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, Sep 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE RPM INCREASED EXCESSIVELY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THERE WAS A RECALL AND IT SHOULD GO TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000: (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED THE RECALL WAS REPAIRED BACK IN 2005 AND THEY OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Power train, Sep 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND THE RPM READING INCREASED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DRIVER STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON BUT THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) AND WAS REPAIRED PREVIOUSLY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 1, 2012
WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SOON AFTER MY TCS LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND WHEN I SLOWED DOWN TO GET OFF ON AN EXIT AND TRIED TO GO UP IN GEAR MY VAN STALLED AND WOULD NOT GO PAST 25 TO 30 MPH. I TOOK IT TO AN AUTO PLACE TO CHECK THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THESE CODES CAME UP P0740 TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION AND P0730 INCORRECT GEAR RATIO. *TR
Power train, Aug 28, 2012
I WAS DRIVING CARPOOL TO THE LOCAL SCHOOL ALONG A VERY CROWDED FOUR LANE HIGHWAY WHEN MY TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETELY. IT FELT AS IF THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL. IT WAS A BIT SCARY, BUT WE WERE ABLE TO COAST ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC AND INTO A PARKING LOT. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN DRIVE, DRIVE3, OR REVERSE. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO DRIVE SLOWLY IN A VERY LOW GEAR. I DROVE IT ABOUT A MILE TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC. HE CHECKED THE CODES AND GOT P0730 (INCORRECT GEAR RATIO), AND P0740 (TORQUE CONVERTER MALFUNCTION). AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH AND CONSULTING WITH HIS TRANSMISSION EXPERT, HE DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS ODYSSEY. BOUGHT IT FROM A FRIEND IN APRIL OF 2012. I HAVE ALL OF THEIR DEALERSHIP SERVICE RECORDS. ACCORDING TO THOSE RECORDS, THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT 7500 MILES IN JUNE OF 2004. AS SUCH, THAT MEANS THERE ARE LESS THAN 97,000 MILES ON THE TRANSMISSION. THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN GENTLY IN THE CITY AND ON THE HIGHWAY. IT HAS NEVER TOWED ANYTHING. I TALKED TO AMERICAN HONDA TODAY AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT HELP BECAUSE I AM THE SECOND OWNER. HOWEVER, WHEN PRESSED, THE AGENT DID ADMIT THAT THEY DO HELP SOME SECOND, THIRD... FOURTH OWNERS, BUT IT IS CASE BY CASE. IN MY CASE THE ANSWER WAS "NO". I ASKED WHAT WOULD HAVE TO BE DIFFERENT IN MY CASE FOR THEM TO HELP ME AND SHE SIMPLY SAID IT WAS CASE BY CASE. BASICALLY WE WENT IN CIRCLES FOR THE NEXT FIVE MINUTES.THE CONVERSATION WAS POLITE, BUT FRUSTRATING. I THEN ASKED IF I COULD SPECK TO A SUPERVISOR. THE SUPERVISOR SUGGESTED I TALK WITH THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, HAVE THEM DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND SEE IF THEY WOULD MAKE A RECOMMENDATION FOR ASSISTANCE TO AMERICAN HONDA. *TR
Power train, Aug 23, 2012
TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON US WHILE DRIVING TO FLORIDA, TOOK THE VAN TO TRANS PRO IN DOTHAN ALABAMA. THE TECH WHO LOOKED AT THE VAN SAID THAT WE HAD NO 1ST OR 5TH GEARS. THE DISCS HAD MELTED DUE TO OVER HEATING, AND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH HONDA MINI VANS. IT COST US OVER $2700 TO FIX MONEY WE DIDN'T HAVE. I THINK HONDA SHOULD PAY US IN FULL FOR THE REPAIR. I WILL NEVER BUY A CAR/VAN FROM THEM AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Aug 15, 2012
