1996 Honda Odyssey problems
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.
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Common 1996 Honda Odyssey problems
The Honda Odyssey, produced in 1996, is known for its fuel efficiency and cost-effective maintenance. However, as with any vehicle, it has its share of common issues that owners may encounter. This article will focus on these problems, providing details based on complaints from Honda Odyssey 1996 owners.
One of the most significant issues reported for the Honda Odyssey 1996 is related to the transmission. The vehicle's transmission problems can be attributed to several factors, including manufacturing defects and wear and tear. The most common transmission problems include:
- Clogged Fluid Lines: The internal components of the transmission produce shavings due to insufficient lubrication. These shavings can clog the fluid lines, restricting the flow of lubricating fluids. This can lead to transmission failure if the fluid does not flow freely.
- Downshift Failure: This issue involves the transmission's inability to downshift. Downshift failure can be caused by various factors, including low transmission fluid levels, faulty solenoids, or internal wear.
- Fluid Overheating: Transmission fluid overheating is a common issue in the Honda Odyssey 1996. Overheating can lead to several internal components not receiving adequate cooling and lubrication, causing damage over time.
- Gear Shaving: Gear shaving occurs when the second gear does not receive enough lubrication, leading to the production of shavings. This issue can result in overheating and other related problems.
- Gear Slipping: This issue involves the transmission's failure to provide sufficient power or random downshifting with the gear. Gear slipping is a common problem in the Honda Odyssey 1996 and can be caused by various factors, including low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutches, or damaged gear teeth.
- Grinding in Reverse: This issue involves a grinding noise when the vehicle is put in reverse. This problem can be caused by various factors, including worn-out gears, damaged synchronizers, or low transmission fluid levels.
Another common issue reported for the Honda Odyssey 1996 is related to the engine's performance. The vehicle's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is designed to deliver high horsepower and high revs, which can make the engine feel lethargic in a people-mover role. This issue is further compounded by the odd nature of the standard CVT transmission, which can lead to a car that feels sluggish around town.
Lastly, the Honda Odyssey 1996 has been reported to have issues with the key fob. The cost of replacing the key fob can vary depending on the age of the vehicle and where it is replaced. However, it is generally cheaper to have it replaced by an automotive locksmith than by a dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Honda Odyssey?
Most Common Honda Odyssey Problems
- Transmission Issues. The most important issue on this list is related to the transmission. ...
- Ignition Switch Problems. Another item of concern might be related to the Honda Odyssey ignition switch problems. ...
- Check Engine Light. ...
- Automatic Doors. ...
- Fuel Pump Issues.
What years did Honda Odyssey have bad transmissions?
The five-speed automatic was first installed in the Odyssey for the 2002 model, but general reliability of the 1999–2003 transmission was poor according to Consumer Reports.
Are there any bad years for Honda Odyssey?
According to wvdot.com, here are the least reliable years for the Honda Odyssey: 2002 Honda Odyssey. 2003 Honda Odyssey. 2005 Honda Odyssey.
What year is the best Odyssey model?
For those considering a purchase, I'd particularly recommend 2010-2013, 2015-2017, and 2021-2023 models as the Honda Odyssey's best and most reliable years. It'd be wise to avoid the 2nd generation, early 3rd and 5th generation, and 2014 Honda Odyssey models.
