CarComplaints.com Notes: The entire 2nd generation Odyssey (1999-2004) is just one giant transmission problem waiting to happen.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
99,034 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Honda Odyssey miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2002 Honda Odyssey Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #24

Nov 012018

Odyssey

  • 160,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This complaint is a correction to complaint 11375900 which referenced an incorrect recall number. Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector is not in park allows the vehicle to roll away when on a slight incline. This symptom is identical to recall 12V573000 which my Honda dealer says applies only to model years 2003 and 2004. However the recall notice says it could apply to vehicles manufactured as early as November 2001. My van was manufactured in 11/01.

- Lexington, SC, USA

problem #23

Nov 012018

Odyssey

  • 160,000 miles
Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of the vehicle is not in park allows the vehicle to roll away when on a slight incline. See attached image. This symptom is identical to recall 16V344000 which my Honda dealer says applies only to model years 2003 and 2004. However the recall notice says it applies to vehicles manufactured as early as November 2001. My van was manufactured in 11/01. See attached image.

- Lexington, SC, USA

problem #22

Apr 122020

Odyssey

  • 160,000 miles
A couple weeks ago as me and my 2 toddler sons were going down the road. The vehicle had what seemed a power surge and taillights went out and power went low radio stopped and doors unlocked. Luckily we were close to home I got new fuse for lights radio said error but music didn't matter the next day I had to jump it to got work but seemed ok. The next few weeks I dealt with doors locking and unlocking. And one morning came out both doors were open.I didn't let boys ride after problems escalated one day doors stopped and got stuck in middle when they were getting out. It I replaced some fuses and everything seemed ok but most days battery felt work when starting. I went to get boys and I'm glad I didn't have them when it died in middle of road smoking I got it in parking lot. Called father and we took battery out to go get a new one. The battery was swollen water and acid spitting out like it was going to burst. New battery installed and drove it maybe 5 min back home. Thought well it was battery whole time. Went inside to open easter things with boys I walked outside hour later and smelled electrical fire smell bad there was smoke coming out of hood not aloft but battery was dead. It seems like something keeps pushing power through the different elements causing them to short. If you look up on internet dead battery 2002 Honda Odyssey nothing but story's of power surges making vehicles loose power burn out the list goes on and on. What if my boys and I had lost power on highway. Or door decided to open I don't know the problem but every story talks of it. Kids lives in these vehicles are in danger. Please help.I say it could easily be accidents I was just smart enough to avoid them by disconnecting paying attention and be prepared. Not everyone is like me most hop in and go now I have no vehicle no help and think of all the other children in these van's. thank you

- Rocky Mount, VA, USA

problem #21

Aug 162018

Odyssey

  • 130,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Got a letter saying there was a recall for a 2002 Honda Odyssey with the airbags but I do not own that car anymore. That car was in an accident and is gone now.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #20

May 162017

Odyssey

  • 210,000 miles
Ignition switch malfunction. While driving down the road the van will die but if you bump the key the power to everything turns back on it started this last year and continues to do

- Yakima, WA, USA

problem #19

Jul 012017

Odyssey

  • 60,000 miles
I have had transmission problems and fuel pump problems. Had the transmission fixed twice in this van twice. And now car is jerking and mechanics say it's the fuel pumpl I had nothing but problems with this van not operating been taking it to mechanics they tell me it's the transmission I get a used one put in and now van jerks and stalls mechanics fix sensor it doesn't work change fuel pump this van ha been nothing but problems and after researching I find out there have been transmission problems with these cars and doesn't look like there has been a recall on the transmission but a lot of complaints on 2002 Odyssey's.I spent all kinds of money on trying to get this van fixed. For the last 7-8 months. I was driving the car started having problems so it took it to two mechanics they told me first it was the transmission I had a used transmission put in that had 60;000 miles on it the second incident driving the van on highway 60mph the car started jerking and stalling. Finally had the car towed to mechanic they couldn't fix it and sent it to a dealer. This car has been nothing but problems. Apox date started having problems July 2017

- Christiansburg, VA, USA

problem #18

Sep 302017

Odyssey

  • 188,875 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

If I turn off my car, while leaving the shift position out of park ( such as in R, reverse) I can then remove the key from the ignition. This is a safety issues as the car will roll if the parking brake has also not been applied.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #17

Mar 082017

Odyssey

  • 88,000 miles
Transmission is going bad. A/T system malfunction

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #16

Oct 052016

Odyssey

  • 200,000 miles
Takata recalloperatorbid,0555212, seq#74, microfilm#0107080988, multiplewrecks,10,000lbsamunitions, familyinjuredinwreck, domicile#6001exemptodometer, mentallystress

- Minden, LA, USA

problem #15

Apr 102015

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 79,000 miles
The car is S stalling and bubbling. It is like im in nuetral all the sudden.

