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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 940

Of the 2003 reports, 54 involved a crash and 13 involved a fire. 53 people were injured.

Primary concernPower train535 reports · 57% of complaints
Owner complaints940Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship15 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train535
  2. Air bags137
  3. Electrical system82
  4. Engine and engine cooling44
  5. Structure42
  6. Engine32
  7. Vehicle speed control30
  8. Latches/locks/linkages27

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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 passenger’s 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

  11. 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 passenger’s 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  1. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 19, 2011

    TRANSMISSION FAILED EGR VALVE FAILED. *TR

  2. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2011

    COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR

  3. Power train, Dec 18, 2011, fire

    WHILE TRAVELING FROM FLORIDA TO VIRGINIA DOWN I95 AT 70MPH IN CRUISE CONTROL, I SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION AND LOOKED UP IN TIME TO SEE SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I PULLED OVER AND TRANSMISSION FLUID CONTINUED TO BURN AND SMOKE FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THEN THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER CAUGHT FIRE. WE WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH IT AND HAVE IT TOWED TO A HONDA DEALER, WHERE WE WERE TOLD THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON. THIS VAN HAD ALREADY HAD THREE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE RECALL PERFORMED AFTER A SIMILAR INCIDENT BY A PREVIOUS OWNER THAT CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO NEED TO BE REBUILT. AFTER BEING LEFT WITH NO OTHER OPTION, I OPTED TO REFILL TRANSMISSION FLUID AND CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAN BACK TO VIRGINIA. THE VAN OPERATED PERFECTLY AND HAD NO ISSUES FOR THE REST OF THE SIX HUNDRED PLUS MILE TRIP HOME. I AM OF COURSE NOW SCARED TO DRIVE IT ANYWHERE EVEN THOUGH IT RUNS LIKE IT NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. IT GAVE NO INDICATION OF TROUBLE BEFORE THIS SUDDEN OVERHEATING EITHER. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE ESPECIALLY SINCE WE WERE TRAVELING WITH THREE SMALL CHILDREN INCLUDING A BABY. *TR

  4. Power train, Dec 17, 2011

    I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ALONG AND IT FELT AS THOUGH IT WENT INTO NEUTRAL. THE MOTOR CONTINUED TO SHOW REVOLUTIONS ON THE TACHOMETER BUT THE CAR SLOWED DOWN TO A STOP. I COASTED INTO A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. I WAITED ABOUT FIVE MINUTES AND STARTED THE CAR AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND PROCEED FOR ABOUT THREE MINUTES AND THE SAME THING AS ABOVE HAPPENED. I CALLED MY HUSBAND AND HE CAME TO MY LOCATION IN A DIFFERENT CAR. I FOLLOWED HIM FOR ABOUT FOUR MILES WHILE HE DROVE THE HONDA ODYSSEY, 2003 AND OBSERVED THE SAME THING TWO MORE TIMES UNTIL WE REACHED A GARAGE WHERE OUR CARS HAD BEEN WORKED ON BEFORE. THE NEXT DAY ON SATURDAY, MY HUSBAND DROVE HIS CAR TO THE GARAGE AND TOOK THE HONDA TO THE DEALERSHIP LESS THAN A MILE FROM WHERE IT WAS PARKED ALL NIGHT ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9. *TR

  5. Power train, Dec 16, 2011

    TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY BEGAN SLIPPING - NO WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED -- OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY -- HAVE READ ABOUT MANY SIMILAR CASES WITH THE HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION ---HONDA SHOULD BE FIXING/REPLACING THIS DEFECT FOR ITS CUSTOMERS! *TR

