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, Oct 7, 2009
IN JANUARY 2005, ACCORDING TO THE HONDA DEALER, THE OIL JET KIT WAS PLACED IN MY HONDA ODYSSEY AS PER THE RECALL, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V176000, FOR THE HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OF MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY . HOWEVER, 4 YEARS LATER, THE 2ND, 3RD AND REVERSE GEARS OF THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE DEALER HAS AGREED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $2500. IN SPEAKING TO THE DEALER AND OTHER TRANSMISSION SHOPS IN MY AREA, I'M BEING TOLD MANY, MANY HONDA ODYSSEY'S ARE COMING IN FOR NEW TRANSMISSIONS REGULARLY. COULD THE FIX DONE IN MY CAR AND OTHERS HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION? COULD YOU PLEASE REOPEN THE CASE AND INVESTIGATE IF AN ADDITION RECALL IS NECESSARY TO FIX THE APPARENT PROBLEM AND AVERT THE CONSEQUENCES, AS STATED IN THE ABOVE REFERENCE RECALL, OF GEAR FAILURE RESULTING IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH AND POTENTIAL LOSS OF LIFE. THANK YOU. *TR
Child seat, Oct 6, 2009
THE BOOSTER SEAT SHOULD INCLUDE A TETHER STRAP TO KEEP THE SEAT IN PLACE. JUST USING A SEATBELT AROUND THE BOOSTER IS NOT ENOUGH TO HOLD IT IN PLACE IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE TRIED TO FIND TETHER STRAPS ONLINE, BUT HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2003, MAKE=HONDA, MODEL=ODYSSEY). *TR
Power train, Sep 20, 2009
FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN 2003 HONDAY ODYSSEY - NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V176000. *TR
Power train, Sep 9, 2009
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 88,000 MILES. CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED WITH PROPER TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACEMENTS. AT 82,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION HAD A 4TH CLUTCH SOLENOID FAILURE WHICH WAS REPLACED AT A HONDA DEALER IN BRUNSWICK, GA. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD BEEN REPLACED AT 79,000 MILES, BUT WE HAD IT REPLACED AGAIN AT THE TIME OF THE REPAIR AT 82,000. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITH A CODE DTC P0740 AT ~88,000. THE HONDA DEALER IN MARIETTA, GA DIAGNOSED THIS AS COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE FOR HONDA ODYSSEY'S. THERE IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OFFERED BY HONDA FOR 2001 AND OLDER ODYSSEY'S, BUT THAT DOES NOT EXTEND TO THE 2003 MODEL EVEN THOUGH THE TRANSMISSIONS ARE VIRTUALLY IDENTICAL. THE REPAIR HAS BEEN QUOTED AT $4,630 PLUS 7% SALES TAX WHICH IS AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT. HONDA CONTINUES TO ADVERTISE HOW RELIABLE THEIR VEHICLES ARE WHICH IS COMPLETELY FALSE AS IT RELATES TO TRANSMISSIONS IN THE ODYSSEY. 88,000 MILES FROM A MAJOR DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENT IS RIDICULOUS. AMERICAN HONDA HAS OFFERED A DISCOUNT OF 25% ON THE PARTS ONLY (THE DEALER SAID THIS IS ABOUT $900). THE BULLETIN BOARDS INDICATE 50% HAS BEEN COMMON AND IN MANY CASES THEY HAVE COVERED THE ENTIRE AMOUNT, BUT NOT FOR ME. HONDA SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO COVER THIS FAILURE IN FULL. *TR
Power train, Sep 8, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS IN REVERSE AND EXPERIENCED RESISTANCE WHEN SHIFTING FROM ONE GEAR TO ANOTHER. NHTSA RECALL# 04V176000, COMPONENT: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY ARE WILLING TO MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED AT 36,000 MILES AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
Power train, Sep 1, 2009
1. VEHICLE STARTED JERKING VERY BAD BECAUSE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO INTO THIRD GEAR. 2. TRANSMISSION FAILURE DISCOVERED WHEN TAKEN TO DEALER. 3. DEALER QUOTED A PRICE OF $5800.00 DOLLARS TO REPAIR. *TR
Power train, Aug 25, 2009
WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF THIS CAR BOUGHT NEW IN 2003 AND IT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED VERY WELL. THE CAR WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS BUT WHEN WE CALLED HONDA THEY CLAIM NO RECALLS ON THE TRANSMISSION. IT WAS INSPECTED FOR PROBLEMS RELATED TO THIS DEFECT AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE AND WAS PASSED AS CLEAN. AT 107,000 MILES, A BLINKING "D" ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD GEAR DISPLAY AND IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE TO HONDA. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE 4TH GEAR SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THIS WAS DONE. THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY STARTED SLIPPING ON SHIFTS AND DOWNSHIFTING AT SPEED. AGAIN, TAKEN FOR SERVICE AND THE HONDA GARAGE DETERMINED THAT A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS REQUIRED AT A COST OF $5800 WITH TAX. I CONTACTED AMERICAN HONDA, OPENED A CASE AND WAS DENIED MY REQUEST FOR THEM TO SHARE THE COST OF FIXING THIS. RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ONLINE HAS MADE IT CLEAR THAT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THIS CAR AS IS BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION COULD DOWNSHIFT INTO AN INCORRECT GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND/OR IMMEDIATE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THAT'S FUNNY SEVERAL OF OUR FRIENDS OWN HONDA ODYSSEY AROUND 2003 AND THEY SEEM TO HAVE ONE MAJOR REPAIR TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION BUT HOW COME NO RECALL???? PAID ALOT FOR ODYSSEY BUT WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT TWO TRANSMISSION @ AROUND 5,000 FOR EACH. HOW DOES HONDA GET AWAY WITH THIS TYPE OF BUSINESS. I HAVE PAID FOR A HONDA BUT WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER HONDA. HAVE LEARNED MY EXPENSIVE LESSON. NOT HAPPY HONDA OWNER! *TR
Power train, Aug 21, 2009
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY STARTED TO PUT OUT SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE. LUCKILY WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OUT OF TRAFFIC WITHOUT HITTING ANY OTHER CARS. WE WERE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND DUE TO THE DAMAGE HAD TO BE REBUILT. THERE IS A RECALL IN PLACE (NHTSA # 04V176000) FOR OUR VEHICLE FOR THIS ISSUE. IN SPEAKING WITH HONDA IT APPEARS RECALL WORK WAS DONE IN 2004 (A REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE), BUT WE STILL EXPERIENCED THE TRANSMISSION DEFECT. I JUST WANTED TO FILE THE COMPLAINT IN CASE OTHERS HAD FOUND THAT HONDA'S REPAIR SOLUTION HAD NOT BEEN EFFECTIVE FOR THEM EITHER. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2009
CAR WILL NOT START. IGNITION SWITCH REMAINS LOCKED. MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WILL NO LONGER START. PRIOR TO THIS, I WENT TO HONDA SERVICE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE FREQUENT INCIDENTS OF MY IGNITION SWITCH FAILING TO UNLOCK. THEY SAID THAT THIS WAS DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR AND I WILL HAVE TO SPEND OVER $500 TO REPLACE THE KEY CYLINDER. ARE THEY PUTTING SUBSTANDARD KEY CYLINDERS? I UNDERSTAND THAT OTHER MODELS OF HONDA ARE BEING RECALLED DUE TO IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS. HAVEN'T THEY DONE ANYTHING TO ELIMINATE THIS PROBLEM WITH THE ODYSSEY MODELS? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 18, 2009
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION ISSUE PLEASE REFER TO HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F0FALLE/467 THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS AGAINST HONDA ODYSSEY'S TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WHOSE OWNERS ARE FRUSTRATED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND OUR GOVERNMENT'S LACK OF ACTION TO ENFORCE THE BETTER QUALITY AND CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR CONSUMERS. I HAVE 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WHICH NEEDS NEW TRANSMISSION AT A QUOTED COST OF OVER $4,000 AT THE DEALER WHO DENIED FOR BEING ABLE TO COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY. WHAT UPSETS ME IS THAT THERE IS A "GOOD-WILL REPAIR" BY THE HONDA MOTORS AMERICA, WHO HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE ISSUES INVOLVING ALL HONDA ODYSSEYS