2003 Honda Odyssey Reliability Report

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

AvoidSerious complaints over 2×

Ranks 21st of 25 Odyssey years we score.

Owner complaints: 914; 79 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 50.3; 166,057 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.9×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 444; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 15
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2002 Odyssey 2004 Odyssey →

Should You Buy the 2003 Honda Odyssey?

We would look at other years first. Our reliability score for the 2003 Honda Odyssey is 59 out of 100, which rates Avoid. Owners reported about 1.9 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 21st of the 25 Odyssey years we score.

The most reported problem is the transmission, mostly failure or loss of drive (497 of 914 complaints). Owners also complain about the ignition or push-button start and airbag warning lights. 444 of the 914 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 15 recalls. For comparison, the 2002 scores 59 and the 2004 scores 65.

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 1.9 times the problems of the average car its age
Transmission: failure or loss of drive497 complaints
Ignition or push-button start: the car rolling away50 complaints
Airbag warning light37 complaints

How the 2003 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	2.2×	−24
Everyday problems	1.2×	−8
Recalls	3.3×	−9
Score		59

What Owners Report

We read all 914 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 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
497 complaints (54%)
Failure or loss of drive, harsh or delayed shifts and a loss of power. 342 of these 497 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 13 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 36 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Ignition or push-button start: the car rolling away
50 complaints (5%)
The car rolling away, sticking or stiffness and a failure. 30 of these 50 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 5 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 123,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
37 complaints (4%)
Warning lights, a failure and problems that come and go. In 6 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 123,000 miles.
Sliding doors: not closing or latching
37 complaints (4%)
Not closing or latching, the system acting on its own and the system not working when needed. 10 of these 37 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 97,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
23 complaints (3%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and deployment caused burn. 8 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 125,000 miles.
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
23 complaints (3%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure that needed a new part and shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 86,000 miles.
Torque converter failure
18 complaints (2%)
A failure, vibration or shudder and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
18 complaints (2%)
The car rolling away, not releasing and sticking or stiffness. 12 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 105,000 miles.
Seat belts: locking up
17 complaints (2%)
Locking up, a failure and warning lights. 1 of these 17 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 83,000 miles.
Transmission fluid leak
15 complaints (2%)
A leak and a fire. 2 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 133,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
15 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 13 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 113,000 miles.
Door latches: not closing or latching
13 complaints (1%)
Not closing or latching, parts breaking or coming apart and a feature that stopped working. 4 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 74,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
12 complaints (1%)
Loss of braking, early wear and vibration or shudder. 6 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 76,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: deployment with no crash
11 complaints (1%)
Deployment with no crash, no deployment in a crash and deployment caused injury. 6 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 126,000 miles.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
11 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and loose mounting. 3 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 104,000 miles.

Show 49 more problems

Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
10 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and damage. 7 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
8 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power. All 8 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 125,000 miles.
Paint and rust: peeling
8 complaints (under 1%)
Peeling and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 139,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
8 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. 5 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Transmission computer failure
8 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 103,000 miles.
Engine: rough running or misfires
7 complaints (under 1%)
Rough running or misfires, stalling and surging. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Steering: locking up
7 complaints (under 1%)
Locking up, pulling or wandering and loose mounting. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
7 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
6 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, smoke or a burning smell and a fire. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure that needed a new part and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 106,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a stored fault code.
Engine sensors or computer failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Fuel leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, a failure and shattering or cracking. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure that needed a new part and warning lights.
EGR valve failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 95,000 miles.
Cruise control: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, not releasing and surging. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking.
Power windows or regulator: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 73,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
4 complaints (under 1%)
Deployment with no crash. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 126,000 miles.
Windshield wipers: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
A/C condenser: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and a leak.
ABS: unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a failure that needed a new part.
Cylinder head gasket: a leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. Median mileage when it started: about 112,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
3 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings and problems that come and go.
Brake light switch failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Cylinder head bolt or block threads: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage. Median mileage when it started: about 112,000 miles.
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and unusual noises.
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and shattering or cracking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Alternator or charging: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Body seals (water leak): not opening or unlocking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking and sticking or stiffness.
Cooling system failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and damage.
Engine oil leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Exhaust or catalytic converter: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Frame or structure: loose mounting
2 complaints (under 1%)
Loose mounting and rust or corrosion.
Fuel system: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and refueling spitback.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell and smoke or a burning smell.
Noise (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
SRS wiring harness failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking.
Alternator mounting bracket or bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Headlight switch: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and sticking or stiffness. Both describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility.
Oil leak (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Parking brake: loss of braking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Loss of braking and the car rolling away. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and not opening or unlocking.
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and problems that come and go. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Hard starting and the car not starting. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Struts or shocks: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Loss of steering control. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Wheel bearings failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.

