Owners have filed 1,095 complaints
about the 2003 Honda Odyssey with NHTSA between 2002 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 32 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Honda Odyssey. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 58
11.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 18
10% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
33281.6%
Door
204.9%
Engine
174.2%
Body
133.2%
Latch
112.7%
Ignition
51.2%
Frontal
51.2%
Switch
41.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
161.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
273.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
303.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
374.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
9010.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
18821.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
31636.7%
150,000+ miles
15618.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2002peak 23May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Honda Odyssey
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
EA15001Opened 24 Feb 2015Still openAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE14016Opened 11 Jun 2014Closed 2 Mar 2015AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE13020Opened 6 Jun 2013Closed 6 Jan 2014AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Inadvertent Air Bag Deployment
The investigation was opened based on reports of frontal air bag inadvertent deployments (ABIDs) on model year (MY) 2003-2004 Honda Odyssey vehicles.In its response dated September 20, 2013, Honda indicated that the MY 2003 Acura MDX vehicles use a SRS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) which contains the same electrical component (an ASIC chip) as the Odyssey, and has a similar vehicle electrical system architecture.Through inspection and analysis of field returned vehicles and components, Honda determined that the SRS ECUs used in the Odyssey and MDX can degrade over time and result in the deploy...
PE12026Opened 2 Oct 2012Closed 14 Jan 2013ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Ignition Interlock Failure - Rollaway
On December 10, 2012, Honda Motor Company submitted a defect information report to NHTSA regarding ignition interlocks in approximately 576,117 model year MY) 2003 through 2004 Honda Pilot and Odyssey vehicles that are the subject of this investigation and 231,044 MY 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX vehicles (Recall No. 12V-573).Honda's report states that a design change to the ignition switch used in the recalled vehicles reduced the range of rotation for the ignition switch from 160 degrees in earlier designs to 125 degrees without a corresponding change to the ignition interlock blocking mechani...
Recalls on the 2003 Honda Odyssey
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
19V499000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
19V501000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
19V182000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: 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.
18V268000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
16V344000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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 El
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
15V563000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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."
Risk: Air bags that do not meet the safety requirements increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
15V370000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: 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.
15V320000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2019323222,662 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Note: This is a new recall campaign that includes vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced under a previous recall or had a replacement airbag installed. The previous recall provided an interim (short-term) repair. Interim repair parts must be replaced with the final repair parts provided in this recall. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to replace the driver and/or passenger-front airbag inflator. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 201911783,977 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a problem with the driver-front airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, pieces could be propelled toward the occupants. This could also cause damage to the airbag assembly and prevent it from inflating properly. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles that had a Takata airbag inflator installed during a previous airbag recall or collision repair. Safety Risk: In a crash where the airbag deploys, there could be an increased risk of injury. Corrective Action: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the driver-front airbag inflator replaced.
Recall 201624928,929 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.
Recall 2015225704,770 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall supersedes special service campaign 2014567. Correction: Dealers will inspect/replace the driver's frontal airbag inflator. All vehicles having received a replacement inflator as part of any previous driver's inflator campaign will have a replacement inflator installed. Note: Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844
Recall 201503628,150 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, a defect in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbag(s) and/or seatbelt pretensioner(s). Unintended seatbelt pretensioner and/or airbag deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could startle the driver, which could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause minor injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will replace the SRS control unit and may install an in-line jumper wiring harness to correct the issue. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2013315. Vehicles that were repaired under the previous campaign will also need to be repaired under this campaign.
Recall 2014567704,770 units in Canada
Airbag
Honda Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Honda will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This special service campaign was replaced by recall 2015225. Please see recall 2015225 for more information: <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015225">Click here for more information</a>
Recall 2014242168,968 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger airbag inflator. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 2013111. Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844
Recall 201331528,150 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, a defect in the supplemental restraint system could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbags. Unintended airbag deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could startle the driver, which could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause minor injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will install an electrical noise suppressor unit.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 198,000 milesLynn, MACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BURNS ON EACH HAND THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE BURNS WERE CAUSED BY CHEMICALS USED TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 198,000.
