Honda Odyssey 2005+

Kirstie_H

A reporter is interested in talking with satisfied owners of a 2001-2006 Honda Odyssey who are also parents. If you are interested in commenting on your experience, please reply to jwahl@edmunds.com no later than Friday, November 21, 2008 and include your city and state of residence, the model year of your vehicle and the age of your child/ren.

Thanks for your consideration,

Jonathan Wahl
Corporate Communications
Edmunds Inc.

wmakers55

The battery of our 2005 Ody went totally dead after sitting inside our garage for more than a week. I believe a compartment light was left unintentionally on. Anyway, I re-charged the battery to full capacity and I'm now able to start and drive the minivan. The programmed garage door opener switch is also functional.

My problem is, I can not use the navigation and radio. The Navi requires a password and the radio won't turn-on and just display "Code". I tried the password we set previously but it's not recognized. I also tried 1111 (factory set according to the manual) but still not recognized.

Anyone who has experienced the same problem or any suggestion to how to correct this problem? Thanks!

sundevil

You might have already solved this by now but there are a few options to get the radio and navi code:
- Check your owner manual, dealer might have placed a sticker with the codes in it. This sticker usually comes on a card from the factory.
- Register with Honda ownerlink website, once you are registered and add your van to your account the codes are displayed at the car info/summary page
- Check with your dealer, this option may cost you though as some dealer charge to look up the codes.

per2

Recently I found my 06 odyssey has lots of rust on the inner side of the wheel and the exhuast:





I am in north california; seldom rain. I checked my 03 accord, and it has little rust. Should I go to the dealer and claim warranty? What's the name of the rusty part on the wheel?

joesmith6317

Hi. My wife and I are having the EXACT same problem as you with our 2007 Honda Odyssey, with the only diffence being 5 kids under 6 years. Did you find a solution? and could you please share it with me......thanks!! I'm guessing we need seat belt extenders??

Joe Smith
joesmith6317@yahoo.com

behonesthonda

Hello,

I discussed this problem with a Honda case manager, and when I referenced TSB 07-005, they claim it only applies to the P/S fluid reservoir NOT the power steering pump as clearly referenced in the document included in posting #4985. Would you by any chance have a PDF or scan of their original document? The claim asserted is that much of what is on the internet is not authentic - which is nonsense, as the document you were kind enough to provide seems accurate right down to the part numbers. I'm stunned that this is Honda's approach to correcting what was, at least at one point, a known and evidently well-documented problem.

Others wrestling with a failed power steering pump may want to contact Honda at 800-999-1009 to get assigned a case manager and ask for their help (even if out of warranty).

Thanks and best of luck to all.

dreoch

Hi, I know you posted your problem over two years ago. I hope you've got the problem fixed by now. If so, will you let me know what the fix was? I disagree with someone who replied to you that "it is down shifting." If it were simply related to down-shifting, then your RPM's wouldn't drop below 1krpm. I'm guessing it's more likely a fuel delivery problem, like fuel pump or pressure regulator or something.

pachiefman

I am trying to figure out what is a normal operating sound for an 2005 Odyssey transmission with 84k. Mine seems to have a "growl" that has gotten louder over time. It is operating fine but at the end of a long drive, as I exit the freeway, it is noticeably louder at lower speeds, especially through first and second gear. I tow a small trailer occasionally. I installed the towing package ( trans cooler with cooling fins) when I purchased it. I've had the trans flushed once. Does anyone else notice this growl? NOTE: I took it to the dealer to investigate the sound during the first year and they returned it saying it was operating normally.

pachiefman

I'm also having problems with one of the Odyssey's sliding doors. It starts to open but stops or re-closes when rolling along the upper track becomes rough and noisy. Has anyone experienced this? Had it repaired? Know the cost of the repair?

djdanekpolo

Hello There

I'm "happy" owner of 2006 Odyssey till now !!!
I need Your help guys. I just come back from my friend mechanic because I discovered strange noise from left rear wheel. I remeber that I visited service Honda with same problem but 1,5 years ago. They said they can't hear nothing. So i drive with this noise. I can hear it, my wife, friends not. Finally i heard yesterday's mornning squiking on left rear wheel. And today my friend said that the wheel hub bearing wasn't greased at all!!! Can You imagine that? The guys that assambly my car did not put grease on part. I'm so pissed. I'm ready to order new part, but first if there is a chance to get any email address to American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in Torrance, CA or Alabama where my car was asamled? The thing is I'm outside US now and there is no chance to make any phone calls.