I WAS TRAVELING WITH FAMILY ON THE HIGHWAY, GOING 75 MPH AND SUDDENLY SAW A FLUME OF SMOKE BEHIND MY CAR. I NOTICE THE RPM JUMPED TO 5 AND I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE TO IMMEDIATELY. IT SMELL LIKE SOME LIQUID WAS BURNING. PULL THE CAR OVER ONTO THE EXIT AND LOOK TO FIND THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD LEAKED AND SPRAY ONTO THE EXHAUST AND MUFFLER - CAUSING THE SMELL. TOWED IT BACK TO MY HOUSE AND CALL HONDA BUT THEY SAID IT'S OVER 100K AND THEY WILL NOT COVER ANY REPAIR COST. IT'S OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT BUT THEY WILL NOT REPAIR IT. JUST THE WEEK BEFORE, I BROTHER-IN-LAW'S VAN (EXACT SAME MAKE AND MODEL - AND ABOUT SAME MILEAGE HAD TO SAME PROBLEM - ODDLY ENOUGH ALMOST AT THE SAME PLACE ON THE HIGHWAY. IT'S VERY UNLIKELY THAT TWO IDENTICAL VANS BROKE DOWN ALMOST AT THE SAME SPOT WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WAS A NORMAL BREAK DOWN. HONDA KNOWS THE PROBLEM BUT WOULD NOT ADMIT TO IT AND WILL NOT RECALL IT. I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO TELL HONDA TO RECALL THE TRANSMISSION AND FIX MY CAR AND MY BROTHER -IN-LAW'S. IT'S NOT ONLY A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION, IT ALSO A HAZARDOUS - WHAT IF IT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE - WHEN THE FLUID SPRAY OUT. PLEASE MANDATE HONDA TO RECALL THE TRANSMISSION OF THE 2003 ODYSSEY. THANKS. *TR
Power train, Aug 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTING GEARS INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 136,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Aug 5, 2012
STARTING THE VEHICLE UP AND TRYING TO DRIVE AWAY IT WILL JUMP OUT OF FIRST AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE OVER REVS. MUST SIT FOR A FEW SECONDS AND IT WILL "BANG" INTO SECOND GEAR SHAKING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IT WILL SLIP OUT OF THIRD GEAR AT 55MPH AND THEN "BANG" INTO 4TH. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY REBUILT FOUR TIMES SINCE 07/01/2011. THE SECOND TIME FOR A REBUILD WAS JANUARY 2012, THEN MAY 2012 AND NOW IT MUST GO BACK A FOURTH TIME AUGUST 2012. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC THE TRANSMISSION HAS SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENTS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS VEHICLE THAT HAS A TRANSMISSION THAT CAN NOT BE REPAIRED ONCE IT BEGINS TO FAIL. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN TRYING PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE THE TRANSMISSION WILL STUTTER SLIP AND "BANG" INTO PASSING GEAR OR SLIP OUT OF GEAR AND THEN RE-ENGAGE IN A LOWER GEAR PREVENTING THE OVER TAKING OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. ANOTHER INCIDENT OCCURRED ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT 65MPH I BEGAN SMELLING SMOKE AND PULLED OFF ONTO AN EXIT RAMP AT WHICH TIME THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN THICK WHITE SMOKE THAT SMELLED LIKE BURNING TRANSMISSION FLUID. WE HAD TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FOR FEAR OF IT BEING ON FIRE. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 3, 2012
TRANSMISSION FAILED. WHEN I STOPPED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SEVERELY SMOKING. CONCERNED OF A FIRE, REMOVED THE FAMILY FORM THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY, AND THEN CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK. $3000 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. NOW HAVING TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN 20K MILES LATER. SAME ISSUE WITH TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND HAS FAILED. AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR IS AWARE OF THE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS AND WILL DO NOTHING. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN AND SAFETY ISSUE HONDA IS FAILING TO ADDRESS. SPOKE WITH TRANSMISSION REPAIR FACILITIES AND THEY CONFIRMED IT IS A DESIGN FAILURE AND HONDA IS KEEPING FROM THE PUBLIC. 1-FAILED PCM MODULE 2-FAILED TORQUE CONVERTER ( LOW FOLLOW ATF FLUID CAUSING DRAG AND OVERHEATING). *TR
Power train, Jul 30, 2012
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING WHILE OUR FAMILY WAS HEADING FOR A VACATION GOING 75 MPH ON FREEWAY IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. VAN JERKED INCREDIBLY, THEN WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO ANYTHING HIGHER THAN 3RD GEAR. WE MADE IT TO A FREEWAY EXIT (NOT A TOWN, JUST AN EXIT) WHERE AFTER STOPPING FOR A MINUTE WE DISCOVERED THAT THE VAN WOULDN'T GO INTO REVERSE. WE WERE ABLE TO TURN IT AROUND BY PUSHING AND MANAGED TO MAKE IT TO A SMALL TOWN LIMPING ALONG ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY GOING 40 MPH WITH OUR HAZARD LIGHTS ON. REPAIR SHOP HAS QUOTED US AT LEAST $3700.00 TO FIX IT. *TR
