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Honda Odyssey: Problems & Solutions (2005+ Models)

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Comments

  • rooroo Member Posts: 2
    I was able to obtain good radio reception by installing a "universal mount" aftermarket antenna from a NAPA auto parts store. I drilled a 1 inch hole in the left front fender per directions and finished mounting without damaging the car. I primed and painted the hole edge and sealed up the area with silcone calk when done. The drilling was difficult to control and as an alternative there are hole punching devices available that cut a hole after drilling a pilot hole and attaching a die on one side and cutter on the other. I have an aftermarket Eclipse radio/CD player with a standard female receptacle for plugging in the male antenna lead so attachment of the attenna to the radio was straightforward for me. The factory Honda radio has a three pin antenna connection which would require adapting to the male antenna lead. I'm not sure how that would be done.
  • hound97hound97 Member Posts: 22
    Feedback from deal on noise is that the issue has something to so with how air is pulled into the engine at that RPM range. The sound is not abnormal and is in fact a characteristic of this vehicle, but it is still really annoying. Odyssey owners unite!! if we complain enough maybe Honda will provide a fix.

    Also had my power steering pump and reservoir replaced, but still having some issues.

    I have to say Honda service has been wonderful, but I still feel a bit let down by the Honda brand. I bought this vehicle thinking it would operate trouble free for a long, long time unlike other vehicles I've owned from GM and Nissan. Is there such thing as a problem free vehicle? I guess not unless you can afford a Lexus.
  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    "The sound is not abnormal and is in fact a characteristic of this vehicle, but it is still really annoying."

    Interesting. We've had an '05 EX-L for a year and more than 20k miles. I've not noticed this 'really annoying' noise. And we typically don't have the radio on to mask any sounds the vehicle is making.

    Either the sound is NOT a characteristic of the vehicle (meaning some have it and some don't) OR it isn't quite as 'annoying' as some have noted.
  • rob123rob123 Member Posts: 21
    It is very annoying.
  • khoakhoa Member Posts: 64
    Feedback from deal on noise is that the issue has something to so with how air is pulled into the engine at that RPM range

    Sounds like BS-ing if you ask me. For one, I've never heard of such thing because this is loud, doesn't happen at idle at the same RPM, and there is no way air can cause that much vibration to the steering column and gas & brake pedals.
  • chalupnychalupny Member Posts: 39
    We've had our new 06 EX-L for just under 2 weeks now. Did our first gas fill-up last night and it looks like my wife is getting about 18.5 mpg just driving it around town - haven't really done any highway driving with it yet - nothing over 10 to 20 miles at a time on the highway. Have noticed the noise the ABS check makes when you start the car back out and then put in drive - no big deal. Have not experienced any of the other humming or booming noises described by others.
  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    "It is very annoying."

    I don't doubt that it is.

    What I question however is whether or not it is a characteristic. Apparently, a number of us don't have this issue. If it were a characteristic, wouldn't it be present in virtually EVERY Ody?
  • djm2djm2 Member Posts: 712
    Since I am interested in purchasing this vehicle, I did a search on the "net" for this problem. I came up with the following information.

    The problem could be a bearing issue in the front and / or rear wheels.

    PROBLEM DESCRIPTION:
    An indication that the Honda wheel bearing is failing is that you will hear a humming noise that increases with the speed of the car, and will progressively get louder as the vehicle speed increases.
    If a Honda front wheel bearing has failed, you will be able to tell which Honda bearing has failed by listening to how loud the bearing noise is as you turn the car from right to left.
    If you turn the car to the right, and the noise gets louder, the left front wheel bearing is bad. The opposite is also true, if you turn the car to the left, and the noise is more pronounced, the right front wheel bearing is bad.
    In the case of the Odyssey, there could also be a issue with the rear wheel bearings, and since the vehicle is basically a large box, this noise is being amplified within the passenger compartment. I would have the selling dealer check the wheel bearings on these vehicles! ----Best regards. ----Dwayne ;)
  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    "...and will progressively get louder as the vehicle speed increases."

    Yep. That's true of a bearing going out.