The same situation with power steering. When part warms up it drive me nuts. Crapy parts.

Please give me advise.
THANK YOU
Daniel

stickguy

the PS pump problem is a known issue, and there is a TSB on it (our 2005 is on it's 3rd I believe, or maybe 2nd but the noise is back someitmes).

There have also been a number of reports of needing new wheel bearings. Most likely the grease wore out (or whatever the rigth term is!), since if it was never greased originaly, it would have seized a long time ago!

Not sure about the wheel bearings, but you should have a case with the dealer about the PS pump, so push that.

bigdadi118

Believe or not, below is what I found in my vehicle at honda's site but no email addr ...

By Phone
Monday through Friday, 6:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Standard time at the toll-free phone number (800) 999-1009

By Fax
(310) 783-3023


By Mail
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Honda Automobile Customer Service
Mail Stop 500-2N-7A
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746

***************************

Customers Outside of the United States
Honda Customer Service is more than happy to help with U.S. Honda vehicle concerns, but is unable to address questions regarding non-U.S. PRODUCTS. Please telephone the appropriate Customer Service group directly:

Honda Canada Customer Service
(888) 946-6329
Honda Motor Europe LTD. TOLL-FREE
01753 590590
Honda de Mexico Servicio a Clientes
01 800 368 8500

djdanekpolo

THANKS A LOT

djdanekpolo

Did you ever heard about it? It is very popular system in EUROPE that can help you save a gas. You are driving on gas not gasoline. It's cheaper than gasoline about 1/2. While my van is makeing 24 miles from gallon on gas you can make even 50 on highway, In Poland for gasoline you must pay almost $6 per gallon; gas $2,80 That's why people are looking for savings to keep their lovely cars.

God Bless
Dan

junoon

I recently purchased 2005 Honda Odyssey EX from Honda Dealer. It makes this little loud (and noticeable), kind a humming sound or growl and I can feel the vibration all over the Van when driving at 80km. While driving at 80km if I feather touch the accelerator and hold it there, you can clearly feel this vibration and even can hear it. The Honda Tech checked it, and felt this vibration on a test drive with me, but at the end of the day they said it is normal, and it is Harmonic sound. What is this Harmonic?
By the way I bought this Van at 99K mileage, and right now (with in last 6 month) it is at 103K and this Van had a transmission replaced by Honda. No idea what to do. Anybody has similar problem and got it fixed, please let me know.

jimbob1

You might try looking up Technical Service Bulletins for your van.

I remember one that involved a droning noise at a certain RPM level that involved replacement of the A pipe.

peter444

This is exactly our problem. 5 kids under 8 yrs old and all small children. Did you ever find a solution? :confuse:

summerbreak

I'm doing an extensive search to find out if other owners are having vibration/shuddering at low speeds (torque converter) and/or engine mount failures in their Honda Odysseys. Please let me know by email at lh53913@yahoo.com. I will need your name, phone, address, and issue. If you have any friends who have also had issues, please pass this info. I have a 2005, but these issues are wide spread and costly. Many consumers are paying these costs out of packet, and we're going
to do something about it. Even if you no longer own this vehicle please respond.

I will need your contact information, if a consumer lawyer needs further information.

Thanks,
Laura
lh53913@yahoo.com

ciao888

Just read your post here today and whoa I've got the same problem as you! But on a 2010 LX Odyssey which I just bought and noticed the issue almost immediately.

Tell me if you can get rid of the vibration (does it feel like you're driving on a washboard) by turning off the overdrive. At 80KMH I can feel it the most and turning off and on the overdrive will turn off and on the vibration. On a slight incline I have the same vibration at about 60 KMH. This was verified by the HONDA mechanic who said to me it was the transmission trying to find the right gear. He had suggested that I turn off the overdrive. There was a 2009 courtesy Odyssey that we test drove and it had the same condition. In the end, he said this was not the judder noted in the TSB calling for a program or torque converter change.

Now I have the same droning noise when I have a "cold" start and it lasts for a few minutes. Do you have the same issue, that it is temporary?

So far I have BS from CSR and Case Manager who tell me this is a "normal" operating characteristic of the vehicle. Obviously if I can turn on and off the vibration by turning on and off the overdrive, it tells me there is a direct link or cause, especially if the HONDA tech tells me the transmission is trying to find the right gear. The game that is played is the dealership cannot replace parts if they cannot root cause the issue properly as HONDA will not compensate them if it doesn't fix the issue. I know this as I initially had the vibration issue and they re-balanced the tires. Issue is still there and they have not sent me my "work" order. They told me once HONDA gives approval for the dealership, I'll get the work order. So if there is no TSB (or product update), they may not get compensated for work done if it does not solve the issue.

