Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2004 Honda Odyssey — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2007 to Dec 2015
The most reported issue is power train problems (180 complaints). 41 complaints involved crashes. 6 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (13)
NHTSA Campaign: 19V182000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V501000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V499000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V268000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V320000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V344000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V700000
Component: AIR BAGS
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V045000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured February 13, 2002, to August 13, 2004, and 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to September 23, 2003. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Risk: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Honda dealers will replace the supplemental restraint system electronic control unit (SRS ECU). The recall began on February 22, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's number for this recall is JN6 (Odyssey), and JN7 (MDX). Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-412. Vehicles that had a noise filter installed as the remedy for that campaign need to have the SRS ECU replaced under this campaign.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V353000
Component: AIR BAGS
American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
NHTSA Campaign: 12V573000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Pilot and Odyssey and 2003 through 2006 Acura MDX passenger vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2001, through August 30, 2006. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace any necessary part of the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V412000
Component: AIR BAGS
Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Odyssey and model year 2003 Acura MDX vehicles. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front air bags, side curtain air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Risk: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a noise suppressor unit, free of charge. The recall began on November 1, 2013. A renotification letter went out on July 11, 2014 for the 2003 Acura and the 2003-2004 Odyssey. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's recall numbers are JC2 (Honda Odyssey) and JC3 (Acura MDX).
NHTSA Campaign: 04V420000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE FUEL PUMP MAY FAIL DUE TO CORROSION OF AN ELECTRICAL TERMINAL.
Risk: IF THE PUMP STOPS WORKING, EHT ENGINE WILL STALL WITHOUT WARNING, AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE ELECTRICAL COUPLER TERMINAL OF THE FUEL PUMP. IF ANY CORROSION IS FOUND, THE PUMP WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
NHTSA Campaign: 04V176000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
Risk: GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 584)
Tires →3 issues
While turning a corner, your front driver's side tire suddenly blew out, causing the vehicle to roll several times, flip, and crash into a tree. The airbags deployed, but the driver sustained fatal injuries. The vehicle was totaled and a police report was filed.
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Eight days after installing a new set of tires from Costco, your front driver's side tire went flat while driving on the highway at speed, causing your vehicle to suddenly lose control and swerve. Fortunately, the vehicle came to rest on the shoulder without hitting anything. The tire failure caused an unexpected loss of vehicle control that required emergency roadside assistance.
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The sidewall of your tire split, causing it to lose air pressure and go flat while you were driving. The tire is available for inspection if needed.
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Air Bags →3 issues
Your driver-side front airbag deployed suddenly while you were driving at 20 mph, even though there was no accident or impact. This unexpected deployment caused you to lose control and drive off the road, where your vehicle hit a tree and sustained front-end damage. The airbag system may have a faulty sensor or wiring issue causing it to trigger without a collision.
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After your driver's airbag inflator was replaced as part of a recall, your horn started honking unexpectedly when you hit bumps or moved the steering wheel. The original dealership made an adjustment that temporarily helped, but the problem returned. A second dealership discovered that the wrong inflator part had been installed during the recall service. When you returned to the original dealership for correction, they refused to fix it. The issue likely requires removing the steering wheel and replacing the airbag inflator with the correct part.
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Your airbag deployed and you took your Odyssey to Honda for replacement. The dealer said they couldn't complete the work without contacting corporate to determine costs, but then failed to follow up with you despite multiple calls and promises to get back to you. You were left without clear information about repair status or pricing.
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Air Bags,wheels →2 issues
Your airbags have not been properly repaired despite three separate visits to the dealership. Honda customer service promised to follow up by the end of the week but did not contact you. The airbag system may need to be inspected and replaced by a certified technician to ensure it functions properly in a crash.
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Your Odyssey is making a heavy grinding noise coming from the rear passenger side, but no warning lights are showing up on your dashboard. The dealership inspected the vehicle but the recall status for your car remains incomplete. The repair may involve inspecting and potentially replacing rear suspension or wheel components causing the grinding sound.
