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Honda Odyssey: Problems & Solutions:(1995-2004 Models)

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Comments

  • new_ody_buyernew_ody_buyer Member Posts: 1
    Been strolling through the posts and have several questions. Would love perspective from odyfan and auburn63 in particular, but all opinions welcome.

    *Q1 Should I buy a 2001 model to circumvent some of the cranny and other issues cited in earlier posts? Have fixes to common problems been made in the 2001 series?
    *Q2 Would you buy DX model over EX given the issues with the auto sliding doors?
    *Q3 If I buy a used 2000, should I get a "later" one? How would I tell what "later" is versus "earlier"? The one I have my eye on was originally sold in August 2000, making me think it is a "later" model.
    *Q4 Despite issues, would you redo the Odd over the Senna and Quest (obviously from first-hand experience with the Odd and "rumors" regarding the other two)? We're switching from a 1993 Chrysler I&C and fell in love with the Ody / concept of improved reliability, but reading through the posts have given me pause.

    Thanks to all.

    Mark
  • nedlyjnedlyj Member Posts: 89
    While I'm neither auburn nor odyfan I'd like to add my perspective on the topics I can. I can't address Q1 and Q3, I have a '99EX and don't have first hand experience ith the 2000/2001 models. However, having experience with the '99 (first model year) gives me a slightly different angle. Here goes:

    Q2. We struggled with the EX vs LX decision as well. The EX has more, but also has more to break. In the end we chose the EX for various reasons. Obviously there's more to the EX than the power doors, but the power doors did become more of a plus than a minus to us. We knew we would be getting the 7yr/100K extended warranty, so the doors weren't as big a concern. I can't describe just how nice it is to have the power doors - especially with two small kids. There was a big discussion going on back in the forum in 1999 about safety and it was a pretty even split between those who find power doors less safe and those who find manual doors less safe. At least with a power door it's moving at a slow rate of speed - no chance of accidentally slamming someone's hand in the door. Also, other than some squeakiness and an occassional instance where the door gets "confused" and stops (usually when pushing the open/close button while the door is already moving) they have been problem free. Also, don't forget that the EX comes with traction control, and the automatic climate control - which has also proven to be very nice. And on the '99 the Ex had a little nicer cloth, but I don't know if that's still the case. I can't remember if anti-lock brakes were on the LX in '99, but that may also be an incentive if not. All in all, the additional features were worth the $2K for us at the time. I'm not sure I would have spent the additionl $1K for the Navi though. Just a personal preference.

    Q4. If we had to buy a new van today, it would be another Odyssey - period. I don't dislike the other vans out there - we test drove just about everything - we simply like the Odyssey better. I have friends who have Odysseys, Siennas and Quests - and they all like them very much. A big difference from those I know who have Windstars and Caravans - except for my brother, who loves his Windstar (of course it's a loaded SEL and only 3 months old). Remember that no vehicle is perfect and you're going to hear about issues and problems with all of them. But also remember that forums such as these tend to be populated by people who have indeed had issues. My best advice is drive all the models you're looking at. Think of possible scenarios you might be in and see which configuration best suits you. Also, see which one you like the feel of driving - they are all distinctly different in the way they drive. If you buy the one that "feels" righ to you, you'll be happy with it.
  • chet7chet7 Member Posts: 13
    Yes, I also have a series of small, subtle dents across the back hatch below the window, just as you describe.

    One is an "outward" dent, but the rest are "inward" dents.
  • tom3ktom3k Member Posts: 91
    I don't have any dents on mine ('00 lx), but you're not the first to complain about soft sheet metal on the hatch. The 'preferred' method of closing the hatch is by pulling on the handle on the interior panel, thus avoiding touching the sheet metal. While I do this most of the time, I don't always, and I still haven't managed to dent it (yet).
  • gfxguygfxguy Member Posts: 18
    I have no dents in my 2001 EX, but then it's quite new. I did look carefully after reading the post. How am I supposed to use the inside handle when closing from the outside? It takes a lot of force to close it.

    For new_ody_buyer:

    Q1: Don't know. I have a very recent 01 (June), and have no problems - no shimmy when the tires have correct air pressure, no drift from right to left, no noises from the engine that don't sound normal to me. The caveat is that I've only had it for a little over a month.

    Q2: It's LX, not DX, and if I had my way I would have gotten the LX, but I have a wife whose two biggest selling points were the magic seat and the power sliding doors. I would have gotten the LX and added allow wheels, but I would have greatly missed the climate control. So there were features of the EX that we both really liked, but being more pragmatic I'd have gotten the LX if it were up to me.