I'll be escalating this issue to the next level.

I

speterson1

I have a 2007 Odyssey EX that will be needing new tires in the next 6-8 months. Anyone have any recommendations for tires you've been especially pleased with? My family and I live in central Illinois so weatherwise we get a bit of everything, but winters aren't bad enough for me to install snow tires. My wife is the primary driver and does mostly town driving but we do have the occasional interstate vacation/road trip.

A quick perusal of Tire Rack has made me wonder about the Kumho Solus KR21, which looks both affordable and favorably rated - anyone driving on those?

Any feedback, good or bad, is appreciated.

stickguy

there are a few more options now. When I needed them a couple years ago (on my 2005), there were 3. The OEM michelins (lasted 30K, and sucked while doing it), and IIRC bridgestones?

THe only other option (that many people used) were Yokohama Avid TRZ. That is what I went with. Now have about 25K on them, and they have tons of life left. They also have performed fine for me.

Kumho does make some good tires, but I am not familiar with that one. Go to tirerack.com and look for reviews and tests on them.

speterson1

I like Yokohama Avids, I've bought two sets of Avid - S Tourings for our '01 Subaru Forester. The Avid TRZs will definitely be considered, thanks for letting me know that they have been running well for you.

jimbob1

We also went with the Yokohama Avid TRZs. Wet traction is much better than the OEM Michelins that came on our 2006.

Not cheap, but cheaper than the Michelins and better tires.

sebring95

Take a look at Cooper CS4's. I swapped out the crummy Michelin's early on and have been quite pleased with these. They're better in snow than the Michelin's (although not much) but they're quieter and drive better all around. We've put twice as many miles on these and they're still better but do get louder as they age.

ingridr

Hi All,

I have been van searching for awhile and now have two vehicles that I am looking at potentially buying.

The first is a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT (pretty much the base SXT - no leather, DVD, etc) with 48K miles that is a past rental. It is about 230 miles away and I would be paying 14,500-14,700 including dealer fees etc.

The second is a 2006 Odyssey EX-L with leather/entertainment system with 80K miles. It is about 460 miles away and I would be paying 15,100 including dealer fees etc.

I have always loved the odyssey but am a bit leery with some of the transmission issues. I know each vehicle has its own individual issues and I would inspect any vehicle I intend to purchase but if you were in my position and the current apparent "health" of these vehicles being equal - what would you do?

FWIW, I show dogs and live in MT so lots of long highway miles and pretty minimal town driving (I have a 99 Forester with 190K that I will drive until it dies for in town driving).

Thanks for any insight or advice you can give :-)

sebring95

Well I'm sure the bias is going to be Honda on this forum. I used to be more of a Dodge Caravan guy as we've had quite a few over the years with pretty good luck. At this point and time though I think the Honda is a much better vehicle. I get a rental Chrysler van on a fairly regular basis and they're not really in the same class IMHO. Our '05 is up over 70k miles and I'm always very happy to be back in its seats after a trip. Seats are more comfy, more storeage space particularly behind 3rd row, steering feels much better, controls/buttons all feel higher quality and comparing an SXT to an EX-L is quite a big difference. How about saving a few bucks and looking for an Ody LX or a newer one with less miles? If you don't want/need leather/moonroof/etc. the LX can be quite a bargain.

Transmission issues seem to be only the older '01-'03 Odysseys more than anything. The 3rd gen have a few issues but nothing really major in my book. VCM seems to cause some issues which also is excluded from the LX. The powertrain on the Ody is very nice. Quiet, smooth, and fairly effortless.

jashtree

Hey loncray, you are the only one I found that has my exact same problem. Did you ever find out what it was???
Please help!
thanks!!!

loncray

Wow, had to go back a few pages (and a few years) to that post. No, we never did find out what was causing the clicking noise. Either it went away, or I've become so used to it that I don't notice anymore. Whatever it was, I'm crossing my fingers that it was just a meaningless noise and not something wrong with the van. I can report that we have had only one problem with the van since (failed CD changer) and even managed to replace the Navi DVD with an updated version without problem.

jashtree

Thank you for your quick reply, even after some extensive Googling last night, you were the only person that I found with this same issue. The guys at Honda said that they would take a look at it for a $50 diagnostic, which I haven't decided on yet. Like you said previously, everything still seems to be working fine, it's just noisy for around 20-30 seconds. I hope it goes away!
The thing that bothered me the most about this was that the clicking started the same day that I picked the van up from the Honda dealership for an inspection... what are the odds?

sistar

most time I got no power steering (when turn to left), and a few times i just had to do it the hard way - scrape my way in and out. Out of job, can't afford dealer repair. The van has 65k miles, out of warranty of course. Nothing life threatening, but i worry it may get worse.

