10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
7 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
89,049 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Honda Odyssey electrical problems

electrical problem

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2003 Honda Odyssey Owner Comments (Page 2 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #52

Mar 232015

Odyssey

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V045000 (electrical system); however, the part needed to do the repair was not available. The manufacturer stated that the electronic control unit would not be available until later in the summer. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

- Oak Harbor, WA, USA

problem #51

Feb 042013

Odyssey

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the rear sliding doors failed to open when using the fob. The contact mentioned that if the doors open, they do so without any warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and it was determined that the electric ball used to open the doors had failed. The manufacturer stated that the doors were not under recall and the vehicle had not been repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #50

Nov 282013

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 83,000 miles
The key was stuck in the ignition and would not turn or come out.

- Chciago, IL, USA

problem #49

Jan 202015

Odyssey

  • 108,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I recently had airbag recall work on my car. All of a sudden, 2 days ago my doors unlocked while I was driving. I relocked them and a few minutes later they unlocked again. This keeps happening. I am thinking that this is related to the recall work that was done about a month ago. This is a very dangerous situation. I don't know if any other owners have reported these occurrences. I spoke to Honda and they told me I have to take my car to the Honda dealer that did the recall work to check out the problem, but I would have to pay the dealer to check it out. I don't think this is fair. Please note that I did not have an accident. Your system forced me to put in an accident date to be able to send you the complaint.

- Aventura, FL, USA

problem #48

Mar 012014

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2003 Honda Odyssey. The vehicle will shut off while driving. The vehicle shut off on four separate occasions. The consumer believed when the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the interlock recall, the problem would be resolved. However, they were unable to diagnose the problem. Also, the battery was replaced.

- Rockport, TX, USA

problem #47

Jul 212014

Odyssey

  • 122,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the key would be stuck in the ignition and was unable to be removed. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 12V573000. (electrical system). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000. The VIN was not available.

- Belle Ville, NJ, USA

problem #46

Apr 112014

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 134,703 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the interior dome lights and radio failed. The contact changed the fuse approximately 10 times but the fuse continued to exhibit the same issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but declined to provide additional information to the contact. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 134,703. Updated 06/10/14

- Lancaster , PA, USA

problem #45

Apr 252011

Odyssey

  • 89,850 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle rolled away and crashed into another vehicle. No police report was filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who replaced the ignition switch under NHTSA campaign id number: 12V573000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,850.

- Huntington Woods, MI, USA

problem #44

Dec 212013

Odyssey

  • 96,500 miles
Service safety recall regarding SRS malfunction was performed on my van by paul miller Honda in caldwell, NJ on 12/21/2013. After the work was done, the SRS malfunction light comes on after 30 minutes of driving. Notified dealer and american Honda. American Honda opened a case for this, N012014-01-0200225. Was advised for a complete diagnostic report from the dealer. Went back to dealer for test on 1/4/14 and a dtc code 53-31, internal failure of SRS unit, was called out on test. Wants SRS unit replaced at my own expense. Advised by dealer that this not related to recall. The recall was adding wires on the harness wires set to the SRS unit. I was advised by american Honda to seek diagnostic test to other dealer. Went to garden state Honda in passaic, NJ on 1/22/14 for a more thorough test. The dealer insist on replacing 2 year battery as this might causes dtc 53-31. Cca on battery was 450, recommended is 550. Told advisor that cca is for cold cranking/starting of van and irrelevant to the problem as long as output is a sustained 12 vdc and I do not have problem when starting the van. Forced to comply at my own expense. Problem still exists with new battery. On 2/6/14 and after 3 trips, dealer recommends replacement of SRS unit on my own expense and not related to recall like the first dealer. The dealer is uncertain if this will resolve the issues. This will be elimination process at my own expense. Van has never had any SRS fault for 10 years. Only after the recall was done when SRS fault light comes on. Now, safety of the driver and passengers are compromised. Air bag may deploy or may not deploy if and when needed. American Honda will not cover the expenses based on the recommendation of dealer. Honda should shoulder all expenses related to the resolution of the SRS fault and the safety of the vehicle. Driver and passenger... updated 02/27/14

- Belleville, NJ, USA

problem #43

Jan 232014

Odyssey

  • 158,722 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the key would not turn in the ignition switch after several attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 158,722.

- Hampton, GA, USA

problem #42

Jan 312013

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Trying for over an hour to get the key to turn over so I cant start the van it keeps happening everytime I try to start the van switch keys with my husband and the same issue keeps happening. Its a serious issue that I truly believe is a defect with Honda.

- Yonkers, NY, USA

problem #41

Aug 012013

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2003 Honda Odyssey. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall notice and seeks reimbursement for repairs. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, after receiving a recall notice, which required the installation of an updated shift interlock lever. Later in the day, the consumer received a call from the dealer stating the vehicle needed a new ignition switch. The dealer stated they would install the new switch at a cost of $ 520. The consumer was satisfied with the work. However, he objected to being charged for the work, because according to the recall notice, it explicitly stated the work would be performed at no cost to the consumer. The recall notice stated an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, any necessary part of the ignition switch would be replaced. The service manager acknowledged that the ignition switch was a necessary part, he insisted, the consumer was obliged to pay for the installation. The consumer wrote Honda's national service department, explaining the situation and they wrote back rejecting his request for reimbursement. To justify their refusal of reimbursement, they imposed a narrow interpretation of the phrase any necessary part of the ignition switch. They claimed that it referred only to the shift interlock level itself, and they wanted to exclude what the recall notice actually said about any necessary part of the ignition switch.