1996 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:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Honda Odyssey vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Honda Odyssey
The NHTSA has received 80 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Honda Odyssey. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Honda Odyssey vehicles.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-24
- VIN: JHMRA1868TC
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CRUISING AT 35 MILES AN HOUR DOWN PARK BOULEVARD WITHOUT HITTING ANY BUMPS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG EXPLODED. THE EXPLOSION WAS SO HARD THAT IT KNOCKED DOWN THE REARVIEW MIRROR, THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DOOR, AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD. I WAS SO LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN HURT BY FLYING DEBRIS OR HAVING MY EAR DRUMS BLOWING OUT. EVERYONE I SPOKEN TO IN THE CAR SERVICE BUSINESS HAS NEVER HEARD OF ANYTHING LIKE THIS. AN AIRBAG EXPLODING WITHOUT IMPACT OR HITTING A MAJOR BUMP. I HAD LOCAL EMS COME TO CHECK ME OUT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-20
- VIN: JHMRA187XTC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT WE HAVE HAD AN IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE ON THIS 1996 HONDA ODYSSEY. IT WILL SOMETIMES START, WITH SOME JIGGLING OF THE KEY, OR WILL NOT START AT ALL. IT HAS CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING, A DANGEROUS SITUATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN CARRYING CHILDREN. AT THIS POINT, IT WILL NOT START AT ALL. HOW OFTEN DO WE NEED TO REPLACE THIS? HONDA ODYSSEYS OF THIS YEAR WERE SUBJECT TO RECALL FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM IN AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, AND CHINA. WHY NOT HERE? CHINA, IN THIS INSTANCE, HAS MORE CONCERN FOR SAFETY THAN THE OBSESSIVELY SAFETY-ORIENTED USA.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-01
- VIN: JHMRA186XTC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,064.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-26
- VIN: JHMRA184XTC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: WAS WAITING IN THE LEFT TURN LANE TO MAKE THE TURN, LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND WHEN TRYING TO MAKE THE TURN, VEHICLE STALLED SUDDENLY WITHOUT ANY NOTICE OR ENGINE PROBLEMS. A FAMILY MEMBER WAS PRESENT IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED. HAVE HAD ENGINE STALL AFTER STARTING BEFORE AND HAD THE BATTERY CHECKED. NO ISSUES WERE NOTED WITH ANYTHING BEFORE THIS SUDDEN STALL IN TRAFFIC. HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WITH HONDA VEHICLES AND IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS WITH SAME RESULTS ABOUT VEHICLE STALLING IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT ANY SIGNS OF THE STALLING ABOUT TO OCCUR. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-06
- VIN: JHMRA1862TC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ENGINE JUST QUIT..IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN ON ANY LIGHTS ,BUT RADIO WOULD WORK HAD IT TOWED 45 MIKES BACK HOME. HONDA KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM ON 97 ACCORDS BAD IGNITION SWITCH.HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD QUICK TO KEEP FROM BEING REARENDED, HIWAY 252. *TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-12
- VIN: JHMRA1862TC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HONDA ODYSSEY LX 1996 WOULD NOT START IN A PARKING LOT SO I CALLED FOR A TOWING SERVICE. TOWING SERVICE TRIED TO UNLOCK ENGINE USING DOOR LOCK TRICK AND THE ENGINE STARTED. TWO DAYS LATER THE ENGINE DIED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAD TO COAST TO AN EXIT RAMP, AND IT WOULD NOT START AT ALL AFTER THAT. MODOT TRUCK STOPPED TO CHECK IT OUT AND RECOMMENDED TO HAVE IT TOWED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HONDA DEALER; SAID IT WAS AN IGNITION SWITCH DEFECT. *KB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-05
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR INSPECTION AND TOLD THAT REAR ENGINE MOUNTS NEED REPLACED AT 71,000 MILES. TOLD REPAIR COST WAS $940 AND NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-12-26
- VIN: JHMRA1862TC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY 1996 HONDA ODYSSEY DIED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE STATIONARY AND/OR DRIVING, INCLUDING ONE INCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEED. I TOOK IT TO AAA CARE PLUS, GOT SPARK PLUG, SPARK PLUG WIRE SET, DISTRIBUTOR REPLACED. IT STILL STALL FREQUENTLY. AFTER DOING A GOOGLE SEARCH LEARNED THAT 1996 ODYSSEY HAS PROBLEM. OTHER HAVE ALSO REPORTED. WANT TO KNOW WHAT HONDA IS DOING ABOUT IT AS THIS MODEL WAS RECALLED FOR SAME PROBLEM IN CHINA AND EUROPE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-11
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED THE FAILURE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-11
