1996 Honda Odyssey — Known Issues & Recalls

Your ignition switch has failed for the second time, causing your car to sometimes require jiggling the key to start or not start at all. More dangerously, the engine has cut out while you were driving, creating a serious safety risk—especially with children in the car. The switch now won't start the vehicle at all. Replacing the ignition switch should resolve this issue.

While driving, your engine suddenly shut off and the ignition wouldn't turn on, though the radio still worked. You had to pull off the highway quickly to avoid being hit from behind. This appears to be related to a known ignition switch problem that Honda has identified in 1997 Accords. The fix will likely involve replacing the ignition switch.

Your vehicle shut off suddenly while driving at 60 mph on the interstate and wouldn't restart. No warning lights appeared before or after the shutdown. A mechanic determined that a faulty ignition switch caused the engine to cut off, and it will need to be replaced to restore normal operation.

Your 1996 Honda Odyssey's engine has shut off unexpectedly multiple times over two months—both while parked and while driving, including twice on the highway at high speed during heavy traffic. A mechanic determined the problem is a faulty ignition switch. The fix will involve replacing the ignition switch.

Your car won't start or suddenly shuts off unless you repeatedly jiggle the ignition key. The solder inside the ignition switch has melted and dripped, which caused a burn injury. This is a serious electrical problem that needs immediate attention from a mechanic.

Your vehicle completely shut off while you were driving on the freeway, which created a dangerous situation with passengers in the car. This appears to be related to the ignition switch. The ignition switch may need to be inspected or replaced to prevent the engine from shutting off unexpectedly while driving.

Your Odyssey wouldn't start in a parking lot, and after a tow truck used a door lock trick to get it running, the engine died while you were driving on the highway. The vehicle wouldn't restart and had to be towed again. The Honda dealer diagnosed the problem as a defective ignition switch. Fixing this will likely require replacing the ignition switch assembly.

Your car's engine shuts off when you release the ignition key after starting it. This suggests a problem with the ignition switch, which should keep the engine running once you turn the key. The dealership indicated your vehicle's VIN wasn't covered under a recall for this same issue. Fixing this typically involves replacing the ignition switch assembly.

Your vehicle had trouble starting—it would crank but not always catch and run. Eventually the engine shut off while you were driving several times, which is unsafe. After replacing the ignition switch, the vehicle worked fine. You noted that similar Honda Odysseys in Australia and Japan had ignition switch recalls for the same symptoms.

Your ignition system is experiencing problems, but the Honda dealer won't fix it under recall because your 1996 model's VIN isn't flagged in the recall system. You may have difficulty starting your vehicle or experience ignition-related electrical issues. Getting your ignition switch and electrical connections inspected or replaced may be necessary to resolve the problem.

Your cruise control malfunctioned after you pressed resume following braking. Instead of returning to your set speed, the van accelerated uncontrollably to about 130 km/h and wouldn't slow down even when you applied the brakes or tried to turn off cruise control. The problem was caused by a jammed cruise control cable that had to be cut by a technician to regain control of the vehicle. The fix will likely involve replacing the cruise control cable assembly.

Your engine suddenly revved up and wouldn't stop when you pulled into a parking space, causing the vehicle to hydroplane and hit a building. Your brakes were ineffective at stopping the car during the incident. The exact cause of the engine revving and brake failure should be diagnosed by a mechanic, who may need to inspect the throttle control system, brake system components, and engine management systems.

While driving at 35 mph on a normal road with no impact or bumps, your passenger airbag suddenly deployed on its own. The force was so strong it damaged the rearview mirror, glove compartment door, and windshield, and you were fortunate not to be injured by debris or the blast itself. A technician will need to diagnose why the airbag sensor triggered without any collision or significant impact.

Your driver's side airbag deployed on its own while the vehicle was parked with the engine running, even though there was no crash. This is a serious safety concern that needs immediate attention from a qualified technician. The airbag system will need to be thoroughly diagnosed to determine why it deployed unexpectedly and to ensure it's safe to drive.

Your airbag warning light turned on and won't stay off, your anti-lock brake warning light flickers on and off, and your power door locks engage uncontrollably and drain your battery. The dealer diagnosed these as sensor problems and quoted $1,287 in repairs, but when you left without fixing them, the airbag and brake lights came back on immediately and have stayed on. Because your airbag system warning light is active, your airbags may not deploy properly in a crash, and the brake system diagnostics should be verified since the ABS warning light is also illuminated.

Your engine stalled suddenly while you were turning at a green light, with no warning signs beforehand. You've experienced engine stalling after starting before, and after research, you believe this may be related to the ignition switch based on similar complaints about Honda vehicles. Diagnosing and potentially replacing the ignition switch may be needed to prevent future stalling events.

Your engine is stalling and dying frequently, both while parked and while driving—including a dangerous incident on the highway at high speed. You've already replaced the spark plugs, spark plug wires, and distributor, but the problem continues. You've discovered that other 1996 Odysseys have the same issue, and this model was recalled for the same stalling problem in China and Europe. The underlying cause may require diagnostic testing to identify a deeper engine control or fuel system issue.

After you had a new battery installed, your airbag warning light (SRS light) came on and stayed on even after the mechanic cleared the error code. Your Honda mechanic says the airbag control module itself has failed and needs to be replaced. This repair will cost $600 or more.

Your mechanic found that the rear engine mounts need replacement at 71,000 miles. This repair isn't covered under warranty and will cost around $940. Engine mounts are rubber supports that hold your engine in place, and worn ones can cause vibration and noise. The repair involves removing and replacing the deteriorated rubber mounts.

Your driver's side power door lock kept cycling on and off, and your power window made a metallic spring-like noise when closing. The dealer replaced the power door lock actuator, window regulator, and window motor, but the window stopped working entirely after the repair. You ended up paying $320.49 as your share of the repair cost after negotiating a 50% goodwill discount. The fix involved replacing the faulty power window motor, regulator, and door lock actuator components.