    Q3 & Q4, I don't know. But keep in mind that ANY forum you go to is going to have people describing problems with their vehicles, regardless of the manufacturer. So you're kind of getting a scewed view by reading these forums, especially if you read the "problems" forum - I mean, of course you're going to read about a lot of problems in a forum titled "problems". So far, I have a friend with a 2000 LX and she's very happy - none of the problems others have described, and I have a 2001 EX with none of the common problems (knock on wood).
  • ukrickukrick Member Posts: 66
    Has anyone heard about any complaints about excessive road noise during highway driving?
  • larcklarck Member Posts: 22
    I also have a dent in the rear hatch of my 2000 Ody LX. It was put there by a '97 Ford Ecsort. If Honda would make the sheet metal about 1" thicker it would not have dented! Dang those Honda engineers!
  • nedlyjnedlyj Member Posts: 89
    ukrick - yes, we've been talking about road noise since '99. While the Ody is lacking in sound insulation, one major contributor can be the tires. If you've got the Firestone Affinity tires there's not a much noisier tire out there this side of snow tires ;-) I just replaced my Firestones with Michelin X-ones and reduced my road noise at least 50%. It's not all gone, but significantly better.
  • donbroerdonbroer Member Posts: 15
    I have noticed that the road noise varies considerably depending on the type of pavement. Some concrete surfaces, depending on how the grooving to lessen aquaplaning (parallel to road surface or at right angles), are very much louder than others and blacktop (asphalt) is usually quieter than concrete surfaces. Try your vehicle on theses different surfaces to hear the difference.
  • vtec2vtec2 Member Posts: 43
    I have an '00 EX with 19K miles. Ever since about 10K miles the front suspension has been making a loud clunk noise over sharp breaks in concrete. It's not so bad on asphalt. However, the street I live on is concrete and it sounds like it's beating the front suspension to death. The van is at the service dept. now for new brake rotors (under warranty) and they are going to look at the suspension too. Has anyone here experienced a noisy front suspension?
  • rockycowrockycow Member Posts: 114
    I have two soft tissue dents created when the hatch is shut, we now use the tail light to push on when closing the hatch.
    rockycow
  • nedlyjnedlyj Member Posts: 89
    Well, I finally had my A/C worked on for the knocking sound when the van is in drive (which they've told me on three occassions was "normal"). Today the dealer replaced the A/C auto tensioner. And wouldn't you know it - no more knock! Finally a successful service trip. So it appears the TSB did present the correct fix to this problem. Thanks to auburn63 for helping me push this issue.
  • sz1sz1 Member Posts: 31
    Where can we get a copy of the TSB you are refering to?

    Thanks,
    Steven
  • nedlyjnedlyj Member Posts: 89
    Steve,
    You can find summaries of all TSBs at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site at:

    http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/servicemmy1.cfm

    Just navigate to your year, and then "Honda Truck" and then 'Odyssey".

    Remember however that a TSB does not always mean there is a problem/fix. Many TSBs are simply the manufacturer telling the dealer that a "said" condition is either normal - or how to explain it to the customer.

    I have never actually seen the complete TSB on the A/C - but I believe it says something to the affect that the auto tensioner can be replaced only if it is shown to be a significant problem. in my case, I made a point to mention it at every service appointment I had over the course of the year. then I finally had a record of "this has been a problem and there's a TSB that can be applied".

    The summary from NHTSA for this issue is listed below. Please note also though that I did have a very loud knocking sound, not just a minor noise. Hope this helps you.

