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

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Comments

  • scottypottyscottypotty Member Posts: 1
    It may be a strut cover that rubs during a turn. I get the same sound on occasion on my 2000 EX.
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    4grand
    Your welcome, glad to be of help.

    gfawkesnew

    You may want to try and clean the contacts on the door junction switches. They get dirty and sometimes do not make a good comtact.Use a pencil erraser to clean them up and see what happens.Good luck
  • gmsmellsgmsmells Member Posts: 2
    Two month old 2001EX, I really like it,lots of room, rides nice, handles well. Problem is the air: it didn't work. Took it into the shop and they couldn't find anything wrong, charged again and worked... for a few days. Took it back in and then they said it needed a new hose, fine just fix it... five days later the hose came in and was replaced and recharge and worked.... for a few days. Taking it back in tomorrow and hope the 3rd time is a charm. Anyone have similar problem.
    Thanks Bill
  • johnnyrfjohnnyrf Member Posts: 65
    I know I've seen it here before..... Can somebody please point me to the dealer that I can buy the Honda ext. warranty for $795???
  • murphyb74murphyb74 Member Posts: 4
    Does anyone here have experience with third party extended warranties? I have been looking at "Warranty Direct" and "1SourceAutoWarranty". They both look good and are several hundred $ cheaper than Honda's extended warranty.
  • tim8tim8 Member Posts: 3
    Has anyone had their transmission replaced and did Honda provide an extended warranty(beyond the 3yr./36,00)? If so, what were the terms of the extended warranty. I had my transmission replaced and I am negotiating for an extended warranty.
  • larcklarck Member Posts: 22
    Looking at Odysseys. Sounds like they are pretty much junk. Opinions?
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    I don't think they are junk at all but rather a product that was rushed out to market without having some issues/bugs properly taken care of. Ditto for Toyota's Sienna which seems to be another problematic minivan.

    Honda had to come up with a competitive minivan 'El Quicko' as the old Japanese sourced Odyssey was losing ground in the sales territory. The product of such 'desperation' was the current Odyssey which again is a fantastic van and concept but it has somehow fail short in the quality control dept.

    I am still surprised that after 2 years, Honda is somehow still struggling to make this van more reliable. Anyway, I hope Honda keeps improving this fine van and finally tackle the remaining quality issues.
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    My wife and I each own a vehicle. We sell/trade one of them each year so we are getting a new vehicle every year. Been married for over 20 years. Our first van, and our first Honda. It is also the first vehicle in over 20 years that has NOT been back to the dealers for repairs except oil change. That is the kind of junk I like.
  • ztzzztzz Member Posts: 16
    IMHO - I guess its the kind of "junk" the consumers wants to buy. That's why a lot of Honda dealers are charging premiums or at least MSRP on Odysseys in order to sell them while DC and GM has to offer tons of incentives (like low interest financing, cash back rebates, etc.) to sell their minivans.
  • c8userc8user Member Posts: 12
    Still looking at Odyssey's? Thought you were going to sell your 2000 LX Odyssey Junker?

    Honda may be slow in getting it right, but they've got Toyota beat.
  • doepeldoepel Member Posts: 20
    Has anyone had a problem with either the passenger side front door or the slider creaking when either starting from a stop, or when coming to a stop. If so which door was it and how was it resolved? I've lubricated the seals to no avail.

    I can't tell which door is making the noise. It almost seems to come from the pillar separating the two.

    The dealer has thus far been unable to fix it either.
  • larcklarck Member Posts: 22
    I think I agree with all of you, but it seems TOE had a valid point. Probably rushed a little in the design and engineering in order to get to market. Is it definitely better than the Chrysler, Toyota or Ford? Yes as far as the Ford Windstar is concerned, it's a push when compared to the others. Do you think the 2002 model has the bugs ironed out? When spending money on any vehicle, it seems to be a throw of the dice.
  • ecarmackecarmack Member Posts: 161
    I love these forums. I was going to ask if any one had this problem, but I see it was discussed a few posts back. I noticed mine yesterday right where the washer nozzle is. I did not think there was any way it could have gotten hit and after seeing the other posts it must just be a weak spot where the hole is. I am calling tomorrow to get a new one ordered.

