Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2002 Honda Odyssey — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2004 to Dec 2008
The most reported issue is power train problems (560 complaints). 45 complaints involved crashes. 5 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (10)
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 15V370000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda CR-V vehicles, 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 19, 2001, to July 12, 2003, 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 19, 2002, to June 19, 2003, 2003 Honda Element vehicles manufactured June 25, 2002, to July 31, 2003, and 2003 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured November 26, 2001, to August 21, 2003. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU4, JU5, JU6, and JU7. Note: Vehicles that have already received a replacement passenger air bag inflator as part of the recall remedy for an earlier campaign such as 14V353 or 14V700 (Honda recall numbers S95, JH6, JH7, JH8, JH9, JJ0, JJ1, JJ2, JJ6, JM5 and JM6) are not included in this recall. However, this recall does supersede 13V132 and 14V349. Note: On December 18, 2015 Honda informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2004 Honda CR-V vehicles in addition to additional model year 2003 CR-V vehicles.
NHTSA Campaign: 02V226000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.
Risk: IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WATER PUMP AND IF IT IS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
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 972)
Air Bags →6 issues
Your driver's side curtain airbag deployed on its own while driving, without any crash or collision. This is a safety concern because airbags should only deploy during an actual impact. The issue likely involves a faulty airbag sensor or wiring problem that needs to be diagnosed and repaired by a technician.
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Your airbag warning light (SRS light) stays on all the time. Your mechanic found a fault code 1-1, which indicates a resistance problem in the airbag system assembly rather than a faulty airbag coil. The airbag system will need to be diagnosed and repaired to clear the warning light and ensure the airbags function properly.
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Your SRS (airbag) warning light came on while driving. The dealer told you that you'd have to pay for a diagnostic test to figure out what's wrong, so you didn't get the vehicle diagnosed or repaired. The issue happened around 180,000 miles on your 2002 Honda Odyssey. To fix this, you'll likely need diagnostic testing to identify the specific airbag system fault, which could range from a simple sensor replacement to more complex airbag module repairs.
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You received recall notices for airbags on your 2002 Honda Odyssey (two separate campaigns), but you no longer own the vehicle and requested to be removed from the recall mailing list. You didn't contact the dealer or manufacturer about the recalls before selling the car.
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Your 2002 Honda Odyssey had a recall repair done on the passenger-side front air bag, but after the repair was completed, the air bag warning light stayed on. This suggests the air bag system may not be functioning properly even though the inflator was replaced.
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You received recall notices for your 2002 Honda Odyssey about airbag issues, but you no longer own the vehicle and want to be removed from the recall mailing list. You've already contacted Honda directly about this.
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Power Train →2 issues
Your transmission failed while you were driving on the highway, causing you to lose power and nearly get hit by another car. Before the failure, an unfamiliar warning light appeared on your dashboard, and then your accelerator stopped responding. A mechanic diagnosed the problem as a transmission fault requiring $1,800–$2,000 to repair. The transmission will likely need to be rebuilt or replaced.
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Your powertrain is experiencing an unknown issue. Without more specific details about what you're noticing—such as strange noises, performance problems, or warning lights—it's difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. A mechanic will need to diagnose the problem by examining your engine, transmission, and related systems.
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Unknown Or Other →2 issues
Your van may roll away on slight inclines if you remove the ignition key while the gear selector is in a position other than Park. This is a known safety issue that affects certain 2002 Odysseys manufactured in late 2001, though your Honda dealer may have initially said it only applies to 2003-2004 models. The issue involves the transmission's park function and may require inspection or adjustment by a technician.
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Your car allows you to remove the ignition key even when the gear selector isn't in Park, which can cause the vehicle to roll away on slight inclines. This is the same issue covered by Honda recall 16V344000, which your dealer says only applies to 2003-2004 model years, but the recall notice indicates it applies to vehicles manufactured as early as November 2001—and your van was built in November 2001. The fix would likely involve a dealer service to install a key interlock mechanism that prevents key removal unless the gear is in Park.
