Honda Odyssey 2005+

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Comments

  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    Possibly something rattling around in the lazy susan?
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,569
    I have also heard that the grab handles can make some noise. The plastic stops are hard plastic, so that can clatter a bit. If that's the case, an easy fix is to use the self-sticking felt chair pads to cushion the contact point.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    or a toy or better money ;) in the lower door railway.
  • rduelrduel Member Posts: 39
    Don't hold your breath on hoping the door rattles are a first year "feature." My 2000 had a right slider rattle from day one and still does. No fix from dealer except lubing seals, which doesn't fix the problem.
  • saustinsaustin Member Posts: 68
    Hi,

       With Winters as crazy as we have up here in Connecticut am i also crazy to go with the new Odyssey that does NOT have all wheel drive ?

    Have bought 5 subaru's but thought we might take the plunge on a van. Checked out the Sienna but sticker shock was significant 40k, not that the 32k for the Odyssey is much better especially if we can't get up the driveway in the snow.

    Would love to hear from folks that might have an opinion in snow conditions. None of the dealers in the area will commit to the odyssey doing well and chant the "it is a totally redesigned car"

    mantra. Am also hoping that it really could get the 28 mpg as advertised. Kid's really loved going for a test drive in it but need the subaru like handling.

    Thanks, Steve.
  • yjfuyjfu Member Posts: 18
    My car is at dealer for 21 days now and there is no solution yet from American Honda Techline and design team. Either it is not easy to fix or they don't care.
  • yjfuyjfu Member Posts: 18
    I had wind whistle noise without x-bar. The noise definitely comes from around the wind shield area.
  • cccompsoncccompson Member Posts: 2,382
    Steve, if you are used to all wheel drive, any vehicle with front wheel drive will disappoint you (and may leave you at the bottom of your driveway).

     

    If you need a minivan with AWD and a (relatively) low price, you might try to find a Sienna LE AWD (MSRP of less than $32,000).
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I have an Outback and a Quest minivan. And a 140' gravel drive that goes uphill to the garage. The van won't make it up the drive occasionally, but the OB always does.

     

    But if the van was our only car, I'd put some winter tires on it - I drove FWD minivans in Anchorage for ~12 years with studded tires and got around pretty good.

     

    Steve, Host
  • nissan22nissan22 Member Posts: 17
    Maku - My heated seat function still works perfectly fine. The only thing the upholsterer modified is the seat back foam. My upholsterer is M&A Upholstery, West Chester Pennsylvania.

    He did a great job, and I am happy to say that I'm still pain free. I've thanked my Honda Dealer, Scott Honda of West Chester multiple times now. My seat was fixed back in November.
  • nissan22nissan22 Member Posts: 17
    doglady - please see my postings #1920 and 1947.

    I completely sympathize with your pain. I had never experienced it before my 05 Odyssey either. The only correction that has worked for me was the modification of the seat foam, and that was after we tried everything from Marine foam and wire ties to fix the form of the seat. Honda needs to know that there is a problem with there seats. It's the only way all of us can have a permanent fix from them. Also - I saw someone driving another 05 Odyssey today, and his head had to be 8-10 inches from the headrest. He would definitely suffer some sort of spinal cord injury if he was in a collision and the distance to the headrest wasn't within the National Institute for Highway Safety's guidelines. Hopefully Honda will wake up to this before someone is seriously injured.
  • dd88dd88 Member Posts: 1
    Just got our 05 Odyssey EX-L, and noted that there are defogger wires on the 3rd row window in passenger side only (nothing on the driver side window). Two questions here and appreciate your response.

     

    1)Is it a normal configuration, why just in passenger side only?

    2) How to switch it to the defog mode? The defogger button works perfectly fine for rear window, but it could not clear the 3rd row passenger side window at all.
  • pkapka Member Posts: 56
    It is not a defogger....it is the antenna.
  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    I would be willing to bet these 'defroster' wires are not part of the defroster system at all but part of the diversity radio antenna system.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    How are people doing on their highway gas mileage? It seems there have been some complaints on the "van gas mileage" board. Are these just a few instances, or is this more widespread? One of the biggest advantages of the Ody to me was VCM, but it is a pipe dream then I am not too interested.

     

    It seems that people don't have much trouble getting high 20's (CR got 30 mpg going 65) on the highway with the Sienna, so I would expect the Odyssey to do even better.
  • runflatssuckrunflatssuck Member Posts: 1
    PLEASE TELL ME IF YOU KNOW who is starting a CLASS ACTION SUIT about these stupid RUN FLAT tires on a family minivan!!!