  6. Power train, Dec 13, 2011

    ATTEMPTING TO MOVE THE VEHICLE FROM OUR DRIVEWAY TO THE STREET, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED ON OUR 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY EX. THE CLUTCH WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY CATCH IN EITHER REVERSE OR DRIVE. ONCE IT DID ENGAGE, IN EITHER DIRECTION, THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WOULD SHAKE AND JERK THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. WE DROVE THE VEHICLE ABOUT 2 MILES TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC TOLD US WE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND ALSO INSTALL AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE REPAIR WILL COST US $4,700. WHILE HE NOTED THE VEHICLE OTHERWISE LOOKED IN EXCELLENT MECHANICAL CONDITION, TRANSMISSION FAILURES WERE VERY COMMON FOR HONDA ODYSSEYS MANUFACTURED FOR THE 2002-2004 MODEL YEARS. FURTHER RESEARCH SHOWS HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS AROUND HONDA'S AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR BOTH THIS VEHICLE AND OTHER MODELS. WHAT OTHER INFORMATION DOES DOT/NHTSA NEED TO MOVE TOWARD A RECALL? *TR

  7. Power train, Dec 13, 2011

    FIRST TRANS DRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT STARTED FLASHING.PAID TO REPLACE SENSOR AND FLUSH TRANS OIL.THREE WEEKS LATER TRANS REFUSES TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK.,I OPENED STEERING WHEEL OVERRIDE AND TRANS IS WORKING FINE EXCEPT I MUST EMPLOY OVERRIDE FEATURE TO SHIFT GEAR. *TR

  8. Steering, Power train, Dec 8, 2011

    I PULLED INTO MY GARAGE AND STOPPED MY VAN. I TURNED THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION WITHOUT REALIZING I HAD NOT YET SHIFTED INTO PARK. I WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN DRIVE. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THIS ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES, EACH TIME BEING ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN DRIVE. I HAVE BEEN FULLY STOPPED WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE EACH TIME. *TR

  9. Power train, Dec 8, 2011

    TRANSMISSION FAILED AND BURNED OUT COMPLETELY GOING 65 MILES PER HOUR ON I95. 3 KIDS IN THE CAR AND LEFT AT THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. HONDA WILL NOT HELP US BUT WOULD LIKE US TO PAY THEM $5600 FOR A REBUILT HONDA TRANSMISSION. THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF HONDA TRANSMISSIONS FAILING AT AS LOW AS 45K MILES. THERE SHOULD BE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR MODEL YEAR 2003. THEY DO NOT CARE HOW MANY LIVES THEY PUT AT RISK. *TR

  10. Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 6, 2011

    AS MY WIFE WAS PREPARING TO ENTER AN EXIT RAMP FROM THE HIGHWAY, THE VAN EXPERIENCED SEVERAL HARD SHIFTS OF THE TRANSMISSION WHICH CAUSED HER TO ALMOST LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. SINCE THAT INSTANCE, EVERY TIME THE VAN SHIFTS GEARS, IT IS A VERY HARD SHIFT THAT JERKS THE OCCUPANTS AROUND. VAN WILL NOT SHIFT ABOVE THIRD GEAR OR INTO REVERSE. MECHANIC HAS DIAGNOSED THIS AS A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR

  11. Power train, Electrical system, Dec 2, 2011

    TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE TRAVELING 40MPH AT 130000 MILES. IT WAS REPLACED. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REGARDING 2003 TRANSMISSIONS, BUT THE WINDOW HAD CLOSED, SO I HAD TO PAY FOR IT FULLY. NOVEMBER 20, 2011, WHILE DRIVING 45MPH, DASH LIGHTS FLASH, RADIO LOSES POWER. WHEN I TURN THE IGNITION OFF, THE CAR IS DEAD. RESTARTS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, AFTER LOTS OF CLICKING IN THE DASH. AT VARYING SPEEDS THE DASH LIGHTS WILL FLASH, AND THE CLOCK AND RADIO GO DEAD BRIEFLY. SOMETIMES THE DOOR LOCK AND THE SLIDING DOOR BUTTONS DON'T WORK, BUT IF I WAIT 2 MINUTES, I HEAR THE CLICKING IN THE DASH, AND SUDDENLY THERE IS POWER. LEFT IT AT THE DEALERSHIP TO BE CHECKED OUT OVER 4 DAYS, AND THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG. TO BE TRAVELING AT 40+ AND HAVE THE CAR GO DEAD IS A HAZARD TO ME AND MY FAMILY, AS WELL AS EVERYONE ELSE DRIVING WHILE I AM DRIVING. IT IS CURRENTLY AT ANOTHER SHOP TO BE EVALUATED. *TR