    I have had the van for about 8 months now and I am very happy with it. I almost bought a Sienna, but the size and versatility of the Odyssey won out. One of my pet peeves though, I also have a 99 Accord and I do think the sheet metal on all Hondas could be thicker. I see too many Hondas with severely dinged or wavy sheet metal.
  • captevanscaptevans Member Posts: 14
    While I was on vacation, my father-in law, who was driving the van, reported the check engine light was on -- presumably because it wants its 7500 mile check up? Yes?

    More importantly, van is dead -- just totally dead -- so can I assume interior lights were left on and just jump start it as one would any car? I tried to jump start it yesterday and as soon as i attached the negative cable to the grounding wire in the minivan the horn blared...

    Do I call AAA or a towtruck back to the dealer?

    Thanks,

    captevans
  • volmaxvolmax Member Posts: 8
    I have a 2000 EX and have also noticed the side front door or the slider creaking noise. The noise seems to be more pronounced in hot weather. I very rarely hear it during the winter months. I have not been able to isolate the source of the problem and have not asked the dealer to look at it. I didn't feel the noise was loud enough or persistent enough that the dealer would acknowledge the problem. I wish I had a solution to this one! It can be very annoying at times.
  • ecarmackecarmack Member Posts: 161
    My son likes to push on the interior lights and we did not catch it one night and ended up with a dead battery. The horn did not sound when I jumped it. Because of the dead battery, you will also need to enter the stereo security code to get it to work again.

    Regarding the cracked spoiler, my dealer also said there was a backorder with no estimated delivery time, but this is the first one he has dealt with. The part costs $50.80 and probably three times that for labor, but the warranty should cover it. If the dealer puts my VIN on the order, it can be marked urgent and possibly get in faster.
  • maxbustermaxbuster Member Posts: 13
    my dealer got one in one week after telling me about backorder. Parts & Labor under warrranty.
  • chet7chet7 Member Posts: 13
    My 2000 LX also had the creaking noise in the passenger/slider door area. As best I could ever tell, it was coming from the upper/forward area of the slider, but I never pinpointed it for sure. It would only happen occasionally, and I could never establish a predictable pattern. It eventually went away on its own has hasn't been back.

    As best I can remember...

    Took delivery in Nov '99. First noticed the creak about Jan/Feb '00. Creak went away about April '00. It returned briefly once last Fall. Haven't heard it since. Hope it stays away.

    Like volmax, I never thought it was persistent enough where the dealer would/could do anything.

    Wish I could give you some more useful information.
  • mojo66mojo66 Member Posts: 83
    Is he sure it was 'CHECK ENGINE' light? The indicator for 7.500 mi. service is 'MAINT REQ'D'.
  • mojo66mojo66 Member Posts: 83
    Probably wouldn't have noticed it for some time had I not read about it here---a hairline crack directly below the washer nozzle on the rear spoiler. I guess I'll order a new one, but if Honda hasn't redesigned the piece, it's probably going to crack again......

    BTW, how many of us out there having center brake light problems and not aware of it? There isn't a day that goes by that I don't see at least one Odyssey with the center brake light out. From the owners I've notified, there is NO indication on the dash that a brake light is out, same condition as mine. Decided to leave it for the dealer service tomorrow.....

    If we just happen to see a redesigned spoiler piece on the '02 Ody and Honda calls it a cosmetic update, they're lying. ;-)
  • jsambatjsambat Member Posts: 4
    Every now and then the door alarm goes on even though all doors are properly closed.
    Also, there are times when the passenger sliding door does not close properly, have to push it
    a few times.
    Solution is I turn off the sliding door switch to stop the alarm.
    Also, I average about 16 mpg on a 50/50 driving which I feel is bad....
    Other than that my 00 EX is doing good.
  • icatotsicatots Member Posts: 3
    I just visited the dealership where I purchased my 01/EX odyssey over the weekend. After they have checked the crack, the guy from the service dept. told me that they will replace it for free since this still under warranty. unfortunately they have to order it and they will let me know in a week or two and setup an appointment. I hope this will help to those have same kind of problem. GOOD LUCK !!!
  • cnybrocnybro Member Posts: 29
    I've been pretty happy with my 2000 LX, except for the doors. They stick so bad that I have to put my 200+ lbs behind it to open the darn doors! My wife and kids can't open them! Also, the hardware/rollers on the doors make a horrible grinding noise during operation. Now last week, the passenger side sliding door handle came off in my hand! I figure it's from all the extra pressure I've had to put on the door to open it. Very sloppy design. Chrylser, heck everyone, has Honda beat on a sliding door design - and I've used them all.