NHTSA complaint #11154775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 211,000 milesGlen Allen, VAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE INTERIOR ROOF OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. THE SMOKE STARTED WHILE DRIVING AND THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT AREA WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE FRAME TOP.
NHTSA complaint #11091074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 211,000 milesGlen Allen, VAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE INTERIOR ROOF OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. THE SMOKE STARTED WHILE DRIVING AND THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT AREA WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE FRAME TOP.
NHTSA complaint #11091074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 211,000 milesGlen Allen, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE INTERIOR ROOF OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. THE SMOKE STARTED WHILE DRIVING AND THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT AREA WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE FRAME TOP.
NHTSA complaint #11091074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesChicago, ILFire
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE RPM NEEDLE FLUCTUATED BACK AND FORTH AS THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A BURNING ODOR UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT IT FAILED TO SHIFT FROM PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WERE NOT CONTACTED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #11088402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesLancaster, CA1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH OVER A SPEED BUMP, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SHOULDER, KNEE, AND HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
NHTSA complaint #11044979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Levittown, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
brake lights completely out and almost caused a major accident
NHTSA complaint #11741141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Levittown, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
brake lights completely out and almost caused a major accident
NHTSA complaint #11741141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Levittown, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
brake lights completely out and almost caused a major accident
NHTSA complaint #11741141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
STEERING
Vehicle was inspected, Vehicle is leaking fuel, but it's difficult to spot, but I have to put fuel on it daily, TCS goes haywire almost caused me to crash because the TCS sensors are near the tires, and engine crank sensor issues, Vehicle does not do last gear shift, and rear door stopped working.
NHTSA complaint #11717146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
ENGINE
Vehicle was inspected, Vehicle is leaking fuel, but it's difficult to spot, but I have to put fuel on it daily, TCS goes haywire almost caused me to crash because the TCS sensors are near the tires, and engine crank sensor issues, Vehicle does not do last gear shift, and rear door stopped working.
NHTSA complaint #11717146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle was inspected, Vehicle is leaking fuel, but it's difficult to spot, but I have to put fuel on it daily, TCS goes haywire almost caused me to crash because the TCS sensors are near the tires, and engine crank sensor issues, Vehicle does not do last gear shift, and rear door stopped working.
NHTSA complaint #11717146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 251,599 milesFresno, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unintendedly shifted into gear. An unknown dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was included in four unrepaired recalls. The contact informed the dealer that she was afraid to drive the vehicle due to the failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission and the motor mounts were replaced in May 2025. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 251,599.
NHTSA complaint #11677771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
POWER TRAIN
I never had issues with my van when I bought it but On Monday got all the fluids drove to Phoenix and the transmission got hot the TCL light and ABs light turned on as well as the SRS light no check engine the floor on the driver side and passenger side was super hot. The transmission on 1st gear start hitting hard 2nd gear started slipping we pulled over right away let the car cool down but the transmission level where normal motor oil was at normal we did the oil service transmission service the dealer I bought it from has did Amazon service I don’t really drive it only to visit my kids. I looked up the recall and my van has a lot of them I’m worried of driving home to California I’m in Phoenix so I hope the dealer will fix the recall when u put the year of the 2003 honda odyssey my vin switch to a different one on your site please help
NHTSA complaint #11673559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
AIR BAGS
I never had issues with my van when I bought it but On Monday got all the fluids drove to Phoenix and the transmission got hot the TCL light and ABs light turned on as well as the SRS light no check engine the floor on the driver side and passenger side was super hot. The transmission on 1st gear start hitting hard 2nd gear started slipping we pulled over right away let the car cool down but the transmission level where normal motor oil was at normal we did the oil service transmission service the dealer I bought it from has did Amazon service I don’t really drive it only to visit my kids. I looked up the recall and my van has a lot of them I’m worried of driving home to California I’m in Phoenix so I hope the dealer will fix the recall when u put the year of the 2003 honda odyssey my vin switch to a different one on your site please help
