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Honda Odyssey: Problems & Solutions (2005+ Models)
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the primary argument for doing so is to help others avoid reading numerous posts they aren't interested in. a secondary argument which has been claimed by the hosts is it increases readership / participation, and reader retention.
the argument(s) against this is a reader of this forum is probably gonna want to know about this anyway, and can skip by what they aren't interested in, plus its just simpler to have 1 than N Problem and Solutions forums.
you're asking a very logical question.
If you have an appreciation for the handling characteristics of Honda automobiles, you will enjoy this vehicle. If you are looking for a genuine "soccer mom" van, go with the Sienna - less road feedback and more of a "floating the boat" feeling.
Good luck, if you find a leftover 06 you may be able to pick it up for anywhere from $750 - $1250 below invoice.
I have an '06 EXL/NAV/RES and am pretty content with it.
Here are some of the problems you will have:
1. Droning noise at 2000 rpm. There is a TSB for the problem but the repair still doesn't fix it 100%.
2. Road noise is quite apparent (similar to your Accord).
3. Grade logic transmission downshifts are very abrupt (more so than the Accord V6).
4. Question the lifespan of the transmission in the '06 (My old '03 Accord failed at 40k).
5. Sliding door handles very difficult to open - Honda says it is normal operation (the '00-'04 generations are very easy to pull).
6. Windows sound like they are off their tracks when down.
7. Ride is much improved from the previous generation, however, for +$30k you shouldn't feel every imperfection in the road.
8. Some people are reporting AC condensor failure from road debris hitting the exposed piping (under the front grille).
That being said...if Honda resolves the droning noise, the '07 with the new tranny will be a good buy. The other items are nuisances.
Check on problems and solutions and you will get "real life" input from 06 Ody owners most of whom are/were died in wool Honda fans/worshippers...
Basically, for me, it's been a great van and we have put almost 10,000 miles on it in 6 months without any issues. We have taken it on 6 longer distance trips and the van performed flawlessly. 70% of our mileage has been in town. I average about 19~20 mpg with this van...about 24~26 mpg on the highway and around 17~18 in town. I had it serviced once and the cost of the service was $42 so everything is great so far.
The Sienna and the Odyssey drive differently, so you should compare the two and go with what appeals to you. Both are fine vehicles. The Sienna is a bit quieter and has a floatier ride. It drives more like a Camry. The Odyssey is more firm, like an Accord.
Good luck.
Best Regards, D
Overall if I need another van this will be high on the list.
Personally, I don't recommend this van for others because so many problems (sliding door noise, humming noise, and power steeling pump)and poor finish as a brand new car. I visited Dealer 6 times but still my van has loud noise around 2000 Rpm. I am tired to contact to Dealer with problems. But this is my own opinion if you like to purchase this van please take a test drive first and decide later because I think every odyssey has different condition- excellent or very poor. I already have 5 people who changed their mind from Odyssey to Sienna. I will never purchase Honda car again.
The question to you fine folks is, given the the age (2005), price (26k), miles (18k) and model (touring) and what you know, would you make the deal?
Thanks all!
But if you don't need/want the touring features..I'm sure a used EX-L would save you a couple grand still.
If you are looking for a low-cost ODY, why not consider an '07 LX, or end of MY '06?
Non Nav? Non DVD? Do you want leather? Do you need Auto Sliders?
The EX has upgraded fabric and is as comfortable as leather.
You may want to think about that. Interest is also higher on used cars.
The EX has upgraded fabric and is as comfortable as leather.
You may want to think about that. Interest is also higher on used cars. In my opinion, leather, a power tailgate, and fancy gadgets are not that important.
We LOVE the odyssey, but I am really upset about this issue. Note that Toyota and Dunlop (maker of the Sienna's run-flats ) already have a class action lawsuit over this same issue.
I am currently on hold with Michelin asking them where I can get just the tire. They are going to find out and call me back.
So, you might want to think about this when buying the touring model. The Honda dealer has a meeting with Michelin on Thursday and I am going to request that I stop by and have the rep look at the tires.
Did you rotate your tires at all? Although your tires should not be so bald as you described them, it's best to rotate any radial tire on 4K to 6K increments to even out the wear.
PAX is an issue that you need to fully research to avoid any surprises. I am happy with my 2006 Touring, but the van may have more bells and whistles (and PAX) than you need.
My rational side says to wait for bigger damage to the bumper before paying a body shop to repair it for this minor scratch.
Beyond my touch up paint, is there anything short of sand, fill, repaint to be done?
Has anyone had a rear bumper re painted on a touring? I know those parking sensors will have to be contended with which will add some labor. What was the cost of re painting your bumper?
Gotta love incompetence. Trouble is trying to prove it.
I am definitely thinking about trading it in and getting an EXL so I don't have to deal with this in future. I also may just buy 4 new rims and 4 tires and get rid of PAX altogether!
The van is just over a year old with less than 20,000 miles and we've already had it in for major paint defects, a whistling windshield and for a factory recall on the front brakes. With a new family of twins, I must say I expected more from Honda.
What a shame!!!
I think Honda is suffering from the "pangs of success"......
