2003 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 2003 Honda Odyssey problems
The 2003 Honda Odyssey has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to the powertrain, airbags, and electrical issues.
- Powertrain Problems: The most common issue with the 2003 Honda Odyssey is related to the powertrain, with 533 complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These complaints involve difficulty shifting, loss of power, and jerking, which often lead to transmission failure before the vehicle reaches 150,000 miles.
- Airbag Issues: Airbags are another major concern for Odyssey drivers, with 133 complaints on file. Some drivers have reported being on replacement part waiting lists for one of the twelve airbag recalls issued from 2013 to 2019, even as late as 2022.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical issues take third place with 81 complaints on file. These problems range from minor issues like faulty windows to more significant issues like the car failing to start when the key is turned. There was an ignition recall in 2012 to address potential rollaway, but the issues seem to be more extensive than initially realized.
While Honda vehicles are generally known for their reliability and few major mechanical issues, the 2003 Honda Odyssey does have some concerning problems under the hood. With 15 recalls on file and two airbag investigations still open, it's clear that this model year has some issues that owners should be aware of.
The Odyssey's life expectancy is typically between 200,000 and 300,000 miles, but the 2003 model seems to be an outlier, with several reports of transmissions going out around 150,000 miles.
In terms of technology, the 2003 Honda Odyssey has good entertainment technology for its time, with entry-level models starting out with a cassette player and four speakers, and higher-end models getting a DVD player in the backseat. Safety tech is also excellent, with features like four-wheel anti-lock brakes, occupant sensing airbags, traction control, and childproof door locks coming standard.
Despite its issues, the 2003 Honda Odyssey remains a popular choice for families due to its spacious interior, low maintenance costs, and smooth, strong powertrain. However, potential buyers should be aware of the common problems and consider the vehicle's history before making a purchase.
Is 2003 Honda Odyssey a good car?
Although the Odyssey's design dated from 1999, it was still a very good minivan and an excellent value. It showed improvements from our previous test, with quicker acceleration and a more comfortable ride. The 2003 Odyssey handles with agility and has a roomy interior. It's powertrain is smooth and strong.
How many miles can a 2003 Honda Odyssey last?
On average, a well-maintained Honda Odyssey can last for 200,000 miles or more.
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 common problem of Honda Odyssey?
Transmission Issues
The most important issue on this list is related to the transmission. Unfortunately, Honda Odyssey transmission problems have been reported by drivers over the years.
2003 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:
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Honda Odyssey vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Honda Odyssey
The NHTSA has received 935 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Honda Odyssey. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles.
2024-04-19
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-19
- VIN: 5FNRL18903B
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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.
2023-02-10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-08
- VIN: 5FNRL180X3B
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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).
2022-12-02
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-01
- VIN: 5FNRL185X3B
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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.
2022-11-16
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-29
- VIN: 5FNRL18973B
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
2022-06-03
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-03
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
2021-10-04
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-22
- VIN: 5fnrl18523b
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: My rear sliding door FELL all the way off the van.
2021-10-02
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-30
- VIN: 5FNRL18093B
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
2020-11-19
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-10
- VIN: 5FNRL18983B
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
2020-06-22
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-03
- VIN: 5FNRL186X3B
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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. *TR
2020-05-27
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-15
- VIN: 5FNRL18903B
