2002 Honda Odyssey Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

AvoidSerious complaints over 2×

Ranks 22nd of 25 Odyssey years we score.

Owner complaints: 960; 40 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 61.8; 148,986 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 2.2×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 420; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 10
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2001 Odyssey 2003 Odyssey →

Should You Buy the 2002 Honda Odyssey?

We would look at other years first. Our reliability score for the 2002 Honda Odyssey is 59 out of 100, which rates Avoid. Owners reported about 2.2 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 22nd of the 25 Odyssey years we score.

The most reported problem is the transmission, mostly failure or loss of drive (584 of 960 complaints). Owners also complain about airbag warning lights and the sliding doors. 420 of the 960 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 10 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on). For comparison, the 2001 scores 66 and the 2003 scores 59.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 06-009 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

About 2.2 times the problems of the average car its age
Transmission: failure or loss of drive584 complaints
Airbag warning light56 complaints
Sliding doors: not opening or unlocking40 complaints

How the 2002 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

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	2.4×	−24
Everyday problems	1.7×	−9
Recalls	2.4×	−8
Score		59

What Owners Report

We read all 960 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 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
584 complaints (61%)
Failure or loss of drive, slipping and harsh or delayed shifts. 371 of these 584 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 25 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 65 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 85,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
56 complaints (6%)
Warning lights, a stored fault code and a failure. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 7 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 71,000 miles.
Sliding doors: not opening or unlocking
40 complaints (4%)
Not opening or unlocking, the system acting on its own and not closing or latching. 14 of these 40 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. In 6 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Brakes: unusual noises
24 complaints (3%)
Unusual noises, loss of braking and a feature that stopped working. 6 of these 24 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 79,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
20 complaints (2%)
Stalling and failure or loss of drive. 13 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
18 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash, a failure and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 18 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 143,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
18 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure that needed a new part and vibration or shudder. 5 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 105,000 miles.
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
17 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 96,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
15 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 9 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 51,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
12 complaints (1%)
Warning lights and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Door latches: not closing or latching
12 complaints (1%)
Not closing or latching, sticking or stiffness and parts breaking or coming apart. 3 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Torque converter: fault code
12 complaints (1%)
A stored fault code, a failure and slipping. 1 of these 12 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 105,000 miles.
Transmission fluid leak
12 complaints (1%)
A leak. 1 of these 12 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 102,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
11 complaints (1%)
Stalling, surging and hesitation. 5 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 51,000 miles.
Seat belts failure
11 complaints (1%)
A failure, the system not working when needed and locking up. 3 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.

Show 53 more problems

Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
10 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and the system not working when needed. 1 of these 10 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Steering: pulling or wandering
10 complaints (1%)
Pulling or wandering, loss of steering control and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 10 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Transmission computer failure
10 complaints (1%)
A failure. Median mileage when it started: about 106,000 miles.
Ignition or push-button start failure
9 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and stalling. 3 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 165,000 miles.
Coil spring: parts breaking or coming apart
7 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 96,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
7 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Passenger airbag sensor failure
6 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, warning lights and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 115,000 miles.
Alternator or charging failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, parts breaking or coming apart and warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Screen and audio: stopped working
5 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and smoke or a burning smell. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Struts or shocks: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a leak and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Cooling system failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 79,000 miles.
Engine sensors or computer failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 76,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power, failure or loss of drive and hesitation. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Alternator bracket: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 136,000 miles.
Power liftgate failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, parts breaking or coming apart and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Shifter or park: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and sticking or stiffness. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 86,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a stored fault code.
Control module (unspecified) failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
CV axles failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 105,000 miles.
Fuel pump failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. Median mileage when it started: about 92,000 miles.
Headlights: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
EGR valve: hesitation
3 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation, a stored fault code and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Door weatherstripping: sticking or stiffness
3 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power and failure or loss of drive. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
3 complaints (under 1%)
Deployment with no crash. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting and hard starting.
Timing belt failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Vibration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.
Windshield: unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a leak.
12V battery failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a leak.
A/C: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and unusual noises.
ABS: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
EVAP system failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Battery drain: draining the battery
2 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery.
Cylinder head gasket failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Engine failure: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and a failure that needed a new part.
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Frame or structure failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Fuel leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness.
Cruise control (conventional): not releasing
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not releasing and surging. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking.
Electrical system (part not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Exterior door handle: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Idle air control valve: sudden acceleration
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sudden acceleration and a failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Serpentine belt: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Suspension: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a failure.
Power windows or regulator failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and problems that come and go.
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Wheel bearings: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Wheel rim: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and damage.
Windshield wipers: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and shattering or cracking.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.

