2005 Honda Odyssey Reliability Report

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

Caution

Ranks 16th of 25 Odyssey years we score.

Owner complaints: 830; 32 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 49.1; 162,492 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.3×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 208; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 8
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2004 Odyssey 2006 Odyssey →

Should You Buy the 2005 Honda Odyssey?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2005 Honda Odyssey is 65 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.3 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 16th of the 25 Odyssey years we score.

The most reported problem is the sliding doors, mostly not closing or latching (103 of 830 complaints). Owners also complain about the steering and engine mounts. 208 of the 830 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 8 recalls. For comparison, the 2006 scores 76.

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 1.3 times the problems of the average car its age
Sliding doors: not closing or latching103 complaints
Steering: sticking or stiffness89 complaints
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart73 complaints

How the 2005 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	1.0×	−18
Everyday problems	1.9×	−9
Recalls	1.9×	−8
Score		65

What Owners Report

We read all 830 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Honda Odyssey, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Sliding doors: not closing or latching
103 complaints (12%)
Not closing or latching, parts breaking or coming apart and the system acting on its own. 39 of these 103 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. In 7 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Steering: sticking or stiffness
89 complaints (11%)
Sticking or stiffness, unusual noises and vibration or shudder. 9 of these 89 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 10 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
73 complaints (9%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and vibration or shudder. 1 of these 73 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 95,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
66 complaints (8%)
Loss of braking, unusual noises and vibration or shudder. 19 of these 66 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 13 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 9 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
Transmission: vibration or shudder
65 complaints (8%)
Vibration or shudder, failure or loss of drive and harsh or delayed shifts. 29 of these 65 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 89,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
59 complaints (7%)
Warning lights, a failure and deployment with no crash. 1 of these 59 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 105,000 miles.
A/C condenser: a leak
49 complaints (6%)
A leak, damage and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 49 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. In 5 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 44,000 miles.
Tires: early wear
33 complaints (4%)
Early wear, parts breaking or coming apart and shattering or cracking. 5 of these 33 complaints describe a serious outcome. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Power liftgate failure
29 complaints (3%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and does not hold open. 11 of these 29 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 63,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
23 complaints (3%)
Vibration or shudder. 2 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Seat belts: locking up
21 complaints (3%)
Locking up, a failure that needed a new part and not closing or latching. 5 of these 21 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 86,000 miles.
Torque converter failure
20 complaints (2%)
A failure, vibration or shudder and locking up. 1 of these 20 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Fuel pump: shattering or cracking
14 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking, a failure and a leak. 3 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 103,000 miles.
A/C compressor: damage
12 complaints (1%)
Damage, a leak and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
11 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 138,000 miles.

Show 61 more problems

Paint and rust: peeling
11 complaints (1%)
Peeling, rust or corrosion and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 155,000 miles.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
10 complaints (1%)
Not opening or unlocking, not closing or latching and unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Screen and audio: stopped working
10 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Engine: surging
9 complaints (1%)
Surging, unusual noises and metal contamination. 4 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 116,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
9 complaints (1%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 5 of these 9 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 35,000 miles.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
8 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, a feature that stopped working and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
8 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, the system not working when needed and wrong readings. Median mileage when it started: about 101,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
8 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. 4 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 77,000 miles.
Battery drain: draining the battery
7 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
7 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, unusual noises and damage. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 63,000 miles.
Windshield: unusual noises
7 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, shattering or cracking and water leaking in. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
6 complaints (under 1%)
Burning or using oil. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Headlights: stopped working
6 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, dimming and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 95,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
6 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Seats: not closing or latching
6 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching, a feature that stopped working and damage. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA) failure
6 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, the system acting on its own and warning lights. 4 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 89,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
6 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 97,000 miles.
A/C: a leak
5 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, a failure and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
5 complaints (under 1%)
Pulling or wandering, early wear and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 13,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
5 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, damage and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
CV axles: vibration or shudder
5 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder, parts breaking or coming apart and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Door weather strip: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
5 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure that needed a new part and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 118,000 miles.
Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and warning lights.
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 116,000 miles.
Transmission fluid leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 71,000 miles.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
4 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away and sticking or stiffness. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Climate controls: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Engine sensors or computer: rough running or misfires
3 complaints (under 1%)
Rough running or misfires, a failure that needed a new part and a stored fault code.
Frame or structure: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking, damage and unusual noises.
Fuel leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and shattering or cracking.
Cruise control: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.
Security alarm: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Serpentine belt: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Power windows or regulator: not closing or latching
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching, a failure and sticking or stiffness. Median mileage when it started: about 81,000 miles.
Struts or shocks: a leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Timing belt failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart.
Wheel bearings failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and early wear. Median mileage when it started: about 74,000 miles.
Windshield wipers: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 95,000 miles.
ABS: fault code
2 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of braking.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Brake calipers: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Cylinder head gasket failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and shattering or cracking.
Engine failure: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and damage. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Exterior lights: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Fuel system failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a bad smell. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Ignition or push-button start: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and locking up. Both describe a serious outcome.
Interior trim: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage.
Airbag sensor: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Fire (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome.
Fuel pump relay: stalling
2 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling and a failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Vehicle electrical power: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
Windshield washer: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Phone and navigation: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
Deployment with no crash and delayed deployment. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Variable cylinder management (VCM): burning or using oil
2 complaints (under 1%)
Burning or using oil. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Wheel rim: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion and shattering or cracking.