    Taking it to the dealer and will report back.

    Oh, I also have a vibration at 75 mph. Hopefully, I can get the free alloys like the other fellow got, but most likely not. We'll see...
  • masshoosiermasshoosier Member Posts: 70
    Had that problem too about a year and a half back. Dealer put a heavy duty slip tape on the offending seals and they have worked great ever since. Never had the grinding noise though.
  • skubesskubes Member Posts: 19
    The slip tape by dealer didn't work on my LX doors. I bought a cheap can of silicon spray, used it once on all areas of the doors and they've never stuck again in 2 years.
  • gfawkesnewgfawkesnew Member Posts: 4
    I have the same problem with the doors and am taking in for my '01s first servicing. I will post what Honda says.
  • mschafermschafer Member Posts: 317
    Clean the contacts on the multipinned connector on the leading edge of the door and its mate on the door pillar. Use a soft pencil erasor, alcohol or (best) a commercial electronic contact cleaner. Do it to both sides of the car.

    I had the problem when I first got my 99 Ody. The dealer had no idea about what to do. I cleaned with alcohol on a Q-Tip and the problem disappeared. It just came back again at 96k miles. Same symptoms = doors closed, alarm when put in gear, shut it off with the dash switch.

    Cleaned this time with a commercial contact cleaner. Problem gone.

    Btw, this is so common that I'm sure the dealers know what to do now.
  • jptljptl Member Posts: 8
    I noticed the "Bang" in reverse after only 1000 miles or so ('00).
    After scrolling through 800+ "Odyssey Problems", it appears that there are two types of 'reverse noises.' To clarify, the bang that occurs is AFTER the transmission has been engaged into reverse, and the vehicle has moved for 40 feet or so. It is not the "clunk" that some people report while engaging into reverse. My wife and I have always set the parking brake PRIOR to shifting from drive to park, and, when starting out, selected the gear from park PRIOR to releasing the parking brake. We haven't experienced the 'clunk' when doing this like some other posters.
    What we have experienced is a loud metallic bang that reverberates throughout the drive train. It occurs with mild or moderate acceleration in reverse, without absolute predictibility. Those of you familiar with this, know what I'm describing. This is no sloshing of the gas tank'! It's like the transaxle hitting a metal tool box. You can hear it outside the car! Passengers say "What on earth was that?" There is a problem with my transmission. I have determined that.
    The reason for my post is:
    I have met with the service tech @ the dealership (here in Bethesda, MD). He admits his knowledge of the problem, IN FACT, he had the same problem with his '00 and had a new trans. installed. He says that I can get a new trans., but I have to have the problem "present". Those of you who have had trans. replacements as a result of this problem, WHAT DID YOU DO TO HAVE THE PROBLEM 'PRESENT'? It seems to be somewhat sporadic, with occurrences mostly after backing for about 30/40 feet in reverse, while turning the wheels slightly. I don't want to take a day off, and waste the tech & my time if I can't make the bugger "present".
    Also, any TSBs describing this?
    Those of you with extensive technical knowledge, what the #$%& is this, and what will it do to the trans. if left unattended?
    I hate to break open a 'virgin' engine, but I'm really nervous about this tranny going out two weeks after our warranty is over.
    Also, is there any kind of warranty with the new unit once installed beyond the original 3 yr. 36k?
    Your help/input would be greatly appreciated. I'm not very familiar with this forum, so I don't know if my mail is available... so here it is:
    JPGOAC@aol.com
    Thanks!
  • mojo66mojo66 Member Posts: 83
    Got our '01 EX back from the dealer yesterday after 7,500 mi. service. I notified them about the problem with the center brake light being out (w/ no indication on dash). While the service rep was writing the order he asked if the spoiler had recently been replaced due to cracks, thinking the wiring harness might not have been reconnected!!!! I guess they're aware of the spoiler problem, eh? I told him it had not been replaced but was cracked and I was going to inquire about getting it replaced. He ordered a new spoiler (on backorder, due in to the dealer in two weeks, covered under warranty).

    The brake light was replaced and the mechanic indicated the reason it wasn't showing up on the dash was because the bulb had grounded out. (the indicator worked fine with the bulb out).
  • amarmistryamarmistry Member Posts: 15
    200 Odyssey EX.

