What are the most common Honda Odyssey problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,488+ owner reports, the 2003-2003 Honda Odyssey has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Automatic Transmission Complete Failure (2nd Gen), Ignition Switch Interlock Failure (Rollaway Risk). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Honda Odyssey reliable?

The 2003-2003 Honda Odyssey has 2 known issues documented across 3,488+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Automatic Transmission Complete Failure (2nd Gen) and Ignition Switch Interlock Failure (Rollaway Risk). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

2003 Honda Odyssey Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2003 Honda Odyssey Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 2 Known Issues

Filter:

Community Reported

3,254 owners

On the 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey, complete transmission failure due to faulty bearings and defective 3rd clutch components in 4-speed (1999-2001) and 5-speed (2002-2004) automatic transmissions. The 2002-2004 transmission can suddenly downshift from 5th to 2nd gear causing dangerous drivability issues. Honda recalled 1.1 million vehicles in 2004 and settled class-action lawsuit in 2006.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Mitsubishi Outlander, Acura ILX

Common Symptoms

Sudden harsh downshifts from 5th to 2nd gear
Grinding or whining noises from transmission
Slipping between gears
Transmission overheating
Complete failure to shift
Metal fragments in transmission fluid

How to Fix

Complete transmission replacement or rebuild required. Honda extended transmission warranty to 93 months/109,000 miles for 1999-2001 models. For 2002-2004 models with under 15,000 miles, dealers modified oil cooler return line; over 15,000 miles showing overheating damage received complete transmission replacement.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 3,254+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteThis is the most serious issue affecting 2nd generation Odysseys - avoid 1999-2004 models unless transmission has been completely replaced
TipCheck transmission fluid regularly for metal particles and discoloration indicating overheating
TipRequest CarFax and maintenance records showing transmission replacement before purchasing used 1999-2004 Odyssey
TipTransmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles on these models (not Honda's recommended 90,000) to prolong life
UpgradeUse only genuine Honda ATF-Z1 transmission fluid - aftermarket fluids can accelerate failure (Honda OEM ATF-Z1)
View on Amazon

Research This Issue

3,254+ owners have reported this issue

Google Reddit YouTube NHTSA

Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified3,254 reportsLast reported by owners Aug 2023Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

234 owners

On the 2003-2004 Honda Odyssey, ignition interlock mechanism can become damaged or worn during normal use. When this happens, it becomes possible to remove ignition key when automatic transmission shift lever is not in Park. Creates serious safety hazard because vehicle can roll away if transmission not in Park and parking brake not engaged. Honda recalled approximately 318,000 Odyssey vehicles.

Common Symptoms

Can remove key with transmission in Drive/Reverse/Neutral
Key comes out before shifting to Park
Ignition interlock mechanism feels loose
Key can be removed with engine still running

How to Fix

Honda issued recall to replace ignition interlock mechanism. Contact Honda dealer with VIN to confirm recall status and schedule free repair. Dealers replace faulty interlock mechanism.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 234+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteThis is serious safety recall - check your VIN at owners.honda.com immediately
TipAlways engage parking brake on 2003-2004 models even after recall repair
UpgradeProfessional Bluetooth OBD-II scanner for reading electrical system fault codes (BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBD2 Scan Tool)
View on Amazon
UpgradeAutomotive digital multimeter for diagnosing electrical faults and testing circuits (Innova 3340 Automotive Digital Multimeter)
View on Amazon
UpgradeElectrical contact cleaner for restoring connections and preventing corrosion (CRC QD Electronic Cleaner)
View on Amazon

Research This Issue

234+ owners have reported this issue

Google Reddit YouTube NHTSA

Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified234 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2022Reviewed Feb 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls23 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Campaign #20V02700017/01/2020

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.

Campaign #19V18200006/03/2019

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.

Campaign #19V50100027/06/2019

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.

Campaign #19V49900027/06/2019

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.

Campaign #18V26800026/04/2018

+ 18 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

2003 Honda Odyssey Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

1999-2004 Honda Odyssey: Automatic Transmission Complete Failure (2nd Gen)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2003-2004 Honda Odyssey: Ignition Switch Interlock Failure (Rollaway Risk)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Honda Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Odyssey problems?

Is the Honda Odyssey reliable?

What is the 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey Automatic Transmission Complete Failure (2nd Gen)?

What is the 2003-2004 Honda Odyssey Ignition Switch Interlock Failure (Rollaway Risk)?