Honda Odyssey Droning/Humming Noise

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Comments

  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    "I don't see CR reporting this when they picked the Odyssey as the best minivan"

    They(CR) did not mention anything in the vehicle summary about that problem.The only negative they had for Ody was that "wind noise is a bit pronounced"

    But, in the reliability ratings the Ody scored a solid black circle(meaning worse) for "Body Integrity", which includes problems with: seals, weather stripping, air and water leaks, wind noise, rattles and squeaks.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    Apparently CR changes their conditions for good vehicle: it is OK to have bad initial quality problems as long as the vehicle is a Honda or Toyota? Even the J. D. Power gave our 05 Odys only 2 stars out of 5 due to initial quality glitches.

    In today's automotive engineering, a vehicle has that type of sound is not too "refined", especially for $30K vehicle like the Odys

    jt
  • khoakhoa Member Posts: 64
    Hey buyer, as a bonus you get free humming sounds at 2100 rpm.

    Yep. New buyer beware, the droning/vibration is extremely annoying! Honda knows it's a common complain, but it's "normal". Rumor is that they are going to fix something for the 07' but they won't tell you what's wrong with your 05-06 nor will fix it. So ... run away from the 06 :lemon: until you hear otherwise.
  • pjanapjana Member Posts: 1
    Just bought a Odyssey '06 today and drove 80 miles. Have the same problem. It is annoying. I didn't expect this in a Honda.

    Does annoyance issues count for Lemon law?
  • 3kids4me3kids4me Member Posts: 8
    Is the humming noise you all are talking about from the engine fan? All my Hondas (My 06 Ody is my fourth) have had engine fans that kicked on to cool the engine.
  • dc_driverdc_driver Member Posts: 712
    Can somebody that is having this issue please explain exactly what this noise is and when it occurs? I have read some of the posts and it seems to occur in the somewhere in the 2K/RPM range.

    For the record, I do not doubt that folks are not hearing this, I am trying to understand how loud it is. I read about this issue on this board when we were shopping for minivans, and both my wife and I did not notice this when we test drove the Odyssey (we drove two EX-L's and a Touring and did not notice it).

    I also cannot fathom why none of the auto reviews I have read (and I have read them all before I bought) did not notice this noise since it seems to happen since day one.. Just today I found this article:
    http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=104757/pageNumber=5

    I found it interesting that none of the long term Edmunds drivers experienced this noise (it looks like the only problem that happened on their long term 05 Odyssey was a slow tire leak, not including the recalls)...

    Maybe it is just me, but I looked at the other Odyssey boards and this issue seems to affect a minority of owners, not the majority, yet it has been described as "normal" for the Odyssey per the dealer..

    Maybe I just cannot hear it...
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    Set your cruise control to 60mph - this correlates to about 2000rpm. You will definitely know if you have the droning problem. The noise is apparent as you accelerate through 2000rpms also.

    Try different setpoints that will correlate to 2100 and 2200 rpms. Some owners are reporting the noise at these rpms.
  • dc_driverdc_driver Member Posts: 712
    What does it sound like? Is it a buzzing type noise? Is it a low hum? How loud is it? Is it possible to hear it with the radio on?

    I have used cruise control on a recent trip from 55mph to 75mph and did not notice this noise, but will try again. From the posts that I have read (some owners are ready to trade their van in based on this noise alone) it seems like I would have noticed it by now..
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    What does it sound like?
    Blow across the top of an empty 2-liter bottle of soda and the noise is similar.

    Is it possible to hear it with the radio on?
    Yes, the noise is loud, we hear it with the radio on. Passengers in the 3rd row can hear it also.
  • dc_driverdc_driver Member Posts: 712
    Okay, that sounds really annoying.. If you can hear this with the radio on this is not normal...

    Now I am starting to sense your frustration.. I am not a automotive engineer, but it really sounds to me like an issue with the exhaust at that particular RPM.
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    Just had the rear engine mount replaced today in an attempt to fix the droning noise - no luck.

    This is the 2nd attempt to fix the problem.
    First repair: Replace A-pipe
    Second Repair: Replace active type rear engine mount

    The car is staying overnight at the Honda dealer. They are contacting American Honda again tommorrow.

    I have a free rental but it is a cheap Ford. My service manager said he will get Honda to pay my month's payment on the Ody. It has been in the shop for about 10 business days over the past month.
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    I recently searched the TSB for Honda vehicles. The Honda Accord Hydrid has the low frequency humming sound similar to the Odys complaint. It turns out their Electronics ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) causing it. I did try to turn off that feature on the 05 Odys a year ago, but the problem was still there. So in our Odys case, it is more air induction resonant problem than misbehavior electronics.

    jt
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    I am happy to report that the droning problem is FIXED in our '06 EXL/NAV+RES.