Reported Once (46)

Show the 46 problems reported once

A/C compressor: locking up
A/C condenser: a leak
Control arm bushings failure
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
Heater: unusual noises
Horn: stopped working
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Noise (cause not stated)
Oil pressure: warning lights
Accelerator cable: sticking or stiffness
Accessory drive belt failure
Airbag sensor failure
Alternator mounting bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
Clock light: stopped working
Crankshaft failure
Cylinder head: shattering or cracking
Door (part not stated)
Door check or hinge failure
Drivetrain (part not stated): a loss of power
Emissions failure
Engine drive belt or tensioner: parts breaking or coming apart
Engine gasket failure
Engine head bolt threads: parts breaking or coming apart
Fuel pump lock ring: parts breaking or coming apart
Fuel tank: unusual noises
Immobilizer warning light
Rear window: shattering or cracking
Seat heater: overheating
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
Suspension bushings failure
Throttle body failure
Timing belt bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
Tire valve: a leak
Transmission bushings failure
Wheel axle support: parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel lug nuts: parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel speed sensor failure
Windshield washer: stopped working
Oxygen sensor failure
Parking brake: warning lights
Phone and navigation: wrong readings
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
Timing chain or camshaft failure
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own

How the 2002 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 This year	Avoid	59	2.2×	61.8	10	Transmission: failure or loss of drive
2001	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

See every Odyssey year

2002 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
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V501000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 42% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V499000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 22% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V182000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 6, 2019. By the third quarter of 2020, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V268000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2018. By the third quarter of 2019, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V344000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 23, 2016. By the third quarter of 2017, 58% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
NHTSA 15V370000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 15, 2015. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 65% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 4 more recalls

Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 15V320000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 28, 2015. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 68% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 14V700000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 4, 2014. By the first quarter of 2016, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Power train: automatic transmission
Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
NHTSA 04V176000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 15, 2004.
Engine and engine cooling: engine
If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 02V226000Issued Aug 28, 2002.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Warranty extensionHonda 06-009
Passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on)
The problem:
The passenger airbag sensor can fail and keep the airbag warning light on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the passenger airbag sensor and its control unit for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on with a listed fault. Other airbag faults are not covered. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-009
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-014
Front passenger's airbag inflator
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-046Ended
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended on June 30, 2022.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-049 and 18-051Ended
Front passenger's airbag inflator
2 programs with the same terms. Which one applies depends on the VIN.
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
18-049: The program ended on October 31, 2022.
18-051: The program ended on June 30, 2026.
Bulletin 18-049 (PDF)Bulletin 18-051 (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Takata air bag inflators rupturing, mostly in humid areas
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation began in June 2014 after six Takata air bag inflator ruptures. It covered Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. All 10 makers started regional recalls within about two weeks. NHTSA asked them to widen the recalls. It closed in March 2015 and moved to engineering analysis EA15-001.
NHTSA PE14016 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jun 11, 2014 to Mar 2, 2015
Takata air bag inflator ruptures across all makers
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in February 2015, covers Takata air bag inflators that can rupture. It includes Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. NHTSA is studying the root cause, the affected vehicles and whether repairs are adequate. The record links 194 recall campaigns to it. It is still open.
NHTSA EA15001 Opening report (PDF)Open since Feb 24, 2015
Rupture risk in Takata inflators with a desiccant
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in September 2021, asks whether Takata inflators with a moisture-trapping desiccant could degrade and rupture over time. They are not yet recalled. It covers Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2015, among others. No field ruptures have been reported in them. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA21002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Sep 17, 2021

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2002 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 2002 Odyssey ratings on NHTSA.gov.

With side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat5/5

RolloverNot rated

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2002 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 19V501000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V499000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V182000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V268000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 16V344000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 10 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

06-009: passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on)

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.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Transmission
Airbag warning lights
Sliding doors
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

All Odyssey Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.