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

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  • jasburton1jasburton1 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks! My squeaky brakes are exactly the same = primarily notice it backing out of my garage and lightly touching the brakes = very annoying, but I may have to live with it. I may check with the dealer here in Denver to see if they have any ideas = will let you know.

    I have not noticed the squeaks on the rear vents, but I don't use them much. Will check it out and let you know if I notice it.
  • markdfmarkdf Member Posts: 1
    I also had a vibration problem that was "solved" by Alloy wheels and Michelins on a 2000 LX. Now that I have around 20,000 miles on the tires, and even before now (they have been rotated at 7,500 intervals), the vibration has come back again.

    Have you noticed any increase in the vibration as the tires have worn? Have you rotated the tires?

    Thanks
  • rshinnrshinn Member Posts: 5
    My 00 Odyssey has 35K miles and the brakes are
    still going strong. Anyone recommend changing
    the pads as preventive maintenance before
    having to mess with the rotors etc? How many
    mile's are everybody getting on the original pads?
    Anyone recommend the extended warranty? So
    far ours (Delivery August 99) has been problem
    free. Thanks, look forward to other owners
    comments.
  • shuttsmeupshuttsmeup Member Posts: 3
    Whenever my brakes start to squeek a little on my Ody or any other vehicle I've ever owned, I either blow the dust out of the calipers/rotors with my leaf blower or I hose them off. It works every time.

    If you live in very dusty conditions (i.e. Denver) you might have to do this frequently, or learn to live with it.

    Also, just an observation about premature brake wear: from the way many people drive these days, I'm amazed when they get more than 15,000 miles from a set of pads - they like to go 50 mph between lights, remove foot from accelerator, and immediately jam on the brake 30 ft from the stop light.

    THANKS to the poster with the info about tightening lugs with an impact wrench cuasing warped rotors - that does make sense. Easy to catch too - should show up shortly after having wheels removed and replaced for brake work, tire work, etc.
  • felixdacat13felixdacat13 Member Posts: 25
    Ok, I'm going to bring this one up again.
    As we all know, the low fuel light comes on with a whole bunch of gas left in the tank. I average 5-6 gallons left when the light comes on.
    I have a 2001 EX which just had it's birthday this week. It runs great, I love it a whole lot, but that one problem can be so annoying.
    Has anyone found solution yet?
    I would be so happy if it could just come on with 2 gallons left.
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    I would be so happy if it could just come on with 2 gallons left.
    You and every Odyssey owner out there.
  • crkeehncrkeehn Member Posts: 513
    This has been discussed a number of times before. Simply stated, the problem is with the gas tank and the disappearing 3rd seat. In order to provide space for the seat well, Honda made the gas tank fairly shallow. Consequently the gas guage is a bit inaccurate. It is better to err with more gas as the fuel also acts as coolant for the fuel pump. If you check in your manual , they will most likely warn you about not letting the car run out of gas, it can damage the pump.
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    The last two vehicles that I owned plus the 7 company vehicles that have the low fuel warning light, comes on when the tank gets down to a quarter of a tank. It is simply a reminder to get fuel. Doen't like the light than don't let it get that low.
  • phil47phil47 Member Posts: 394
    I kinda like the fact it comes on early. The few times when I have run low enough for it to come on, I like the fact that I can wait until I have a convenient opportunity to fill up (sometimes a day or so later), rather than worrying how close the nearest gas station is on my current route...

    To each his own...
  • pat84pat84 Member Posts: 817
    I have a 99 ODY with a little over 59K miles on it. I replaced my front pads at 45K miles. It probably depends on how and where you drive as to how long they will last. I replaced them because my dealer said they were getting pretty close to warn out. I thought it wasn't worth the risk to not replace them.
  • steveparkssteveparks Member Posts: 4
    The drivers side door does not completely close. Everything is fine until the back part of the door is brought close to the finish closing it seems as if the door is turning off just a half an inch too soon so the rear part of the door pops out just enough too light the light. Pushing on the back part of the door latches the door. And makes the light go off. Is there a simple adjustment that can be done?