     

    I'm a working stiff and a father. I spent HUGE money for me to buy the safest minivan I could find. NOBODY TOLD ME THESE TIRES WOULD LAST only 15,000 miles. In fact Toyota said to me today: "Why would I tell you that- it wouldn't be a good selling point for the car."!!! In other words Toyota representatives are saying that DECEPTION is their modus operandi!!!

     

    I didn't even ask them to pay for my tires. All I asked for is that they get me new replacement tires AT THEIR COST. Nodody wouod lose in that scenario. (though I don't want to spend $500 right now, it's the least and the most I feel that I could do to get new tires at 15,000 miles.)

     

     THEY REFUSED. It wouldn't cost them a red penny, yet they still refused!!!!!

     

    OK, bring on the lawsuit. Who knows who's starting one? Please respond.
  • skinnytonyskinnytony Member Posts: 121
    nissan 22, how was your experience with Scott Honda? What model did you buy and how much did you pay? I have been talking with them and would appreciate your perspective. Thanks.
  • ctbuyer1ctbuyer1 Member Posts: 17
    I'm in CT too, and my wife reported that our new 05 Ody did well in last Monday's snow--nothing better or worse than her old Mazda 626 manual. But it really wasn't a bad storm--only about 5 inches here--so take that report with a grain o' salt (and sand).

     

    As for the gas mileage, don't count on getting the sticker mileage. Ours is getting 16-17 around town and 22 on the highway.
  • nissan22nissan22 Member Posts: 17
    Scott Honda Service has been absolutely wonderful. Their customer service toward us has been the best. I would have gotten rid of the van by now if it hadn't been for them. The sales staff is extremely nice, but they don't budge on price. We have a touring edition Odyssey. I'm not thrilled with it, but at least I can drive it since the seat was fixed. We paid 38K for the van. I also get poor gas mileage with it. Haven't even seen close to 17mpg with it yet, and that includes highway miles.
  • qqq1qqq1 Member Posts: 8
    Answering my own post here.

      

    SHP 1206 1206 1208 KS 1217

      

    OK, that's what the American Honda Motor Co, Inc. shipping and receiving dump had on it for my car. (I had the dealer fax it to me just after the car was assembled and then again in transit since the ship date doesn't show up until 1-2 days after assemble date.)

      

    Translation is:

      

    Assemble date: 12/06

    Ship date: 12/08

    Scheduled arrival date: 12/17

    Present location: Kansas

      

    So in short, it takes 9 days from the day it is shipped from Alabama for the van to get the the dealer's lot in Colorado. Actually, mine came in the night before (12/16).
  • pkapka Member Posts: 56
    When I took delivery of my 05 ody EX-L my sales consultant advised me to keep the VSA off in fair weather conditions as it tends to strain the engine and other mechanical components ---thus to prolong the life of the vehicle and to ensure it remains trouble free for a long time to come and only turn it on during bad weather conditions. Is this accurate advice? Is there merit in this? Why does the factory default to always on when ever you start the van? please advise...did anyone else's dealer give the same advice? any mechanices out there? Isellhondas...have you heard or know about this? if so please advise....thank you.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Makes no sense to me - what if you come over the hill a bit too fast on an otherwise sunny day and there's a wet spot on the road from a leaking fire hydrant or something?

     

    Or it's beautiful out but along comes a wind gust. (San Diego Union)


     

    Makes you wonder why we see articles like these:

       

    Car Salesmen Least Trusted Professionals

     

    Steve, Host
  • cccompsoncccompson Member Posts: 2,382
    No, there is no merit whatsoever to this contention. VSA defaults to "on" for a reason - to help ensure your safety regardless of weather conditions.
  • sportymonksportymonk Member Posts: 258
    VSA does not put any "strain" on the engine or any other component. (Except maybe a sensor but that is what they are there for - to sense). The only way the VSA "affects" any component is if it is activated and functions as needed and isn't that what you want?
  • klmaklma Member Posts: 9
    I've had my Odyssey for a month. Took it today on our first big road trip (3 hours) which was really about the first time my husband has ridden in my car. We were both horrified by the way it rode on the freeway. Rough, rough ride even on pavement that looked smooth. We tried different speeds...still bad. We stopped and checked the pressure in the tires...they were fine (about 34 lbs). My daughter in the third row literally bounced all the way to Grandma's house. She thought it was fun at first (in a warped 9 yr old way) but was miserable before we arrived. Has anyone else had this experience? I keep reading about how this minivan rides so nice...like a car, etc....This is way worse than my husband's SUV. The car also rattles and is noisy and my husband thinks we got a lemon. We researched minivans for 6 years while we saved our pennies to buy one. We keep our vehicles FOREVER so I talked my husband into "the best" minivan. But this is ruining our Christmas and my husband wants to just sell the van back for whatever we can get and get out. Has anyone else experienced this horrible ride?
  • cccompsoncccompson Member Posts: 2,382
    How one views the ride of the Odyssey seems to have alot to do with one's point of reference (that is to say, what one is used to driving).