- Newton, MA, USA

problem #40

Oct 242011

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
Less than a week after we bought our van, the back passenger door wouldn't close properly. It was fixed prior to us buying the van. Since then we have had to get out and physically push on the door to close it. Also, had an incident where the door closed on a child's hand when it should have sensed it was there. Child was fine. New problem is we can't get drivers side sliding door to close properly. It will close and then pop open a little bit. Hubby has taken to "kicking" it in with his foot. We drive with the doors locked praying that they won't open like I have read about happening to so many folks. We bought the van because we have 3 kids but this is scary stuff. As we drive down the road there is a constant beeping sound like the door is open but it isn't lit up on the dash. I don't understand why no recall has been done to this year of Honda. Sounds like the same problems the earlier year Honda's have had. We are making payments on this van and can't afford to purchase anything else. Something really should be done before someone dies.

- Shelton, WA, USA

problem #39

Jul 132013

Odyssey

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number 12V573000 (electrical system). After the remedy repair was performed, the key failed to turn in the ignition switch. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, who informed that a part within the ignition switch would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced any malfunction with the ignition switch prior to the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

- Hopewell Junction, NY, USA

problem #38

Jun 062012

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that once the vehicle was started, the shift lever failed to go into park or drive. The contact mentioned that she received a notice for NHTSA campaign number: 12V573000 (electrical system). The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician refused to do the repairs free of cost since they were requesting her to bring in the ignition pin. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was unknown. The consumer stated the technician refused to perform the recall, unless she brought in the ignition pin. The technician noticed the ignition switch had been tampered with /taken apart, as the pieces were missing. The interlock switch pin was missing from the vehicle. More than likely the consumer had the ignition worked on at an independent repair facility. A few reasons for this could be the result of the door chime not working or the chime is always on. The dealer is currently investigating if the repair can still be performed with the pin missing.

- Snellville, GA, USA

problem #37

Mar 242013

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 122,000 miles
We were returning from a family vacation traveling on the interstate highway system at 70 mph when, without any warning, all the dials on the dashboard (speedometer, tachometer, etc) suddenly went to zero then immediately returned to normal. I also noticed a burning smell. About two minutes later, while still traveling on the highway at 70 mph, the vehicle lost all acceleration. So we pulled to the side of the road. About a minute after we pulled over, the vehicle ceased all operations. My initial efforts to restart the vehicle were unsuccessful, but after 5 minutes, I was able to restart the vehicle. Again, the vehicle ceased operations after a few minutes. After investigating the vehicle, we decided to call a tow truck. While sitting on the side of the highway waiting for the tow truck, we turned on the vehicle again to operate the air conditioning. After about 10 minutes, we noticed the burning smell and puffs of smoke coming from the steering column. We turned off the vehicle and waited for the tow truck. The Honda dealership to which the vehicle was towed replaced the ignition switch and fixed the problem. They informed me the ignition switch "burned up" inside. I still have the part, if you care to inspect it. We were able to complete the remainder of our 700 mile journey home. Please note the dealership informed me the problem I experienced was completely different from the recent safety recall on this vehicle (recall 13-011) for the ignition shift interlock problem. While I normally do not file complaints of this nature, I am filing this complaint to bring this issue to your attention. Based on my research on the internet, I am not the only one experiencing this problem. Thankfully, no one was injured in my incident. However, it is very possible that serious injury can occur when a vehicle traveling at 70 mph loses power without any warning.

- Lenexa, KS, USA

problem #36

Mar 182013

Odyssey

  • 144,300 miles
TL-the contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 12V573000 (electrical system). The vehicle was repaired under the recall and approximately one week later, the failure recurred. The contact stated that he was able to remove his key from the ignition without the gear shift being secured in park. The vehicle was not inspected for the failure after the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 144,300. The current mileage was approximately 144,539. The VIN was unavailable. Kmj

- Newark, NJ, USA

problem #35

Oct 102012

Odyssey

  • 123,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that key could not be turned in the ignition until after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the lever kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 123,000.

- Carnation, WA, USA

problem #34

Nov 222012

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 24,000 miles
The mechanism that locks the key in the ignition until the vehicles is shifted into park fails and needs to be addressed by Honda.the key can be removed without shifting into park. This could cause the vehicles to roll off unexpectedly and hurt an innocent bystander or roll off into an intersection. This issue needs to be addressed immediately and Honda needs to address this key- ignition issue. Although I haven't suffered any accident I always try to remember to keep my car in park before removing the key. I have heard from several people this is a common issue with this model year for both the Odyssey and the Pilot.

- Brooklyn , NY, USA

problem #33

Oct 012012

Odyssey 6-cyl

  • 81,500 miles
Vehicle was parked in a parking lot, light downhill. Vehicle was left and found 5 minutes later 12 meter further down, after a small crash with another parked vehicle. Bumper got scratches. The key can be removed from the ignition when the vehicle is in the N position.

- Plymouth, MI, USA

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