    Other than that the van has been trouble free for 57,000 miles.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    You can try cleaning the junction switches with a pencil erraser. Usally the closer motors problems are related to the junction switches. They have updated junction switches out that have a larger surface and more spring tension but not for sure where the good will type warranty would run out. I do know that most extended warranty companies do not cover it because they say the cleaning and sometimes adjusting procedures work also. Good luck
  • steveparkssteveparks Member Posts: 4
    Are the junction switches the numerous switches on the front part of the door and door frame. And is that something I could do myself, I was handy enough to install the transmission cooler myself.
  • selasela Member Posts: 5
    I am testing a one-owner '98 odyssey with 45,000 mi. It is priced at $15990, with a fairly decent trade-in on my Windstar. I would appreciate any comments. I do not want to take on this van if it has the potential transmission problems that the newer ody has. I do not think that it does, but please let me know. I have to decide by tomorrow. Thanks to all!!
  • crkeehncrkeehn Member Posts: 513
    Have you driven the van. The 98 is the old Accord based van and is smaller. In addition it had the reputation as an underpowered vehicle.

    Does it give you the space you need, it is quite a bit smaller than the newer Odyssey or Windstar. It may also be too slow for your purpose.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    yes thats them and you can clean them with a pencil erraser and see if that helps if not the adjustments are a little harder..
  • bamahondabamahonda Member Posts: 8
    I recently bought a 98 Ody for my daughter and her family. As crkeehn says the van is a much different car than the 99 forward models. It is considerably smaller but it has a strong reputation for reliability and did not have the transmission problems like the 99 and early 2000 models.

    Also, the 98 models included a significant horsepower boost from the previous years. It doen't have the power of the newer 6 cyl models but it seems adequate to me. I also own a 2000 ODY and have had the transmission replaced at 30,000 miles due to a defect in the reverse gear.
  • ladypilotladypilot Member Posts: 20
    I have a '98 Odyssey also and I find it to be underpowered ONLY if it's loaded up with 4 or more adults. When my husband and I travel with our two small children the van seems plenty peppy.

    It's also been very reliable with the exception of having several wheel sensors go bad (replaced under warranty). I think it would be a good purchase to make. Good luck.
  • lrlanderlrlander Member Posts: 3
    My 2000 Odyssey EX started dripping oil at about 14000 miles. After changing the oil pan twice, Honda then, at about 20000 miles, cited the engine block as being porous and replaced it using a short block. I have since found that this condition is not all that uncommon, and appears in an Accord using the same engine. Suggest all you Odyssey owners watch for oil puddles.
  • rajiv_kishorerajiv_kishore Member Posts: 2
    I bought a new 2002 Odyssey EX just a couple days ago. Even before I drove it off the lot, we noticed that the driver's side power sliding door stopped working - it shut off and then would not open. We tried opening it with both the key fob (remote) and with the switch on the dash but it just kept on giving three beeps . The sales person explained that this happens when the gas door is open. However, it was not open and he tried quite a few other things (including opening and shutting the gas door, sliding the door manually, and sliding the lock on the door) but the door would not open with the key fob and with the switch on the dash. So we took it to the service guys next morning. They were baffled also and said they will have to take the door apart to find and fix the problem. After several hours they fixed the door and told me it was a fuse that had blown out.

    The door worked yesterday but this morning it gave precisely the same problem. I try opening it and it gives three beeps and does not open. I will have to take it to the dealer again but I am now wondering if it is just a bad fuse blowing out or something more serious - a real design/manufacturing problem.

    So my question is this: Have any of you proud owners of the 2002 Odyssey EX or EX-L faced a similar kind of a problem on the driver's side power sliding door?

