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.
Electrical system, Mar 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND REFERRED HIM TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTICS TEST PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,848.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 15, 2011
AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOORS ARE NOT OPERATIONAL - EITHER OPENING/CLOSING BY HAND OR BY BUTTON CONTROL. THEY ARE NOT CLOSING PROPERLY. *TR
Power train, Mar 9, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. HE DROVE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, WAITED APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES AND TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK ON. WHEN THE VEHICLE RESTARTED THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT SHUT OFF BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WOULD CALL THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND WAS NOT SURE IF HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,500.
Power train, Mar 4, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN EXHIBITING A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE AND BECAME RESISTANT TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THIS WAS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF THE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND SHE WAS AWAITING A RETURN CALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,472.
Power train, Mar 4, 2011
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY HONDA ODYSSEY IS FAILING STARTING JUST BEFORE 100,000 MILES. IT LURCHES INTO GEAR ESPECIALLY UP AN INCLINE AND WHEN IT PUT INTO REVERSE. I HAVE KEEP METICULOUSLY CARE OF THE CAR AND HAVE THE RECORDS TO PROVE IT. I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT OUR LOCAL DEALER AND IT WOULD COST ME $3750, WHICH IS CONSIDERED A REDUCED PRICE FROM THEM. THIS IS A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH HONDA STARTING WITH THEIR RECALL 04V176000 AND IT IS A DISGRACE THAT THEY AREN'T HELD ACCOUNTABLE. *TR
Power train, Mar 4, 2011
I BOUGHT A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY VAN FROM A HONDA DEALER IN BOWIE MARYLAND. IT HAD (30,000) MILES ON IT, I PUT DOWN ($3000) CASH TOWARDS THE PURCHASE. I HAVE BEEN UP TO DATE WITH THE SERVICE MAINTENANCE AT THE SAME BOWIE DEALER. LAST MONTH JUST (2) YEARS AFTER THE PURCHASE THE LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH BOARD I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AFTER EXAMINING IT THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION AND IT WOULD COST ($5000). THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THEY WERE NOT HELPFUL AT ALL. I DECIDED TO GET A SECOND OPINION FROM A SPECIALIZED HONDA MECHANIC HOW CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM. HE SUGGESTED REBUILDING THE TRANSMISSION. I HAD TO GET THE VAN FIXED QUICKLY AS I NEEDED THE VAN FOR THE FAMILY, IT COST ($3400) WHICH I PUT ON MY CREDIT CARD. I COMPLAINED TO HONDA AMERICA THEY ASKED ME TO FAX THE BILL TO THEM WHICH I DID AND THEN TOLD ME THEY WOULD ONLY PAY ME BACK ($500) TOWARDS THE REPAIRS. *TR
Power train, Feb 28, 2011
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 63000 MILES. THIS SEEMS TO BE A REGULAR OCCURRENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND MODEL. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND IT SIMPLE STOPPED MOVING IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY. NOT VERY SAFE AND IT SEEMS THAT HONDA IS NOT WILLING TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Feb 27, 2011
MY HUSBAND EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC BREAKDOWN OF THE TRANSMISSION IN OUR 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WHILE HE WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE CAR JUST STOPPED WORKING AT 65 MPH. HE WAS ABLE TO PARTIALLY PULL OFF THE ROAD AND ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED TO HELP PUSH HIM OFF COMPLETELY. HE HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK WHICH COST $150 TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO OUR HOME TOWN AND OUR REPAIR CENTER. OUR ODYSSEY HAS 136,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED. THE NEW TRANSMISSION THAT WAS REQUIRED COST $4700 AND WE WERE WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR 12 DAYS. *TR
Power train, Feb 25, 2011
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, LEADING TO EVENTUAL FAILURE. TRANSMISSION SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WHEN GOING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, ENGINE REVS, WHEELS LOSE POWER. EVENT HAS OCCURRED 10-12 TIMES OVER THE LAST 2 MONTHS, PARTICULARLY WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A SLOW SPEED (TRAFFIC LIGHT, STOP SIGN, TURN, ETC.). IT GETS HAZARDOUS WHEN THERE ARE CARS BEHIND YOURS BECAUSE YOUR VEHICLE LOSES POWER TO THE DRIVE WHEELS LEAVING THE DRIVER TO PUMP THE ACCELERATOR, DOWN SHIFT TO D3 OR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL THEN BACK TO DRIVE. I'VE HAD TO PULL OFF TO THE SHOULDER TO PREVENT GETTING RUN OFF THE ROAD BY CARS BEHIND ME.
