2001 Honda Odyssey Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026
Ranks 14th of 25 Odyssey years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 619
- 38 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 46.7
- 124,410 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.6×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 264
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 1
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating before 2011
Should You Buy the 2001 Honda Odyssey?
Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2001 Honda Odyssey is 66 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.6 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 14th of the 25 Odyssey years we score.
The most reported problem is the transmission, mostly failure or loss of drive (333 of 619 complaints). Owners also complain about the sliding doors and the coil springs. 264 of the 619 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 1 recall. For comparison, the 2000 scores 65 and the 2002 scores 59.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
Cons
- About 1.6 times the problems of the average car its age
- Transmission: failure or loss of drive333 complaints
- Sliding doors: not opening or unlocking76 complaints
- Coil spring: parts breaking or coming apart41 complaints
How the 2001 Odyssey Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 1.8× | −22 |
| Everyday problems | 1.3× | −8 |
| Recalls | 0.59× | −4 |
| Score | 66 |
What Owners Report
We read all 619 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Honda Odyssey, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
333 complaints (54%)
Failure or loss of drive, harsh or delayed shifts and slipping. 242 of these 333 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 12 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 136 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 107,000 miles.
Sliding doors: not opening or unlocking
76 complaints (12%)
Not opening or unlocking, not closing or latching and the system not working when needed. 17 of these 76 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. In 9 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 18 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 81,000 miles.
Coil spring: parts breaking or coming apart
41 complaints (7%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, punctured tire and shattering or cracking. 10 of these 41 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 84,000 miles.
Brakes: unusual noises
15 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises, loss of braking and early wear. 4 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 101,000 miles.
Seat belts: locking up
13 complaints (2%)
Locking up, damage and not closing or latching. 3 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
13 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and a leak. 4 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 97,000 miles.
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
10 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and early wear. Median mileage when it started: about 77,000 miles.
Torque converter failure
10 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part and a stored fault code. 1 of these 10 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 102,000 miles.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
9 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, vibration or shudder and not closing or latching. 2 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 102,000 miles.
Transmission fluid leak
8 complaints (1%)
A leak. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 74,000 miles.
Steering: pulling or wandering
7 complaints (1%)
Pulling or wandering, vibration or shudder and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 83,000 miles.
Struts or shocks: damage
7 complaints (1%)
Damage, a failure that needed a new part and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
6 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
5 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Door latches: not closing or latching
5 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching and not opening or unlocking. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome.
Show 39 more problems
Exterior trim: damage
5 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, parts breaking or coming apart and rust or corrosion. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
EGR valve failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, a stored fault code and damage. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 77,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Shifter or park: stopped working
5 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, sticking or stiffness and the car rolling away. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
4 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 160,000 miles.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a fire. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 93,000 miles.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair.
Ignition or push-button start failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 140,000 miles.
Taillights or brake lights: damage
4 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
4 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, rust or corrosion and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 133,000 miles.
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
3 complaints (under 1%)
Pulling or wandering and early wear.
Engine: hesitation
3 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation, smoke or a burning smell and stalling. Median mileage when it started: about 145,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and wrong readings.
Accelerator pedal: surging
3 complaints (under 1%)
Surging, a feature that stopped working and sticking or stiffness. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.
Fuel tank (noise): unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Interior lights: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Power windows or regulator: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and sticking or stiffness. Median mileage when it started: about 61,000 miles.
Sway bar links failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Sudden acceleration. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and damage.
A/C condenser: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure that needed a new part.
Alternator or charging failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Blower motor: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
CV axles: fault code
2 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and parts breaking or coming apart.
Engine oil leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion and parts breaking or coming apart.
Fuel leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Headlights: lens clouding
2 complaints (under 1%)
Lens clouding and a feature that stopped working.
Hood latch failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and not opening or unlocking.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
EGR system: fault code
2 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and stalling. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Electrical system (part not stated): a fire
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
Throttle: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness and sudden acceleration. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.
Door lock actuators: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and not opening or unlocking.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Timing belt failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and parts breaking or coming apart.
Wheel bearings: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Wheel rim: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and shattering or cracking. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Reported Once (27)
Show the 27 problems reported once
- A/C compressor failure
- ABS: locking up
- EVAP system: works on and off
- Body seals (water leak): damage
- Brake calipers: sticking or stiffness
- Check engine light (cause not stated)
- Climate controls: parts breaking or coming apart
- Control module (unspecified): stopped working
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
- Engine sensors or computer failure
- Frontal airbags failure
- Noise (cause not stated)
- Accessory pulley system: unusual noises
- Brake drums: unusual noises
- Brake pedal switch failure
- Child seat latch: not closing or latching
- Clock illumination: stopped working
- Crankshaft pulley: vibration or shudder
- Door ajar sensor: wrong readings
- Door handle: parts breaking or coming apart
- Door weatherstrip (wind noise): unusual noises
- Oxygen sensor: fault code
- Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
- Stability control (VSA): warning lights
- Transmission computer failure
- Warning lights (cause not stated)
- Windshield: damage
How the 2001 Honda Odyssey Compares With Other Years
The other Odyssey years of the 2nd generation, 2000 to 2004, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Caution | 65 | 1.3× | 49.1 | 8 | Sliding doors: not closing or latching |
| 2004 | Caution | 65 | 1.2× | 34.3 | 13 | Transmission: failure or loss of drive |
| 2003 | Avoid | 59 | 1.9× | 50.3 | 15 | Transmission: failure or loss of drive |
| 2002 | Avoid | 59 | 2.2× | 61.8 | 10 | Transmission: failure or loss of drive |
| 2001 This year | Caution | 66 | 1.6× | 46.7 | 1 | Transmission: failure or loss of drive |
| 2000 | Caution | 65 | 1.4× | 50.4 | 6 | Transmission: failure or loss of drive |
2001 Honda Odyssey Recalls
A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant.
NHTSA 20V027000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 17, 2020. By the third quarter of 2022, 8% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
NHTSA Investigations
Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.
Front coil spring fracture in Odysseys
Closed without a recallNHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked at front coil springs that could corrode and break in 2000-2001 Odysseys. A broken spring could pierce a tire. Six of seven tire damage reports involved slow or no air loss. The fracture rate was about half that of the recalled MDX. NHTSA found no defect trend and closed the case in May 2006.
NHTSA PE06007Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 24, 2006 to May 24, 2006
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA gave the 2001 Odyssey no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2001 Odyssey ratings on NHTSA.gov.
2001 Odyssey
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2001 Odyssey, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 20V027000
On the Test Drive
- Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
- Open and close each sliding door several times, by button and by hand, and check that it latches.
- Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Transmission
- Sliding doors
- Coil springs
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next