    Thanks for your replies in advance!
  • crkeehncrkeehn Member Posts: 513
    Fuses blow, that is a given. However if fuses continue to blow there has to be a reason for that. If the door fuse has blown again, you may need to have a discussion with the service manager and explain that they need to determine why the fuses are blowing.
  • mnorlandomnorlando Member Posts: 3
    Hello! I have an Odyssey EX 2000 and our driver's side power door has always been a problem. It does not close properly. We have to get out and manually shove the thing to a closed position (so that it won't beep) and then quickly reach in from the driver's door and lock the thing. Needless to say, we refrain from using this door. Otherwise, we LOVE our van! I'll try the pencil eraser trick and see if that works. My friend has a brand new Windstar, and it has been nothing but trouble.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    There is also an update to the junction switch available if you have not had them done yet. Check with the dealer and see if they know..Good luck
  • marcopolackmarcopolack Member Posts: 1
    Hi folks! My name is Mark and I own a 2000 Odyssey LX. (Kinda of sounds like an AA meeting, doesn't it?) I just discovered this site and have skimmed through a couple hundred recent postings. Since there doesn't appear to be a search function for the site, I was wondering if someone could kindly give me a summary of some issues that appear to have been discussed previously. If you don't want to reply to this site, feel free to email me directly at rockiandelvis@yahoo.com First, the EGR valve issue. I just had mine serviced at a local Honda dealer (Check Engine Light came on, etc., etc.). I know there's a service bulletin out on it, but has Honda really changed this from a 3year/36,000 mile warranty item to a 8/80K item? Are there other major issues about the EGR and CEL of which I should be aware? Second, has anyone else had or heard of other Odyssey owners having problems with discolored areas on the front brake discs (the rotors, not the pads)? My regular mechanic said it looked like scorch or burn marks. Third, my Odyssey also has a persistent low-frequency rumble/growl/chewing/grinding noise coming from the transmission, but the trans seems to operate normally. Is this typical? Seemed to be a lot of posts about this issue. Last, an enthusiastic recommendation for any Washington, DC area Honda owners of a GREAT repair shop, Motor Works in Rockville, Maryland. My wife and I have been taking our Hondas there for over 12 years. All they work on are Hondas and Acuras. I can't remember ever having to return to them because a repair wasn't done correctly. They are not cheap. But they're honest and do great work. This is one instance where you truly get what you pay for. Their mechanics go to Honda's Marysville, Ohio factory every year for training, etc. [I have no connection with these folks whatsoever, just a long-time satisfied customer.]
    Many thanks in advance for answers you folks can provide!
    -Mark
  • dave594dave594 Member Posts: 218
    My wife tells me that there is a recall on my '99 Ody. I didn't receive anything from Honda on this, as I have on the other recalls in the past. Does anyone know anything about this? Appreciate all responses. Thanks.
  • rockycowrockycow Member Posts: 114
    There is an ignition switch recall, you can check to see if your vehicle is involved by going to the honda owner link via http://www.honda.com You will need your vin number to register your vehicle. I do not believe Honda has mailed out notifications yet. I have a 99 Ody and the site says my vehicle is included in the recall.

    rockycow

    Please note: although this site provides info on this recall, the site maintenance is, IMHO, not very good. It still refers to SJ motor oil when the latest and greatest is SL motor oil and the oil change guidelines are last years and are not current and in harmony with the owners manual.
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    People who buy new vehicles and do not read the owners manual, should be shot. If you are trying to open the power door and it beeps three times, it is sending a code to you and telling you something. I know what it is, because I read the owners manual. I suggest you do the same.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Who reads manuals? Besides, half the time when I realize I should look something up, the van is across town with the manual in it. I'm always at the computer though. Cut us some slack or go pound on the saleman who should have known what 3 beeps meant.