They are not the company they once were,
which separated them from the mundane... IMO
if you are concerned, and you want to put your mind at ease, there is a TSB (technical service bulletin) for the dealerships that if you go in for service and request it, one of the service techs can manually trigger the self-test for you so you can hear and feel it and verify its the same as what you've been hearing and feeling.
i would hope your owner's manual on the section on brakes, braking or ABS would mention this self-test.
HTH
Best Regards,
D
My only complaint is the lack of thought devoted to storage.There is the top opening under the radio which is not very practical. And then there is the larger storage under that which is at floor level (Honda, could you make it any more inconvenient?).You cannot even see the road when you lean down to get something while driving.
There is no place for coins so I keep them in one of my 8 cupholders in the front of the car (1 in each front door, 4 in the center tray and then 2 that extend from the dash board under the radio).
There are two glove compartments. What is the point of this?
There is no center storage area between the front seats. It is basically a tray that folds up and down. It is pretty useless.
Now I hate to sound like a complainer because I love the vehicle although this is basic stuff here.
My wife has a Pilot which I love even more and every one of these things I mentioned are included in her vehicle.
One thing I love about the Pilot center storage area is that the front of it folds down and there is a space dedicated to store your cell phone.
I know it seems small and trivial but I think twice before buying another Honda Odyssey because of these small issues.
I would however buy a Honda Pilot.
Anybody else agree with me on the lack of storage?
and BTW = by the way, HTH = hope that helps.
Thanks.
There is actually a procedure that your dealer can perform to duplicate the noise for you.
Nothing to worry about.
The ABS system turns on and self-tests when the vehicle crosses 8mph. It only does this after the vehicle is started. It's normal and every vehicle with ABS does this, however for some reason the Honda systems are a bit noisy compared to others.
And it sounds right that its when I get to 8mph/a few seconds after driving. I'll know its that now and not worry.
Thank you so much!
I needed to break heavily to stop the van. ABS did not engage but there was definitely a grinding noise/feel that I experienced. I did a couple of tests and have found that the grinding is only apparrant when breaking hard.
I am scheduled to take the van to the dealer next week to replace gasketing around both front doors (damn "creaking" noise always comes from the window/gasket interface). At that time i'll have them check the brakes too.
You may want to give the dealer a call before you go in. If I remember correctly, Honda may have updated brake pads available to correct that grinding noise. The call to the dealer might help ensure they have them in stock so they can swap them out while it's in, verses having to make another dealer visit. (Just a thought)
Has everyone checked out www.odyclub.com yet? Lots of great information.
The original brake pads were formulated improperly.
Take the car in to your dealership they will change the pads and resurface the rotors.
I had my '06 Ody done last week - no questions asked.
thanks
c
link title
I had my '06 Ody done last week - no questions asked."
I can second that. My wife took her '05 EX-L in a couple of weeks ago for an oil change. When the service writer asked if everything else was ok, she mention that occasionally the brakes made an odd noise. He checked the vehicle and the service records, mentioned to my wife that Honda had issued a TSB on this issue and that they would replace the pads and resurface the rotors for her under warranty. She couldn't wait (had only gone in for an oil change) so they immediately provided her with a loaner car and she picked up the van the next day.
No muss, no fuss.
You could have had a fuel system vapor lock. Opening and closing the fuel filler cap might have resolved your problem. If this were the case, you might need a new filler cap.
The other reason might be this: On my 93 Accord there was a control unit in the dash that shuts down the fuel system if it perceives an excessive under hood temperature. Logic behind it: if there's an engine fire, it will automatically kill fuel delivery to under the hood.
I found out about this when my wife parked in an open parking lot for an entire day, under an extremely blazing sun. Same scenario, everything indicated the car should start, but it just wouldn't. For some unknown reason, my next door neighbor suggested pouring cold water over the fuel lines on top of the engine (he's an aircraft mechanic). Sure enough, after pouring on the water, the engine turned right over.
After this happened, I took it to the dealer. That's when I found out about the in-dash control unit for the sensor. When the unit goes bad, it over-reacts to temperature. They replaced the control unit and the problem was resolved.
If it wasn't any of these, I would be interested in what they determined the problem really was.
Take care,
Fred
Just to provide an update on my van till date, it has had 2 issues in 35,000 miles:
a) Grinding noise from the brakes - the dealer replaced my brake pads and turned the rotors under warranty. I really wish they had replaced the rotors instead of turning them.
b) Faint Whistling sound from the windshield - the dealer replaced some kind of rubber moulding and it eliminated the sound. Even though the sound was faint, it got on my nerves while it lasted.
The mileage improved considerably after around the 25,000 mile mark. Now on a pure highway/interstate trip, I get an incredible 28-30mpg at around 70-75mph relatively constant speed. City is around 17-19mpg. Very impressive for such a huge vehicle.
I have done several long road trips, including 4-5 1500+ mile trips. The NAV has been fantastic, other than the fact that the total mileage computation is incorrect when the distance is over a 1000 miles...gets more precise when the destination gets closer. Either way, more of an irritant than a 'problem', since the guidance en-route is pin-point accurate.
Absolutely problem-free, other than the above mentioned issues.
Very pleased with the van and will unhesitatingly buy it again.