Reported Once (45)

Show the 45 problems reported once

12V battery failure
A/C compressor failure
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata) failure
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
Battery drain: draining the battery
Brake power assist failure
Coil spring: unusual noises
Engine (misfire codes): a loss of power
Engine air intake failure
Exterior lights failure
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Fuel injector: smoke or a burning smell
Headlights: stopped working
Horn: stopped working
Key fob: works on and off
Manual transmission or clutch: harsh or delayed shifts
Mirrors: parts breaking or coming apart
Aftermarket floor mat: sticking or stiffness
Child seat latch strap failure
Cylinder head bolts: damage
Differential: unusual noises
Door electrical shock
Electrical power supply: stopped working
Electronic component failure
External child restraint latch: stopped working
Front door (will not stay open) failure
Fuel cap failure
Interior roof fire (cause not stated)
Key reminder chime: not shutting off
Relay (application not stated) failure
Seat heater: overheating
Throttle cable: sticking or stiffness
Throttle dashpot: sticking or stiffness
Transmission cooler failure
Vehicle alarm: the system acting on its own
Vehicle speed sensor: a loss of power
Wheel lug bolts: parts breaking or coming apart
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
Sway bar links failure
Sunroof: water leaking in
Timing belt failure
Wheels seized (cause not stated)
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
Windshield: damage

How the 2003 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 This year	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	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

2003 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 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 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 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
Air bags that do not meet the safety requirements increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
NHTSA 15V563000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 4, 2015. By the first quarter of 2017, 24% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 9 more recalls

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.
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: frontal
Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
NHTSA 15V045000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 28, 2015. By the second quarter of 2017, 53% 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.
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 14V353000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 20, 2014. By the fourth quarter of 2015, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags
Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
NHTSA 13V412000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 19, 2013. By the first quarter of 2015, 51% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Electrical system: switch
Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 12V573000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 11, 2012.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline: tank assembly
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
NHTSA 03V014000Issued Jan 16, 2003.

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.

Customer support programHonda 20-010
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 20-015
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 18-047Ended
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 18-050 and 18-065Ended
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:
18-050: The program ended on June 30, 2026.
18-065: The program ended on October 31, 2022.
Bulletin 18-050 (PDF)Bulletin 18-065 (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

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

Ignition interlock failure causing rollaways
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation covered 2003-2004 Pilots and Odysseys whose ignition interlock could fail and let the key come out outside Park. It found 176 complaints, including 48 rollaway crashes and three pedestrian injuries. Honda recalled about 576,117 Pilots and Odysseys, plus Acura MDXs, under recall 12V-573. NHTSA closed the case in January 2013.
NHTSA PE12026 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Oct 2, 2012 to Jan 14, 2013
Front air bags deploying without a crash
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked at front air bags deploying unexpectedly in 2003-2004 Odysseys. Electrical noise from the door locks could damage an air bag computer chip. NHTSA knew of 25 cases and 9 alleged injuries. Honda recalled about 374,700 vehicles, including Acura MDXs, under recall 13V-412 to add a noise filter. NHTSA closed the case in January 2014.
NHTSA PE13020 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jun 6, 2013 to Jan 6, 2014
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 2003 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 2003 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 2003 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 19V499000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V501000
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 15 recalls and which are still open.

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.
Confirm every airbag recall on this VIN has been repaired before you buy.

Ask the Seller

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

Transmission
Ignition or push-button start
Airbag warning lights
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.