28, 2015
PLEASE HAVE ONE OF YOUR INVESTIGATORS' TO LOOK INTO THIS: TAKE A LOOK ON THE INTERNET YOU WILL FIND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ( ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF HONDA OWNERS', VANS & SEDANS ON THE ROAD WHO HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING) 2003 HONDA TRANSMISSION SLIPPING BETWEEN 2ND & 3RD GEARS - ALL THE OWNERS' COMPLAINTS ARE IDENTICAL. UNEXPECTEDLY, THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL ACCELERATION POWER, A VERY DANGEROUS & SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT, HAZARD AS THE DRIVER LOSES CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLE & ACCELERATION. RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING IN OUR MODEL YEAR 2003 AND FROM MANY HONDA AND ACURA SEDAN OWNERS ARE ALSO EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM: ALL HAVE THE V-TECH ENGINE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR THOUSANDS OF HONDA & ACURA DRIVERS ON THE ROAD -A MOTHER'S WITH A VAN FULL OF CHILDREN OR REALLY ANY DRIVER TRYING TO ACCELERATE ON A BUSY ROAD FROM A DEAD STOP. A DRIVER LOSES CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLE SPEED UNEXPECTEDLY COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, EVEN DEATH. HONDA DEALERS ARE HITTING CUSTOMERS' FOR $4000.00 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALL, REPLACING THE SAME MALFUNCTIONING ONE THAT WAS IN THE VEHICLE PREVIOUSLY, NOT REIMBURSING OWNERS' FOR THE VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR BILL. HONDA SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS SERIOUS & DANGEROUS SAFETY DEFECT WHICH THEY IGNORED, HID, KEPT INSTALLING THE SAME TRANSMISSIONS WHEN IT WAS WELL KNOWN TO HONDA INSIDERS' THAT THEY HAD A MAJOR PROBLEM - THEY WERE WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM OCCURRING FOR YEARS & DID NOTHING. THEY NEED TO BE FORCED TO FIX THE HONDA TRANSMISSIONS AFFECTED AT NO COST TO THE THEIR CUSTOMERS' . HONDA REFUSED TO RE-MANUFACTURE, RE-ENGINEER THE TRANSMISSION OR REIMBURSE OWNERS' FOR THE EXPENSIVE REPAIR BILL ($4000.). IT IS EXTREMELY HARD TO BELIEVE THAT NHTSA HAS NOT ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL YET! *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 27, 2015, crash
THE GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION BROKEN IN TO PIECES, SHOT IN TO BEARING AND BROKEN THE CASE OF TRANSMISSION, MADE A TERRIBLE BIG SOUND. THE CAR ON FREE WAY IN MORE THAN 65 MILES, ALL THE LIGHTS IS ON. ENGINE DIED AND SPEED OUT OF CONTROL. I HAVE ASKED JUST ANSWER, THE EXPERT TOLD ME THAT IS NOT NORMAL ACCIDENT! IF YOU LIKE WE WILL SENT PIC TO YOU AND FEED BACK CENTER. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *TR
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 22, 2015
PURCHASED 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY NEW IN 12/2002. HAD ISSUE WITH TROUBLE LIGHT WITHIN WEEKS OF PURCHASE. DEALER SAID IT WAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP AT 25,000 MILES AND GOT WORSE. DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AT 35,000 MILES. THE TROUBLE LIGHT WOULD COME ON FROM TIME TO TIME AND DEALER WOULD TURN IT OFF. A FEW DAYS AGO, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE AND I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. DEALER SAYS I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I HAVE DONE NO TRAILER TOWING OR ANY OTHER UNUSUAL USES OF THE VEHICLE. ALL OF THE 157,000 MILES HAVE BEEN OVER THE ROAD OR IN TOWN. *TR
Power train, Jan 15, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE PARKED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ROLLED ACROSS THE ROAD AND COLLIDED WITH A FENCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,112.