Any suggestion?

sebring95

It seems to be a two (or maybe three)-part problem. Have you had any work performed to the power steering? One part is the power-steering reservoir which tends to clog and cause problems. Replacing that will help and it's a cheap part. I paid the dealer to replace and it was $70 out the door. There are also problems with the power steering pump itself. I had that replaced under warranty a couple years ago for a whining noise. Not sure of the cost to replace that. I still sometimes get a low-speed assist problem so I'm not sure if my pump is bad again (possibly caused by the clogged reservoir) or if there's another issue.

jashtree

Well, my clicking noise never went away after a week, so I had to take action. My dealership previously told me that this noise was probably the fuel pump releasing pressure on our hot summer days (which it never did before). I could isolate where the sound was coming from though, so I asked 2 online Honda dealers what was behind the panel in question. One told me "nothing but the exterior body panel", the other told me "the sliding door components". Well, thanks to an installation guide that I found for the back-up sensor accessory, I was able to safely remove the right rear side panel in the trunk. The culprit was Honda Part 79240-SHJ-A01, which is the motor for HVAC mode selection. A plastic axle for one of the gears broke that allowed the gear to slip and "click" against another gear. This axle protruded from one side of the motor housing and was supposed to seat neatly on the other side (where it sheared off). It was easy enough to remove the plastic axle with my Dremel and replace it with a pan-head machine screw (8-32 x 1" is the perfect size). I epoxied the screw in place (on the outside of the housing), and reassembled everything. Voilà! Everything works great, and it only cost me a screw, some epoxy, and an hour (not counting research time, of course).

sistar

If your 2005-2010 Odyssey power steering pump has been replaced before, you still need to pay attention. Unless it was replaced recently (late 2010) with the new, upgraded pump 56110-RGL-A03 (I was told by the service people that this is a very different pump, though the code # appears almost the same), your power steering pump (56110-RGL-A02) is still defective. Go back to the dealer and ask for the upgraded pump as soon as possible, even if you don't have steering problem right now. The older version pump is defective and will fail for sure. DON'T WAIT!

I have found out that some Odyssey owners had their pumps replaced more than 3 times over the years but are still experiencing problems.

leeclan4

Thank you for the information. I just had mine replaced last month and I still have the tight steering at low rpm. I have a 2010 Odyssey EX-L and because of all the issues with this car I am unfortunately going to have to purchase the extended warranty.

mgutai

Our 2007 Odyssey LX has just died. We bought it new and put 87,000 miles on it. We had no extended warrenty (didn't think we needed it since we were buying a Honda).

My wife was shuttling the kids to school as normal, and noticed the engine temperature guage was getting close to the red mark, but not on it. No dummy or engine lights went on. So she turned it off so it would cool. Then she drove home and by the time she stopped, it was making a hissing sound and steam was coming from the hood. Same engine temp going up, but not in the red and no lights came on. I opened the hood and noticed some pink/greyish liquid coming from the radiator. I thought it just need the coolant changed, so we made an appt with our local Honda dealer for that. A day later, they told us there was oil in the antifreeze and radiator, and that it needed a new engine.

Long story short we worked with our selling dealer and American Honda and opened a case with them to see what could be done. After some back and forth, we have 2 choices:

(1) through our selling Honda dealer buy a used engine from a local salvage yard with 17k miles on it and have them install it for $4500. warrenty is 4 mths.
(2) through our selling Honda dealer buy a new engine from American Honda and they will only charge us $5000. warrenty is 12mths/12k miles. we figure American Honda is kicking in about $3000 towards our case.

So we're going with option (2), but we are still sick. We have purchased 6 other Honda's in the past and have accumulated over 750,000 total miles. Tried to communicate this to AH to prove customer loyalty, and apparently it's worth $3000. On the one hand I'm glad because at least we'll have a new engine. But on the other hand I expected more help from AH. And for $5000 I can find 2 good used late model Accords or Civics!