    Service Bulletin Number: 99041
    Bulletin Sequence Number: 156
    Date of Bulletin: 0012
    NHTSA Item Number: SB615713
    Make: HONDA TRUCK
    Model: ODYSSEY
    Year: 1999
    Component: AIR CONDITIONER
    Summary: EXPERIENCING A KNOCKING NOISE WITH THE A/C ON AND THE ENGINE RUNNI8NG AT IDLE OR LOW RPM. *TT
  • wellphytwellphyt Member Posts: 28
    Will need to get new tires soon for my 99 Ody EX. Has anyone tried Michelin Symmetry tires? Any other recommendations would be appreciated. Can't wait to get rid of these Firestone Affinity tires.
  • jstsaynojstsayno Member Posts: 1
    I've ordered a 2001 Odyssey EX and it should be at the dealer in a few days so I have a little time to decide about that $1300 extended warranty. I've always thot anything Honda was very reliable but Consumer Report Jan/01 issue gives it just an average reliability rating...what do you all recommend?
    Thanks,
    Nancy O.
  • tyehtyeh Member Posts: 1
    The first trip we took our new ODY on the road, it ran nicely, but when I speeded to 75+ to pass a truck, the car began to wobble. When wind blows, my ODY wobbles hard. Is this called Shimming? The car dealer said they are not allowed to bring the speed over 75, thus they cannot find any problem. Is it because poor balancing? Anyone?
  • edwinfongedwinfong Member Posts: 25
    The Symmetry tires from Freestone are good, they're standard on the EX. You might
    consider the Michelin Radial-One or X's as they seem to be even better tires. You can
    check out the differences and cost on www.tirerack.com. You can also buy those tires
    at Sam's Club or Costco at fairly reasonable prices. There is a conference on Tires here
    on Edmunds, you can find it using the search feature.
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    Most of the problems on CR was from the power doors on the early Odysseys and were recalled a couple times. CR admits that a lot of the problems were that so take that away and it should be a pretty relieable van. As far as the extended 7/100/0 warranty you can search here at Edmunds and there are a number of Honda dealers selling it for $895. I live in Mich. and got mine from Saratoga Honda in upstate NY. One call and credit card, got receipt in a few days and Honda sent the warranty in about 3 weeks. So don't let your dealer screw you for that much money. Tell him to match it or you will get it elsewhere. Don't let him tell you that only he can sell you it. You can buy it anytime before the original 3/36 expires but do to price increases etc. it goes up as time flies, just like everything but computers and vcr's.:-))
  • rockycowrockycow Member Posts: 114
    From the TOV site: according to cars.com
    Odyssey - "Honda's front-drive minivan gets extra power and an extra gear for 2002. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine earns a boost from 210 hp to 240 horses, and a new five-speed-automatic transmission replaces the four-speed unit. Rear disc brakes will be standard this year, and side-impact airbags are available..."

    rockycow
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    My 01 EX comes with Michelin Symmetry. Goodyear Aqua looks like a better buy @ tirerack.com.
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    justsayno:

    I didn't get Extended Warranty for my 01 EX. If you really consider I will wait before 3/36 original warranty expires then make a decision. Put you money in the bank now at least you can earn interests for 3 years.
  • ksapphireksapphire Member Posts: 2
    Hi,

    I've had my 2001 EX since June and it now has about 1400 miles. In three trips of over 200 miles on the interstate, I got 23.5 - 25 mpg. I had a full load of cargo in two of the trips so I thought that was pretty good gas mileage. However, in city driving, I'm only getting a miserable 11.5 - 13 mpg. Maybe it's because my city driving is all short trips (almost always less than 3 or 4 miles). However, I am not a lead-footed driver so this low city gas mileage is really bothering me. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Was there any service work done that resulted in improved the gas mileage?

    By the way, I also have the steering wheel vibration (barely noticeable above 65, very noticeable at 75) and the drift to the right that has been mentioned a number of times in the forum the last few months. I haven't been back to the dealer yet to see if he can take care of it.

    Of course I also have the Odyssey's signature gas sloshing sound.
  • wellphytwellphyt Member Posts: 28
    Thank you edwinfong and bjk2001 for your response. I'll check out the local Sam's club to see what they carry. Went to tirerack.com and the Goodyear Aqua has a good noise rating. Price seems pretty reasonable too.
  • leo2633leo2633 Member Posts: 589
    I just wanted to pass along an experience I just had with tires on my wife's 2000 LX. The Firestone Affinity's lasted only 24000 miles, despite regular 5K rotations and keeping the pressures at 35 PSI. They wore evenly, but had worn nearly to the treadwear indicators. I bought a set of Goodyear Aquatred 3's from Tire Rack. When I had them installed (along with an alignment), I was getting a "thumping" noise and slight vibration through the steering wheel. At first, I thought it was my imagination, but it remained noticeable, so I took it to my mechanic. He checked the balance, and found all 4 to be perfect. Then he showed me that as the tires were spinning on the balancer, there was a noticeable "high spot" on three of the tires. You could actually see that the tires were not perfectly round! The tires only had about 300 miles on them at that time. I contacted Tire Rack, and they offered to replace the three, but I wasn't confident that I wouldn't have the same problem again. I decided on a set of Michelin Symmetry's instead. They will be here in a day or two. I'll let everyone know how they work out. By the way, TR agreed to take the Goodyears back for full credit.

    While speaking with the salesman at TR, he told me that he was going to stop recommending the Aquatreds to his customers, as he has had complaints from other customers as well. One of the regulars on the Subaru town hall forum also had problems with the Aquatred 3's on his car. My advice is to be very careful about that tire.