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    Oh Please!!! When does the salesman ever describe everything in the manual. We are not in the 1950's you know. I read mine twice. I had to experiment with the climate control operations for the type of weather we get in Western, Pa. It also came in handy about the power door operation and many of the other features this van has to offer.I realy love it when people are trying to change a tire and they are running around with the manual trying to locate the jack, the spare tire and where the points are located to jack it up. About 10 years ago while I was on a trip, My wife took her new car in to the service dept. complaining that when ever she turned on the defrosters the A/C would also come on. DuHH!!!! I informed her that the manual described this as being a normal operation. I have been following this forum since the fall of 99 and there is some great info on it, but some of the questions could be easily answered if people would read there manuals first or at least look at the section they are having a problem with.
  • pat84pat84 Member Posts: 817
    Read the manual ? You mean about grade logic ? . Or the bag to put your dirty tire in if you need the donut spare ? How about turning the rear seat to face backwards and watch some event ? What does it mean if my TCS light is on ?
  • honda_autobahnhonda_autobahn Member Posts: 25
    Like many I've also noticed the low fuel light coming on with 5-6 gallons left, checked with the dealer and told that it was normal so I have my way of living with it. WHen the light comes on I rest my trip odometer (usually B cause I use A to see what gas mileage I am getting) and then I have a good idea of when I really need to fill up rather than running to the gas station right then or seeing it on empty for a couple of days and not knowing how far I've already gone. I'll go about 50 miles after the light comes on provided I don't have any extra weight in the back of the vehicle (the dealer told me it comes on early with only a driver cause it's calibrated for a full load - ok whatever).
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Telling someone to read the manual is good advice. Telling someone they should be shot for not reading it is not what Town Hall is about.

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • dz0d7fdz0d7f Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 ody with about 39,000 km on it.

    I notice that when i brake at speeds above say 50km I hear a clicking noise but at lower speeds I don't hear it.

    Anyone else notice the same thing?
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    Its all in my 2002 manual. The only thing Honda does not publicize is turning the rear seat backwards. To many morons would drive down the street with that seat in that position and the occupants would get injured and here comes the law suits.
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    . Telling someone they should be shot for not reading it is not what Town Hall is about.
    Your right Steve. I APOLOGIZE
  • jumaryjumary Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2002 Odyssey. I have 4 mysterious dings on the tailgate on either side of the "H" symbol. My family and I have been looking at other Odysseys for the same thing to see if there's reason to believe that the door has a problem in the design. We have seen dings in the same area on a couple of other vehicles. One owner saw my wife looking at the back end of her van and questioned if their was a problem. She explained our situation and the owner said that the dealership that sold her the van said that you must use the handle to open and close the rear door. We never heard that at the dealership that we bought ours from. Does anyone have the same problem? Did anyone hear the same advice about using the handle? Bill
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    It's a common problem with us Quest owners.

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    jumary:

    How did you open the tailgate without using the handle? mmm?

    Regrads,

    bjk
  • jetflyresqjetflyresq Member Posts: 5
    I have a 99' Odyssey EX with 50,000 miles. I have never drive off road. I use it strictly for highway and in town driving (normal driving conditions). Recently the van was shifting very roughly. Took it into the dealership and was told it needs a new transmission costing $5,500 (parts and labor). I find this to be ridiculous since the van is only three yers old, with only 50,000 miles (again, none of it off road). I have had all maintenance done at all suggested intervals. However, since the warranty ran out at 36,000 miles, I seem to be out of luck.

    Anyone knows of transmission problems with this model and the particular year? Also, any suggestions as to what I can do other than to foot the bill myself?

    Thanks in advance for any inputs and comments.
  • dodamadodama Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2002 Honda Odyssey LX with 5700 miles on it. I purchased this van in October of 2001. I took my van in today for service because of a rattle in the drivers side sliding door and poor gas mileage. They called to say they found the door problem and had corrected it. On the mileage issue they stated that Honda does not consider a vehicle "broken in" until it reaches at least 10,000 miles. When we first purchased the vehicle it was getting 12-14 mpg. This has only gotten worse. They told me that Honda won't even consider a fuel consumption test until the vehicle reaches 10,000 miles. I complained and they agreed to do the test but of course I have to pay for the gas needed to do the test.

