1990 Honda Odyssey problems

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For the North American market, the Honda Odyssey, is a minivan manufactured and marketed by Japanese automaker Honda since 1994, now in its fifth generation, which began in 2018.

The Odyssey had originally been conceived and engineered in Japan, in the wake of the country's economic crisis of the 1990s – which in turn imposed severe constraints on the vehicle's size and overall concept, dictating the minivan's manufacture in an existing facility with minimal modification. The result was a smaller minivan, in the compact MPV class, that was well received in the Japanese domestic market and less well received in North America. The first generation Odyssey was marketed in Europe as the Honda Shuttle.

Subsequent generations diverged to reflect market variations, and Honda built a plant in Lincoln, Alabama, United States, incorporating the ability to manufacture larger models. Since model year 1999, Honda has marketed a larger (large MPV-class) Odyssey in North America and a smaller Odyssey in Japan and other markets. Honda also offered the larger North American Odyssey in Japan as the LaGreat (ラグレイト, Ragureito) beginning in June 1999 through 2005. Both versions of the Odyssey were sold in Japan at Honda Clio dealership locations. Both versions of the Odyssey are currently sold in the Middle East.

1990 Honda Odyssey

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Common 1990 Honda Odyssey problems

The Honda Odyssey, manufactured and marketed by Japanese automaker Honda since 1994, has been a popular choice for minivan buyers due to its powerful V6 engine, handling, large cabin, and power sliding doors. However, like any vehicle, the Odyssey has had its share of problems over the years. This article will focus on common problems reported by owners of the 1990 Honda Odyssey, based on available search results.

  • Braking System Issues: Many owners of the 1990 Odyssey have reported issues with the braking system, including a faulty brake pedal that only works after being pumped, excessive vibration in the steering wheel, and pulsating brake pedals due to warped brake rotors or discs. These issues are typically caused by air in the master cylinder or brake fluid leaks. Replacing the faulty parts using a brake disc and pad kit can cost anywhere between $100 and $350 plus labor costs.
  • Transmission Problems: Transmission issues have been a common problem in various model years of the Odyssey, including the 1990 model. Many drivers have reported delayed and rough shifting, rough acceleration and deceleration, and sudden power loss due to faulty 9-speed automatic transmissions. Transmission problems were most prominent in the 1999-2003 Odyssey redesigns, with many drivers complaining that their transmission kept slipping despite numerous repairs. This led to a class action lawsuit against Honda in 2006, which the automaker settled without admitting a defect. Honda compensated 1999-2001 Odyssey owners by providing an extended warranty on their vehicles.
  • Interior Problems: Uncomfortable seats have been a common issue among various model years of the Odyssey, including the 1990 model. Many drivers have complained about having hard seats and non-adjustable headrests, which can cause neck pain during long drives. Detached cables have also caused power seat failure in some 1995, 2003, and 2005-2010 Odysseys, preventing drivers from adjusting the driver's side seat. Additionally, some 1999-2002, 2006-2008, and 2011-2015 Odyssey owners have had trouble adjusting the third-row seat due to a loose latch cable.
  • Defective Windows and Sliding Doors: Defective window regulators have been a common issue among 2005-2010 and 2015 Odysseys, with many owners reporting that their windows are unable to fully open or close, leaving the interior exposed to harsh weather conditions and road debris. Replacing the faulty part usually solves the problem, with a replacement window regulator costing anywhere between $50 and $150, depending on its configuration, plus labor costs.
  • Ignition Switch Failure: Ignition switch failure has been a common problem in 2004 Honda Odyssey models, including the 1990 model. This issue typically involves a defective ignition cylinder lock that prevents drivers from turning the ignition, which can be caused by an ignition lock cylinder that costs anywhere between $200 and $250 plus labor costs to replace.
  • Engine Issues: Engine issues have been a common problem in 1999-2016 Odysseys, including the 1990 model. Owners have reported cases of a rough running engine, poor fuel economy, engine vibrations, stalling, and a long crank time caused by a clogged exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve.

These are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the 1990 Honda Odyssey. It is important to note that not all vehicles of this model year will experience these issues, and many 1990 Odyssey owners have reported having reliable and problem-free vehicles. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider them when making a purchasing decision.

1990 Honda Odyssey engine

What is the most problem in Honda Odyssey?

If you are shopping for a new or used Odyssey, be sure to check out our list below of some of the most common Honda Odyssey problems.