    It all begun with this. While starting the van one evening from work, I put it in Reverse, door buzzing noice started. It kept going on and on in any gear position except Park. As soon as I turn the power switch of, the noise stops. Occassionaly, the problem seemed to cure itself just the way it appeared. Few days later, the same problem. I had dealer looked at it, and they could not figure out anything. Few more weeks passed, right side sliding door jammed. It won't work in power mode from outside, inside or with hremote. I had to operate doors manually. I took it to the dealer again and they said they could not figure out anythign in one day so I had to leave it there for two days or so. I did not do it, but then few days later, the door started working and buzzing noise problem seemed to have reappear and gone. I am sure it will reappear in few days.

    Friends, any ideas why is this happening? Did anyone have this problem with their Ody and got it fixed? This is very annoying... Pl. help.
  • pudelhopudelho Member Posts: 1
    Just wanted to update everyone that Honda was nice enough to buy the van back from me under the Illinois Lemon Law. I had problems with the passenger sliding door not working properly and the alarm would go off whenever it felt like it. I had the dealer try several times to fix it with no success. My advice to those with the same problems is that Honda is not quite sure how to fix them. This should not be a "comon problem" as suggested in a previous posting. Good luck to those with these problems, hope you have a long warranty!
    One more comment - just noticed that the power windows would work even when the keys are not in the ignition and the doors are locked. I think there are electrical demons in the van!
  • mschafermschafer Member Posts: 317
    See my Post #880.
  • amarmistryamarmistry Member Posts: 15
    Apologies for too many spelling error in earlier posts :)

    Anyway, my dealer did clean the sensors or those metal heads on the door and the van body but it did not seem to have worked. Also, the power door does not always bounce back in last one foot of its way in shutting. This is Dangerous, especially with my 3yrs old around. Does anyone have similar problem? If so, how was it resolved?
  • stillooking2stillooking2 Member Posts: 1
    Took the plunge in December 2000 on a 2001EX. Live the van, but my passenger side door is only closing about 30% of the time now. It gets about 99% closed but won't make the final latch. The only way to close it is by pressing the close button by the speedometer.

    Any suggestions??
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    The dealers should be aware of the service bulletins that are out for these van doors.There is one that came out in march or april that replaced an older version that now offers updated junction switches and more detailed adjustment procedures as well as ground improvements.If the bulletin is followed as outlined the doors are fixed. But as has been said they do need to be cleaned as time goes by...
  • gfawkesnewgfawkesnew Member Posts: 4
    I just took in my '01 for it's first service at 3000mi/5000km, which is basically a very expensive oil change. Here are the resolutions of the problems I reported from day 1 ownership.

    1. Sliding door buzz (as I mentioned in an earlier post). According to the service invoice, the left junction switch was adjusted and cleaned with cleaner. I'll let you know if problem reappears. They admitted to seeing this before.

    2. Honda emblems on alloy wheels corroded and coming off. These are the 4 disks in the center of the mags. Honda replaced all four. They had seen this problem before and attributed it to the glue.

    3. Rear rubber hatch seal cracked. There is a large weep hole in the hatch gasket near the latch point. It's the only large hole in the gasket. Mine had a crack. I don't know if my wife dragged something across it or it cracked from fatigue, but Honda replaced gasked no questions asked. They had not seen it before.

    4. Drivers seat squeaks. Honda lubed the seat latch and linkages. Problem disappeared. They had this problem with other Odys.

    5. Scratch on bumper. While not a problem (my wife hit our garbage cans), Honda buffed the scratches out for free.

    Kudos to Pacific Honda in North Vancouver, BC. for the friendly service and no hastle or debate about any of the above. I was ready to hit them with the research on edmunds.
  • fried2fried2 Member Posts: 13
    Have a '99 Odyssey. Wife is complaining about chips in the hood. Would appreciate any recommendations on bug deflectors, esp those that are no drill and no known noise issues. Thanks.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I am using the one from Macneil (www.mats.com). I goes on with adhesive tape or screws. I will say, I have had it for over a year just using the tape and am reattaching it for the second time. The adhesive doesn't seem to hold when it gets cold, so I may be using the screws this time.

    But the price was right.