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE STREET APPROXIMATELY 25MPH, SUDDENLY THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON ME. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 270,000 MI ON IT. I CHECKED AMERICAN HONDA RECALLS AND FOUND A RECALL ORDER. COPIES OF HE DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM AND EXPLAINED THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT RECALLS ARE VIN SPECIFIC AND VEHICLE DOES NOT SHOW ANYTHING ON THEIR RECORDS. I MADE AND RESEARCHED AND FOUND THE DOCUMENTS WHICH I'VE ENCLOSED COPIES WITH THIS COMPLAINT. I WAS TOLD TO TALK WITH HONDA DEALERSHIP SO THEY COULD ADVICE ME ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I WENT TO NORM REEVES HONDA, AS MUCH AS I DID, I WAS IGNORED, NO ONE LISTENED, ALL I WAS TOLD WAS CALL BACK AMERICAN HONDA IN WHICH I SAID I HAVE DONE..THEY DID NOT DO ANYTHING TO CHECK ON IT AND NO EXPLANATION ABOUT IT WAS OVEN EXCEPT THEIR RECORDS SHOW A PART NUMBER THAT UPON MY INSISTENCE FOR MORE INFO, I WAS TOTALLY IGNORED. THE RECALL NOTICE WAS ISSUED FEB 22, 2013 TITLED, "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IGNITION SWITCH" WHICH CLEARLY EXPLAINS THE ISSUANCE OF THE RECALL ORDER.. ALTHOUGH THE 15 YEAR WARRANTY HAS LAPSED SINCE THE ISSUANCE OF THE ORDER. IF THERE WAS SOMETHING DONE ON THE LEVER, THEY DID NOT REPLACED OR DID ANYTHING ON THE IGNITION SWITCH WHICH IS THE ONLY REASON THAT I SEE IS CONNECTED WITH WHAT HAPPENED TO THE VEHICLE AND MY SAFETY AND THE PUBLIC'S.*DT CONSUMER STATED DEALER TOLD HIM RECALL WAS DONE BUT VEHICLE STILL HAS PROBLEMS WITH STEERING WHEEL.*JB
2020-04-21
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-02
- VIN: 5FNRL18073B
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND LOST POWER WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WAITED FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES, WHERE THE VEHICLE RESUMED BACK TO NORMAL. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE RESIDENCE AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL NOISE APPEARED WHILE SHIFTING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERMAIN HONDA OF BEAVERCREEK (2300 HELLER DR, BEAVERCREEK, OH 45434, (855) 798-3158) TO BE REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN AIR BAG RECALL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
2020-02-04
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-24
- VIN: 5FNRL18613B
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: STALLS RANDOMLY WHILE ACCELERATING FROM STOP. APPEARS TO BE IGNITION SWITCH ISSUE. COULD CAUSE A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY ESPECIALLY WHEN PULLING INTO MAIN STREET OR HIGHWAYS FROM A STOP.
2020-01-09
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-02
- VIN: 5FNRL18523B
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SRS LIGHT STAYS ON WHEN CAR IS RUNNING. HONDA REPRESENTATIVE SAYS RECALL WORK ON OUR CAR'S SRS SYSTEM WAS DONE TWICE, IN 2014 AND 2017, AND FOR ANY FURTHER WORK WE MUST TAKE IT TO A DEALER.
2019-11-04
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-04
- VIN: 5FNRL18013B
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE SRS LIGHT STAYS ON WHILE DRIVING.
2019-09-24
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-20
- VIN: 5FNRL18633B
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: INTERMITTENT SRS LIGHT. DEFECTIVE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELL BUCKLE. THIS PART SHOULD BE RECALLED RATHER THAN DEPENDING ON THE MANUFACTURER VOLUNTARILY REPLACING AND DISCOURAGING CUSTOMERS TO SERVICE SYSTEM BY IMPOSING A "DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE" IF THEY STATE DEFECTIVE WAS NOT THE BUCKLE.
2019-07-16
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-01
- VIN: 5FNRL186X3B
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE GEARS WOULD ERRONEOUSLY SLIP CAUSING THE SPEED TO SUDDENLY REDUCE, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PHIL HUGHES HONDA (3200 ATLANTIC HWY, ATHENS, GA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
2019-07-01
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-01
- VIN: 5FNRL18693B
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG INFLATOR SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE BUT, RECEIVES RECALL NOTIFICATIONS. *JS
2019-06-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-02
- VIN: 5FNRL18913B
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR WITH THE KEY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO ENTER THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COGGIN HONDA JACKSONVILLE (LOCATED AT 11003 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225, (904) 302-8217) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
2019-05-29
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-29
- VIN: 5FNRL18943B
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS ODYSSEY HAS PREVIOUS TRANSMISSION RECALL IN 2005, THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS COMING BACK TO MY CAR
2019-05-22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-15
- VIN: 5FNRL18563B
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I TOOK MY CAR LAST YEAR FOR THE RECALLS THAT HAD FOR THE AIR BAGS AND THE INTERLOCK LEVER OF HE IGNITION SWITCH.AFTER ONE DAY OF WORK THEY SAID THEY FIX ALL OF THEM. BUT AFTER SOME MONTH I NOTICE THAT THE KEY IT WAS NO WORKING PROPERLY ON THE SWITCH AND I SEE ALSO THEY DIDN'T REPLACE THE OLD SWITCH,AND BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE SUFFICIENT KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ISSUE I BELIEVE JUST WHAT THEY SAID.BUT MY CAR IS HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE KEY IGNITION, THE SWITCH IT'S NOT READING THE KEY MOST OF THE TIMES AND IT'S NOT STARTING AND SOMETIMES IT START BY ITSELF WITHOUT THE KEY JUST PRESSING THE HORN.THE RECALL FOR THE INTERLOCK LEVER OF THE IGNITION SWITCH IS NHTSA 12V-573 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER S73.( DEC 2012)
2019-04-01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-25
- VIN: 5FNRL18933B
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS CAR DOES NOT START WITHOUT SEVERAL TRIAL. THE STARTER IS BRAND NEW AND BATTERY AS WELL. BOILS DOWN TO A IGNITION PROBLEM WHICH SEEMS TO BE ELECTRICAL
2019-03-15
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-01
