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, Jun 11, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 50 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT AND THE EMISSION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE RPMS BEGAN TO INCREASE. THE CONTACT NOTICED BLACK SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BECAUSE THERE WAS NOWHERE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER. ONCE STOPPED, ALL OF THE OCCUPANTS EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR SMOKE INHALATION AND CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. A CASE WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY COULD NOT PROMISE ANY LIABILITY OR ASSISTANCE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 45,000.
Power train, Jun 10, 2009
WE HAVE A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY EXL WITH 58K. ENGINE LIGHT AND TCS LIGHT CAME ON THE OTHER DAY AND THERE IS ALSO SURGING OR TRANS SHIFTING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. *TR
Power train, May 5, 2009
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH 88,000 MILES THAT IS SPONTANEOUSLY GOING OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL CAUSING LACK OF ACCELERATION AND OVER REVVING OF ENGINE. THIS WILL HAPPEN AT INOPPORTUNE TIMES SUCH AS ENTERING FREEWAY AND MERGING WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. TRANSMISSION LIGHT AND TCS LIGHT ARE ON. TOLD BY DEALER TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACEMENT AND THERE IS NO MANUFACTURER ASSISTANCE FOR COST INCURRED. *TR
Power train, Apr 28, 2009
BLINKING D ON TRANSMISSION, WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP, NO RESPONSE. *TR
Power train, Apr 23, 2009
CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. NUMEROUS PUBLISHED PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Mar 25, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. IN 2004, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY INSTALLED A JET KIT FOR THE TRANSMISSION, SO IT WOULD NOT EXPERIENCE DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. AFTER THE INSTALLATION, THE FAILURE RECURRED. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT AGAIN. THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,893. UPDATED 06/11/09.*LJ UPDATED 06/12/09.*JB
Power train, Mar 12, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTED. SEVERAL YEARS LATER, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN AT 5 MPH, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY ASSUME PARTIAL FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY $1,700. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,332 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Power train, Feb 22, 2009
ONE WEEK BEFORE I TOOK MY VAN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR, I NOTICED THAT MY VAN WOULD ROLL BACK FROM THE R POSITION WHEN I PUT IT IN THE D POSITION. THEN ONE NIGHT THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP FROM A STOP POSITION AS I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THAT SCARED ME, SO I STOPPED DRIVING AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. THEY TEST DROVE IT AND CHECKED THE VAN OUT TO DISCOVER THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED AND TOLD ME THAT AT THIS POINT IT WAS NOT EVEN DRIVABLE. I WOULD NEED TO TOW IT IF I MOVED IT. THE COST FOR REPAIR WOULD BE APPROX. $5200 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND AN ENGINE CONTROL SWITCH. AFTER MY SHOCKED REACTION, THE DEALERSHIP MADE SOME CALLS AND BROUGHT THE PRICE DOWN TO $2100. WITH ONLY 95,000 MILES ON MY VAN, I DON'T THINK MY TRANSMISSION SHOULD HAVE FAILED. I CALLED HONDA OF AMERICA. THEY REVIEWED MY CASE AND BECAUSE I ONLY DONE ONE MAINTENANCE SERVICE AT 30,000, THEY WOULD NOT COME DOWN IN PRICE. I CHANGE MY OIL REGULARLY. HAVE BOUGHT NEW TIRES AND BRAKES. BUT, COULD NOT AFFORD TO GO FOR THE FOLLOWING TWO MAINTENANCE CHECKS BECAUSE MY HUSBAND IS ILL AND ON DISABILITY. STILL, HONDA COULD DO NO MORE ON THE PRICE. I FELT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE I CHECKED THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON HONDA ODYSSEYS. THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE 2001-2002 MODELS, BUT WOULD NOT DO IT FOR MY 2003. I AM UPSET, BUT NEED MY VAN BACK TO GET MY 3 CHILDREN PLACES. SO, I AM GETTING IT REPAIRED FOR THE $2100. STILL, I AM NOT HAPPY AND SEE LOTS OF PROBLEMS WITH THE 2003 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS ON THE INTERNET. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Equipment, Feb 11, 2009
LOSS OF A/C. A/C CONDENSER DEVELOPED A LEAK. REPAIRED AT HONDA DEALERSHIP. *TR
Power train, Feb 11, 2009