Power train, Feb 22, 2011
I HAVE A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM . SEEMS IT SLIPS OUT OF SECOND GEAR A KNOWN PROBLEM IN HONDA ODYSSEYS FROM 1999 TO 2004. HONDA ISSUED A RECALL FOR A TEMPORARY FIX TO GET THE CARS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE SALES MANAGER AT HONDA IN GURNEE ILLINOIS CONFIRMED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN HONDA ODYSSEY AND HONDA IS BURYING THEIR HEAD IN THE SAND. MY CAR NOW NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION ESTIMATE COST 3800. I CALLED HONDA AND THEY DENIED ANY RECOVERY OF THIS COST. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND THIS PROBLEM IS HUGE IN THESE VANS. I KNOW 3 PEOPLE WITH HONDA ODYSSEY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Feb 20, 2011
I BOUGHT A USED 2003 EX FROM CARMAX IN 2006 WITH 36K MILES ON IT. IT NOW HAS 82K MILES ON IT. WE HAVE TAKEN GOOD CARE OF IT AND ALWAYS SERVICED IT AT A HONDA DEALER. A MONTH AGO WE OCCASIONALLY STARTED TO FEEL BUMPY SHIFTING OF THE GEARS BETWEEN 20-40 MPH. THE PROBLEM SLOWLY WORSENED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME LAST WEEK. I GOT INTO THE SERVICE CENTER TO GET IT CHECKED UP AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT ! WE HAVE ALWAYS BOUGHT AND STUCK TO HONDA FOR ITS RELIABILITY AND LONGEVITY. APPARENTLY WE WERE WRONG ! THE QUOTE GIVEN BY THEM FOR THE REPAIRS WAS $4521 + TAX !! I AM STILL DUMBFOUND AND INFURIATED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD WHICH HAS BEEN UN-ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE PARENT COMPANY. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT. HONDA IS TAKING THE AMERICAN CONSUMER FOR A RIDE. THEIR COMPENSATION PACKAGE OFFERED FOR THE TRANNY BY THE HONDA IS VERY ADHOC AND SUSPECT. *TR
Other or unspecified, Feb 18, 2011
I BOUGHT A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS AN ISSUE FOR ACCELERATION FROM 20~40MPH, WHICH IT LOOKS LIKE THE GEAR NOT HOOKED UP. I HAD THE HONDA DEALER CHECK UP AND THEY DIDN'T THINK THE TRANSMISSION HAD ISSUE. THIS KIND OF INCIDENT HAPPENED MANY TIMES STARTING FROM LAST OCTOBER TO NOW. IT HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY. IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *LN
Power train, Feb 16, 2011
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" OR LAZY 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. MY QUESTION TO HONDA IS, IS THE MECHANICAL DESIGNER IN CHARGE OF THIS BAD DESIGN PART STILL WORKING FOR YOU? *TR
Power train, Feb 16, 2011
MY WIFE DROVE THIS MINIVAN AND JUST BEFORE EXIT TO 15 FREEWAY "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT TURNED ON, TRANSMISSION STARTS SLEEPING AND CAR JUST STOP. SHE GETS IN PANIC BECAUSE IN THIS TIME WAS HEAVY TRAFFIC AND SITUATION BECOME DANGEROUS. SHE SLOWLY DROVE TO FRIENDS HOUSE AND DROPPED THE CAR OVERNIGHT. NEXT DAY I CHECKED CODES AND HAD P0730 AND P0780 (TRANSMISSION FAILURE). "POWAY HONDA" IN SAN DIEGO, CA WAS ASKING FOR $4,565.00 TO REPLACE BAD TRANSMISSION WITH REFURBISHED UNIT! I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTING WITH HONDA "HIGH" QUALITY PRODUCT (ONLY 108K MILES AND ~$5,000.00 HAVE TO PAY FOR USED TRANSMISSION!) I FOUND ONE PRIVATE COMPANY FOR $3,300.00 TO REPLACE THIS JUNK FROM HONDA. *TR
Power train, Feb 14, 2011