Reported Once (69)

Show the 69 problems reported once

12V battery: a loss of power
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata)
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Control arm bushings failure
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
Engine oil leak
Frontal airbags failure
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Fuel filler door: damage
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Hood latch: parts breaking or coming apart
Loss of power (cause not stated)
Mirrors: parts breaking or coming apart
Oil drain plug: damage
A/C refrigerant lines: a leak
EGR valve failure
SRS check sensor failure
VTN spring (cause not stated)
Active noise control: unusual noises
Belt tensioner bolt failure
Cabin pressure or buffeting (cause not stated)
Child restraint seat: not closing or latching
Child seat LATCH buckle failure
Child seat LATCH strap failure
Child seat tether anchor: parts breaking or coming apart
Crankshaft pulley: parts breaking or coming apart
Crankshaft pulley or harmonic balancer: parts breaking or coming apart
Differential bearings: early wear
Door attachment: parts breaking or coming apart
Door warning indicator: the system not working when needed
Drive belt tensioner: stopped working
Drive belt tensioner or mounting bolt failure
Driveline (part not stated): vibration or shudder
Drivetrain failure
Electronic throttle: surging
Engine compartment fire (cause not stated)
Engine rod bearings: early wear
Exhaust manifold heat shields: rust or corrosion
Floor mat: pedal interference
Fuel cap failure
Fuel filling system: cannot fill tank
Fuel filter: a leak
Fuel tank: unusual noises
Harmonic balancer: parts breaking or coming apart
Interior lights: stopped working
Parking sensors: stopped working
Pulley shaft: parts breaking or coming apart
Pulls to one side (cause not stated)
Rear motor failure
Rear mount (cause not stated)
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Side impact sensor failure
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
Spare tire mounting: parts breaking or coming apart
Suspension pulleys and bolts: parts breaking or coming apart
Throttle: a loss of power
Transmission mount: parts breaking or coming apart
Transmission mounts: damage
Wheel lock: parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel lock nut: sticking or stiffness
Wheel shimmy: vibration or shudder
Whole-vehicle power loss: stalling
Wireless headphones: stopped working
Parking brake
Rearview camera: the system acting on its own
Tire pressure monitoring: wrong readings
Transmission computer: vibration or shudder
Valve train: damage
Warning lights (cause not stated)

How the 2005 Honda Odyssey Compares With Other Years

The other Odyssey years of the 3rd generation, 2005 to 2010, 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
2011	Good	78	0.54×	21.2	5	12V battery: warning lights
2010	Good	78	0.54×	21.2	1	Sliding doors: parts breaking or coming apart
2009	Good	76	0.67×	26.0	3	Power liftgate failure
2008	Good	71	0.92×	34.6	4	Brakes: loss of braking
2007	Caution	68	1.0×	38.3	4	Brakes: loss of braking
2006	Good	76	0.91×	35.2	3	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2005 This year	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

See every Odyssey year

2005 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.

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 14V112000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 14, 2014. By the third quarter of 2015, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Service brakes, hydraulic: master cylinder
A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 10V504000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 22, 2010.
Structure: support device/strut
Injury may result from a power liftgate closing unexpectedly when a person is within the closing path of the liftgate.
NHTSA 10V055000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 23, 2010.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
If the fuel pump loses power while driving, the engine could stall without warning, and a crash could occur.
NHTSA 07V097000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 14, 2007.
Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive
Front impact sensor failure could cause a delay in, or loss of, frontal air bag deployment, which can increase the risk of injury in a frontal crash.
NHTSA 05V344000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 1, 2005.
Electrical system: fuses and circuit breakers
If the fuel pump loses power while driving the engine could stall without warning which could result in a crash.
NHTSA 05V132000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 5, 2005.

Show 2 more recalls

Steering: column
Loss of steering control can cause a vehicle crash without prior notice.
NHTSA 05V039000Issued Feb 3, 2005.
Service brakes, air: wheel speed sensor
The driver could experience a loss of brake force and a crash could occur.
NHTSA 04V536000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 15, 2004.

NHTSA Investigations

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

Power liftgate closing unexpectedly on Odysseys
Closed
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked at power liftgates that could close unexpectedly on 2005 Odysseys. The cause may be damaged gas seals in the liftgate struts. Owners could be caught under the liftgate, and ten injuries were reported. NHTSA upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA08-015 in August 2008.
NHTSA PE08026 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Apr 10, 2008 to Aug 8, 2008
Unexpected closing of power liftgate on 2005 Odysseys
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis covered the power liftgate struts on 2005 Odyssey Touring models. Honda recalled about 21,776 vehicles built before a July 16, 2005 manufacturing change, under recall 10V-055. The recall replaces the struts with sturdier ones. Later vehicles had much lower failure rates. NHTSA closed the case in April 2010.
NHTSA EA08015 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Aug 8, 2008 to Apr 12, 2010
Stabilus rear liftgate struts failing
Closed
NHTSA opened inquiry EQ12-010 in September 2012 on failing Stabilus rear liftgate struts. It lists Odysseys from 2005, 2008 and 2009. The record only refers to an attached closing summary and gives no finding. NHTSA closed the inquiry in December 2012. No recall number is listed.
NHTSA EQ12010 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Sep 28, 2012 to Dec 31, 2012

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2005 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 2005 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 2005 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.

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 14V112000
Service brakes, hydraulic: master cylinder NHTSA 10V504000
Structure: support device/strut NHTSA 10V055000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 07V097000
Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive NHTSA 05V344000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 8 recalls and which are still open.

On the Test Drive

Open and close each sliding door several times, by button and by hand, and check that it latches.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
In drive at a stop, heavy vibration through the cabin is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

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

Sliding doors
Steering
Engine mounts
Also ask for the service records, especially oil 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.