    The two work orders say:
    1. 5/12/06: Exhaust Drone at 2100 rpm (really occurred at 2000rpm)
    Remove & replace A-pipe (Pipe A, Gasket P, Nut 10mm, gasket E, Rubber E)

    2. 6/15/06: Droning noise at 61mph 2000rpm
    Remove and replace electronic rear motor mount
    Adjusted motor mounts and exhaust hangers (Rubber AS, Stopper A)

    Please note the droning noise was the same after replacing the A-pipe. When the engine mount was replaced, the noise was still there but not as loud. The noise was eliminated when Honda walked the Service Manager through all of the adjustments needed on the engine mount and exhaust hangers.

    Also, we were supposedly #300 out of 500 waiting for a newly re-designed engine mount. I suspect a TSB may be forthcoming.

    My advice is to be patient and courteous with your Service Dept. They were on my side the whole time. There is a solution to the problem - find a different dealership if you do not get resolution. Don't accept the excuse that it is a normal operating characteristic of the vehicle.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    I certainly believe that a droning can occur on these vehicles. I haven't had any issues with mine, so far at 14k miles. But, it's very clear that these multi-cylinder operating engines are going to be very suseptible to noises like this. GM scrapped their DOD engine a few years ago because they were having problems with tuning the exhaust. They recently introduced it on several vehicles, and I've also seen the occassional complaint of noise when operating in 4cyl. (Honda operates in 3cyl obviously).

    Engine mounts are not notoriously reliable on any vehicle, although they generally don't cause MAJOR noise. But obviously as they wear it's going to cause issues on these types of motors. I probably wouldn't have bought this vehicle if I planned to keep it long term just because I forsee expensive repairs with all these complicated mounts/noise control parts that are suseptible to normal wear and tear.
  • dc_driverdc_driver Member Posts: 712
    Congrats, and this sounds like good news to those that are in a similar situation.

    I am sure that it has been frustrating having to take your new Odyssey back and forth to the service department. Maybe now you can enjoy your van :)

    Just under 2K on our van and we are loving it.
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    But, it's very clear that these multi-cylinder operating engines are going to be very suseptible to noises like this.

    The droning noise occurred exactly at 2000 rpm whether running on 3 or 6 cylinders.

    Engine mounts are not notoriously reliable on any vehicle, although they generally don't cause MAJOR noise.
    I agree, however, if a mount is not dampening certain frequencies the vibrations could shake the exhaust system into a frenzy. If the active mount may be amplifying the motion at 2000rpm instead of negating. The exhaust manifolds amd A-pipe are rigidly connected to the engine.

    Only time will tell with an official TSB where the real source of the noise is - exhaust or engine mount.
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    GM had their first DOD many decades ago when car computer was very primative and the control system was not as great. Today that is no longer an issue for any car maker.

    The humming noise on my EX-L 05 Odys happens in the 6 cylinder mode when the road is slightly inclined. So it is not the switch between V6-I3-V6 modes. There are Odys owners without VCM reported the same problem. It is the mechanical resonance of the engine (now engine mount defect as recent post indicated) at a certain RPM range.

    jt
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    Either way, there is a lot MORE hardware on the VCM motors working to keep things from resonating.

    GM's newest DOD was supposed to be out in '05 but was delayed until '06/'07. I've seen some of the DC vehicles with MDS having droning issues as well. I have to wonder if some of these Ody droners aren't caused by different things. Some I'v read seem to only have the droning when they believe to be in 3cyl mode.
  • gchazgchaz Member Posts: 3
    We bought an 06 Odyssey last fall. It has about 6K miles on it now. We noticed a sound that I can only describe as a slight rattling, or grating sound, as RPMs increase and the tranny is about to shift. Not sure if we are describing the same situation but it sounds like it. The noise is not evident when revving the engine in neutral.

    Is this similar to what you experienced? We love the van aside from that but the "baby rattler" is driving us nuts!
  • dennisctcdennisctc Member Posts: 1,168
    GM had their first DOD many decades ago when car computer was very primative and the control system was not as great. Today that is no longer an issue for any car maker.