     

    My wife's '04 Pilot (although having a shorter wheelbase) rides better (and is quieter) than an Odyssey but handles worse. My Chevy Avalanche rides far better (and is quieter) but, naturally, handles far worse. That said, I don't feel the ride of the Odyssey is "rough" or "horrible."

     

    My suggestion is that you drive some other minivans (which, of course, should have been done prior to buying the Odyssey) to see how they compare to the Odyssey. If you're interested in a smooth ride, you may prefer a Chrysler or Toyota minivan.
  • jeffinrtpjeffinrtp Member Posts: 21
    My Odyssey (EXL-RES) was also bumpy from the factory. I checked the tire pressure the first day. We have the Michelin (non-PAX) tires that I believe are common on all EX models. They were inflated to 44 psi, which is the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall. The owners manual recommends 35 psi for front and rear tires on the EXL-RES. My question to all is what is the best tire pressure to provide best safety, minimum tire wear and best ride? I reduced my pressure down to 38 psi and it seemed to improve the ride. Not sure if that will cause excessive tire wear?
  • macakavamacakava Member Posts: 775
    44PSI when cold would be dangerous as it would go higher when hot and exceed the rated max pressure. Even the recommended 35PSI cold is a tad on the high side for a smooth ride that some would like. I believe that 32PSI cold would give a softer ride if you so desire, with a slight increase in fuel consumption.
  • rduelrduel Member Posts: 39
    I've been following the posts regarding the 05 Odyssey with a lot of interest. I was looking to replace my 2000 EX with 80K with a 2005 soon, but have been disappointed in the experiences posted from a significant number of owners of the 05. My 2000 has a harsher ride than I would like, and also some rattle issues, but those are my only real complaints, as the vehicle has tremendous handling, and from a practical standpoint can't be beat. However, in light of the number of disappointments posted here, I think I will wait another year to see if Honda responds to these issues with the 2006 model. Unlike some other vans out there, I have confidence this van will continue to serve me trouble free for quite some time yet. Honda should be concerned with how many others may hold off purchases based on these experiences.
  • jeffinrtpjeffinrtp Member Posts: 21
    While there are a few minor issues with the 05 Ody (I've had only a couple), I am still very satisfied with my purchase. If I had it to do over again, I would still buy the 05 Ody. It's a great van - there is no better. Don't read too much into our nit-picking. If you need a new van, get the 05 Ody. However, your 2000 Ody is also a great vehicle and has a lot of life left in it.
  • macakavamacakava Member Posts: 775
    "Harsher ride" and "tremendous handling" tend to goa together. Manufacturers have to seek a compromise between the two. For the Ody, Honda has chosen to go more for the handling, "sportier" characteristics that make it more fun to drive than the competition.

     

    For a softer, floatier, boaty ride that the American drivers have been accustomed to in the past, the suspension will have to be softer, which comes at the expense of handling.
  • sportymonksportymonk Member Posts: 258
    hate to say it but I am in about the same position. had wanted an Ody but way too many problems here from loyal honda Ody owners. Am wondering what happened to the Honda quality I was looking for.

     

    May go get a Pilot which doesn't seem to have the problems (nor as much room!).
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    sportymonk - why don't you drive the ODY and the Pilot back to back and compare? As for people complaining about a bumpy ride... I wonder if there is something wrong with the tires on their cars, perhaps they are mounted improperly...have a flat spot...are unbalanced. they shouldn't be experiencing a "bumpy ride". maybe they have a stut problem. very strange.

     

    that said, when going over bumps, sure yeah, your going to experience them to some extent, depending on the road condition, speed etc.

     

    on road noise, a bit off topic perhaps, my feeling is that road noise is going to be a function of the tires on the vehicle. go with a quieter tire, and you'll probably reduce the road noise level. i may consider replacing the OEMs on my van with a quieter tire when it comes time to replace them.

     

    however, <<and this might seem strange to some readers>> i actually WANT a certain amount of road noise...it helps with situational awareness as to road condition, surface, etc.