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY; TRANSMISSION SHIFTED ERRATICALLY FOR SEVERAL WEEKS PRIOR TO FAILING COMPLETELY, AND LEAVING MY IN-LAWS STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Power train, Feb 14, 2011
WE OWN A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY EX WITH 89,000 MILES ON IT. WE BOUGHT IT USED IN 2007. LAST WEEK THE TRANSMISSION "SHUDDERED" FOR TWO MILES WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. I PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, RESTARTED IT, AND CONTINUED. ABOUT 50 MILES LATER, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR WHILE I WAS TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC ON AN INTERSTATE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, GET THE VAN INTO A GEAR, AND "LIMP" HOME. I HAVE NOW STUDIED THIS ISSUE AND LEARNED THAT HONDA HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSIONS WITH THEIR V-6 ENGINES. THE VAN, IN FACT, DOES REQUIRE A NEW TRANSMISSION - AND IT WILL ME SIGNIFICANT DOLLARS. FORTUNATELY I WAS ALONE IN THE VAN AT THE TIME, AND NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED, BUT ONE VERY CERTAINLY COULD HAVE. LOSING ALL POWER AT THE WRONG TIME COULD BE DISASTROUS(GOES WITHOUT SAYING). I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT HONDA KNOWS ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS, AND HAS NOT TAKEN PROACTIVE STEPS TO PREVENT THEM. I WOULD HOPE THAT NHTSA WOULD COMPEL THEM TO. *TR
Power train, Feb 12, 2011
MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY STARTED EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS IN AUGUST 2010 AT AROUND 62,000 MILES. MOST OF THE PROBLEMS WERE OBSERVED WHEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. DUE TO THE UNPREDICTABILITY IN SHIFTING, IT CREATES A HAZARDOUS SITUATION WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. *TR
Power train, Feb 5, 2011
I WAS IN MY 2003 ODYSSEY WITH MY DAUGHTER WHEN THE VAN LOST ALL POWER MERGING ON TO THE FREEWAY. THE TCS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON AND THEN THE VAN WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. WE CAME EXTREMELY CLOSE TO HAVING AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK THE VAN TO THE HONDA DEALER AND THEY REPORTED BACK THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD COMPLETELY FAILED WITH ONLY 73K MILES. IN 2004 I TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALER FOR THE TRANSMISSION RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN #04V176000), BUT IT DID NOT PREVENT IT'S FUTURE FAILURE. I HAVE REGULARLY PERFORMED THE FACTORY REQUIRED TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE, BUT THIS WAS NOT ENOUGH FOR THE FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS IN ODYSSEYS FROM 2001-2004. HONDA SAID IN A RECENT REPORT THAT INSUFFICIENT COOLING CAN LEAD TO HEAT BUILD-UP AND BROKEN GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION. IN RARE INSTANCES, GEAR BREAKAGE COULD LOCK UP THE TRANSMISSION. GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. HONDA OF AMERICA WILL NOT COVER THE REPLACEMENT OF MY TRANSMISSION EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW THAT THERE HAVE BEEN PERVASIVE FAILURES WITH TRANSMISSIONS ON THE 2003 ODYSSEY. HONDA HAS NOT TAKEN FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE EPIDEMIC OF ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FAILURES. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL OF ALL 2003 ODYSSEY TRANSMISSIONS!
