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
940 reports, newest first.
Power train, Feb 20, 2012
THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING, SLIPPING. AFTER THE D ON THE GEAR INDICATOR STARTED FLASHING. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR HAS A DIFFICULT TIME GOING INTO THE NEXT GEAR REVVING UP TO 6000 RPMS ITS GOTTEN SO BAD AT TIMES THAT IT WONT GO INTO REVERSE. HONDA DEALERS IN THE AREA ARE GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND AS TO WHEN THE 2004 RECALL WARRANTY IS UP. APPARENTLY MY CAR (1 PREVIOUS OWNER) WAS SERVICED FOR THE RECALL. DOESN'T HONDA HAVE TO HELP IF THERE IS THIS MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME MAKE MODEL AND YEAR? LITERALLY GOOGLE 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION AND THE COMPLAINTS ARE ENDLESS IN THE THOUSANDS. I'M A SINGLE MOTHER OF 4 AND CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX THIS OR BUY A NEW CAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 16, 2012
AS ORIGINAL OWNER OF 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY ENGINE BUYING CAR FROM WEIR CANYON HONDA IN ANAHEIM HILLS CALIFORNIA. MY ENGINE BLOCK LIGHT, TCS, LIT UP AT 153,000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A MAJOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR AS CAR SEEM STUCK AND I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. THIS IS NOT SAFE AT ALL SINCE MY VAN CAN BE REAR ENDED WHEN IT'S STUCK IN THIS MODE. MY MECHANIC ADVISES EVERYONE FROM NOT TO BUY ANY HONDA AS HIS SHOP REBUILDS HONDA TRANSMISSION ALL THE TIME AND MAKES A FORTUNE FROM THE POOR VICTIMS OF HONDA OWNERS LIKE ME. GO TO HTTP://WWW.ODYSSEYTRANSMISSION.COM/HOME/WHATTODO CONSIDER YOURSELF FOREWARNED! IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE AND SAFE MINI VAN, DO NOT LOOK AT HONDA ODYSSEY. *TR
Power train, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Structure, Feb 15, 2012
WITHOUT MUCH OR ANY WARNING MY TRANSMISSION FAILED (THE DREADED P0730 CODE SHOWED UP ON THE SCANNER) ON MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY EX-L VAN WITH ONLY 100,325 MILES. THE VAN WAS NEVER ABUSED OR USED TO TOW. TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT 1.30.12 BY PRIVATE SHOP CONTINENTAL TRANSMISSION FOR $1800. (TORQUE CONVERTER BLOWN TO PIECES). HONDA DOES HAVE LIMITED RECALLS ON TRANNYS BUT MINE WAS NOT INCLUDED (ONLY IF 2ND SHAFT IS BROKEN & SCORED AND BURNT/ BLUISH COLOR) THIS WILL DOCUMENTED TRANNY PROBLEM WITH 2ND GENERATION ODYSSEY IS VERY UPSETTING AND I BLAME IT ON A POOR DESIGN BY HONDA ENGINEERS (UNDER SIZED TRANNY PAIRED WITH A POWER V6 240HP HEAVY 4500LBS VAN HAS BEEN A RECIPE FOR PREMATURE FAILURE). THE WORST PART WAS ON 1.5.12 I JUST HAD EXTENSIVE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE DONE AT DON DAVIS HONDA (TIMING BELT, WATER PUMP, TENSIONER AND POWER STEERING BELTS) AND TWO WEEKS LATER THE TRANSMISSION FAILS!!! OTHER ISSUES WITH THE VAN HAVE BEEN, AC COMPRESSOR FAILED MAY 2010 88,648 MILES. REAR WIPER MOTOR FAILED MARCH 2011 89,240 MILES, BOTH SLIDING POWER DOOR ROLLERS HAD TO REPLACED. BRAKE SWITCH FAILED (LOCKED UP), DEC 2011 98,750 MILES VAN WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK. NOT REAL HAPPY OR CONFIDENT WITH HONDA RIGHT NOW! *TR
Power train, Feb 13, 2012
137,000 MILES, TRANSMISSION FAILED. ALL SERVICE HAD BEEN COMPLETED BY THE DEALER DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THE DEALER AND HONDA OF AMERICA WOULD NOT REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ECU. EVEN THOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN MANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. THE ECU HAS A TSB ON IT. *TR
Power train, Feb 7, 2012
ON 12/16/2011, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE TCS AND ENGINE LIGHT WERE ON AND HAD BEEN ON FOR A FEW WEEKS. ON 9/27/2011, I HAD INFORMED MY HONDA DEALER, PENSKE HONDA OF INDIANAPOLIS, OF THE TCS LIGHT. THEY THOUGHT IS WAS OIL ON THE SENSOR AND SAID IT WOULD FINALLY WEAR OFF. THE OIL THEY SAID, WAS COMING FROM THE REAR HEAD BOLT THAT HAD DEVELOPED A LEAK. AS IT TURNED OUT, THE BOLT WAS STRIPPED. THIS VEHICLE WAS NEVER USED FOR TOWING. IT WAS A "CARPOOL THE KIDS TO SCHOOL AND A TWO SPRING BREAKS TO FLORIDA VACATIONS" VAN. AT 113,000 MILES, THIS IS DISAPPOINTING. ESPECIALLY SINCE WE BOUGHT ANOTHER HONDA IN 2005 AND NOW WE ARE AFRAID OF FAILURE THERE AS WELL. THE HEAD BOLT REPAIR NECESSITATES A NEW ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR WAS MADE AT A PRIVATE SHOP. I SPOKE WITH HONDA MOTORS AMERICA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY OFFERED NO INDICATION OF HELP OR SERIOUS CONSIDERATION. I HAVE YET TO REPAIR THE ENGINE. *TR