     

    it's probably the suspension design and setup in the van, and Hondas in general that allows for some transmission of road noise to the vehicle.

     

    tradeoffs. i agree with macakava. i for one prefer a "sportier" ride...

     

    one of the things i specially like about the '03 ODY we own, as in the Accords we own or have owned, i appreciate the handling and the road feel.

     

    i can use just my left thumb and first finger at the 9:00 position to assess play and responsiveness. constant correction is not required, and the vehicle is well behaved during cornering and during lane changes.

     

    i think it has a lot to do with the vehicles you have owned prior to becomming a mini-van owner. that is why it's so very important to try before you buy.

     

    my 2 cents.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Your salesperson should be selling something besides Hondas! The others are correct. Leave it on you never know when you'll need it!
  • lumbarlumbar Member Posts: 421
    As someone who is in the market, I've followed the Odyssey discussion closely here, including a number of rather intelligent critical comments(e.g., noise, seats). While the van may very well be a worthy purchase, I'd have a hard time classifying a number of the comments as nitpicking, particularly in a 30K+ vehicle. Whether there in fact is no better van is obviously a matter of personal needs and opinion.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    my opinion is that in the minivan market, there are three of them that are worth a look:

    Chrysler Town & Country (aka DGC)

    Honda Odyssey

    Toyota Sienna

    Among the three, I think you can't really go wrong. Its just a matter of personal preference from there on out.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I have learned that these forums tend to attract people who want to complain. No make or model is immune to this. A "problem" that bothers one person may not even be noticible to you.

     

    What is noisy to one person may be quiet to another and seats that are praised for comfort and support may be uncomfortable to someone else.

     

    You'll just need to sort things out for yourself.
  • macakavamacakava Member Posts: 775
    If refinement, quality and reliability were the compelling selection criteria, I would replace the T & C(DGC) with the Quest.

     

    However if I am on a limited budget, I would consider a new T & C(DGC) and a used Ody, Sienna or Quest.

     

    I have seen new T & C advertized at under $20K, and new DGC at under $16K.
  • denver5357denver5357 Member Posts: 319
    Odd. I am always bemused at posts like this, where an Ody owner is horrified at something (usually "wind noise," "uncomfortable seats" or this "rough ride"). It seems as if most people don't have these problems, but some do. We have had our Ody Ex-L for a couple weeks now and I have driven it on trips of 90 minutes (on highways), 45 minutes (on various roads) and all about town. So far I have had none of these issues. One odd noise in the ceiling occasionally is all so far. My wife and visiting in-laws loved the van and called the ride "smooth." Are there some oddball Ody's out there? Are some people hyper sensitive? Is there a mechanical issue? I just don't know.
  • denver5357denver5357 Member Posts: 319
    Agreed. And these were our final three.

     

    T&C = floaty ride with lots of luxury but questionable reliability and resale (relatively speaking)

    Ody = sport ride and handling with very good reliability and resale

    Sienna = not really sure: maybe fits in between the other two.

     

    All three have differences in standard equipment that matter to some, and not as much to others.
  • engenlowengenlow Member Posts: 10
    05 EXL, DVD

    Also agree. Plus I tested the Nissan Quest. WONDERFUL engine! I hated the center "pod" and center guage cluster. When van was in Drive, it even hid part of the heating system.
  • engenlowengenlow Member Posts: 10
    Yes, I was thinking of adding foglights to my EX and 1 would be for the fog light switch. I also looked inside a Touring and they also have blanks there, plus 1 switch for the power liftgate that I wish was an option for my Honda.

     

    BTW, where IS the coin holder?
  • nissan22nissan22 Member Posts: 17
    My 05 Odyssey Touring edition gets water in the doors when it rains. Didn't really deal with it until the doors froze 3 days after we had rain, and power windows froze. Couldn't close the doors without holding the doors closed and pressing the lock button on remote. And we've only had 2 days of below 30 temps at night. Has anyone else experienced this? Does it take a while for the doors to thaw out?Honda says I have to just run the heat for a while in the car (if I can get back in it). I haven't experience this since my '72 Chevy Nova.
  • wevkwevk Member Posts: 179
    We currently own a 2001 T&C Lxi. WE chose it over the Honda at the time because the Honda had a cheap looking interior (no leather) a lot more road noise and a subpar radio. Now looking towards replacing it we drove a Touring. Seems to me that they corrected all three problems. The radio seemed as good as the Chrysler Infinity and the road noise no worse at speeds up to 70.