Power train, Jan 31, 2011
NO ADVANCED WARNING FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON BUSY PARKWAY AT ABOUT 9:00PM AT NIGHT. VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND HAD NO FORWARD DRIVE. FORTUNATELY, THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED AT NIGHT IN LIGHT TRAFFIC AS IN HEAVIER TRAFFIC THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY BEEN STRUCK FROM THE REAR BY A FOLLOWING VEHICLE GIVEN THE SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED DECELERATION. CAR WAS SAFETY HAZARD AS IT WAS DRIVEN HOME IN A SINGLE GEAR AT NO MORE THAN 25-30 MPH. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO ENGAGE IT "LIMP-HOME" GEAR (1ST??) ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ON THE DRIVE BACK HOME AND BECAME STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTIONS. THIS WOULD OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD ENGAGE THE "LIMP-HOME" GEAR FOR A MOMENT (ENOUGH TO PULL INTO THE INTERSECTION FROM A STOPLIGHT) AND THEN FAIL OR IF THE INTERSECTION WAS SLOPED DOWNHILL, RELEASING THE BRAKE WOULD PERMIT THE TRANSMISSION TO "FREEWHEEL" LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN NEUTRAL (BUT IT WAS NOT)AND THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE CAR HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COULD RE-ENGAGE THE LIMP-HOME GEAR. MANUAL SHIFTING OF THE GEAR LEVER WAS EITHER IMPOSSIBLE (I.E. GEAR SELECTOR WOULD NOT CHANGE) OR INEFFECTIVE (I.E. LIMP-HOME GEAR WOULD BE SELECTED BUT NOT ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE FORWARD). VAN HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND IS LOCATED AT MY HOME AS IT IS NOW DANGEROUS EVEN TO DRIVE ON A PUBLIC ROAD. *TR
Power train, Jan 29, 2011
2003 ODYSSEY WITH 93,000 MILES HAD THE TRANSMISSION GO OUT ON IT. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET IT HOME. AFTER GETTING THE ENGINE LIGHT, THE VAN WOULD OPERATE FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES AFTER EACH START AND THEN IT WOULD DECELERATE UNTIL IT WOULD NOT MOVE. THE DEALERSHIP EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION AND SOLENOID PACKAGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO THE AMOUNT OF $3,000. AFTER INITIALLY CITING A REPAIR ESTIMATE OF $4,700. WE HAD THE REPAIR COMPLETED BY THE HONDA DEALERSHIP. *LN
Air bags, Jan 12, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED SUDDENLY. HE THEN TOOK THE NEAREST EXIT WHEN THE AIRBAGS EXPLODED AGAIN FOR A SECOND TIME. AFTER THAT, HE GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE THAT NO ONE HAD HIT HIM TO CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY BUT THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND THAT IT MAYBE A MECHANICAL FAILURE BUT THAT THE AIR BAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED UNLESS THERE WAS AN IMPACT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,200.
Power train, Jan 11, 2011
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FAILURE. STARTED WITH LONG SHIFTS FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, THEN EVENTUALLY WITHIN 2 MONTHS (MAYBE 1000 KMS LATER) FAILED TO SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD AT ALL. ULTIMATE FAILURE AND REPLACEMENT OCCURRED AT 165,000 KILOMETERS. NO INJURIES/DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 5, 2011, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IT ROLLED BACKWARDS AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TAKEN THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION BUT WAS NOT SURE IF SHE PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE OTHER VEHICLE HAD MINOR DAMAGE AND HER VEHICLE WAS NOT DAMAGED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.
Structure, Jan 1, 2011
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY - NEITHER FRONT DOOR WILL STAY OPEN, THEY SLAM SHUT. WHEN WE OPEN EITHER OR BOTH DOORS, THEY WILL NOT STAY OPEN FOR YOU TO GET IN OR OUT. THEY SLAM SHUT ON LEGS, BODY, ETC. HAVE HURT MY LEGS SEVERAL TIMES. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? IT HAS NOT ONLY HAPPENED ON ONE OCCASION, BUT ALL THE TIME. ALSO, BOTH SLIDING DOORS SLAM OPEN, MAKE LOUD NOISE. BEFORE, THEY CLOSED QUIETER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST INDICATED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE COMING APART AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THEY REFUSED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000.