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Engine →2 issues
While driving at 55 mph, your engine suddenly revved to high RPMs but the vehicle didn't accelerate as expected. You also noticed a burning smell coming from the engine area, though no warning lights appeared on your dashboard. After pulling over and waiting, the vehicle restarted and you were able to drive home. The issue may involve transmission slip, engine overheating, or a burning component that needs inspection and diagnosis.
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Your van suddenly wouldn't move while at a stop, even though it shifted into gear. After restarting, it ran for about a mile with shaking before dropping to 10 mph on the highway. Once you got home and restarted it again, it shifts into gear but still won't move forward. No warning lights appeared, and this happened despite regular maintenance. The issue may involve the transmission's ability to transfer power from the engine to the wheels.
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Power Train →2 issues
Your transmission suddenly lost power while driving, with the engine revving but no forward movement. The car struggled to climb hills and felt sluggish, though it regained some ability to move after resting for 30 minutes. Your transmission fluid level is normal but appears dark in color, and shifting between gears made no difference in performance. This likely indicates internal transmission wear or fluid degradation that will require transmission service or repair.
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Your 2004 Honda Odyssey stalled suddenly while driving at 70 mph on the highway, forcing you to pull over and have it towed. You discovered this issue matches a known recall (04V176000) for powertrain problems, but Honda said your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in that recall. The vehicle had about 202,000 miles on it when this happened. Resolving this will likely require a powertrain diagnostic and possibly replacing transmission components or the transmission control module.
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Electrical System →1 issue
While driving at 60 MPH, your vehicle suddenly lost all engine power without any warning. You believe the ignition switch failed, but the vehicle hasn't been professionally diagnosed or repaired yet. This happened at about 308,000 miles.
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Suspension,power Train,electrical System →1 issue
Your van suddenly lost power while driving on the highway, creating a dangerous traffic situation. Honda acknowledged that the transmission cooling system wasn't properly installed from the factory but refused to repair it. You're concerned that other vans may have this same issue.
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Vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
Your Odyssey's engine isn't responding when you press the gas pedal—it happened several times while driving at 45 MPH. Turning off the engine and restarting it didn't fix the problem. This kind of issue could be caused by a faulty throttle sensor, fuel delivery problem, or engine control system malfunction, and you'll likely need a mechanic to diagnose which component needs repair.
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your transmission jerks hard when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear during acceleration, and sometimes you have to manually shift into D3 to get the vehicle moving again. You've found this behavior concerning and noticed that other 2004 Honda Odysseys have transmission recalls, but your vehicle doesn't appear to have one despite experiencing the same issues. The transmission may need internal inspection or fluid/filter service to address the harsh shifting.
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Air Bags,seat Belts →1 issue
Your SRS (airbag system) warning light is on. The dealer indicated the problem could be either a faulty airbag or a defective seatbelt buckle, likely on the driver or passenger side. Until this is diagnosed and repaired, your airbags may not deploy in a crash. A mechanic will need to scan the SRS system codes and inspect both the airbag components and seatbelt buckles to identify which part is causing the warning.
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Seat Belts →1 issue
Your SRS (airbag) warning light stays on when you start the vehicle, sometimes for a week or two. A Honda dealer diagnosed the problem as a faulty driver's seat belt buckle and ordered a replacement part to install for free. You're concerned whether your airbags were working properly while the light was on. The fix involves replacing the driver's seat belt buckle assembly.
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Power Train,electrical System,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your transmission is stuck and won't shift into third, fourth, or fifth gear—you have to manually shift between first and second. There's a known recall for 2004 Honda Odyssey transmissions that may address this exact issue. The repair will likely involve having the transmission inspected and serviced or replaced under the recall program.
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Suspension,power Train,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your 2004 Odyssey is showing transmission error codes and has been diagnosed as needing a new transmission, along with emission system repairs. You're also experiencing issues with the fuel input system not working properly. The repair will likely involve replacing the transmission and addressing emission control components.
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