THEY MADE, NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND THEY ARE HANDLING IT ON A CASE BY CASE; NO UNIFORM REGULATIONS ARE BEING APPLIED. SUCH UNFAIR PRACTICES OF CUSTOMER SERVICES. AT THE MOMENT, MY CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP UNTIL I HAVE TIME TO TALK AND COMPLAINT TO THE COMPANY. NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ACCORDING TO THE COMPANY. HOWEVER, 99-2001 MODELS, THEY HAVE EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 109K MILEAGE. SOME OF THE CUSTOMERS WITH OVER 145K-189K HAVE BEEN REIMBURSED THE COST BY THE COMPANY. AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO DO IT UNLESS YOU HAVE TO BE PERSISTENT AND LOUD. TAKING TOO MANY BUREAUCRACY IN RESOLVING THE PROBLEM WHEN THE PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF CAR IS WIDE SPREAD. *TR
Power train, Aug 18, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE VEHICLE GRADUALLY DECREASED SPEED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE SAFELY TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNING SIGNS. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF $5,000.00 TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD PAY HALF OF THE COST TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) WAS PERFORMED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Power train, Aug 12, 2009
WE OWN A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY AND WE ARE HAVING REPEATED TRANSMISSION FAILURES. SHORT TIME LINE: 37K FIRST TRANSMISSION FAILS - REPLACED BY DEALER WITH HONDA TRANSMISSION 97K SECOND TRANSMISSION FAILS - REPLACED BY DEALER WITH AFTER MARKET TRANSMISSION 128K THIRD TRANSMISSION FAILS - STILL NEGOTIATING REPLACEMENT THROUGH WARRANTY ON TRANSMISSION #2. A QUICK CHECK ON THE INTERNET WILL FIND VOLUMES OF INFORMATION ON TRANSMISSION FAILURES IN THE 2003 VANS. THERE IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW THAT MUST BE CHANGED. ALL TRANSMISSIONS FAILED WITH THE VAN WAS BEING DRIVEN. *TR
Power train, Aug 11, 2009
WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF THIS CAR BOUGHT NEW IN DEC 2002 AND IT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED VERY WELL. THE CAR WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION FOR THE ADDITION OF AN OIL JET TO PROPERLY LUBRICATE THE 2ND GEAR AND THIS WAS PERFORMED AS SOON AS WE RECEIVED THE NOTICE IN 2004 AT 31,000 MILES. IT WAS INSPECTED FOR PROBLEMS RELATED TO THIS DEFECT AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE AND WAS PASSED AS CLEAN. AT 107,000 MILES, A BLINKING "D" ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD GEAR DISPLAY AND IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE TO HONDA. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE 4TH GEAR SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THIS WAS DONE AT MY OWN COST OF $300. AT 121,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY STARTED SLIPPING ON SHIFTS AND DOWNSHIFTING AT SPEED. AGAIN, TAKEN FOR SERVICE AND THE HONDA GARAGE DETERMINED THAT A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS REQUIRED AT A COST OF $4800 WITH TAX. I CONTACTED AMERICAN HONDA, OPENED A CASE AND WAS DENIED MY REQUEST FOR THEM TO SHARE THE COST OF FIXING THIS. RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ONLINE HAS MADE IT CLEAR THAT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THIS CAR AS IS BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION COULD DOWNSHIFT INTO AN INCORRECT GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND/OR IMMEDIATE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 2, 2009
HAVE A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY EX WITH REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM. DVD HAS HAD A BUZZING NOISE IN HEADPHONES INTERMITTENTLY FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. TODAY SMOKE CAME OUT OF DASHBOARD AS DVD QUIT WHILE TRAVELING DOWN HIGHWAY. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 2, 2009