    The very first DOD engines were all mechanical systems with electronics to only shut off fuel....very very crude!! Nothing like today's.
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    Sounds like the ABS self check. Occurs when you are first driving away - right?
  • gchazgchaz Member Posts: 3
    It happens all the time when accelerating while driving. However, it does not do it while revving the motor in park.
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    slight rattling, or grating sound, as RPMs increase and the tranny is about to shift.

    Check your rpms when the noise occurs. The noise will occur as you pass through 2000rpms on the tach. Sounds like air blowing across the top of an empty glass bottle.

    The best way to hear the droning noise is to hold 2000-2100 rpm (~60mph) on the highway. Lugging in 5th gear on a slight incline will amplify the noise.

    Lastly, these Odyssey's have noisy engines in my opinion. My Ody still has "groaning" noises as the car accelerates.

    My 2000 Ody engine is much, much quieter.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    I have to wonder if you don't have other issues if you feel the Ody engine is "groaning". I jump in/out of rentals a lot and have owned many vehicles, including some rather high-end luxury models. IMHO, the Honda 3.5L is one of the slickest motors out there. While you can hear the motor, there's nothing "rough" or "groaning" about it. I've driven several other products with this motor (Acuras) and they too are quiet and very smooth all the way to the redline. Now road noise is different issue with the Ody, but the motor is very muted throughout the powerband. How many miles on your motor? Mine was a bit louder, slower, etc. when it was green.
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    I can get my '03 to groan a bit, but it is not a loud obnoxious resonance. I'm presuming the people complaining have something out of the ordinary.

    Some people have the issue and some not. I could see where a combination of motor mount, A-pipe, placement and number of exhaust hangers and/or hanger stiffness, or maybe pipe interconnects with CAT convertor, they could all be factors.

    Would have to agree the 6-cylinder in my '03 is very well behaved over the operating range.
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    Just under 4k on the odometer. I hope you are right and it gets better because the 2000 Ody w/125k is quieter. My service manager worked with American Honda directly to try and fix the droning issue. I might want to test drive another EXL to see if there is a difference.

    The road noise is reduced on the '06 but is still very apparent.
  • gchazgchaz Member Posts: 3
    I drove the van last night and, true to your experience, the "droning" kicked in at about 2100-2300 rpm.

    I will schedule an appointment for service. What do you mean by "lugging in 5th gear"? I'd like to be able to replicate the issue on demand for the service tech.

    You're right that the motor is a bit loud but, in fairness, it is a pretty high powered piece of machinery. I found it to be quieter and smoother than the new Sienna. We swapped a 2002 Sienna for the 2006 Oddyssey. We test drove both twice and were much happier with the Honda in almost all respects.

    Thanks much for your help!
  • hummer3hummer3 Member Posts: 5
    I still have the humming problem. It doesn't seem to be quite as loud at 2000 rpm as before but it's still there and noticeable. I have started to notice that the vehicle is humming louder at around 1000 rpm, while in gear, the AC on, and foot on the brake. If you get to just the right rpm, it's very annoying.
    The Honda dealership now has an "open" ticket on the humming and the Honda customer service line is saying this is not a safety or mechanical defect but only an annoyance and a "characteristc" of the vehicle and nothing will be done until the engineers come out with a fix. In other words nothing will be done.
    I informed them that a screaming child in the backseat is also just an annoyance but that I definitely would not want to ride in a car that had that "characteristic".
    PLEASE, everyone call Honda and report your displeasure with their lack of response to some of their best customers. Get this fixed please!! :mad:
  • cgustafsoncgustafson Member Posts: 7
    Hi Hummer3: Please see my posts #'s 620 & 646. You are among the many of us who have been "stonewalled"! So to Honda "new-speak" lets add:

    Stonewalled=open ticket
    Defect=annoyance

    This is Hondas problem not yours..don't let them shift the burden and the expense of their problem onto you...get on the internet and hit every consumer protection agency you can find...scream..scream..scream..

    This a great forum.. Altho one seems to be finding more problems than solutions.. many thanks to Edmunds for the opportunity to grit our teeth together...
  • korenkoren Member Posts: 5
    i found sourse of this noise i got 06 ody exl for about 6 month now and it took me all this time to figure where its coming from trust me ,no dealers know what to do ,this stupid idiots work by the booookkkk...
    the noise coming from the speakers ,,,, yes im not crazy if you see for ur self remove door panels and drive the car you will see that front speakers move air and produce this what we call hummmmming noise

    email me with for more info on this trust its not a joke
  • korenkoren Member Posts: 5
    check my post #712
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    because they are being excited electrically, or because of some source of air passing by? please elaborate.
  • ClairesClaires Member Posts: 1,219
    koren, it looks like you'd be helping a lot of people by posting more about this here -- if you take it to email, a lot of people will lose out on a potential solution.