NHTSA complaint #11673559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I never had issues with my van when I bought it but On Monday got all the fluids drove to Phoenix and the transmission got hot the TCL light and ABs light turned on as well as the SRS light no check engine the floor on the driver side and passenger side was super hot. The transmission on 1st gear start hitting hard 2nd gear started slipping we pulled over right away let the car cool down but the transmission level where normal motor oil was at normal we did the oil service transmission service the dealer I bought it from has did Amazon service I don’t really drive it only to visit my kids. I looked up the recall and my van has a lot of them I’m worried of driving home to California I’m in Phoenix so I hope the dealer will fix the recall when u put the year of the 2003 honda odyssey my vin switch to a different one on your site please help
NHTSA complaint #11673559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Potomac Falls, VA
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V344000 (Air Bags), 15V320000 (Air Bags), and 15V045000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
NHTSA complaint #11651368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Port, FL
SEAT BELTS
Van has open recalls on driver and passenger side airbags. Van also has a defective driver front seat belt tensioner that Honda claims has a lifetime warranty, but Hendrick Honda of Bradenton FL refuses to perform the recalls or replace the defective seatbelt tensioner. Even after advising them that they are required by law to perform any open recalls and are not allowed to charge anything for said recalls, Service Writer "Tammy" was uncooperative and kept alluding to things like she couldn't guarantee we would not be charged up to $1500 for these repairs which honestly should ALL be recalls as they are life safety issues. Due to their refusal to perform even the NHTSA recalls even after being given the documentation of the required recall, we have to find another dealership and hope they will perform the recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11584062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Port, FL
AIR BAGS
Van has open recalls on driver and passenger side airbags. Van also has a defective driver front seat belt tensioner that Honda claims has a lifetime warranty, but Hendrick Honda of Bradenton FL refuses to perform the recalls or replace the defective seatbelt tensioner. Even after advising them that they are required by law to perform any open recalls and are not allowed to charge anything for said recalls, Service Writer "Tammy" was uncooperative and kept alluding to things like she couldn't guarantee we would not be charged up to $1500 for these repairs which honestly should ALL be recalls as they are life safety issues. Due to their refusal to perform even the NHTSA recalls even after being given the documentation of the required recall, we have to find another dealership and hope they will perform the recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11584062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lock Haven, PA
AIR BAGS
All recalls have been completed on this 2003 Honda Odyssey Van but every now and then the warning light for the supplemental restraint system comes on and will stay on for a long time. the next trip it will be fine. Just wondering if this is something to be concerned about. It is a car we keep at our beach house and only use on a limited basis but I need to know it is safe. I recently had vehicle scanned and had all old codes cleared. If the air bag situation is the cause of this I don't want to be driving it. East Coast Honda in Myrtle Beach, SC. (833-299-3248, 8756A US Highway 17 Bypass South, Myrtle Beach SC. 29588) has replaced the recalled airbags on 2 different recalls. Thank you for your assistance. [XXX]. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11506598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lock Haven, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All recalls have been completed on this 2003 Honda Odyssey Van but every now and then the warning light for the supplemental restraint system comes on and will stay on for a long time. the next trip it will be fine. Just wondering if this is something to be concerned about. It is a car we keep at our beach house and only use on a limited basis but I need to know it is safe. I recently had vehicle scanned and had all old codes cleared. If the air bag situation is the cause of this I don't want to be driving it. East Coast Honda in Myrtle Beach, SC. (833-299-3248, 8756A US Highway 17 Bypass South, Myrtle Beach SC. 29588) has replaced the recalled airbags on 2 different recalls. Thank you for your assistance. [XXX]. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11506598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, PA
SEAT BELTS
We have had issues with our drivers side seatbelt since we purchased the vehicle new. First it had retraction issues, then the plastic stop button that keeps the buckle from sliding down failed, disintegrated. We asked the dealer to replace the belt which they refused to do. We have brought it to the dealer before, even generating a case number from Honda, but Honda refused to repair the belt. Over the years it has gotten progressively worse, where the belt is seriously frayed, and there are retraction issues. In August 2022, I contacted our local dealer, Piazza Honda in Springfield, PA. It took almost a month for them to take the car, make some photographs, and then to leave out of the notes that we had an ongoing retraction issue. Two months later, Honda Corporate informed me that they are denying the claim for the defective seatbelt. The warranty as stated in the handbook states a lifetime warranty for seatbelts. All aspects of the car pass State of PA Inspection requirements, all other aspects of the SRS systems are fully functional, with the exception of the drivers seatbelt. We believe that Honda's determination of non-liability is a ruse, a cynical attempt to exploit their customers in a critical safety component. We deserve a replacement seatbelt, and Honda customers need to be reminded that Honda is legally required to stand by the mandated Lifetime Warranty for Seatbelts. We feel that our only recourse to request that your agency look into this issue, and remind Honda of their responsibility. Honda's unconscionable conduct should not be condoned, not tolerated. This is not the first time Honda has tried to harm it's customers. The Federal government forced Honda to extend the warranty for its automatic transmissions, and repair defective ones. Our vehicle suffered from the same transmission issue, but we fell just outside the extended warranty period. The cost of the part (Honda 04818-S0X-A02ZH) is quite high from Honda, in excess of $667.73 without labor.