Power train, Feb 3, 2012
HAD FIRST TRANNY GO IN MAY OF '09 AT 85,500 MLS HAD WORK DONE BY HONDA TO PUT NEW TRANNY IN AT MY EXPENSE THAT ONE JUST WENT IN 2 AND A HALF YEARS WITH JUST LESS THEN 60,00 MLS AND AGAIN HONDA DOES NOT WANT TO COVER IT. *KB
Power train, Jan 28, 2012
TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS, CAUSED ENGINE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING, WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO OR OUT OF GEAR. *TR
Power train, Jan 25, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ON THE TOLL WAY AT 65 MPH THE TCS & ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE D (DRIVE) INDICATOR BEGAN FLASHING. AS THIS WAS HAPPENING THE VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING SPEED AND PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR INCREASED THE ENGINES RPMS BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL SLOWING DOWN. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND DISCOVERED NO FORWARD OR REVERSE MOVEMENT WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A HONDA DEALER THAT NIGHT. THE NEXT DAY I WAS CONTACTED BY THE SERVICE ASSOCIATE AND TOLD THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND PCM WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $6100.00.
Power train, Jan 19, 2012
THE TRANSMISSION IS BEGINNING TO FAIL AS INDICATED BY THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING (PRESS ACCELERATOR AND ENGINE RACES WITH NO POWER TO THE WHEELS) FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MPH ON A TRIP OF ABOUT 5 MILES. THIS HAPPENS ON ABOUT EVERY OTHER TRIP AND IS INCREASING IN FREQUENCY. *TT
Power train, Jan 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000.
Power train, Jan 17, 2012
TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 94,000 MILES CAUSED BY FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jan 14, 2012
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TOLD THE DEALERSHIP MY CAR JERK HE TOLD I NEED A FUEL INJECTION. I PAID FOR A THAT SERVICE . WAS DRIVING MY KIDS HOME FROM SCHOOL WHEN THE CAR JERK 3 TIME REPEATLY SO BAD WE ALL GOT SCARED. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND TOLD ME IT WAS THE TORQUE CHAMBER IN THE TRANSMISSION WOULD COST 4500.00 DOLLARS TO FIX . AS A HARD WORKING AMERICAN I FEEL DUPED AND STUPID. I FEEL THEY SOLD ME A LEMON. I THINK CONSUMER SHOULD BE TOLD IF THEIR IS A PROBLEM WITH THE VECHILE BEFORE PURCHASING IT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 11, 2012
ACCELERATOR STUCK WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. GAS PEDAL WAS LIKE A SPONGE AND THE VEHICLE JUST KEPT ACCELERATING. RODE THE BRAKE UNTIL I COULD GET TO A PARKING LOT WHERE I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. SLAMMED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL WHILE THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV. THEN SLAMMED INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE VAN. WHEN I TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE 30 MINUTES LATER IT WOULD NOT START. I WILL CALL TRIPLE A TO TOW ME TO DEALERSHIP. VERY SCARY INCIDENT ESPECIALLY BECAUSE I HAD MY 13 YEAR OLD IN THE CAR. CAME CLOSE TO CRASHING INTO OTHER CARS WHILE TRYING TO SLOW DOWN. *TR
Power train, Jan 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CAUSED THE VEHICLE STALL WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO STALL WHILE SHIFTING GEARS, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) BUT THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Power train, Jan 6, 2012
WHILE DRIVING MY TWO CHILDREN TO SCHOOL, MY TRANSMISSION FAILED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT CATCH BUT I HAD ENOUGH FORWARD MOMENTUM TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD JUST PAST THE LIGHT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 5, 2012
FRONT AND PASSENGER ENGINE MOUNTS ARE BROKEN AT 48K MILEAGES DURING A MAINTAIN CHECKING AT A HONDA DEALER SHOP. *TR
Power train, Jan 4, 2012
SINGLE OWNER 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY LX. IT WAS PARKED IN GARAGE. ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE BUT REVERSE GEAR WON'T ENGAGE WITH GRINDING NOISES COMING. HONDA SAYS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND NOT COVERED. THIS IS POOR WORKMANSHIP IF TRANSMISSION FAILS BEFORE 100K MILES. *TR