    But I thought the humming noise being reported was a noise that only appeared over a fairly small rpm range (in other words, it went away once the vehicle speed got above that range)?
  • rob123rob123 Member Posts: 21
    I don't think its all the odysseys.This is my third odyssey
    and the best except the groning.
    I hope they can fix it and I will be a happy owner.
  • fballardfballard Member Posts: 9
    I recently had to replace a busted tail light lense and found that some Honda dealers charge for only 30 minutes labor while another Honda dealer charges for one hour. Quiet a difference for someone to take out 4 screws - pull out the unit and replace with the new one - approximately 10 to 20 minutes actual time needed. It pays to shop around. I love my Odyssey!!! No complaints.
  • arvi1arvi1 Member Posts: 2
    I completely understand how annoying it is when you are expecting a smooth ride in a brand new Odyssey because I have the same problem. It is more in vibrations than in noise. Here is my story.

    I have a 2005 Odyssey. The steering wheel vibrates at about 1500 RPM and the vibrations are more prominent in the top gear when you go at 50mph. I took it to the dealer and he said it is normal and he even rode with me in a new 2006 Odyssey which also showed some vibrations at 50 mph (1500rpm) but not as strong as mine. Then he suggested me to contact Honda directly which I did. Honda has told me to take it to a different dealer to get a second opinion and offered that a Honda Customer Rep will accompany me. I haven't been able to do that since I have to take a day off to go to a different city. I will post what happens when I do that.
  • ac2000ac2000 Member Posts: 36
    same story with mine. I had both vibration (~1500, ~2100, and ~2500 rpm) and humming noise (~2100 rpm). I just had the A-pipe replaced and the humming noise is reduced to an acceptable level but the steering wheel (plus gas and break pedals) vibration is getting worse. I will take my car in next week (the 10th visit to dealer). I will ask them to replace the rear engine mount if possible...don't know if that's the root cause of the vibration though.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,186
    at 50 MPH, it really shouldn't be in top gear already, basically lugging at 1,500 RPM. They are rogrammed that way to maximize the EPA ratings. Any car will generate more vibration if you lug it (try driving a stick sometime!).

    One thing you can do is hit the O/D off button on the shifter. That should jump the RPMs up to ~2K, which might cure your problem!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • fred222fred222 Member Posts: 200
    Feedback from deal on noise is that the issue has something to so with how air is pulled into the engine at that RPM range. The sound is not abnormal and is in fact a characteristic of this vehicle, but it is still really annoying. Odyssey owners unite!! if we complain enough maybe Honda will provide a fix.
    This is interesting because I have installed a K&N air filter in my 2006 EX-L. That could impact how air is pulled into the vehicle, if that has anything to do with the problem. Maybe someone else should try a different air filter?
  • khoakhoa Member Posts: 64
    . If it were a characteristic, wouldn't it be present in virtually EVERY Ody?

    Any one with an ounce of intelligence would conclude the same thing. I drove 3 other Odys, none of which has the same problem as mine. And they tell me it's "normal" ... such crap.

    I can deal with the noise - I also own a 99' Ody so believe me, I have high tolerance for noise. I just can't stand the vibration.
  • pnumatapnumata Member Posts: 1
    My 2006 EX-L with 2000 miles has been making a "clunk" noise/vibration that I hear/feel through the brake or accelerator (wherever my foot is at the moment). I've had it in to the dealer three times now, and I was initially told that since they couldn't replicate it, they couldn't help me.

    This last trip (yesterday) I drove the technician to my house where I parked the van and let it cool for about ten minutes. We got back in with him driving, he started it up, and just as it does every time I drive away from the curb, it made the "clunk". He said, "Hmm. I heard that. Let me back up and do it again." He replicated the noise three times. He said he never felt it, though, but I think it's because he was wearing work boots.

    Fast forward three hours to when the service manager called me to come get the car: he assured me that the technician had put a call in to Honda engineering and would wait for a reply from them about whether there was anything "on the books" about this matter, but he also told me that the technician had driven around several other cars on the lot and ALL of them did the same thing at about the same point in the drive. His position has been, and continues to be, that this is probably a "normal" noise that all Honda vehicles make and I'll have to live with it.

    As I'm a youngish woman and he's an older man, there also seems to be an element of "humor the hysterical female" in this treatment of me, so I was thrilled beyond measure when the technician actually heard the noise.

    It didn't occur to me until now to just do a little research myself.