ACCELERATOR PEDAL FREQUENTLY STICKS IN THE IDLE POSITION, WITH RESULTING LURCH FORWARD WHEN THE PEDAL IS PUSHED FURTHER TOWARD THE FLOOR. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THAT THIS IS CAUSED BY A STICKING DASH POT IN THE ACCELERATOR SYSTEM; THEY HAVE CLEANED IT (WHICH DOES PROVIDE SOME TEMPORARY RELIEF) BUT THE PROBLEM RETURNS. NOW, IT SEEMS THAT THE ACCELERATOR WILL (ONCE, SO FAR) STICK IN AN ADVANCED POSITION, REQUIRING SIGNIFICANT BRAKE FORCE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE SO THAT THE IGNITION CAN BE TURNED OFF. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 29, 2009
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY POWER DOORS WILL NOT CLOSE UNLESS FORCED. INDICATORS ALERT THAT THE DOORS ARE NOT CLOSED. SOMETIMES THE DOOR WILL NOT REOPEN LEAVING PASSENGERS (KIDS) NOT ABLE TO GET OUT. NEVER SURE THAT THE DOOR IS ENGAGED PROPERLY SO THAT THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN ONCE IN MOTION. *TR
Power train, Jul 18, 2009
TRANSMISSION FAILURE FOR THE SECOND TIME. *TR
Power train, Jul 16, 2009
I BOUGHT THE 2003 ODYSSEY BRAND NEW AND HAVE HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE AT THE SAME HONDA DEALERSHIP. 2 WEEKS AGO, AROUND 67,000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHOWING PROBLEM THAT IT WOULD SLIP AND GO INTO NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE RPM FLARED AND THE CAR LOST ACCELERATION. THEN THE CAR SHOOK WHEN THE TRANSMISSION TRIED TO ENGAGE THE GEARS AGAIN. THE DEALER CHECKUP INDICATED THAT THE 2ND AND 3RD GEARS FAILED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT MY OWN COST $3,400. I LATER FOUND OUT THERE WERE MANY OWNERS OF 2003 ODYSSEY HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Jul 14, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED WHEN ACCELERATING. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY REPLACED THE RELAY SWITCH. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT THE TRANSMISSION BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY WAS INSUFFICIENT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.
Power train, Jul 13, 2009
HONDA 2003 ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FAILURE. WHAT SCARED US MOST WAS THAT IT HAPPENED YESTERDAY RIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN OUR WHOLE FAMILY WITH TWO YOUNG KIDS WAS RIDING TOGETHER. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL IT OVER TO THE SHOULDER BEFORE TRANSMISSION TOTALLY GAVE UP ON US AND THE VEHICLE COULDN'T MOVE AT ALL. OUR ODYSSEY WAS BOUGHT NEW IN OCTOBER, 2002 AS 2003 MODEL. IT HAS LESS THEN 90K MILES AND BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. THE PROBLEM STARTED TO SURFACE AROUND 70K, WHICH AT FIRST DIDN'T LOOK SO SEVERE. THE ENGINE SHOOK AT STOP SIGN AND LOW REV, TRANSMISSION DIDN'T GO SMOOTHLY DURING ACCELERATION. WE HAD MECHANICS LOOKED AT IT, AND BASED ON THEIR SUGGESTION WE HAD TIRE BALANCED AND ROTATED. LAST WEEK THE ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON, SO WE CALLED HONDA DEALER AND WERE TOLD TO WAIT UNTIL OVER THE WEEKEND TO SEE WHETHER THE LIGHT WOULD GO OFF. SINCE IT HAPPENED BEFORE AND THE LIGHT DID GO OFF AFTER A FEW DAYS, WE TOOK HIS WORD. ONLY AFTER THIS INCIDENT DID I FIND OUT OVER THE INTERNET THAT THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE WITH HONDA ODYSSEY WAS NOT AN ISOLATED CASE. IT RECEIVED SO MUCH COMPLAINT RESULTING INTO A CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT WHICH HONDA OFFERED EXTENDED COVERAGE TO 109,000 MILES OR 93 MONTHS FOR SOME '99-01 ODYSSEYS IN THE U.S.A. ALTHOUGH FROM 2002 MODEL ODYSSEY WAS OUTFITTED WITH A FIVE-SPEED AUTOMATIC, GENERAL RELIABILITY OF THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT IMPROVE UNTIL 2004, WHICH THE END OF MODEL YEAR FOR SECOND GENERATION ODYSSEY. I SHARED MY STORY HOPING THAT HONDA COULD ACKNOWLEDGE THE TRANSMISSION DEFECT IN 2002-04 MODELS AND TAKE SIMILAR ACTIONS, SO THAT WE AS CUSTOMER WOULD HAVE A SAFE AND PEACE-IN-MIND ENVIRONMENT EVERY TIME WE STEP INTO OUR MINIVAN. *TR
Power train, Jul 9, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 35 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION BECAME LOCKED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VIN COULD NOT BE VERIFIED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 73,000.