     

    WVK
  • jmatthewsjmatthews Member Posts: 10
    I am surprised at the problems reported on this board. I have had an 05 Touring since October and have experienced nothing buy joy. It is very quiet, and the handling is very snug. It does not have a "floaty" smooth ride like my Suburban or like a luxury sedan, but instead feels responsive but smooth. I guess you should test drive before putting too much stock in the lemon stories (especially from the 'this was our first van' people').
  • denver5357denver5357 Member Posts: 319
    Jmatthews, good point. I had not noticed the "this was our first van" correlation factor. In our case, this IS our first van and as I have posted, after two weeks and 200 miles, I have not yet had any of the seat or wind noise problems people mention. The ride seems great and cabin noise is a little less than I expected. Maybe my expectations were not huge?
  • macakavamacakava Member Posts: 775
    Like the three of us and some others can attest to, you have to enjoy feeling connected to the road to appreciate the "sporty" handling, ride and performance of the Ody. I suspect that some folks are used to the soft, "floaty" ride of typical domestic brands and may be having challenges in transitioning to the firmer, "European" ride that provides better and "sportier" handling.

     

    If a vehicle is used for transportation only, then almost any vehicle brand would do, aside from its reliability expectations.
  • burta10burta10 Member Posts: 28
    Just picked up my 2005 Odyssey from Bremerhaven in Northern Germany.

    First Impressions: I like the silver paint, but the LX hubcaps look a little off matched up with that color. I only saw one vehicle (a Gold/Ivory EX-L), which I also test drove. If I'd have had a better idea of the interior colors, I probably would have picked a different color and gone with ivory or whatever the other interior color is besides gray. The gray cloth LX interior is just a bit too gray, sort of like cigarette ashes and German weather mixed together (just about everybody smokes here and the sun is a UFO). Those personal preferences aside, I like the feel of the cloth, and although the seat felt a bit funny at first, I found that if I set the seatback almost straight up it was very comfortable (4 hour drive back home didn't cause any problems). I'm sure the color will grow on me and I'll not even notice it in a week. My wife has no problem with it...she thinks it will hide all the stains and dirt that come with three kids being kids in the van.

    Honda should do something different with the way they finish the cuts in the floor carpet for the rear magic seat to fold back. The flap behind the right seat had a piece of velcro taped to it that was a joke, it looked horrible. Fortunately, nobody looks back there, and in a week (or probably tomorrow) I won't care. Still, it makes a bad first impression on the new owner or potential buyer.

    The engine is smooth, and other than a bit of rumble from the drivetrain, the engine noise was very well managed. Even being judicious with my right foot (according to break in procedures), the car merges well on the Autobahn. I never reached more than about 3500 rpm, and that was enough to keep the trucks at bay, even on short on-ramps.

    My only complaint is that my van is one of the "whistlers". I'm not real sensitive to noise, but this van chirps and whistles between 35mph on up to 70mph, then the chirps and whistles disappear at 80mph. Fortunately, 80mph (130km/h) is normal for the Autobahn. I have noticed a gap in the front window molding (the piece that goes around the wipers, and I'm wondering if it could be the culprit (maybe like a pop bottle when you blow across the top?) The whistling is VERY noticeable, but even so I think it must have some sort of aerodynamic fix.

    The guy at the port said I was the second one to pick up a 2005 Odyssey here in Germany, so I will probably have to educate my dealer and the local Honda shop (who sell a 4-door van similar to the old 95-98 Odyssey, only much more modern, lower, and sleeker) on how to fix the problem. Anyone out there that can guide me to the most successful fix for this problem? I like songbirds, but having one sing right in front of my face gets annoying....and I can't always drive 80mph, even in Germany.
  • burta10burta10 Member Posts: 28
    "That said, there was a real issue with wind noise in 05 Odysseys acknowledged by Honda, but my understanding is that it is a relatively isolated problem with a fix available that is simple to implement"

     

    GGS,

    what is that simple to implement fix for the windnoise problem? Will it require me to wait for parts to cross the Atlantic to Germany, or is it simply ensuring the windshield cowling is sealed flush with the windshield all the way across? (My Ody whistles, and it has a pronounced gap between that cowling and the windshield that runs for over a foot right near the center of the windshield).
  • burta10burta10 Member Posts: 28
    I got ahold of American Honda using the number in my warranty book, two TSBs exist referencing wind noise problem, both seem straightforward, so maybe a German dealer can work a fix soon.

     

    Anyone know of US dealers that have had a track record of success using these TSBs, and that wouldn't mind my German Honda dealer contacting them?
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