- VIN: JHMRA1869TC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HONDA ODYSSEY. IF THE CONTACT RELEASES THE KEY AFTER PLACING IT INTO THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS HER RESPONSIBILITY. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 145,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-31
- VIN: JHMRA1876TC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING STARTING PROBLEMS - WOULD CRANK BUT NOT ALWAYS CATCH AND RUN. THEN ENGINE STOPPED WHILE DRIVING SEVERAL TIMES, AN UNSAFE SITUATION. FINALLY WOULD NOT START AGAIN. REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH, WORKS FINE. NOTED THAT SIMILAR (MODEL, YEAR) VEHICLES IN AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALLED FOR SAME SYMPTOMS - IS THERE A LINK? *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-23
- VIN: JHMRA1862TC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: JULY 2002, I TOOK MY ODYSSEY TO A HONDA DEALER BECAUSE I WAS HAVING SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS: 1. MY SRS LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULDN'T GO OFF. 2. MY ABS LIGHT HAD ALSO BEGUN TO GO ON AND OFF. 3. MY POWER LOCKS WOULD LOCK UNCONTROLLABLY AND DRAIN BATTERY. I ASKED THEM TO TAKE A LOOK. AFTER $160 DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE, I WAS TOLD THE FOLLOWING: CODE 8-3 PRESENT ON SRS. CLEARED CODE AND TEST DROVE. LIGHT REMAINED OFF FOR DRIVE. SUGGEST REPLACING AIRBAG IF LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. PROBABLY A SENSOR PROBLEM. COST $748 CODE 44 PRESENT ON ABS. RIGHT REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR IS FAULTY. SUGGEST REPLACING SENSOR. COST $283 ELECTRONIC LOCKS NEED NEW LOCK UNIT. COST $256 I WAS SHOCKED THAT REPAIRS WOULD COST ANOTHER $1300. AFTER DISCUSSING THESE PROBLEMS WITH THE DEALER AND BEING TOLD THE ISSUES WERE PROBABLY ALL SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, I OPTED NOT TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. JUST AFTER DRIVING OFF, MY SRS AND ABS LIGHTS CAME BACK ON AND HAVE REMAINED ON EVER SINCE. NOW, AFTER SEEING THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS BY OTHER ODYSSEY OWNERS AND LEARNING THAT THE AIRBAGS MAY ACTUALLY NOT WORK, I AM REPORTING MY EXPERIENCE AS WELL... I JUST BOUGHT A CHEVY.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-03
- VIN: JHMRA187XTC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS MY 1996 HONDA ODYSSEY DIED NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE STATIONARY AND 3 TIMES WHILE DRIVING, INCLUDING 2 INCIDENTS ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEED IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO RECOGNIZE THE POWER FAILURE AND REACT QUICKLY ENOUGH TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND AVOID BEING RAMMED INTO BY OTHER VEHICLES, BUT IT WAS A FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER THE FIRST EPISODE ON THE HIGHWAY, I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO SUSPECTED EITHER A FUEL LINE PROBLEM OR IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM, BUT GIVEN THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DEAD, THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM WITH CERTAINTY. ON JANUARY 3, 2007 THE CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AND I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC. THEY WERE ABLE TO DETERMINE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. IT IS CLEAR FROM SEARCHING ONLINE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THAT THIS YEAR AND MODEL HAS HAD MANY REPORTED PROBLEMS OF THIS NATURE. THERE ARE ALSO NUMEROUS BULLETINS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR THE 1996 HONDA ODYSSEY. THERE IS A REPORT OF A RECALL FOR FAULTY IGNITION SWITCHES BY HONDA OF OVER 484,000 VEHICLES IN JAPAN AND CHINA FOR MODELS INCLUDING MY VEHICLE MODEL AND YEAR. HTTP://WWW.THEMONEYTIMES.COM/ARTICLES/20060615/HONDA_RECALLS_484_626_CARS_TO_FIX_FAULTY_IGNITION_SWITCH-ID-10585.HTML I HAD NO HELP FROM MULTIPLE CALLS TO HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE ON JAN. 3, 2007. THEY TELL ME THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY SPECIFIC VIN AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING FURTHER I CAN DO OTHER THAN FILE THE REPORT WITH NHTSA. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. NOTE THAT I CALLED NHTSA TWICE TO REPORT THIS AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO LEAVE MY NAME AND PHONE # WHICH I HAVE DONE. *JB UPDATED 04/13/07.*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-13
- VIN: JHMRA1873TC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NHTSA 02V120000 IGNITION PROBLEM OCCURS ON 1996 HONDA ODYSSEY TOO. HONDA DEALER WILL NOT FIX UNDER RECALL BECAUSE 1996 VIN NUMBERS ARE NOT FLAGGED FOR RECALL. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-30
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JHMRA1869TC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 2 RELATED INCIDENTS -- CAR NO LONGER RUNS OR SHUTS OFF IF IGNITION KEY IS NOT FIDDLED WITH. SOLDER FROM IGNITION SWITCH MELTED, DRIPPED AND BURNED MY WIFE'S FOOT. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-11