  12. Power train, Nov 28, 2011

    2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FAILURE - WHILE DRIVING ON I-65N IN INDIANA, AT 70 MPH, TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP IN THE FAST LANE AT 8:00 P.M. VEHICLE SKIDDED ABOUT 30 FEET, STOPPED AND MYSELF AND FAMILY QUICKLY EXITED VEHICLE. I CALLED 911 TO GET TROOPERS TO ALERT OTHER DRIVERS ABOUT IMMOBILE VEHICLE IN FAST LANE OF INTERSTATE. RAN BACK ABOUT 70 YARDS TO FLAG TRAFFIC OVER TO SLOW LANE TO AVOID SOMEONE GETTING KILLED. MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER ARE STANDING OUT IN THE MEDIAN WAITING FOR HELP TO ARRIVE. THANKS TO SOME KIND INDIANA DRIVERS FOR STOPPING AND ATTEMPTING TO PUSH VAN OUT OF ROAD BUT WITH TRANNY LOCKED UP, NO MOVEMENT WHATSOEVER. TORQUE CONVERTER LOCKED UP. TRANSMISSION IS COMPLETELY RUINED, NEED NEW UNIT. ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR $ 3,580. *KB

  13. Power train, Nov 28, 2011

    MY HONDA ODYESSY'S TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED WHILE ON A FAMILY TRIP. I HAVE KEPT UP WITH THE SERVICE SCHEDULED OUTLINED BY HONDA. VAN HAS 122K ON IT NOW. I BOUGHT A HONDA EXPECTING TO GET THE LONG HAUL OUT OF IT! 122K IS NOT MY IDEA OF THE LONG HAUL! THE ESTIMATE IS A $4000 COST TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION! I HAVE READ ABOUT THE LAW SUIT THE WAS WON AND WANT TO KNOW WHY THIS WAS NOT A RECALL OF SOME SORT! THERE IS CLEARLY A BIG PROBLEM, THERE IS A WEBSITE CREATED JUST FOR THIS ISSUE! IF I HAD NOT DONE ALL OF THE MAINTENANCE OR DID NOT TAKE CARE OF THE CAR I WOULD NOT BE SO UPSET. CODE P0730, GEAR RATIO FAILURE. *KB

  14. Power train, Nov 28, 2011

    I WAS TOLD APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS AGO THAT THE REASON THE SHIFT WAS HARD WAS BECAUSE I HAD TWO BROKEN MOTOR MOUNTS. THEY WERE REPAIRED AND THEY SUGGESTED CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THEN RIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING I NOTICED MY CAR HAVING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING BETWEEN 2ND & 3RD GEAR AND THE RPMS WERE GOING CRAZY SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. I WAS INFORMED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR $4200. I HAVE SPENT ABOUT $1500 THIS YEAR ON REPAIRS FOR THIS VAN. I ALWAYS HAVE DRIVEN HONDAS AND TOYOTAS AND FULLY EXPECTED TO GET OVER 200,000 MILES OUT OF THIS VAN. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED TO FIND MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT HONDA IS NOT HELPFUL. THIS IS MY LAST HONDA. *KB

  15. Power train, Nov 9, 2011

    VAN HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING FROM 2ND -3RD GEAR WITH SLIPPING AND REVVING EXCEPTIONAL HIGH BEFORE TRANSITIONS SUDDENLY INTO NEXT GEAR. VAN WAS RECALLED AT 24,000 MILES FOR REPAIR TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, WHICH WAS COMPLETED IN 2004 AS REQUESTED. THIS VAN HAD BEEN DILIGENTLY MAINTAINED ONLY AT DEALERSHIP, OTHER THAN ROUTINE OIL CHANGES, AND WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, COSTING $6600. HONDA OF AMERICA IS NOT HELPFUL AND UNWILLING TO HELP IN ANY MANNER. *TR

