What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (1999–2004) Odyssey?

Odyssey owners have made 950 complaints about the 1999–2004 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 49th out of 58 Honda generations in overall reliability, with real transmission and body concerns.

Compare With Other Odyssey Generations

Common 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey Problems

Some of the worst issues 2nd generation Odyssey owners have to deal with.

  2. Peeling Paint and Clear Coat

    Is your Honda shedding clearcoat and peeling off paint at an alarming rate? You're not alone. Far from it actually. Even the most ardent, wax-happy, electric car polisher wielding owner can find their paint tearing off in sheets. So what gi…

    Continue reading article "Peeling Paint and Clear Coat"

  3. Automatic Transmission Failure

    If you own a Honda released between 1999-2004 and haven't had any issues with your automatic transmission, may I suggest you go to your nearest conevnience store and play the lottery? 'Cause you're one lucky son-of-a-gun.

    Continue reading article "Automatic Transmission Failure"

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (1999–2004) Odyssey Key Numbers

  1. 6 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 950 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 49th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 58 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 2nd Generation Odyssey Owners

  • Settlement

    Case, et al. v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

    1. Settlement

      A Honda 5-speed transmission class action settlement has been reached for consumers residing in California who were the original owners of any of the following vehicles with 5-speed automatic transmissions and continued being the owner as of December 7, 2015.

    2. Case Filed

      The Honda transmission lawsuit says the automaker created a secret warranty program which expanded or extended the warranty "beyond its stated limits and/or offered to pay for all of or part of the cost of repairing or replacing the transmission system in Class Vehicles."

    Class Vehicles
    • 2003-2004 Accord
    • 2002-2004 Odyssey
    • 2003-2004 Pilot
    Location
    California

Recent 2nd Generation (1999–2004) Odyssey News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Honda wants to settle up a decade-old lawsuit about downshifting transmissions

    with an offer so low it's borderline insulting. A 2009 lawsuit says 5-speed automatic transmissions in some 2002-2004 Honda and Acura vehicles have a defect in the 3rd clutch. That defect can cause the transmission to suddenly downshift from 5th to 2nd gear. That's one way to reach your heart rate goal on your FitBit.

    Honda has continually denied the allegations but are ready to put this whole ordeal behind them with a ... checks notes ... $25 credit towards the future purcahse of Honda parts. And you must live in California. Oh I'm sorry, should I have told you to sit down first?…

    keep reading article "Honda Settles 5-Speed Transmission Lawsuit With California Owners"

  3. 2001-2002 Accord. 2001-2002 Civic. 2002 CR-V. 2002 Odyssey. 2003 Pilot. If you own one of these vehicles and you haven't replaced their Takata inflators, the next knock on your door could be from a Honda representitive.

    And you should answer ... it might just save your life.

    In addition to going door-to-door with about 550 teams of representatives, Honda says it has made more than 35 million phone calls to customers and sent more than 1 million text messages, trying to convince owners to get the vehicles repaired.

    Desperate times. Desperate measures.

    keep reading article "550 Honda Representitives Are Going Door to Door, Begging Certain Owners to Replace Their Takata Inflators"