2004 Honda Odyssey Reliability Report

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

Caution

Ranks 18th of 25 Odyssey years we score.

Owner complaints: 585; 61 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 34.3; 152,671 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.2×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 236; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 13
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2003 Odyssey 2005 Odyssey →

Should You Buy the 2004 Honda Odyssey?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2004 Honda Odyssey is 65 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 18th of the 25 Odyssey years we score.

The most reported problem is the transmission, mostly failure or loss of drive (190 of 585 complaints). Owners also complain about engine mounts and the sliding doors. 236 of the 585 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 13 recalls. For comparison, the 2003 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

Transmission: failure or loss of drive190 complaints
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart44 complaints
Sliding doors: stopped working40 complaints

How the 2004 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	1.3×	−19
Everyday problems	0.98×	−7
Recalls	2.8×	−9
Score		65

What Owners Report

We read all 585 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 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
190 complaints (32%)
Failure or loss of drive, a loss of power and harsh or delayed shifts. 135 of these 190 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 11 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 114,000 miles.
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
44 complaints (8%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and shattering or cracking. 1 of these 44 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 95,000 miles.
Sliding doors: stopped working
40 complaints (7%)
A feature that stopped working, the system acting on its own and not closing or latching. 22 of these 40 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Ignition or push-button start: sticking or stiffness
29 complaints (5%)
Sticking or stiffness, a feature that stopped working and the car rolling away. 16 of these 29 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 124,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
28 complaints (5%)
Warning lights and a failure. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 117,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
24 complaints (4%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and deployment burn. 8 of these 24 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 120,000 miles.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
22 complaints (4%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, loose and the system acting on its own. 6 of these 22 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 160,000 miles.
Seat belts: warning lights
17 complaints (3%)
Warning lights, locking up and not releasing. 4 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 102,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
17 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration. 10 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Paint and rust: peeling
16 complaints (3%)
Peeling, peeling paint and rust or corrosion. Median mileage when it started: about 102,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
11 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment injury and deployment with no crash. 1 of these 11 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
10 complaints (2%)
The car rolling away, sticking or stiffness and a feature that stopped working. 5 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 102,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
9 complaints (2%)
A loss of power. 8 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 173,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
9 complaints (2%)
Stalling. 6 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 79,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
8 complaints (1%)
Loss of braking, soft / low pedal and early wear. 4 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 85,000 miles.

Show 34 more problems

Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
8 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and damage. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 107,000 miles.
Transmission fluid leak
8 complaints (1%)
A leak. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 123,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
6 complaints (1%)
Stalling, a loss of power and surging. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Fuel system: a bad smell
6 complaints (1%)
A bad smell, warning lights and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 155,000 miles.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
6 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 98,000 miles.
Torque converter failure
6 complaints (1%)
A failure, slipping and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
6 complaints (1%)
Damage, a failure and stalling. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 132,000 miles.
Tire valve stem: a leak
5 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, damage and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Steering: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, sticking or stiffness and loss of steering control. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 99,000 miles.
Screen and audio failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, unusual noises and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.
A/C: unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, a leak and a failure that needed a new part.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking and not closing or latching.
Fuel pump: a loss of power
3 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power, rust or corrosion and stalling. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Throttle cable: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Transmission mount failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. Median mileage when it started: about 84,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Power liftgate failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and not opening or unlocking. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
12V battery failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): rust or corrosion
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion and incorrect replacement part.
Control module (unspecified): stalling
2 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling and a failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Several warning lights at once
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
2 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use.
Horn: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Interior trim: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder and parts breaking or coming apart.
Mirrors: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder and parts breaking or coming apart.
Noise (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Passenger airbag sensor: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and warning lights.
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Interior lighting: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
Deployment with no crash and no deployment in a crash.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.

Reported Once (57)

Show the 57 problems reported once

ABS: the system not working when needed
Uneven tire wear failure
Blower motor: unusual noises
Climate controls failure
Engine sensors or computer: sudden acceleration
Exterior trim: rust or corrosion
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
Fuel injector failure
Headlights: stopped working
Hood latch: parts breaking or coming apart
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
Oil drain plug: a leak
OPDS unit: stopped working
Abrupt deceleration (cause not stated)
Airbag sensor: warning lights
Brake light switch failure
Brake pedal: damage
Catalytic-converter heat shields failure
Child-seat base: shattering or cracking
Child-seat harness: not closing or latching
Cylinder-head bolt threads: damage
Cylinder-head bolts: loose
Dashboard illumination failure
Door check (detent): does not hold door open
Door check or hold-open mechanism: stopped working
Door electrical function (not specified)
Door track: parts breaking or coming apart
Door warning or courtesy lights: works on and off
Fire (cause not stated)
Fuel filling system
Fuel pump retaining nut: parts breaking or coming apart
Heating or air conditioning
Hood or roof: damage
Pedal-area entrapment (cause not stated)
Powertrain mounts failure
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Relay pump (cause not stated)
Rollaway (cause not stated)
Security alarm: the system acting on its own
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
Steering-column control switch failure
Suspension: unusual noises
Timing belt holder failure
Transmission oil cooler failure
Transmission ring and pinion: unusual noises
Transmission vent tube: parts breaking or coming apart
Turn signal switch or relay: the system acting on its own
Vehicle electrical power: works on and off
Wheel attachment: loose
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
Starter failure
Struts or shocks failure
Timing belt failure
Transmission computer failure
Warning lights (cause not stated)
Wheels seized (cause not stated)

How the 2004 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 This year	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	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

2004 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 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.

Show 7 more recalls

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.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
If the pump stops working, eht engine will stall without warning, and a crash could occur.
NHTSA 04V420000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 27, 2004.
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.

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 18-050Ended
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:
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:
The program ended on June 30, 2026.
Honda's bulletin (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 2004 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 2004 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 2004 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 13 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.
In drive at a stop, heavy vibration through the cabin is a warning sign.
Open and close each sliding door several times, by button and by hand, and check that it latches.

Ask the Seller

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

Transmission
Engine mounts
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.