Anyone else had any engine issues like this with their 05-10 Odyssey? After tearing down the engine, they determined the head gasket was NOT blown, but that there were multiple cracks in the head, allowing oil to get in. But they don't know why. All service was performed per their schedule.

stickguy

well, you did have optin #3, what many people do. Just trade it in as is, and put the 5K for the engine toward a new car.

very strange sounding situatin though. From what you describe, I thought blown head gasket. But cracks in the head? That is hard to do.

certainly would have ticked my off. can't blame you for feeling hosed.

I do know that if I ever bought another one (we have a 2005), I would get the 8 year hondacare plan with it.

mgutai

we considered trading in, but we still owe about $6k on it. and the dealer wouldn't even hazard a guess on a trade. based on kbb, the good-trade-in value was about $11, which would have put us at 0. but they sell them pretty inexpensively, and woudn't have been able to give us 11 on a trade. we may try to sell outright after it's fixed and before the 12 month warrenty expires. but definitely won't buy another.

sebring95

Option #4 would be to go to an independant mechanic and price an engine through them. $4,500 is big money on a used engine and I'm sure you can do MUCH better elsewhere. Dealers are not the right choice IMHO for high mileage vehicle repairs, particularly of the major variety. They just have too high of a labor rate and parts are way overpriced. Never heard of one of these engines failing at any mileage so it's certainly an odd-ball.

stickguy

if I was picking (and those were my only 2 choices) I absolutly would pay $500 more the new engine.

if nothing else, it should be good for a long time now. Although maybe you should have them throw in a free tranny too!

mgutai

yes, we were thinking the same thing - new for only $500 more. a free tranny would be nice. with my luck (and the past issues with odyssey transmissions), that'll be next to go...

hody06

I have about 75000 miles on my vehicle about 2 weeks ago the power steering went down got it fixed over the weekend the alternator went down. Just wanted to find out if anybody else have these problems on this model.

sebring95

Power steering is very common...surprised you made 75k on it. We were ready for #3 when we sold ours with 90k miles.

I don't think I've ever heard of an alternator going bad on one and I know some folks with 200k miles on these.

mash112

i'm in the process of purchasing a 2005 Honda Odyssey with 69k miles for $15.9. SHould i get it? If so how soon before i need to replace the Transmission? what about the timing belt?

Or should i look into a Toyota Siena?????

Test drove a 2005 Odyssey and it seemed fine.. but i want to make sure i'm making the right decision....

YOu all are scaring me with the knocking noise, brake issues, and other concerns.....

Please help..

thx :confuse:

stickguy

Heck, I have a 2005 with 62K on it (EX-L) and would probably sell it to you for 15.9K. Just don't tell me wife...

anyway, have it checked out well. Brakes are easy to check (and the only problem we had was the pads, early on). t Belt is due at 7 years or 105K, and I suspect most people with lower miles don't bother. So that would be coming up soon.

tranny? Who knows. Cold be never. Could be tomorrow, but I would have it looked at carefully (fluid condition, road test)

stickguy

stopped for an oil change today on the 2004 Ody. finally had them do the brake master cylinder/booster recall.

I was expecting to have a "no issue" report, or possibly a new seal put in just in case. But, based on the paperwork back, they found "fluid in the booster". That must be a bad thing, since they indicated they put in a new master cylinder and booster. And I assume all fresh brake fluid.

Sort of annoying that I paid to have the fluid change not that long ago when I had my tires rotated!

mash112

depending on your cost i probably would of purchased it.. the one i'm buying have DVD, Leather, Navi, & rear Camera.. I took it to a mechanic (good service Center) and things checked out ok.. New brake pads, turned rotors, rear engine mount, passenger engine mount, and other misc things were changed by dealer..

i'll keep an eye out on that Tranny. thx for the heads up

mash112

Hi,

Tomorrow i'll be purchasing a used 2005 EXL model with 69,000 miles on it. I can see that they have capital tires on the vehicle and tires will be needed. Any suggestions on tires?
The dealer is trying to sell me some Capital Tires for $125 a pop..
However i want to stay in that price range but at the same time i was some good tires for the vehicle.. so please help.

thx

Mark

robr2

Ask where they are made. I'll almost guarantee China. Now that may not be a bad thing but Chinese made tires have a 35% punitive tariff on them so they have become more expensive.

Personally I'd replace them with a quality brand you are comfortable with. I use Yokohama and Dunlops with the former being US made usually.

mash112

they are made in china. i looked it up.. funny thing is when i do not see them in any of the tire places i've checked so far like sears, tirepluss, discount tires, tire rack, and others....

so i may just get them on my own...

thx

robr2

They are probably sold as a private label brand at a good price.