  • Transmission Issues. The most important issue on this list is related to the transmission. ...
  • Ignition Switch Problems. ...
  • Check Engine Light. ...
  • Automatic Doors. ...
  • Fuel Pump Issues.

What year is bad for Honda Odyssey?

The Worst Years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003 are undeniably the Honda Odyssey years you should “avoid them like the plague”. Here is why: Most pronounced were the problems related to its transmission and electrical systems. The 1999 Honda Odyssey faced transmission failures.

What is the best year of the Honda Odyssey?

FAQs: Most Reliable Honda Odyssey Years

As such, the 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021 models require minimal repairs and offer exceptional performance.

Is the Honda Odyssey a reliable car?

Quality and Reliability 78.0/100

The 2024 Honda Odyssey has a predicted reliability score of 78 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

1990 Honda Odyssey car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda Odyssey problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Seat belts problems
  • Visibility problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Honda Odyssey vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Honda Odyssey complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Honda Odyssey.

2000-06-15

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JHMRA1867SC
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEATBELT IS FULLY EXTENDED (NOT INCLUDING DRIVERS) THE LOCKING SYSTEM KEEPS THE SHOULDER AND LAP BELT TIGHT AND CONTINUES TO GET TIGHTER WITH ANY MOVEMENT OF RESTRAINED PASSENGER. REQUIRES SEAT BELTS TO BE COMPLETED
1999-08-05

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-07-29
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: THE AUTOMATIC PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR REFUSED TO CLOSE CAUSING FAILURE. HOWEVER, THERE IS NO MANUAL OVERRIDE IN WHICH TO OPERATE THE ELECTRIC SLIDING DOOR IN CASE OF EMERGENCY WHICH MAY RESULT IN INJURY. *YC
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1990 Honda Odyssey problems:

97 Honda Odyssey - Should I or Shouldn't I? | Honda Odyssey Forum
97 Honda Odyssey - Should I or Shouldn't I? | Honda Odyssey Forum
https://www.odyclub.com/threads/97-honda-odyssey-should-i-or-shouldnt-i.156598/

Oct 24, 2012 ... How many miles can I expect to get out of this van? If I could get 12-24 months out of it, I'd be ecstatic!! 2. What are the common problems for ...

Common Problems with 2006 Honda Odyssey - Q&A
Common Problems with 2006 Honda Odyssey - Q&A
https://www.justanswer.com/honda/46tas-honda-odyssey-ex-2006-honda-odyssey-started-having.html

Nov 6, 2010 ... Stalling Problem: I Have a 2006 Honda Odyssey. What Can I do? - Answered by a verified Mechanic for Honda.

2020 odyssey audio problems : r/HondaOdyssey
2020 odyssey audio problems : r/HondaOdyssey
https://www.reddit.com/r/HondaOdyssey/comments/vzcvy6/2020_odyssey_audio_problems/

Jul 15, 2022 ... ceb1990. OP • 2y ago. Yes we are. I'm taking it ... I think this is a common problem. Upvote 2 ... Odyssey Audio Issues. 1 upvote · 4 comments. r ...

Recently acquired 95 Odyssey LX - ABS problems + planning ...
Recently acquired 95 Odyssey LX - ABS problems + planning ...
https://www.odyclub.com/threads/recently-acquired-95-odyssey-lx-abs-problems-planning.275113/

Jun 10, 2016 ... If you want a fast minivan try to find a Grand Caravan from 1988 to 1990. :). 2000 Honda Odyssey LX 198k original engine and transmission.

Honda Odyssey Questions - Odyssey battery draining - CarGurus
Honda Odyssey Questions - Odyssey battery draining - CarGurus
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t42894_ds657545

Apr 29, 2015 ... You appear to have a parasitic drain problem. I had this on a 2008 as well as a 2014 Honda Odyssey van. What ...

Other years of Honda Odyssey

honda odyssey 1994 photo
Odyssey 1994
Honda

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda odyssey 1995 photo
Odyssey 1995
Honda

103

1

18

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda odyssey 1996 photo
Odyssey 1996
Honda

80

1

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda odyssey 1997 photo
Odyssey 1997
Honda

27

3

18

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda odyssey 1998 photo
Odyssey 1998
Honda

74

4

27

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
honda odyssey 1999 photo
Odyssey 1999
Honda

552

9

30

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1990 Honda Odyssey photo