Power train, Jul 2, 2009
BOUGHT A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY IN JANUARY 2009 AND BY MAY THE TRANSMISSION WENT BAD. CONTACTED HONDA IN REGARDS TO THE RECALL AND THEY SAID THE SECOND GEAR WAS REPLACED WHEN THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD IT. HOWEVER, CONTACTED THE LOCAL HONDA DEALER WHO'S SERVICE MANAGER INDICATED THAT NO REPAIRS WERE EVER DONE ON THE VEHICLE (WHICH THE CAR FAX INDICATED THE SAME THING) THE VAN HAS NOW SAT IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR NEARLY THREE MONTHS AND I AM PAYING $357/MONTH ON THE LOAN AND FULL INSURANCE COVERAGE. NO ONE SEEMS TO WANT TO HONOR THE RECALL. WHEN I ASKED THE LOCAL HONDA DEALER FOR THE NUMBER OF THE DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER, HE REFUSED AND WHEN I CALLED BACK AND ASKED ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL IF THEY COULD GIVE ME THE NUMBER, HER RESPONSE WAS "WHAT DO YOU NEED THAT FOR? IT'S POINTLESS TO CALL BECAUSE IT'S JUST GOING TO LEAD YOU BACK TO US!" I WASN'T EXPECTING THE LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP TO BE ON THE DEFENSE BUT APPARENTLY THEY DIDN'T WANT ME TO CALL. MY GRANDFATHER OWNS THE SAME VEHICLE I HAVE AND HAD HIS TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE RECALL. MY QUESTION IS: WHY AM I NOT HAVING THE RECALLED HONORED FOR MY VEHICLE? THE RECALL CLEARLY STATES THAT THE GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. NOT SOMETHING I WANT TO HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY WITH MY FIVE CHILDREN IN THE CAR! PLEASE ADVISE ME ON WHAT I CAN DO TO GET THE BALL ROLLING AND GET THIS ISSUE CLEARED UP AND MY VAN BACK ON THE ROAD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 2009
HOLE IN CONDENSER. *TR
Power train, Jun 24, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SPORADICALLY DOWNSHIFT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SECOND AND THIRD GEARS FAILED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SEVERAL YEARS AGO, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION), BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,375. UPDATED 09/01/09. *LJ AT A STOP AFTER THE LEAVING THE INTERSTATE, THE VEHICLE SLIPPED PUT OF GEAR. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. A DIAGNOSIS REVEALED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING ON 1-2 AND 2-3 SHIFTS AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO ABNORMAL DISCOLORATION WAS FOUND IN THE TRANSMISSION AND AN OIL JET KIT WAS INSTALLED. UPDATED 09/03/09.*JB
Power train, Jun 22, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN HIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING LIGHT STATED THAT THE GEAR FAILURE WILL CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO LOCK UP. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY ARE RESEARCHING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.