Power train, Jan 3, 2012
ALTHOUGH HAVING BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER UNDER A POWER TRAIN/AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION RECALL IN 2004 AS A RESULT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN #04V17600, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO FAIL SOME MONTHS AGO AND THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON WITH P0730 (GEAR RATIO ERROR) BEING DECODED BY MY MECHANIC. SOME MONTHS LATER, THE TRANSMISSION WAS EVEN MORE PROBLEMATIC AND THE DIFFICULTY IN IT SHIFTING FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR WAS SO BAD THAT THE CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN (95,000 MILES). THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE WITH THE OVERHEATING OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS PROBLEM IS EVEN MORE LIKELY TO HAPPEN ON A V-6 ODYSSEY, WHICH I HAVE, BECAUSE THE HONDA POWER TRAIN/AUTO. TRANSMISSION CANNOT HANDLE THE EXTRA TORQUE OF THE LARGER ENGINE. REPLACING ALL THE SOLENOIDS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND THE TRANSMISSION IS CURRENTLY BEING REBUILT BUT NOT BY HONDA AS REPLACING IT WITH A FACTORY-REBUILT HONDA TRANSMISSION WILL ONLY LEAD TO THE SAME ISSUES. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET OF TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN HONDA ODYSSEYS FROM 1999 UP TO THE PRESENT. A CLASS ACTION SUIT FORCED HONDA TO EXTEND THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY TO 100,000 MILES ON 1999-2001 ODYSSEYS . . . BUT THOSE OF US WITH NEWER ODYSSEYS HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT IN THE COLD. MY CAR IS A ONE-OWNER VEHICLE, REGULARLY SERVICED ACCORDING TO HONDA SPECIFICATIONS AND NEVER USED FOR PULLING HEAVY LOADS OR ANY SORT OF IRREGULAR DRIVING. IN FACT, THE CAR HAS BEEN 'BABIED' FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. *TR
Power train, Dec 28, 2011
HI, HONDA HAD A RECALL ON THE 03 ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FOR CHIPPING OF METAL, OVER HEATING, ETC. RIGHT NOW MY CAR WILL NOT ENGAGE FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE FOR 10-15SEC AND WHILE DRIVING WILL ACCELERATE FOR NO REASON, WHICH I BELIEVE ARE VERY MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES. SPOKE TO HONDA CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY WILL NOT TAKE CARE OR FIX THESE ISSUES CASE#[XXX] ON 1229/2011. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 21, 2011
2003 ODYSSEY APPROXIMATELY 67K MILES DEVELOPED FLUID LEAK IN PAST WEEK. VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY. WHILE DRIVING WITH FAMILY COOLANT LEAKED ONTO EXHAUST SYSTEM CAUSING SMOKE AND HAD TO PULL OFF INTERSTATE. ENGINE HAD OPERATED NORMALLY AND THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS OR ABNORMAL TEMPERATURE GAGE READINGS. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO LOCAL HONDA DEALER. DIAGNOSED AS LEAKING HEAD GASKET. UPON REMOVAL OF THE CYLINDER HEAD, THE HEAD BOLTS PULL FROM THE BLOCK PORTS WITH THE BOLT THREADS. APPARENTLY HEAD BOLTS HAD BECOME LOOSE GIVEN THE THREAD FAILURE IN THE BLOCK AND ALLOWED LEAKAGE OF FLUIDS IN THE CYLINDER HEAD. HONDA STATED THAT THE ENGINE WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF 3K++. APPARENTLY THIS SAME ISSUE HAS OCCURRED TO SEVERAL OTHER 2003 ODYSSEY OWNERS ACCORDING TO ON-LINE SEARCH. THE DEALER WAS AT A LOSS TO EXPLAIN THE FAILURE OF THE BOLTS AT THE GIVEN MILEAGE. IT APPEARS THAT THIS COULD BE A DEFECT IN THE BLOCK DESIGN OR MANUFACTURE AND COULD LEAD TO PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. HONDA SHOULD ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AS WELL AS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND EGR VALVE DEFECTS WHICH HAVE ALSO BEEN A CONTINUAL PROBLEM WITH THE 2003 ODYSSEY. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE RELIABILITY OF THIS VAN *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 19, 2011
TRANSMISSION FAILED EGR VALVE FAILED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2011
COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR
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
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
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