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  • korenkoren Member Posts: 5
    i think is somethink exciting them tru the radio it self
  • camerausercamerauser Member Posts: 31
    Good find about the droning.

    There is also another source of a droning noise, the exhaust. This is detailed in service bulletin 06-050 from July of 2006. Symptom: drone or moan at 2100 rpm. Probable cause: sound resonating through an exhaust mount into the interior. Corrective action: install an updated exhaust pipe A and rubber mount. Parts info:
    Exhaust pipe A kit P/N 18050-SHJ-A00, H/C 8356958
    GASKET (2) P/N 18212-SA7-003, H/C 1462290
    PRE CHAMBER GASKET P/N 18393-SDB-A00, H/C 7245194
    SELF LOCKING NUTS (9) P/N 90212-SA5-003, H/C 1169812
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    now that is a good post!
  • villagegrampsvillagegramps Member Posts: 5
    ok, suppose that my noise problem is caused by the exhaust mount on a '06 Ody, is this something that is covered by the dealership? or would I have to pay for it
  • camerausercamerauser Member Posts: 31
    Part of the SB 06-050 says, "in warranty: normal warranty applies" "Out of warranty... may be eligible for goodwill consideration..."
    So if you have a 05-06 Odyssey still within warranty with this problem, the repair should be a warranty repair. Good luck on your repair.

    See the text of Service Bulletin 06-050 below.
    © 2006 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved ATB 32238 (0607) 1 of 2
    CUSTOMER INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,
    and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume
    this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an
    authorized Honda automobile dealer.
    July 28, 2006
    06-050
    Applies To: 2005–06 Odyssey – ALL
    Drone or Moan When Driving at 2,100 RPM
    SYMPTOM
    You hear a drone or moan inside the vehicle while
    driving at 2,100 rpm. The noise goes away above or
    below 2,100 rpm.
    PROBABLE CAUSE
    The sound is resonating through an exhaust mount into
    the interior.
    CORRECTIVE ACTION
    Install an updated exhaust pipe A and rubber mount.
    PARTS INFORMATION
    Exhaust Pipe A kit:
    (The kit includes exhaust pipe A, a rubber
    mount, and a mounting bracket.)
    P/N 18050-SHJ-A00, H/C 8356958
    Exhaust Pipe Gasket (2 required):
    P/N 18212-SA7-003, H/C 1462290
    Pre-Chamber Gasket (1 required):
    P/N 18393-SDB-A00, H/C 7245194
    Self-Locking Nuts (10 mm) (9 required):
    P/N 90212-SA5-003, H/C 1169812
    WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
    In warranty: The normal warranty applies.
    Operation Number: 3111D1
    Flat Rate Time: 0.8 hour
    Failed Part: P/N 18210-SHJ-A01
    H/C 7705965
    Defect Code: 03214
    Symptom Code: 04201
    Template ID: 06-050A
    Skill Level: Repair Technician
    Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty
    expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by
    the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone
    Office. You must request consideration, and get a
    decision, before starting work.
    DIAGNOSIS
    1. Test-drive the vehicle at 2,100 rpm, and listen for a
    drone or moan. Verify that it goes away above or
    below 2,100 rpm.
    • If you hear the noise only at 2,100 rpm, go to
    step 2.
    • If you hear the noise at other engine speeds,
    continue normal troubleshooting.
    2. Remove the exhaust pipe A rubber mount, and testdrive
    the vehicle again.
    • If the drone or moan is not as loud, go to REPAIR
    PROCEDURE.
    • If the drone or moan has not changed, continue
    normal troubleshooting.
    REPAIR PROCEDURE
    1. Remove the nine self-locking nuts, and remove
    exhaust pipe A and the three gaskets.
    GASKETS
    (Replace.)
    SELF-LOCKING
    NUTS
    54 N.m (40 lb.ft)
    (Replace.)
    SELF-LOCKING
    NUT
    33 N.m (25 lb.ft)
    (Replace.)
    GASKET
    (Replace.)
    RUBBER MOUNT
    EXHAUST
    PIPE A
    TIGHTENING
    SEQUENCE
    2 of 2 06-050
    2. Install the new mounting bracket.
    3. Install the new exhaust pipe A with new gaskets
    and new self-locking nuts.
    4. Install the new rubber mount.
    MOUNTING BRACKET
    RUBBER
    MOUNT
    EXHAUST
    PIPE A
    BOLTS
    22 N.m (16 lb-ft)
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    i think if this is something you complained about before during warranty and they logged it, they wouldn't debate it.
  • sm68sm68 Member Posts: 1
    Now today I took a copy of this SB 06-050 to the local dealer in Ballston, VA. The dealer said he has not received any such information from Honda and that some of the part numbers listed in the bulletin don't exist. Of course, they also refused to take care of the problem.