    Good Luck.
  • luder01mkhluder01mkh Member Posts: 2
    Hi all...am new to this forum and have been checking out this site before purchasing my Ody.
    Love the van except it's been pulling to the right since we got it 2 wks ago. Had it in the shop last week...tires rotated, pressure checked and had the alignment tow fixed...mech said it was just slightly off. My husband took it on the highway today and it's still pulling. I know that there are several ppl that had this same problem and have been trying to find them on this site...but aren't having much luck. If you're out there and have advice I would love to hear it. Oh the van was just manuf May 2001 (thought that all previous kinks would have been fixed at the plant by then). Pls let me know. Thx.
  • ca12394ca12394 Member Posts: 4
    In response to post #892, I just took delivery of my LX last week and noticed this problem right away. A mechanic test drove it and agreed there is a problem. He also said there is a TSB on this. Have booked an appt next week to fix it. The dealer mentioned something about having to remove the subframe or sth like that. Will let you know next week how it goes.

    While I admit that the overall design is very good and clever, I am also dismayed by the lack of quality that's apparent from all the posting.

    HONDA - WAKE UP AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, OR THIS WILL BE MY LAST HONDA! (I have been driving Toyota for the past ten years, but decided against the Sienna for various reasons)

    Question: has anyone installed/researched a sonar reverse system? I very much want to install one, and so far have come up with one that comes with only two sensors. This means that the coverage area does not include the sides.
  • netbid99netbid99 Member Posts: 6
    I took delivery three months ago...NO pulling to the right ... NO pulling to the left ...
  • rictomrictom Member Posts: 89
    I think I read here that it has something to do with the strut(s). As post 893 said there is a tsb--and I hope whatever the fix is works for him.
    I have a 2000lx still under warranty about 4500miles now, never had the pulling, had the vibration at 75mph- and it was solved by getting the alloy rims and Michelins from the dealer at no charge (yes I was shocked and impressed and posted that story a few weeks ago). The difference is significant. Rides better, quieter, control feels better- so smooth I'm hitting 70 a lot before I notice.
    Can't tell how much are the alloys and how much are the michelin symmetry's (the service manager even commented on the different tread desing between the Firestones and the Michelins-) but I'm satisfied--and I know I was lucky getting the alloys/tires without a hassle.... we'll see how I get treated when the warranty expires...
  • dian2dian2 Member Posts: 11
    anyone notice the black plastic on the ouside of the bottom front window warping? Mine is coming away from the window in several places.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    For more information about reverse warning systems, please have a look at the existing Reverse warning systems discussion topic in the Aftermarket & Accessories message board.


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • rogerberkowitzrogerberkowitz Member Posts: 31
    Ok, I have to chime in on this discussion. My Odyssey must be the exception. It's a 99 EX with 24,000 miles on it. Our experience:

    NO pulling to the right.

    NO gas sloshing noises

    NO transmission clunk

    NO power door problems whatsoever

    NO clicking brakes

    NO defective gas gauge readings

    Did I miss any of the biggies? The biggest concern I had with this van was the thin sheet metal, which used to be common thread on these boards, but there hasnt been much talk about that lately. Overall, this has been a problem free two years (knock on wood!)
  • crkeehncrkeehn Member Posts: 513
    Roger, you have received a defective Odyssey. Bring it to the dealer immediately ;-D
  • marya2marya2 Member Posts: 2
    I notice that my '01 Odyssey knocks when reversing, has anyone else experience this? I haven't had a chance to bring it back to my dealer. Also I cannot find seat covers for the seats with arms, I guess they are called captain chairs? .. Does anyone know of an on-line store where I can buy seat covers to protect the seats from my kids?! Thank you.
  • tim8tim8 Member Posts: 3
    You have described a transmission sound/problem that I had. My problem started with a clunk sound when traveling in reverse. Later, the sound was the sound that you described. The sounds occurred after shifting into reverse and traveling in reverse. The Honda mechanic heard the sound upon my second trip to the dealer. The dealer replaced my transmission. You should try to negotiate an extension of the warranty as I am similarly negotiating. Good luck.
  • bjk2001bjk2001 Member Posts: 358
    Have you tried www.jcwhitney.com? They showed different seat covers for Odyssey front rear and 3rd row becnch seat. About $100.00 per set. Website pictures show arms with lower back bucket. Probably you need to call them to make sure it is what you want. Let me know what you find out. I am looking to get some once I get my Ody.
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