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCHES I HAVE A 1996 HONDA ODYSSEY VAN AND THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THIS WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND I HAD THREE CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME. *NM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-11
- VIN: JHMRA1846TC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I SET THE CRUISE CONTROL ON MY VAN AT 120 KM AN HOUR. A CAR PASSED AND THEN PULLED CLOSELY IN FRONT OF ME SO I TOUCHED MY BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN. WHEN I PRESSED RESUME TO RE-ESTABLISH MY SET SPEED, THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED AND THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE TO ABOUT 130. I TOUCHED THE BRAKES, SLOWED THE CAR, AND AS SOON AS I RELEASED THE BRAKES THE CAR ACCELERATED AGAIN. I PUSHED OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON. IT HAD NO EFFECT. I REALIZED SOMETHING WAS JAMMED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT GOING TO SHUT OFF. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, PUT ON MY BRAKES AS HARD AS I COULD, PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. I RE-STARTED TO SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN AND THE ENGINE ROARED AT FULL THROTTLE. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP WHERE A TECHNICIAN CUT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE AND I WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE ON MY WAY. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-14
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1HGCD723XTA
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I HAVE A 1996 HONDA ACCORD WITH 121,000 MILE. WHEN I PULLED INTO PARKING SPACE TODAY MY ENGINE REVVED AND WOULD NOT STOP. IT HYDRO PLANED OVER A SIDEWALK AND HIT A BUILDING, THEN BOUNCED OFF BUILDING WHILE I WAS HITTING THE BRAKES, AND THEY WOULD NOT STOP THE CAR. THERE WERE JUST MINOR INJURIES. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-18
- VIN: JHMRA1868TC
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DRIVER'S POWER LOCK WAS CYCLING. DRIVER'S POWER WINDOW MADE A METALLIC SPRING-LIKE SOUND WHEN CLOSING. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED "POWER DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WAS BAD, REPLACED IT." "WINDOW REGULATOR & MOTOR WERE BAD, REPLACED THEM." POWER WINDOW WORKED NORMALLY WHEN DELIVERED TO DEALERS SERVICE, JUST MADE A NOISE. WHEN HE CALLED ME, MECHANIC SAID WINDOW WAS NOT WORKING AT ALL. AFTER MUCH ARGUMENT, DEALER AGREED TO A "50% GOODWILL" SPLIT OF CHARGES DUE TO AGE/MILEAGE. MY SHARE OF REPAIR COST WAS $320.49. *NM
AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-06
- VIN: JHMRA1868TC
- Components: AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: INSTALLED NEW BATTERY IN VEHICLE JUNE 2001. AFTER BATTERY INSTALLATION, SRS LIGHT WENT ON. HONDA MECHANIC DIAGNOSED "CAR HAD A CODE 6-2 STORED IN SYSTEM, WE CLEARED CODE, IF LIGHT COMES BACK ON THE CONTROL UNIT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED." UPON STARTING CAR, SRS LIGHT CAME BACK ON. MECHANIC SAID I NEED NEW SRS CONTROL MODULE. HE INFORMED ME THAT REPAIR WOULD COST ME $600 OR MORE. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-16
- VIN: JHMRA1877TC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: AT 117,000 MILES THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ON OUR 1996 HONDA ODYSSEY CAME ON AND STAYED ON. ALSO, AT THE SAME TIME ABS SYSTEM WOULD IMPROPERLY ENGAGE AT LOW SPEEDS ON DRY PAVEMENT WHEN APPROACHING A STOP. TOOK TO HONDA DEALER, WAS GIVEN DIAGNOSIS THAT ABS CONTROL UNIT HAS FAILED. THE COST OF REPLACEMENT IS $1227 PLUS TAX, WHICH IS PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE. IN MY OPINION THIS UNIT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, IT HAS FAILED BECAUSE HONDA PROVIDED A CONTROL UNIT OF POOR QUALITY. EVIDENCED BY THE FACT THAT THIS IS THE SECOND SAFETY-RELATED ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT TO COMPLETELY FAIL ON THIS VEHICLE - THE AIR BAG SRS CONTROL UNIT FAILED AT 73,000 MILES. WHERE IS THE MUCH-TOUTED HONDA QUALITY AND RELIABILITY? IT SEEMS TO BE ABSENT ON THIS 1996 OCYSSEY. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND HONDA WILL NOT REPLACE THE CONTROL UNITS.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-14
- VIN: JHMRA1877TC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: SRS LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON AT 73522 MI. HONDA DEALER CHECKED ALL CONNECTIONS AND WIRING, ALSO TRIED RE-PROGRAMMING-THAT DID NOT WORK. DEALER SAID THAT AIR BAGS ARE INOPERATIVE, AND THAT A NEW SRS CONTROL UNIT IS NEEDED - AT COST OF OVER $700. THE COST IS PROHIBITIVE FOR US. DEALER SAYS THEY HAVE REPLACED NUMEROUS SRS CONTROL UNITS ON ODYSSEYS. THIS INDICATES A MANUFACTURING DEFECT RENDERING KEY SAFETY SYSTEM INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT HONDA HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR FAILURE OF KEY SAFETY COMPONENT DURING NORMAL USE--THE STATED REASON IS THAT "YOU STILL HAVE YOUR SAFETY BELTS." I BELIEVE THAT THE SRS CONTROL UNIT SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED WITHIN NORMAL LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, THE OWNER'S MANUAL SAYS THAT IT ONLY NEEDS TO BE CHECKED EVERY 10 YEARS. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-29
