1997 Honda Odyssey: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 20 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Faulty ignition switch causes the engine to spontaneously shut off while the vehicle is in motion. Since the engine cannot be restarted while not in park, this requires coming to a complete stop without the aid of power brakes or steering. This has happened multiple times and various speeds and conditions. It is very similar to the situation in recall 05v025000. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2010
“When the vehicle was turned off and the key removed from the ignition there was a loud popping noise that sounded like an explosion from the rear right of the vehicle. The noise went away for a while when the brake pads were replaced. Dealership serviced the vehicle several times for this problem but could not identify what component the noise was coming from.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2004
“While driving at any speed vehicle was running roughly. Consumer examined the tires and saw that the tread separated on the right rear. Several months later, the same thing happened on the left rear tire. Dealer gave the consumer a discount on the first tire, but refused any discount on the second tire.*ak”Owner report · Tires · Apr 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“Consumer took vehicle in for a recall on ignition oil retainer. Upon picking up vehicle consumer noticed alarm system was not working properly. The vehicles door would not stay locked, locks were popping up on their own. Please provide any further information. Ts”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2002
“While driving vehicle stalled repeatedly. Vehicle was checked by dealer, who advised consumer there was recall 02v120000 concerning ignition switch. Consumer was very upset that never notified of recall. Dealer advised consumer he did have parts to repair vehicle/ consumer concerned about safety until repairs were made. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2002
“Consumer noticed a strong fuel smell. Vehicle was examined by a mechanic. Mechanic noticed a hole in fuel tank that was caused by constant contact with metal underneath vehicle. Fuel tank needed to be replaced.*ak *tt”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2002
“While traveling on the highway another vehicle veer into her lane, the consumer applied the brakes and they went down to the floor. Nlm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2002
“Recall 02 v 120 000/ignition switch: dealer: cush honda in escondido, ca. Phone # 760/737--3259 refused to honor recall. Dealer stated that vehicle must reach 65,000 mile before recall repairs could be done. Seeking NHTSA help in this matter. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2001
“Vehicle had a total electrical shutdown. Consumer lost brakes/power steering, and smoke came from ignition housing. Took to dealer, and they replaced defective part with 35130-sxo-ao1 steering switch. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2001
“7/29 large quantity of smoke emitting from drivers side door while driving and one window stops operating. 7/30 happens again while van is stationary and another window stops working. I disassembled the door and wiring harness to prevent further smoke/fire damage. Plastic and electrical components of the power window control are melted. American honda is very uncooperative after a month of discussions and investigation by honda technicians. Their story keeps changing. Today they requested that I mail all parts in question to them in ca.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jul 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1997 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Odyssey by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Honda Odyssey reliable?
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Honda Odyssey. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 1997 Honda Odyssey have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition:switch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.