    A few things to note... I drive mostly in town taking kids to and from places. I have driven it on the highway last Nov. for a 5 hour trip with no problems, getting about 17 mpg. I wait until the gas light comes on before I fuel up, sometimes waiting for it to stay on for a day or more before fueling up since it seems to come on early. I always tighten the gas cap down until it clicks.

    What can I do if they refuse to address this issue based on this 10,000 mile break in period they are quoting to me? The minimum on the sticker was 15 mpg. I think 10 mpg is unreasonably low and that something should be done.
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    I suggest you call customer service and the local zone rep and anyone else that will listen and read them the riot act. Remember the noisiest bearing gets the oil. People on this forum have also complained and have gotten the bill down to about $1200. Go back a few months on this forum and you will find others who have 99's with transmission problems and what they did.
  • jetflyresqjetflyresq Member Posts: 5
    Thanks, dchopp, for the suggestions. I did read the previous posts and also visited the www.autofan.com site and find the posts there informative as well. Will see to it that Honda picks up all or most of the cost. Then it's time to trade it in or sell it for a more reliable van.
  • chet7chet7 Member Posts: 13
    My 2000 LX also has several dings on either side of the "H", between the rear window and the taillights. At first, I thought it must have been from pushing there when we close the tailgate, except that my wife and I never do that--we always use the inside handle. Then I started looking at other Odysseys and noticed that some (not all) also have the same dings. Now I'm sure it's a design flaw/quirk with the Odyssey tailgate.

    I haven't even tried to bring it up with my dealer because I know they would claim it was my fault.
  • dave594dave594 Member Posts: 218
    Do anyone of these people with the dings by chance open their hatches inside the garage? I noticed that mine comes pretty close to the garage door with that happens, and pay special attention to open it very gently. That part of the hatch would seem to be the high point of the door when opened upwards. Just a thought.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    There are so many things that affect gas mileage:

    current mileage
    driving habits
    weather
    traffic
    short trips/long trips
    how you calculate mpg
    oxygenated fuels
    et al.

    It won't hurt to wait until 10K miles to see if it improves.

    Your driving habits of mainly short trips around town will lead to low fuel economy. Our 00 EX with about 25K will get about 15-16 mpg if we strictly do suburban mommy/daddy driving. We get about 19-20 if I take it to work which adds some highway driving. Absolute best I've gotten is 22 mpg on a weeklong vacation which was 300 miles each way with little in between driving.

    If you de/accelerate quickly, it'll affect mileage. Is oxygenated fuel required year round where you live? That'll reduce mpg.

    Also, the estimate on the window sticker is what the EPA says it should get on their computerized test - it is based on almost optimal conditions.

    Good Luck.
  • dodamadodama Member Posts: 2
    Thanks robr2 for the input. You made some great points. I guess I'm just ticked because my old Windstar got at least 14-15 mpg in town. I live in southeast Texas - very near the Gulf coast. I have been using only the "super plus" fuel in the van.

    I guess at this point I'm not very happy with my Odyssey. If this is the kind of mileage I can expect, I don't think I'll be keeping it for very long. Waiting until it gets to 10k is going to take me another 7-8 months since most of my driving is around town. I'm not sure I want to wait that long or spend that much on gas only to have Honda give me some other song and dance.

    At this point I'm just curious if there are other 2002 Odyssey owners here that could tell me what kind of mileage they are getting?
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Why are you using super plus? Doesn't the manual suggest using regular 87 octane? My understanding is that premium used in a vehicle designed for 87 octane doesn't improve performance or mpg.
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    It don't save fuel, it runs hotter and doesn't get as good of gas mileage plus it also leaves more carbon deposits in the engine. You may find you get a little better mileage with 87
  • slockoslocko Member Posts: 111
    agreed. use regular.
  • dchoppdchopp Member Posts: 256
    Use the higher octane (89) Burns cleaner and less deposits in the long run.
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