- VIN: 5FNRL18963B
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO INCREASE IN SPEED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LINDSAY HONDA (5959 SCARBOROUGH BLVD, COLUMBUS, OH 43232, (614) 864-5250) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROUSH HONDA (100 W SCHROCK RD, WESTERVILLE, OH 43081, (614) 882-1535) WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED IN 2005. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 05972285 AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 193,000
2019-01-28
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-08
- VIN: 5FNRL18073B
- Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS
2019-01-25
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-25
- VIN: 5FNRL186838
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL: BASICALLY I HAVE A HUGE ISSUE REPLACING RECALL ITEMS BECAUSE I LIVE IN A REMOTE COMMUNITY WITH ONLY FERRY ACCESS. THE FERRY CROSSING REQUIRES 6 HOURS EACH WAY AND A 60 MILE DRIVE TO ANCHORAGE ONCE WE REACH THE MAINLAND. THE COST IS $460 RT FOR THE FERRY AND 2 DAYS OF PAY, A HOTEL ROOM, FUEL, FOOD AND OVERTIME FOR MY EMPLOYEE WHO TAKES IT TO A DEALERSHIP. I'M ASKING IF THERE IS A WAY TO ALLOW OUR LOCAL MECHANIC TO DO THESE RECALLS??? I HAVE A CAR RENTAL WITH AT LEAST 12 OF THESE RECALLS OUTSTANDING. IT WOULD COST ME AROUND $10,000 TO GET MY "FREE" RECALLS DONE. I WORRY ABOUT MY LIABILITY FOR RENTING THESE VEHICLES OUT TO THE PUBLIC. I WOULD LIKE SOME SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE AS TO HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM.
2018-11-29
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5FNRL18993B
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
2003 Honda Odyssey recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 15 recalls for different components of the 2003 Honda Odyssey.
2019-06-27
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: 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.
2019-06-27
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: 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.
2019-03-06
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
2018-04-26
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: 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.
2016-05-24
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: 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.
2015-09-04
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: Air bags that do not meet the safety requirements increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
2015-06-15
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
2015-05-28
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
2015-01-28
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: 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.
2014-11-04
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
2014-06-20
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
2013-09-19
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: 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).
2012-12-11
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
2004-04-15
- Manufacturer: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: 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.
2003-01-16
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, SOME FUEL TANKS HAVE SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS THAT COULD ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE TANK.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2003 Honda Odyssey car reviews
Positive 2003 Honda Odyssey car reviews
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Our Ody, Ruby, has been incredibly reliable. Although the transmission went at 130K, this is a common issue among many minivans. Fortunately, we had a warranty and only had to pay for half of the repair, along with a new torque converter, and have had virtually worry-free driving ever since. Our Ody has taken us on many adventures, from Hamilton, Ontario to PEI and back, and from Ontario to Alberta. We've even used it to move our son to and from college, among many other trips. The rear stow-and-go seating, along with the option of removing the two captain's chairs, is very practical for moving and provides loads of cubic volume. Recently, I replaced the brakes, rotors, and one ignition coil, and we are now at 314K and hoping to hit 500K in a few years. If you live in harsh winter climates with lots of snow, I highly recommend getting Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires - they work very well with the Odyssey. Overall, this has been one of the most reliable vehicles we have ever owned. Happy travelling and drive safely!
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I bought this van when my babies were born and now they are driving it. I have test driven other new cars, including new Hondas, but very few match the overall driving experience, cost of ownership, and utility value of this van. Although some little things have broken and I use duct tape to cover up the dents, from the inside it still feels as solid and responsive as a new Honda. I know the transmission might develop issues, but I am still waiting for it to break. Recently, a thief cut out our catalytic converter, and I debated whether to scrap the car or replace the catalytic converter with a new one. After the repair, the car is as good as new. An added benefit is that even homeless people do not beg from us when we drive this car covered in duct tape. You can park it anywhere and give it to your 16-year-old to learn to drive. It has great visibility for drivers of all heights, is safe, and who cares about scratches...