Power train, Jul 23, 2012
VEHICLE LOST TRANSMISSION AT 65 MPH WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING, THE TRANSMISSION WAS WORKING ONE MINUTE WITH COMPLETE FAILURE THE NEXT. NO GEAR GRINDING NOISE, ONLY INDICATION WAS THE LOSS OF POWER AND THE HIGH REVOLUTIONS OF THE MOTOR. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AND WE WERE IN A SAFE PLACE, ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR
Power train, Jul 17, 2012
TRANSMISSION FAILED---CAR LOST RPMS & DROPPED FROM 70 MPH TO 5 MPH WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE TRANSMISSION RECALL BY MAIL & NEVER NOTIFIED IN PERSON AT THE HONDA (AUTOFAIR HONDA-MANCHESTER) DEALERSHIP WHERE OUR CAR'S SERVICE WAS DONE. WHEN WE CALLED AMERICAN HONDA TO COMPLAIN, I WAS TOLD, ''WHAT DO YOU EXPECT, THE VEHICLE HAS 140,00 MILES ON IT". HONDA TOOK WEEKS GETTING BACK TO US & IN THE MEANTIME WE HAD AN INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SHOP REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION (APPROX $3800). HONDA DISMISSED A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION & AS I RESEARCHED MORE & MORE, I BECAME VERY ANGRY KNOWING HONDA HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO ENDANGER FAMILIES FOR SO LONG WITH THIS KNOWN PROBLEM. IT WAS BY COMPLETE LUCK THAT MY CHILDREN WERE NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED WHEN THE CAR WENT FROM 70 MPH TO ALMOST A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. ALSO, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS TAKEN OUT OF MY MINIVAN, THE STEERING COLUMN AND OTHER PARTS WERE MELTED IN SPOTS. AS THE 2003, 2004, 2005 ODYSSEYS GET OLDER WITH MORE MILEAGE, THERE WILL BE MORE REPORTS/ACCIDENTS. ALSO, HONDA SHOULD BE OBLIGATED TO STATE THEY EXPECT THEIR CARS TO NOT MAKE IT TO 150,000 SO THE CONSUMER CAN BE AWARE. *TR
Power train, Jul 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD COVER 10 PERCENT OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 74,900. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Jul 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE TO 60 MPH AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ABNORMALLY ABLE TO BE DEPRESSED INTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO COOL DOWN FIRST AND THEN IT SHOULD RUN AS NORMAL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY REPAIRED ONCE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) AND PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Power train, Jun 30, 2012
TRANSMISSION FAILED! *TR
Power train, Jun 26, 2012
I BOUGHT THIS HONDA ODYSSEY BRAND NEW. AFTER DRIVING IT FOR 89322 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER THAT I PURCHASED IT FROM. THE DEALER WAS "HONDA ON GRAND" IN ELMHURST ILLINOIS. THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME $6000+ TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. I BELIEVE THAT THIS TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS TRANSMISSION IS UNDER RECALL FROM HONDA, BUT I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM HONDA ABOUT MY TRANSMISSION. *JB
Power train, Jun 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SHOULDERS, TURNED OFF AND ONCE RESTARTED, THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WAS NO LONGER PRESENT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD INSPECT THE FAILURE AND INFORM THE CONTACT OF THE OUTCOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Power train, Engine, May 24, 2012
CHECK ENGINE IS ON. WHEN CRUISING THE CAR THE IS A SLIP IN THE TRANSMISSION AT LOWER GEAR. THE RPM INCREASE AND VEHICLE STALLS. CONICELLI HONDA SERVICE CENTER, CONSHOHOCKEN, PA DESCRIBED THE PROBLEM AS INTERNAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Engine, May 22, 2012
DIFFICULTY SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR... I CALLED HONDA CARE SERVICES AND I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY CAN'T SHOULDER THE COST WHICH IS UNACCEPTIBLE GIVEN THAT THIS VAN HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR TRANSIMISSION ISSUE AND MANY OWNERS HAD FAILED TRANSMISSION. I LIKE HONDA VEHICLES AND RECOMMENDED TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS BUT AFTER THIS INCIDENT I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER HONDA PRODUCT AGAIN. *TT