NHTSA complaint #11495855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesAustin, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission hesitated to shift into third gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter, clutch, and hydraulic control system were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #11493853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walworth, WI
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact received an unknown air bag recall notification and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11467421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houma, LA
STEERING
My rear sliding door FELL all the way off the van.
NHTSA complaint #11435450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houma, LA
STRUCTURE:BODY
My rear sliding door FELL all the way off the van.
NHTSA complaint #11435450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houma, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My rear sliding door FELL all the way off the van.
NHTSA complaint #11435450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Abilene, TX
POWER TRAIN
While exceeding 60 mph on the highway with my two young children. The vehicle began to loose power. I tried accelerating the van would regain then bog down again. This happens suddenly. This could of been a horrible accident. The van just loosng all power without warning.
NHTSA complaint #11435248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nampa, ID
AIR BAGS
WE DISPOSED OF THE VEHICLE AND YET STILL GET MESSAGES FROM HONDA. THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD AS SCRAP. PLEASE ADVISE HONDA TO CEASE AND DESIST ALL FURTHER CONTACT/NOTIFICATIONS ABOUT THE RECALL(S). WE HAVE NOTIFIED THEM MANY TIMES YET THEY PERSIST. THIS IS A DISCREDIT TO THE RECALL SYSTEM WHEN OBVIOUSLY FALSE AND ERRONEOUS MESSAGES ARE PERSISTENTLY SENT, IN ERROR. THIS CAUSES THE USER TO DISREGARD POTENTIALLY SERIOUS INFORMATION. HONDA MUST HAVE A METHOD OF ACCOUNTABILITY ADDED TO THEIR SYSTEM TO ALLLOW THE REMOVAL FROM THEIR RECALL DATABASE OF A VEHICLE WHICH HAS BEEN SOLD/TRANSFERRED/DESTROYED. HONDA HAS AN 'F' RATING WITH THE BBB ON THIS ISSUE. HONDA APPARENTLY DOES NOT TAKE RECALLS SERIOUSLY.
NHTSA complaint #11375442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
RSM, CA
AIR BAGS
YELLOW SRS WARNING LIGHT COME ON WHEN DRIVING ON A ROUGH ROAD. THIS TELLS ME THAT AIR BAG SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IT MAY NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS ISSUE STARTED SINCE 2009. SECOND ISSUE IS THAT FRONT BRAKES VIBRATE SO MUCH. I HAD FULL BRAKE SERVICE AND RESURFACE DISC BUT IT ONLY STOP THIS PROBLEM FOR COUPLE THOUSAND MILES THEN VIBRATION COMES BACK WHEN BRAKING. HIGH SPEED BRAKING CAUSE EVEN MORE VIBRATION.
NHTSA complaint #11330217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
RSM, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
YELLOW SRS WARNING LIGHT COME ON WHEN DRIVING ON A ROUGH ROAD. THIS TELLS ME THAT AIR BAG SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IT MAY NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS ISSUE STARTED SINCE 2009. SECOND ISSUE IS THAT FRONT BRAKES VIBRATE SO MUCH. I HAD FULL BRAKE SERVICE AND RESURFACE DISC BUT IT ONLY STOP THIS PROBLEM FOR COUPLE THOUSAND MILES THEN VIBRATION COMES BACK WHEN BRAKING. HIGH SPEED BRAKING CAUSE EVEN MORE VIBRATION.
NHTSA complaint #11330217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.