  16. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Nov 7, 2011

    WHILE DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL, ACCELERATING FROM 35 TO 40+, TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP! EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!! COULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT SINCE WE WERE MERGING ONTO A BUSY HIGHWAY. NEXT DAY, ANOTHER LOCK UP + SLIPPING BETWEEN 25 & 35 MPH AND @ 50 PM. TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND GEAR SHIFT WILL GET STUCK IN PARK, REVERSE & DRIVE. RPM REVS HIGH. HONDA DEALER DIAGNOSED TODAY AS "INTERNAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE" 164,000 HIGHWAY MILES, SERVICED @ DEALER, BABIED WITH OIL CHANGES, ETC. NOW $4,000 QUOTE FOR TRANSMISSION 3 YRS/36,000 MILE WARRANTY. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL HONDA OWNER SINCE 1990, BUT WILL NOT CONSIDER BUYING ANY FUTURE HONDAS. *TR

  17. Power train, Nov 2, 2011

    I WAS STOPPED @ A RED LIGHT ON A 50 MPH SPEED LIMIT ROAD & WHEN THE LIGHT TURN GREEN I PUSHED THE ACCL THE VAN ROLLED ON BUT WILL NOT ACCELERATE FURTHER ENGINE KEPT REVVING & A BIG CONSTRUCTION TRUCK ALMOST REAR ENDED ME LOOKS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION STALLS THE VEHICLE. *TR

  18. Power train, Oct 6, 2011

    IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, WHEN I PRES THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE JERKS. WHEN I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL, ON SOME OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE (STILL IN DRIVE) DOES NOT MOVE BUT THE ENGINE REVS UP. I HAVE TO SHIFT DOWN AND THEN BACK AGAIN TO DRIVE BEFORE IT WOULD MOVE. THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION RECALL ON THIS CAR IN 2004 AND THE DEALER HAD INSTALLED A KIT OF SOME SORT. HOWEVER, THIS FIX HAS NOT BEEN PERMANENT. LOOKS LIKE I HAVE LOST THE TRANSMISSION ALTOGETHER. *TR

  19. Power train, Oct 5, 2011

    TRANSMISSION FAILED AT UNDER 80K MILES. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE MINI VANS. WE SERVICED OUR VEHICLE APPROPRIATELY AND ALSO BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO BE CHECKED WHEN THE TRANSMISSIONS WERE RECALLED. AT THAT TIME THEY INSTALLED A TRANS JET KIT WHICH WOULD SOLVE THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. WE EVEN INSTALLED A TRANSMISSION COOLER. HONDA IS UNWILLING TO PROVIDE MUCH ASSISTANCE AT ALL WITH THIS REPAIR AND I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE A FULL RECALL ON THESE TRANSMISSIONS, AS THEY KNOWINGLY SOLD A POOR PRODUCT. *TR

  20. Power train, Exterior lighting, Oct 4, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THE GEAR WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM PARK AND THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

  21. Power train, Sep 30, 2011

    WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE TRANSMISSION FROZE AND RELEASED REPEATEDLY NEARLY CAUSING A REAR END CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS TRANSMISSION FAILURE. WHAT IS IMPORTANT HERE IS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED AND THE WORK DONE IN 2005. HOWEVER, IT IS BLATANTLY APPARENT THAT THE "FIX" HONDA DID FOR THE RECALL WAS NOT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BUT ONLY A TEMPORARY PATCH. ALL THE RECALL DID WAS DELAY THE FAILURE, IT DIDN'T CORRECT THE PROBLEM. HONDA HAS SIMPLY MOVED THE MILEAGE AT WHICH THE TRANSMISSION WILL FAIL SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND FIX WHAT THEY SOLD. SADLY WE PAID AN ADDITION $4,000 TO $5,000 FOR THE HONDA NAME SO WE WOULDN'T HAVE ISSUES. NOW WE ARE NOT ONLY OUT THAT MONEY BUT HONDA STILL BELIEVES THAT THEIR NAME DESERVES MORE MONEY FOR A REBUILT TRANSMISSION THAT HAS BEEN SHOWN TO STILL FAIL. WE HAVE BEEN QUOTED AN ADDITIONAL $2,500 TO $3,000 MORE THAN WHAT IT WOULD COST TO FIX A COMPETING AMERICAN COMPANY TRANSMISSION. IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE THAT HONDA KNOWS IT HAS AN ISSUE, THEN ONLY PATCHED IT TO DELAY RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TROUBLING WHEN YOU CONSIDER THAT THE TRANSMISSIONS FAIL AT HIGH SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY. A DEFINITE RISK TO PEOPLES LIVES. *TR