Power train, May 6, 2012
TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AT 77K MILES, EVEN THOUGH I HAD BROUGHT THE VAN INTO THE DEALER FOR THE 'FIX' WHEN THE RECALL WAS ISSUED. WAS DRIVING ALONG HIGHWAY AND DURING ACCELERATION ENGINE RPM WENT UP AND VAN ACTED LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. DEALER WANTED ~$6K TO FIX. HONDA OFFERED $2K AS GOOD WILL. *TR
Power train, May 4, 2012
WHILE DRIVING MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THIS CAUSED AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE SITUATION DUE TO THE CAR BEING SUDDENLY UNRESPONSIVE WHILE DRIVING IN 40 MPH TRAFFIC. IT COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. THANKFULLY I WAS NOT HURT, HOWEVER OTHERS MIGHT NOT BE THAT LUCKY. THE TRANSMISSION NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. AFTER DOING FURTHER RESEARCH I SEE THAT HONDA HAS HAD MANY ISSUES WITH THEIR TRANSMISSIONS THAT THEY HAVE NOT ADDRESSED. SOMEONE AT THE NHTSA NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE PEOPLE GET KILLED DUE TO A FAULTY TRANSMISSION DESIGN. *TR
Power train, May 3, 2012
PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY ONTO HIGHWAY AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, HAD TO HAVE TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY AND ULTIMATELY TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. HAVE HEARD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Apr 27, 2012
MY WIFE AND FOUR CHILDREN, WHILE TRAVELING AT 60MPH JUST BEFORE RUSH HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY IN OUR 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY THE TRANSMISSION UNEXPECTEDLY SHIFTED FROM 5TH GEAR TO 2ND GEAR OF ITS OWN ACCORD CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE TO SHUTTER (AS SPEED DECREASED FROM 60MPH TO 15-20MPH ALMOST INSTANTANEOUSLY) AS IF HIT FROM BEHIND, CAUSING A NEAR MISS COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING AND TERRIFYING MY WIFE AND CHILDREN. THIS LEFT THEM STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY FOR OVER AN HOUR WHILE WAITING FOR HELP. UPON CODE DOWNLOAD AT THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS INFORMED THAT DUE TO CODES PO730 AND PO780 REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION, TORQUE CONVERTER, AND THE PCM WOULD BE REQUIRED AT A COST OVER OF $5500 FOR A REBUILT TRANSMISSION AND PARTS. (NO ACTUAL INSPECTION OF THE TRANSMISSION OCCURRED TO MY KNOWLEDGE). THIS TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN MAINTAINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERVALS. IT WAS ALSO SUBJECT TO THE TRANSMISSION INSPECTION RECALL OF 2004. TRANSMISSION NEVER HAD HISTORY OF SLIPPING OR OTHER ISSUES PRIOR TO INCIDENT AND HAD RECENTLY BEEN SERVICED. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF THE IMPENDING FAILURE AND MIGHT HAVE BEEN FATAL TO MY ENTIRE FAMILY. *TR
Power train, Apr 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE TRAVELING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED TO 45 MPH. INORDER TO STOP THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 108,000.
Power train, Apr 20, 2012
MY WIFE DROVE THIS MINIVAN, HONDA ODYSSEY 2003, AND JUST BEFORE ENTERING THE INTERSTATE FREEWAY THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT TURNED ON, THE TRANSMISSION BECAME "SLEEPY" , RPM JUMPS UP TO 5000, SMOG IN CABIN, ALL LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD START BLINKING AND THE CAR JUST STOPPED. SHE PANICKED BECAUSE THIS WAS DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THE SITUATION BECAME DANGEROUS. SHE SLOWLY DROVE TO HER FRIENDS' HOUSE AND LEFT THE CAR OVERNIGHT. THE NEXT DAY, I CHECKED THE DIAGNOSTIC CODES AND HAD P0730 AND P0780 (TRANSMISSION FAILURE). POWAY HONDA DEALERSHIP, IN SAN DIEGO, CA, WAS ASKING FOR $4,565.00 TO REPLACE THE BAD TRANSMISSION WITH A REFURBISHED UNIT. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH HONDA'S "HIGH" QUALITY PRODUCT. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY TRAVELED 108,000 MILES AND NOW REQUIRES SUCH A HIGH REPAIR COST. I FOUND ONE PRIVATE REPAIR COMPANY THAT WILL REPAIR THIS PROBLEM SOMEWHAT CHEAPER. *JS