- Fishers, IN, USA

problem #14

Apr 132015

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 130,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmision sarted to not shift properly fluid leak gear stays on drive with blinking light.

- Worcester, MA, USA

problem #13

Oct 012013

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • miles
2002 Honda Odyssey. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle recall notice and unsatisfactory customer service at dealership. The consumer stated after the recall was performed, the vehicle stopped working. The consumer stated the vehicle was in perfect working condition, before the recall was performed.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #12

Jan 142013

Odyssey

  • miles
Driving home at about 20-25 mph. Came to stop sign then as I stepped on gas to go found the gas pedal very hard to press on van felt heavy. Tcs light came on and check engine light. The van would not speed up more than 10 mph!!!!!!

- Watsonville, CA, USA

problem #11

Nov 062011

Odyssey

  • 81,000 miles
Driving up to 40mph the 3rd gear in the transmission had a problem with shifting. It was slipping from 3rd to 4th and shook the whole car vigorously. From 2nd to 3rd the gears wouldn't grab very smoothly either. Stopping the car from 40mph to 0mph when it down shifted the car would shake again because of failure with the 3rd gear not working properly. We had to take it to a transmission shop and had to get 3rd gear rebuilt. The whole repair on the transmission cost me $2,650.

- Peoria, AZ, USA

problem #10

Jul 072011

Odyssey

  • 54,783 miles
Transmission was not shifting correctly ---loud noises and the engine was revving and van was going nowhere---could only move if speed was kept under 20mph kept in first gear----------brought vehicle to my mechanic for diagnosis( he told me the tranny was bad and needed to be replaced ) only having mileage in the 54000-55000 range and knowing the vehicle was driven around town and the occasional vacation trip since we bought it new. I called Honda and was given a case number and they told me they would not honor my mechanics diagnosis and I needed to bring it to a Honda dealer. They agreed and told me the transmission needed to be replaced also and charged me $120 for my "diagnosis". they also informed me they could replace the transmission and computer for $7800. They told me both the computer and transmission needed to be replaced at the same time in order to have a "warranty" applied to the new transmission. I asked which item was bad the transmission or computer that told the tranny to shift at the correct RPM. They would not answer the question just that the home office has set this precedent ---both need to be replaced at the same time. Seems as though they don't have an idea what is going on or just covering themselves. My mechanic replaced the transmission and computer with genuine Honda parts for a little under $5000 and I have the "warranty" they offered as well. I am still waiting for Honda America to review and help me out with paying for repairs that I feel were very premature for the age and mileage of their outstanding and best selling minivan prior to the replacement the dealer offered me $750 for my fully loaded minivan ------great people these Honda dealers............. you decide-----me I can't wait to sell this piece of cra_.

- Blauvelt, NY, USA

problem #9

Sep 282011

Odyssey

  • 244,000 miles
The passenger side power sliding door on my Odyssey malfunctioned, and abruptly closed after opening about six inches. My daugter's hand was caught in the door, and she has a fractured thumb.

- Port Orchard, WA, USA

problem #8

Aug 302011

Odyssey

  • 215,000 miles
I was sold a vehicle in Michigan with a speedometer and odometer that registered in kilometers. When I sold the vehicle to a dealership the dealship advised me that the dealership who sold me the vehicle violated the law and that they were responsible for converting the vehicle to U.S. standards. This resulted in $2500 loss in the value on my trade in.

- Royal Oak, MI, USA

problem #7

Oct 012010

Odyssey

  • 100,000 miles
Car started a high pitch whistling. Took it to dealer who said transmission was bad. (had the 2004 recall oil jet modification done back in 2004.) driving with fingers crossed now B/C dealer will only cover a portion of replacement and can't afford the cost to replace.

- Clarksville, MD, USA

problem #6

May 022010

Odyssey

  • 104,000 miles
2002 Honda Odyssey transmission! this car is a pile of junk! I feel unsafe driving my two small children around in it! had the transmission replaced 9 months ago at 93,000 miles and I am already having issues at 104,000 miles. Unreliable, not safe, and I wish I could throw it away! Honda cars of America will not help me and I have spent close to $4,000 fixing this pile of rubble! my mom and I just got stuck an hour and a half from home in columbia, SC after driving. The car would not accelerate on the highway and I basically had to coast off the exit and stop at the red light. When I stopped I looked over my shoulder and smoke was coming from underneath the car. The transmission hose had broken and transmission fluid was all over the place! we were stuck with nowhere to go for 3 hours!!!

- North Augusta, SC, USA

problem #5

Feb 012010

Odyssey

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Api vehicle service contract. The consumer was told that if they went 7 years without a claim on their service warranty, they would receive a full refund check, however the warranty company has since filed for bankruptcy. The dealer where the vehicle was purchased stated they were still honoring the contract, however the consumer was a few days late in requesting a refund.

- Seekonk, MA, USA

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