- VIN: JHMRA1865TC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE A 1996 HONDA ODYSSEY LX AND IT HAS STALLED OUT MANY TIMES WITH MY FOUR YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN ATLANTA, GA RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I DRIVE THIRTY MILES TO WORK EACH DAY AND IS VERY DANGEROUS TO NOT KNOW WHEN THE CAR WILL JUST QUIT. I TOOK THE CAR TO CATHERINE'S AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR & SERVICE AND THEY DETERMINED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. THEY HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER HONDAS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND ARE AWARE OF HONDA RECALLS. MY CAR IS A '96 AND WAS NOT UNDER THE RECALL. I BELIEVE THIS IS UNFAIR THAT A CERTAIN YEAR SHOULD BE DISQUALIFIED WHEN IT HAS EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEMS AS OTHER HONDAS. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-20
- VIN: JHMRA1862TC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: COMPLAINED ABOUT A SMALL OIL LEAK WHEN AT DLR FOR OIL CHANGE AT 90000 MI. WAS TOLD THAT CAM SHAFT SEAL WAS LEAKING. OIL LEAK HAD SATURATED TIME BELT. DLR RECOMMENDED REPLACING TIMING BELT DUE TO POSSIBLE FAILURE DUE TO OIL SATURATION. ORIGINAL OWNER, TIMING BELT HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED AT 60000 MI AS PART OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE. REPLACED CAMSHAFT SEAL, BALANCER SHAFT SEAL, GEAR SET, TIMING BELT, AND WATER PUMP AT COST OF $866. NOTED OTHER COMPLAINTS ON SITE OF BALANCER SHAFT SEAL PROBLEMS. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-10
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BALANCER SHAFT OIL SEAL FAILED IN JANUARY 2000. OIL HOUSING OIL SEAL (O-RING) FAILED IN JANUARY 2004. BOTH FAILURES CAUSED HEAVY OIL LOSS SO VEHICLE WAS TOWED AT MY EXPENSE. SRS LIGHT IS ON. DEALER CHARGED ME $89 DIAGNOSTIC FEE FOR SRS ESTIMATE AND SAID IT WOULD COST JUST UNDER $1000 TO REPAIR. THIS FEE WAS CHARGED EVEN THOUGH I WAS PAYING FOR THE O-RING REPAIR AT THAT TIME. * CB
1996 Honda Odyssey recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1996 Honda Odyssey.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Negative 1996 Honda Odyssey car reviews
Positive 1996 Honda Odyssey car reviews
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The dealership wasn't the best experience for me. I purchased the vehicle used and unfortunately only received one key. The salesperson suggested I could go to any key store to get a replacement, but it was a bit inconvenient. Additionally, the gas tank was only 1/4 full. However, I must say that the vehicle itself is fantastic! It's well-designed, fuel-efficient, and the fold-down seat is incredibly useful. I haven't had any issues with the van, which is great. It's just a shame that this version has been discontinued. Overall, I'm really happy with my purchase!
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It's worth noting that this happened before mandatory safety reinforcement of doors.
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It's great to hear about your positive experience with your 1996 Ody! It sounds like it has been a reliable and practical vehicle for your needs. Even after purchasing a new 2001 Ody, you still kept the 1996 model because of how much you enjoy it. Thank you for sharing your story!
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At about 105000 miles, my ABS light came on and stayed on for a while. Then it went off, but when it went off and we stopped, the brakes felt like they were seizing on us. Have any of you had these problems? We would really appreciate any help or advice you could offer.
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That's a great car! It even pulled a 1200 pound boat a few miles back and forth to the lake.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Honda Odyssey problems:
1996 Honda Odyssey Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
Top 1996 Honda Odyssey Problems · Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking · Vibration Caused by Failed Rear Engine Mount · Clock Light May ...
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Nov 11, 2018 ... Most Common Honda Odyssey Transmission Problems · Clogged Fluid Lines: The internal components produce shavings arising from lack of lubrication.
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Other years of Honda Odyssey
Are you having problems with your 1996 Honda Odyssey?
Domingo Gutkowski 2024-06-22
Bought used from a new Honda dealer. At the start, it pulled to the right, so I brought it back. They said they aligned it, but it still pulls. A year later, the ABS light came on, but it turned out to be nothing. A few months ago, my mechanic found some major problems, but amazingly, it keeps running! The air filter housing is a bit of a pain with metal screws in a plastic case, but overall it's a small and simple car. Now, with 175,000 miles on the clock, there are no signs of it slowing down.