  22. Power train, Sep 27, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER THE WARRANTY SO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

  23. Power train, Sep 21, 2011

    MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ALONG WHEN THE RPM'S STARTED GOING UP AND THE SPEED OF THE VAN STARTED SLOWING DOWN. THE STREET SHE WAS ON IS A FAIRLY HEAVY TRAVELED STREET SO SHE PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES. SHE CALLED ME AND TOLD ME WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND THEN PROCEEDED TO DRIVE VERY SLOWLY HOME. THE NEXT MORNING AFTER COMING HOME FROM WORK, I TOOK THE VAN OUT FOR A DRIVE AND SURE ENOUGH, IT STARTED ACTING UP ON ME. IT GOT SO BAD, THAT I WENT AHEAD AND DROVE IT OVER TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP, TAKING ME ABOUT 3 TIMES AS LONG AS IT SHOULD HAVE. THE VAN WOULD ONLY ALLOW ME TO GO SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS BEFORE THE ENGINE WOULD REV UP AND THE VAN WOULD BASICALLY STOP. I WOULD PUT IT IN PARK AND WAIT A FEW MINUTES, THEN PROCEED ALITTLE FURTHER NOT GOING MORE THAN 20 MPH. AFTER THE SHOP LOOKED AT IT, THEY ADVISED ME THAT HONDA HAS HAD TROUBLE WITH THE TRANSMISSIONS AND THAT MINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION WASN'T THE RIGHT ONE FOR THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE THAT WAS IN THE VAN. *TR

  24. Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2011

    ON THE FREEWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WITHOUT WARNING SLIPPED AND LOST POWER. VERY SCARY WITH SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND WAS BARLEY ABLE TO MAKE IT OFF THE FREEWAY WITHOUT GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD DID WE MAKE IT SAFELY OFF THE FREEWAY. HONDA DEALER SAID WE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I HAD THE EXTENDED WARRANTY UP TO 106,000. JUST A FEW THOUSAND MILES OVER WARRANTY AND HONDA WOULD ONLY GRANT %50 COVERAGE. STILL COST ME $2797.00. HONDA OF AMERICA KNOWS ALL ABOUT THIS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM BUT STILL DOES NOT COMPENSATE LOYAL HONDA CUSTOMERS. MY DEALER REPLACED THIS TRANSMISSION (THAT HAD A PREVIOUS RECALL IN 2003) WITH A "RE-MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION" NOW ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 THE TCS LIGHT CAME ON WITH THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND THE CAR "SHUDDERED" BADLY AT 30 MPH. BROUGHT TO THE DEALER BUT THEY ARE DENYING THAT IT IS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM? WE BOUGHT THE HONDA ODYSSEY FOR ITS SAFETY FEATURES AND RELIABILITY. HONDA AND THEIR DEALER ARE NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. I WILL LOOK ELSEWHERE FOR MY NEXT CAR PURCHASE. *TR

  25. Power train, Sep 19, 2011

    2003 ODYSSEY LEFT MY WIFE IN A TERRIBLE SITUATION. IT SUDDENLY FAILED WHEN SHE WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR. WITH NO WARNING, IT WOULD NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE AND GROUND TO A STOP, LEAVING HER ALMOST OUT OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HONDA IS SUPPOSED TO BE A MANUFACTURER WITH WELL DESIGNED, RELIABLE PRODUCTS, BUT IT IS NOT SO WITH THIS TRANSMISSION. WHEN A MANUFACTURER REALIZES THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH A VEHICLE, BUT YEAR AFTER YEAR AFTER YEAR DOES NOTHING TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE AND RECKLESS TO CONTINUE TO MANUFACTURE THE VEHICLE WITH THE PROBLEMATIC TRANSMISSION. *KB