    Len
  • nedlyjnedlyj Member Posts: 89
    My Firestone Affinities also lasted a paltry 28K miles before they were worn flat. I installed Michelin X-ones that I got at Sam's Club (they're called the X-Plus at Sams). They are wonderful compared to the Firestones. The reduction in roadnoise and the increase in traction are night and day differences. At Sams they were $102/ea installed + $8/ea for roadhazard protection. This is substantially better than the $145/ea + $15/ea (roadhazard) quoted to me by three other tire stores. And, they come in the stock size for the Odyssey as well.
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    I've had my 01 ex for 3 weeks filled up twice. 90% city driving, average 15MPG first tank 16MPG 2nd tank.
  • mschafermschafer Member Posts: 317
    My Firestone Affinity tires lasted a little over 65,000 miles on my 99EX. I must have gotten some bad ones.

    I now have Michelin Symmetry tires that are approaching 40,000 miles, and they are most definitely approaching the wear bars.

    Go figure.
  • wellphytwellphyt Member Posts: 28
    Thanks everyone for the great feedback on the tires. I have 36,000 miles on my Firestone Affinity tires. They're not at the wear bars yet but getting close. Thanks leo2633 for the heads up on the Aquatred 3's. Guess I'll check out the Michelin X-Plus at Sam's Club. Sounds like a pretty good deal. Our local Walmart has the Michelin Symmetry tires. Four installed for about $400. Not sure I like the tread pattern though. They remind me to much of the Affinities.
  • carleton1carleton1 Member Posts: 560
    Gas mileage right on that reported by most Odyssey owners for your type driving. City mileage can vary drastically depending on how long the wait is at each light.
    Take a nice road trip. You will be very pleased with the 27 or 28 MPG your Odyssey will deliver without stop and go traffic.
  • tom3ktom3k Member Posts: 91
    Just my $.02 - I'm shopping for the extended warranty now after just under two years of ownership after having my transmission replaced (just under 15K miles). Regarding waiting, I have heard here that there is an $80 penalty after two years (I'm looking to buy mine just before the 2-year anniversary). Definitely shop around. Several dealers have been mentioned Here selling the 7/100K/$0 for $900 or less.

    I've noticed since having the transmission replaced that the mileage has dropped close to where it was when the van was new. Hopefully it will 'break in' and the mileage will improve (again).
  • leo2633leo2633 Member Posts: 589
    According to "hutch" on the Subaru maintenance forum, Goodyear replaced his bad Aquatred 3 with another, and the replacement is apparently also defective. He is about to go back to them AGAIN to try getting a good one.

    mschafer,
    I would have been happy to get some of those "bad" Affinity's you got! I didn't even make it half way to 65K. I'll be happy if I can get 40K from the Michelins.

    Len
  • ghaddadghaddad Member Posts: 3
    Has anyone experienced a problem with a 2001 EX Odyssey in which the transmission shifts from first to second gear too early, resulting in a loud vibration and absolutely no power? My dealer replaced the "solonoid", whatever that is, but as soon as we pulled out of the lot the problem was still there. Any ideas so I can tell the dealer the solution would be appreciated.
  • bsr123bsr123 Member Posts: 1
    I am planning to buy the used Odyssey van, 1995 EX model with 76 K mileage. Any thoughts on this?
  • jimblockjimblock Member Posts: 62
    I had a problem with my 2000 Ody EX NAV that sounds similar, but it was intermittent and therefore it was very hard to repeat the problem for Honda. It happened more often after driving at high speed/ hot weather, followed by stop and go traffic.

    After a year, I finally got it to happen in front of the dealer. They replaced the transmission the next week and it has been fine since.
  • mharris9mharris9 Member Posts: 9
    I also have ordered tires from the Tire Rack. I was curious about your returns. Did you have to pay shipping for the returns? Or did Tire Rack have call tags issued?
  • leo2633leo2633 Member Posts: 589
    Mike,

    I just had my replacement Michelins mounted yesterday. Big difference, after all the noise and vibration from the defective Aquatred 3s. I called Tire Rack today and they are issuing a call tag for UPS to pick up the Goodyears. When they get them back, they'll issue a credit to my Mastercard account. They also told me to fax them a copy of my bills for having the Aquatreds checked, and for having the Michelins mounted and balanced, and that they'll reimburse me for those expenses also. Although I'm disappointed with the Goodyears and with all the hassle involved with this entire situation, I'm happy with the prompt service from Tire Rack, and I'll definitely buy from them again.