    So, Honda Odyssey owners, does your new van make a clunk noise and vibration in the brake and/or accelerator as you put it in drive and move forward? (Mine does it at about the half-a-block down the road point.)

    paige
  • baljitpuribaljitpuri Member Posts: 5
    I had posted my problem with the battery losing power after my 2006 Odyssey was sitting in garage for three weeks.The dealer said it is due to power drawn by high tech.electronics and suggested I remove the negative terminal whenever I go on vacation.This is not a practical solution.I had my vehicle for 24 hours at the dealer and he could not find anything wrong and reiterated that I remove the negative terminal.
    Moreover, I cannot find my original message on Edmund Forum. Where is this gone?
    Thanks,

    Baljit S. Puri
  • fred222fred222 Member Posts: 200
    had posted my problem with the battery losing power after my 2006 Odyssey was sitting in garage for three weeks
    We have a 2006 EX-L that is 6 months old and has 1900 miles on it, with 1000 miles on one trip in October. I do not know if our Odyssey has sat for three weeks straight without running, but it does not get much use and has sat for two weeks without running. It is not good for vehicles not running frequently. Also, the Odyssey has many power features which can really suck the power. Power doors, heated seats, heated mirrors etc. Most people do not realize that the electrical system, especially in the winter time, is over taxed if you do not give the vehicle a good run to recharge. Short trips with all of the accessories on and using the power doors will not allow the battery to recharge. If your battery is already low and then you let it sit for three weeks, the battery may well die. I still do not think that it should happen though.
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    pnumata,

    My 05 Odys makes a small scratchy sound every time I put it in gear and move forward. It is a slight sound created by ABS/Traction self-checking routine. I do not know if this is the one that you're experiencing on your vehicle. Hope that is it. My older GM van actually makes a lot louder noise (solenoid cycling) and pulsating the brake pedal a bit as soon as I turn on Ignition.

    jt
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,648
    The alternator should be sized large enough that it maintains amps output even with all the accessories on. Only the time spent driving might cause a compounding of drain from short trips.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    this comes up from time to time. as you first drive, the ABS system does perform a self check. some people don't even feel it, and others do.

    there is actually a TSB (technical service bulletin) your dealer can pull up regarding a procedure they can perform with you in the vehicle to manually trigger the ABS self-check. this will help you regain confidence in your vehicle - to associate what you feel with the one-time check each start cycle.
  • fred222fred222 Member Posts: 200
    The alternator should be sized large enough that it maintains amps output even with all the accessories on. Only the time spent driving might cause a compounding of drain from short trips
    I agree, but in the winter on short trips, the electrical system will be pushed. Every time you start the vehicle a huge amount of energy is used by the starter which must be replaced. If all of the accessories are on, it will take longer to re-charge the battery.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,648
    If the alternator has been sized properly it should handle maintaining the current high load and keeping voltage high enough to return the power used for the start within a short running time then taper back voltage.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    This is quite normal and has been covered here several times. Every time you restart the engine, the ABS performs a self-test cycle as you cross a certain speed. I believe it's 5mph, somewhere in there. It makes a slight clunking sound and you can feel it in the pedal. It should ONLY be making this sound ONCE after the engine is started. If it does it without the motor restarting, then it may be something else.

    What surprises me the most is that the dealer doesn't know about this. They may be rubes because pretty much every car with ABS does this, although some are more noticable than others.
  • greghenrygreghenry Member Posts: 4
    Dear Owners,
    We just bought an EX-L and like it very much. A few problems. We had some trouble adjusting to the electric sliding doors and broke a cable. We're waiting for parts. The bike rack whistled in the wind. We fixed that by reinserting the rubber strips in the crossbars. There's an occasional significant rattle in the region of the gearshifter on the dash. There's a gear selection indicator next to the shifter on the dash (and another one next to the speedometer). But the indicator next to the shifter does not highlight which gear the car is in. Other cars highlight the gear on the indicator next to the shifter. Of course you can tell by looking at the indicator next to the speedometer or by lining up the shifter knob with the indicator, but it seems to be the selected gear should be highlighted on the indicator next to the shifter. I'm wondering if it is in other Odyssey vans and my highlighter is amiss, and the source of the intermittent rattle. If so, I can tell the dealer and it should be an easy problem to fix. Otherwise, these rattles can be tough to fix, since the problem never happens when you want it to (ie, at the dealer's). Long question, but some of you may have a short (polite) answer for me? Thanks.
  • kengarookengaroo Member Posts: 25
    Does anyone know how to disable the built in security system on a 2005 Odyssey? I had my windshield replace recently and I guess the person who did the replacement didn't do a good job, I have water coming in slightly left of the brake pedal and it has cause the alarm to go off a few times yesterday when it was raining. I was hoping I can disable it for now until I have the chance to bring it back to the shop.
  • fred222fred222 Member Posts: 200
    But the indicator next to the shifter does not highlight which gear the car is in
    I have a 2006 Odyssey EX-L. I believe that the only place the gear is shown is on the instrument panel and there it shows D, 3, 2 or 1 so that you cannot tell if you are in 4 or 5. Realize that the D position of the shifter is changed to 3 by pushing the little button on the shifter so 3, 4 and 5 all have the shifter in the same place.
  • kanradkanrad Member Posts: 2
    I just had a new Odyssey 2006 for 2 weeks. From the beginning I had the same humming noise as the other owners. It's very annoying when you would like to enjoy your driving with your family. So I took it to the dealership and they said it's a normal sound. I insisted them to take a look on a lift. Finally, the tech found a "defected" A-pipe and he ordered a new A-pipe. Now I am waiting for this. Will let you know the result after they fix it. Wish me a good luck!! :sick:
  • ceebeeceebee Member Posts: 9
    I was on the Freeway yesterday and at about 2K rpm and 60-65 mph, I heard a high pitch noise :mad: (like an airplane noise), stopped the car and then it vanished. I have not been able to reproduce the noise again. :confuse:
    Has anybody else experienced this kind of noise.
    The van has about 700miles on it and we bought it about 2 weeks ago.