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Electrical System →1 issue
Your van shuts down completely and randomly while driving, sometimes 3-4 times per day, and won't restart until a green key light appears on the dashboard—which can take 5 minutes to 8 hours. The engine cranks but won't turn over during these shutdowns, and you get a warning when the green key starts flashing. You suspect the immobilizer system is causing the problem, and you've already replaced the key fob battery, main battery, and checked fuses without success. The fix will likely involve having a Honda dealer diagnose and repair the immobilizer security system or related electrical components.
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Engine And Engine Cooling,service Brakes →1 issue
Your 2002 Honda Odyssey stalled while turning a corner, and the brake pedal didn't respond when you pressed it—the wheels locked up instead. You had to engage the parking brake to stop the vehicle safely. No warning lights appeared on the dashboard before this happened, and the dealer was unable to diagnose or repair the problem. The issue may involve engine stalling combined with brake system failure, requiring diagnosis of both the fuel delivery and brake hydraulic systems.
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Fuel System, Gasoline,power Train,air Bags →1 issue
Your air bag warning light is on, indicating both driver and passenger air bags need repair—this issue is tied to a known safety recall. Additionally, your transmission is jumping out of gear and won't accelerate smoothly from second gear until you shift to park and back to drive. A mechanic diagnosed a failing fuel pump and recommended fluid replacement, but the problem came back after repair. The transmission and air bag issues need attention from a qualified technician or dealer.
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Steering,structure,wheels →1 issue
After a traffic collision, California's DMV requires your car to pass a brake and light inspection before you can re-register it. However, two inspection shops have refused to perform this test due to recall P30 04V-176, and your Honda dealer says the recall isn't necessary and won't perform it. You're unable to complete the DMV inspection requirement because of this dispute over the recall.
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Vehicle Speed Control,engine →1 issue
Your car is accelerating on its own even when you're not pressing the gas pedal and cruise control is off, forcing you to use the brakes constantly to maintain control. Additionally, when the car is idling, the engine RPM keeps fluctuating between high and low speeds instead of staying steady. This could indicate an issue with the fuel injection system, throttle control, or engine idle settings that needs professional diagnosis.
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Tires →1 issue
You noticed large chunks of tread peeling off from both front tires on your 2002 Honda Odyssey equipped with Michelin Defender XT 225/60R16 tires at 59,000 miles. The tire retailer suggested the damage came from driving on gravel roads, though you may dispute this cause. The tires were replaced, and Michelin deferred the issue back to the retailer. Addressing this would involve replacing the affected tires with new ones.
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Engine And Engine Cooling →1 issue
When you start your 2002 Honda Odyssey, you hear an abnormal sound coming from the engine. At the same time, your check engine light, emission switch light, and airbag sensor light all turn on. An independent mechanic diagnosed the problem but you haven't had it repaired yet. This started happening around 176,000 miles. Diagnosing the root cause will require a mechanic to read the engine diagnostic codes and inspect the engine components.
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Fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your fuel pump lock ring may be cracking and leaking gasoline from the top of your fuel tank, especially after filling up or in hot weather. You might notice a strong smell of gasoline under or inside your vehicle, and could see a puddle of gas on the ground beneath the tank. The fuel pump lock ring may need to be replaced with an OEM Honda part and properly torqued to the correct specification to prevent future leaks.
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Electrical System,exterior Lighting,air Bags →1 issue
Your vehicle is displaying a warning that the passenger airbag isn't working, and then the warning turns off intermittently. This suggests an electrical or sensor problem with the airbag system that's causing the warning to malfunction. A technician will need to diagnose the airbag control module and passenger occupancy sensor to identify the electrical fault.
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Seats →1 issue
Your power seat lifts up unexpectedly while you're driving, particularly when accelerating, and then drops back down when you press the brake. This intermittent movement could affect your comfort and driving position. The issue may involve a faulty power seat motor or control switch that needs inspection and replacement.
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