    Len
  • misrabill314misrabill314 Member Posts: 1
    I see trencher7 has the same problem my 2001 odyssey has, small outward dents like a pencil point pushing from the inside. Another owner I know has them as well. I think this must be a structural flaw and Honda should have to fix it.
  • cascadecascade Member Posts: 5
    My 2000 Honda Odyssey was declared totaled after hitting a stopped delivery truck with a lift (I was slowing down for a light and going no more than 15-20 mph). Is that reasonable due to the object hit? The body remained intact (bumper to bumper) but the hood collapsed and the engine block was damaged beyond repair.
  • khoakhoa Member Posts: 64
    Ouch ... glad you seems to be Ok. Since you didn't hit the truck w/ your bumper, plus you hit a non-crumbling, heavy object with a heavy van (high momentum) I would think that is perfectly normal. The interesting question is, if you were going faster, would the pillars save you?
  • bostnwhalrbostnwhalr Member Posts: 128
    I owned one of the first 1999 Odyssey LX and sold it to my sister after one year of ownership. She now has 59k miles and has had a few issues. One, there is a suspicious clunk coming from the front suspension when turning. Two, the car died yesterday and started spewing smoke or steam (I wasn't there to know, but the car died, which is not good). The vehicle also had a history of creaky sliding doors and driver's seat.

    I'm trying to talk her into buying a 2002 model. My view is that reliability has improved significantly and that the 2002 model may be even better (not to mention the 5 speed auto and 240 hp.) I also think that the resale value should be decent on her 1999 model (at least $15k as trade in).

    Any comments or suggestions?
  • kzookzoo Member Posts: 1
    Our 2000 EX is now sporting a sizable dent in the corner of the back bumper (hit a parked car at 1 or two mph). Dealer says that plastic bumpers can't be pulled out and replacement is $600+. Any experiences with this sort of dent repair?
  • masshoosiermasshoosier Member Posts: 70
    I had similer quotes given on the front bumper, so they are probably being fair. The bumper is a major cost(bout half thier quote, maybe a little more) but the part comes Black and has to go through the whole clear-coat painting process which adds significantly.
  • masshoosiermasshoosier Member Posts: 70
    as to whether or not the dent can be removed you could try a dent removel specialist. If it can be done, they will do it. Might cost you $150 or so, maybe more if they touch up the paint, depends on how bad it is and how bad you want it to look brand new again.
  • slockoslocko Member Posts: 111
    i think your ody performed exactly as it should. the crumpling is the asorption of energy that otherwise would have been transferred to you.
  • pat84pat84 Member Posts: 817
    I have a 99 EX with over 42 K miles. My Firestone tires look like they will last at least 50 K miles, maybe 60 K. My previous best tire mileage was 40K on a 96 DC, whose transmission destructed at 72 K. If I traded it in at 40 K miles I wouldn't have put new rubber on it.
    I still have my original brakes and at the last dealer service at 42.5 K, the brakes checked out OK.
    I have never had 1 problem. Unless you count two recalls (which I scheduled with a service),or the lack of an outside temperature reading.
    The stereo is the the worst thing I have had in a new vehicle since the one speaker AM radios of the early 60's.
    Honda is out of touch. ;)
  • mschafermschafer Member Posts: 317
    My Affinities went a little over 65k and the brake pads were changed at about 60k with life remaining on them.

    Even as we speak, my 99EX is in for scheduled replacement of the timing belt at 105k. Other than the two recalls (wiring near the AC under the hood and the dashboard dimmer control box), this is the first time that it's been in for any kind of service by the dealer. I just hope they don't screw it up!

    They just called and told me that, in addition to the timing and other belts replacement, I was due for the 105k service. He was put off by my comment that I do all of that myself. I guess he thought that he could nick me further than they already are to do the belts.

    Pat84, you and I must have gotten lemons. *:o))
  • alexpleealexplee Member Posts: 1
    I got my 01 Ody a month ago and I started to notice a clicking noise coming under/below/infront of the dash when the car is moving. It behaves alike a pendulum - doesn't quite relate to the road bumps but kind of cause by it. Any boby had the same experience?

    My van pulls to the right as well (has Firestone tires). I'll check the tire pressure in the morning.
  • rockycowrockycow Member Posts: 114
    I removed the front bumper from a friends ody and tried to beat out the dent with rubber mallet but we found that stomping on it with the foot was the best. The dent came out although on inspection one could see a ripple in the paint but it was good enough so that my friend didn't have to spend 750 for a new bumper. Bumper removal instructions are in the service manual.
    good luck
    rockycow
  • kidsbusdriverkidsbusdriver Member Posts: 2
    I own a 2001 EX with 10,000 miles on it. I took it in today because my brakes sound like they are grinding. The service guy told me the rotors were glazed and would need to be re-surfaced. I thought brakes and rotors should last longer than this! Has anyone else had this problem or know how long rotors should last before being re-surfaced?
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