    Thanks.
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    kanrad,

    Join the "humming" club and good luck. We can now start forming a Odys band.

    jt
  • ceebeeceebee Member Posts: 9
    Sure Deal..As long as we can make Honda dance to our tunes!!!. :D
    Has anyone got any tips on how to reproduce this noise. I would hate to go to the Dealer and not be able to reproduce the music.

    Thanks.
  • rbbrbb Member Posts: 7
    I have an 06 Ody with the NAV system which doesn't seem bright enough. I have the knob for the instrument panel full bright and under "setup" on the NAV screen, brightness is also full bright. Yet even on a cloudy day the screen can be hard to read to almost unreadable.

    Has anyone had a similar observation or is this common? Am I missing something? I haven't taken it in yet but that will be my next step.

    Thanks!
  • stn5900stn5900 Member Posts: 21
    I posted many messages on how to reproduce the problem.
    The noise ususally can be heard when the engine rmp is between 2100 and 2300, at any speed, under acceleration.
    Going uphill can easily cause the noise. The trick is to keep the rmp in the range. When it is out of the range the noise is no longer there.

    Keep reporting the problem so Honda tries to have a real fix for the problem. My A pipe was swapped and it made a big difference. But, the noise is still there. I will keep mentioning it to my dealer every time I go for services.

    Good luck
  • mygmyg Member Posts: 1
    :surprise: I just replaced my beloved 2000 Odyssey LX with a 2006 EX-L Nav, to get access to new safety features,and have been disappointed with the much rougher ride characteristics of the new van. Every bump is harshly transmitted through the seat to me. My 2000 had great road feel but was MUCH smoother. As there are no posts about this issue, is there just something wrong with this particular van? I'd appreciate someone who has had experience with the old and the new Ody commenting on the ride characteristics. Thanks.
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    sometimes manufacturers will supply vehicles with tires overly inflated - that is supposed to be checked during vehicle prep for you. check the pressure of your tires (with a decent gauge) against the recommendation on the driver's door pillar.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    I have also heard of chocks being placed on the suspension to assist in tie-downs during transport. I've heard of these not being removed and causing a real bad ride. From what I've gathered and compared, the new Ody is supposed to drive better than the old one.
  • rob123rob123 Member Posts: 21
    I would say my 2006 rides better then my 2000 and my 2003
    Odyssey.
  • ceebeeceebee Member Posts: 9
    Anyone in or around Seattle has experienced the Humming noise issue?. If yes, please let me know, I would like to compare the noise in my vehicle to yours, just to make sure I am not going crazy. :mad:
    -Thanks.
  • kanradkanrad Member Posts: 2
    Today my dealer replaced the A-pipe and surprisingly it reduced or eleminated this annoying noise. But I can hear the similar noise now at 75 MPH with 2200 RPM. We should continue to complain this problem to Honda. They should recall on this problem. :lemon:
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    Congrat on resolution on your humming noise problem. Now you can enjoy the wonderful sound of the engine again

    jt
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    FWIW: even the '03 we have exhibits some resonance at particular speeds and revs. are you sure the one you experience at 75MPH and 2200RPM isn't caused by the tires for example?