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NOT IMMEDIATELY GOING INTO REVERSE FOR SEVERAL SECOND THAT WENT ON FOR 10 DAYS. THEN TROUBLE GOING INTO DRIVE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AS WELL FOR 3 DAYS. NOT GOING IN TO GEAR WHILE DRIVING DURING GEAR SHIFTS OR STOPS FOR 2 DAYS. COMPLETELY UNABLE TO PUT THE VAN IN ANY GEAR WHILE ON MY WAY TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THEY TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AFTER ONLY 73K MILES. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 11, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS ON THE VEHICLE FAIL TO SHUT PROPERLY. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V119000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH) WAS REFERENCED FOR AN EARLIER MODEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT BOTH LATCH ASSEMBLY MOTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ONE OF THE ROLLERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN, WHICH HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPLACED IN THE PAST YEAR. IN ADDITION, THE PASSENGER SIDE BODY JUNCTION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY $905 FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 177,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 10, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND BEGAN SHIFTING ERRATICALLY BETWEEN GEARS. THE ENGINE REVVED EXTREMELY HIGH AND THEN THE RPM'S DECREASED TO ZERO. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE RESUMED TO NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR AN IDENTICAL FAILURE. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED. THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE CONTROL MODULE WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,334 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Power train, Feb 10, 2009
DRIVING CAR ON PA TURNPIKE WHEN ENGINE REVVED AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE GEAR INDICATOR LIGHT BLINKED ON AND OFF. CAR SLOWED DOWN AND SHIFTED BACK INTO GEAR. THE LIGHTS REMAINED ON. I TOOK IT TO OUR MECHANIC AND HE INSTRUCTED ME TO TAKE TO A HONDA DEALER FOR REPAIR BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE INDICATED THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE HONDA DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $4,700. THEY MENTIONED A "JET KIT" RECALL WHICH I NEVER HEARD OF. THEY WILL CALL THEIR DISTRICT MANAGER AND FIND OUT IF HONDA WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT NO COST. THEY WILL GET BACK TO ME IN 24 HOURS. *TR
Power train, Jan 27, 2009
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY 5, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOP ACCELERATING AND I HAD TO PULLOVER ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. THE ENGINE STARTS BUT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACK. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A NEARBY HONDA DEALERSHIP. DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE REPAIR COST WILL BE $3800. DID SEVERAL HOURS OF RESEARCH AND REALIZED HONDA HAVE A LOT OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR EVEN THOUGH HONDA SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR POOR. *TR
Tires, Jan 26, 2009
TODAY ON I77-N CLOSE TO CHARLOTTE, MY REAR TIRE WAS SHREDDED TO PIECES AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PULLED OVER COMPLETELY TO THE RAMP. I HAD THE VEHICLE ON SPARE TIRE AND GOT A BRAND NEW ONE PUT ON. THE TIRE THAT GOT BUSTED WAS A MICHELIN 60R16 FITTED AT COSTCO IN WINSTON SALEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 22, 2009
I HAVE A 2003 HONDA ODESSY AND DISCOVERED THIS PASS WEEKEND THAT THERE WAS A MAJOR OIL LEAK THE CAR HAS ONLY BEEN SERVICED BY A HONDA DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS A STRIPPED HEAD BOLT, AFTER SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET HONDA IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT IS KEEPING THIS QUIET, MY OUT OF POCKET COST IS OVER $2,000.00. *TR
Power train, Jan 21, 2009
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY 5, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOP ACCELERATING AND I HAD TO PULLOVER ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. THE ENGINE STARTS BUT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACK. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A NEARBY HONDA DEALERSHIP. DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE REPAIR COST WILL BE $3800. DID SEVERAL HOURS OF RESEARCH AND REALIZED HONDA HAVE A LOT OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR EVEN THOUGH HONDA SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP. *TR
Power train, Jan 19, 2009