    I am really tired of this droning sound. Gives me a headache each time. I paid almost $40K for my Odyssey and didn't expect this nuisance. I am mad at Edmunds.com for not pointing out the problem in its review. It's not as if it is difficult to detect or something minor. Makes me wonder about the integrity of the website and its reviews!
  • hummer3hummer3 Member Posts: 5
    I had the service bulletin 06-050 done on my Odyssey last week. It has eliminated the humming at 2000 RPM. I still have the droan at low rpm with the AC on, in gear, and foot on the brake, but at least there has been an improvement at highway speeds and climbing hills.

    What angers me is that no one from Honda notified me of this service bulletin. Not Honda customer service with whom I have a case number with, not the Honda dealership where I have an open ticket with, NOBODY! I only found out about it on this forum. I'm not going back to the dealership where I bought the car. I am not impressed with Honda customer service or communications. I went to a different dealership to have the repair done to see if they are any better. I doubt it.
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    My Odyssey was repaired 4 times since April for the droning issue. The noise is reduced but the engine & exhaust is still loud. Also, my rear engine mount was replaced to eliminate rough idling with the car in drive. Didn't work, the engine vibrates fiercely with the AC on.

    The engine/exhaust in my old 2000 Odyssey w/130k is much, much quieter.

    I am not happy with the 2006, especially since the car lists for $35k. Why would Honda take two steps backward on engine noise - better MPG's?
  • carshopper33carshopper33 Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone have experience driving a Honda Odyssey in Colorado? We are moving there soon and are trying to decide if we should go with the minivan or find something that is AWD.
  • kw4kw4 Member Posts: 13
    We are about to buy a 2007 Odyssey. Does anyone know if this problem has been solved in the 2007 model? Thanks.
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    Don't know about the 2007's but my '06 still drones after the TSB repair. The loud droning & vibration at 2000 rpm was adressed, however, the exhaust system still produces a moan/drone noise throughout the rpm's.

    If you can believe it, the engine/exhaust in my old 2000 Ody with 130k miles is much, much quieter. Original exhaust system, cat, & muffler.

    I would wait a couple of months until some '07's have a couple thousand miles.

    My '06 started droning around 700 miles.

    Keep up posted if you decide to buy an '07. I am also curious how the new tranny design is.
  • kw4kw4 Member Posts: 13
    I agree with your advise about waiting. If we do get the 2007, I will post any observations pertaining to droning/humming. I have also read from another thread that the 2007 Odyssey transmission (I believe from the Ridgeline) shifts a bit rough.
  • fx35awdfx35awd Member Posts: 218
    Yes, I do notice that droning noise since yesterday and this morning as I was driving on my '07 Odyssey. Is this normal? Is there a recall? :confuse:
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    Did anyone have success with the TSB repair for droning at 2100 rpm? Mine still drones - others are reporting the same in another forum.

    If anyone is still hearing the droning noise after the repair I suggest calling Honda directly and reporting the issue. If we don't let them know about it they will assume the bulletin resolved the problem completely.
  • moses7moses7 Member Posts: 25
    Thank you for this report...

    I had the TBS repair done last week.
    No help! still sounds the same.

    I will call Honda,
    I hope others do the same.
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    Update on my droning issue. Had the A-pipe TSB performed last month + engine mounts replaced couple of months ago. Still drones heavy at 2000 rpm...around 40mph on a hill is the worst.

    My service manager knows me by my first name now. The car has been in the shop 4 times for this issue. The dealer has tried everything to fix this junker. Met with the Zone rep, emails to the factory, etc.

    The service manager told me he gets a lot of complaints about the new Odysseys. He said many people were upset they got rid of their previous generation Ody's. One lady had a laundry list of 10 items from droning, air noise from windows, rattles, and road noise. He said "I don't engineer the cars, I just fix them". Also, he mentioned how much road noise the '05-'06's have - can't figure out why they cheapened up the insulation or just didn't add enough.

    My stomach is sick over this car that I paid $32,000. I am ready to sell it to CarMax or CarSense just to get rid of it.
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