    I'm curious - do you have the storage compartment under the floor? I can't remember if that is for the AWD or not.

    Anyway, you might want to try tossing a comforter or something like a thick blanket in there and doing a test. If it were empty, i could imagine it acting somewhat like one of those string and tin can phones we made as kids.

    Worth a try.
  • dharma16dharma16 Member Posts: 2
    My new Ody 2006 has been driving me nuts with the rattle in th back. Have visited the dealer thrice - weather stripping sealed, seat bolts tightened and door handle provided extra cushion. But the rattle over rough surfaces does not go away. Recently I have noticed that whenever my right rear wheel goes over rough surface the rattle is more pronounced. Has anyone else experienced it. I am wondering if there is problem with the shockers. Thanks. :confuse:
  • yeppoyeppo Member Posts: 17
    I get a rattle from the passenger side sliding door (or glass) can't make out. All the stuff they did does not help. Rattle still comes esp. when I go over rough roads esp. right wheel.
  • baljitpuribaljitpuri Member Posts: 5
    I took my Honda Odyssey 2006 to the dealer to check why I lost power after three weeks vacation. He also checked the rattle from the passenger right side sliding door. He tried to fix the problem. I drove 200 miles and initially I did not hear the rattle. When I got off the interstate highway and drove over a rough patch I did hear this rattle.So it looks this is an inherent defect in practically all Honda Odysseys.

    Have you experienced problem with power loss after two to three weeks vacation? I also purchased anti rust life time warranty for which the dealer problem special circuit.May be this is the problem.

    Thanks,

    Baljit
  • baljitpuribaljitpuri Member Posts: 5
    I drove my Honda 2006 Odyssey on a highway for about two hours. Initially as we got on the highway I heard the humming noise for about 20 minutes at speed of 65-70mph.The noise disappeared after 20 minutes and did not come back for rest of the journey. I did not hear this again during my return journey. I think this noise is characteristic of the wind direction.

    Regards
    Baljit Puri
  • baljitpuribaljitpuri Member Posts: 5
    I had posted a message sometime back on battery power failure after three weeks vacation. Has anyone else experienced similar problem?

    Thanks

    Baljit Puri
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    Baljit,

    Some months ago we got our left side sliding door rattle whenever the vehicle went over bumps. I noticed that the weather seal around the sliding door preventing it to close completely (just some 2-3 mm gap). After adjusting the seal, my door ratlle disappeared. One quick way to check if the sliding dooor causing the problem is to push on the door after it is shut to see if it actually moves or rattles. Sliding door rattle has always been a big problem for all minivan makers. So it is not Honda specific in this case. In the winter, it seems like this problem happens more frequently if one lives on cold climate.

    jt
  • yeppoyeppo Member Posts: 17
    Sorry Baljit,

    Dont know about power loss as I have'nt left it unused for such a long time.

    The rattle almost sounds like the window (glassy sound) but the window seems firm. Maybe I will check jnt's suggestion tomorrow.

    Rgds,

    Yeppo
  • hondaturtlehondaturtle Member Posts: 8
    When running on 3 cylinders(i.e. when ECO light is on) and with the engine under a light load, driving on level roadway, my 2006 ODY EX-L has a slight vibration which can be felt through the steering wheel. If I stop feeding gas and coast, the vibration stops, as it also does if I feed more gas to give the engine more power. This all occurs around 1600-1800 rpm, at speeds from about 30-45 mph. There is very little, if any, noise associated with the vibration, maybe a very slight rumbling or growling. There certainly is no "humming" noise as reported by many owners at 60+ mph.

    My ODY has 3200 miles on it, and I just started noticing this vibration. I did not notice it previously, although I can't swear that it wasn't there.

    I am reluctant to take it to my dealer at this point as I am sure they will say they do not feel the vibration or that it is normal. Perhaps if it gets worse I will take it in.

    Has anyone experienced this same vibration, and if so, is there a fix?

    I also think the ODY engine is noisy...e.g. valve lifter type noise. Other Hondas with this same engine are noisy too. I am disappointed in Honda (this is my first Honda), I expected more. My 2000 Chrysler T/C van's engine was smoother and quieter, although overall the ODY is a better car.

    Thanks
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