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I purchased this vehicle as a demo with 1400 miles on it and decided to buy the extended warranty. It was a great decision as it covered the recall on the transmission fix. At around 50,000 miles, the volatility joint went out but it was promptly fixed. Although I had a little trouble with the car pulling to the right, Honda was able to fix it without any issues. I bought the van from Coeur d'Alene Honda and have received the best service from them. I would definitely buy another car from them. I mostly use the car for long trips and have driven 38,000 miles in the first 10 months. I have even towed a 24 ft airstream trailer for almost 10,000 miles with no trouble. The car is always kept in a garage when not being used, and I make sure to keep it clean and serviced every 3 to 4000 miles. I have replaced the tires and should reach 80,000 miles soon.
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This fully loaded Odyssey is a great buy. Its rear seat fold away is one of the easiest to deal with to create more cargo room. Driving is extremely comfortable.
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Your car has served you well for the past 7 years and is about to hit a milestone of 180k. It's impressive that the fuel economy has improved since you first purchased it, with an average of 25 mpg. The brake and tire life have been exceptional, and you've only needed to perform recommended maintenance. It's clear that your wife has enjoyed driving it, and it's a shame that it can't be towed behind your motorhome. It's understandable that your wife will be sad to part with it. Good luck with your search for a new CR-V today!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Honda Odyssey problems:
2003 Honda Odyssey Problems and Complaints - 17 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2003-honda-odyssey/problems
Problem with your 2003 Honda Odyssey? Our list of 17 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Honda Odyssey.
2003 Transmission Problem and Possible Solution | Honda Odyssey ...
https://www.odyclub.com/threads/2003-transmission-problem-and-possible-solution.149476/
May 27, 2011 ... The mechanic who did the flush said that it was possible that the flush may have unclogged some debris left during the recent fluid change. This ...
2003 Honda Odyssey Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/report/honda/odyssey/2003
Jan 11, 2023 ... Is the 2003 Honda Odyssey a Good Used Car? · Overall Rating 7/10 – One of the best family cars on the market from top to bottom, but reports of ...
2003 Honda Odyssey transmission problem | Honda Odyssey Forum
https://www.odyclub.com/threads/2003-honda-odyssey-transmission-problem.48998/
Feb 3, 2009 ... " Let me sum it up. This transmission is not strong enough for the Ody. Some have a failure, some dont. There is a issue with these ...
2003 Honda Odyssey Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/odyssey/2003/reliability/
What Owners Say ... "paint pickling due to road debris on hood. Required replacing the hood before painting." ... "Dark blue metallic paint chips away on all panels ...
Other years of Honda Odyssey
Are you having problems with your 2003 Honda Odyssey?
Judah Eichmann 2025-04-16
Despite following Honda's maintenance schedule to the letter and spending between $1000 to $2000 per year on regular maintenance, our Odyssey's transmission failed twice. As a result, we feel disappointed with the minivan's poor value. In hindsight, we should have invested a little more upfront and purchased the Toyota Sienna instead.
Julian Schuppe 2025-03-29
I have a 2003 @ 110,000 TCS and check engine light came on. I recommend a complete transmission rebuild. It cost us $3500 plus the $5000 I paid for it used. However, I am confident that this investment will pay off in the long run. While older Honda Odysseys may have their issues, with proper maintenance and care, they can still be reliable vehicles. That being said, if you are looking for a more dependable option, I suggest considering a Kia.
Luigi Bosco 2025-03-29
We have owned this vehicle for 6 months, purchasing it with 120,000 miles. Unfortunately, the transmission failed after only 3 days. Despite having it repaired, we are now experiencing another transmission issue after only 8,000 miles. Additionally, the heated seats are unreliable, and the lack of an EVIC is disappointing for a 2003 model. The vehicle also struggles in snowy conditions, even with good tires. The clock on the dash is not illuminated, which is inconvenient. We also had to take it in to get the factory radio set after the battery died. In comparison, my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 225,000 miles has never had any major problems. I strongly recommend considering a Jeep instead of this unreliable vehicle. Even in 2WD, my Jeep outperforms this front-wheel-drive car. Do not purchase.
Ansel Hilpert 2024-10-01
I have noticed that my Honda has had multiple transmission replacements, issues with the doors closing, and rattling when the seats are stored. After speaking with other Honda owners, it appears that they have also experienced similar service problems. It would be beneficial for Honda to address these issues and consider a recall for affected vehicles.
Chadrick Murphy 2024-09-26
Honda was supposed to fix the transmission problems, but unfortunately, this van has continued to experience issues. Despite Honda's struggles with this particular model, we have decided to trade it in for a new Dodge Mini Van. The transmission repair cost us $6,000, but we are confident that our new vehicle will be a better fit for our needs.