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON. DEALER DIAGNOSED EGR VALVE WHICH I REPLACED. (FILED COMPLAINT WITH HONDA OF AMERICA SINCE THERE WAS A RECALL. THEY SAID MY MILES WERE TOO HIGH TO QUALIFY.) THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED AND WE WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL OR SERVICE BULLETINS. EGR VALVE DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE DROPS HARD INTO GEAR WHEN STARTING. STARTED REVVING WITH NO FORWARD ACCELERATION RANDOMLY. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC THREE TIMES BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE REVVING. PROBLEM GOT WORSE AND LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Jan 11, 2009
THE GEAR RATIO ON MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY IS INCORRECT ACCORDING TO THE AUTO REPAIR PLACE I TOOK IT TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND WENT INTO NEUTRAL WITH NO WARNING AND HAS DONE IT SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. I TOOK IT IN AND HAD IT PUT ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE WHEN THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. *TR
Power train, Jan 7, 2009
FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION IN A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CAN HAD 95K MILES ON IT WHICH IS VERY LOW FOR A MODERN TRANSMISSION FAILURE. RESEARCH SHOW THAT THE HONDA ODYSSEY HAVE AN EXTREMELY HIGH TRANSMISSION FAILURE RATE HOWEVER HONDA REFUSES TO OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Jan 6, 2009
WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP IN 2ND/3RD GEAR, THE VAN SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND ALMOST CAME TO A STOP. THE "CHECK ENGINE" AND "TCS" LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO GET CAR HOME BY SWITCHING INTO D3 GEAR. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO SAID THAT IT WAS A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. HE TOLD ME TO TAKE THE VAN TO MY LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP TO GET A FULL DIAGNOSTIC TEST. I DID THIS AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN WROTE "...WHEN DRIVING IT WAS BANGING INTO 2ND GEAR. THEY RECOMMENDED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND ABS CONTROL UNIT BE REPLACED. THE ORIGINAL APPROXIMATE REPLACE/REPAIR QUOTE WAS $4,700. AFTER FILING A CASE COMPLAINT WITH AMERICAN HONDA, THEY OFFERED A TOTAL REPLACE/REPAIR PRICE OF $4,255. THERE ARE RECALLS AND A CAMPAIGN RELATING TO THESE ISSUES. *TR
Power train, Jan 6, 2009
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY AT 79K MILES. THE TRANSMISSION FAIL WHEN THE ENGINE WARM-UP (APPROX. 45 MINUTES OF RUN TIMES). NOW IT CAN ONLY DRIVE IN CITY BUT DON'T KNOW HOW IT WILL LAST. I TOKE TO DEALER AND HAVE IT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM (COST ME $105 FOR HONDA DEALER). THEY STATE THAT I NEED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION, ECM MODULE AND FRONT SWAY BAR LINK ARE COST $4500. *TR
Visibility, Dec 24, 2008
THE REAR VENTS IN AN HONDA ODYSSEY HAVE STOPPED FUNCTIONING. BASED ON WEB SEARCHES THIS SEEMS LIKE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND SURELY POINTS TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. ON ACTIVATING THE SWITCH TO OPERATE THE VENTS THERE IS NO AUTOMATIC CUTOFF AS SOON AS THE VENTS ARE OPENED / CLOSED ALL THE WAY. THIS APPARENTLY LEADS TO THE MOTOR OVER-HEATING AND CAUSING IT TO BURN. THERE ARE NO MANUAL CONTROLS AVAILABLE TO OPERATE THE VENTS. BASED ON YOUR LOCATION THE VAN WILL NOW BE OVERHEATED (FL) OR EXTREMELY COLD (CO) AS THE INTERNAL A/C UNIT CANNOT / WILL NOT FUNCION AT THE OPTIMUM LEVELS. *TR
Power train, Dec 22, 2008
TRANSMISSION CODE APPEARED ABOUT 80K MILES; HAVING ISSUES WITH HARD SHIFTING TOOK TO LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP WHO STATED NOTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE. CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND HAD COMPLETE FAILURE OF 2003 ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION TODAY. *TR
Power train, Dec 21, 2008
TRANSMISSION IS ACTING UP ON MY 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR POSSIBLE CAUSES I HAVE FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND CONCERN. MY TRANSMISSION HAS PROBLEMS GOING INTO REVERSE AT START-UP AND SEEMS TO LAG AT ACCELERATION. THE RELIABILITY OF HONDA TRANSMISSIONS IS POOR AT BEST. I WAS DIRECTED TO THIS SITE TO HELP EXPRESS CONSUMER CONCERNS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THESE TRANSMISSIONS. I BELIEVE ACTION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN BEFORE SOMETHING TRAGIC HAPPENS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE ALL COMPLAINTS AND RESPOND ACCORDINGLY. *TR