Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Honda Odyssey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Cruising at 35 miles an hour down park boulevard without hitting any bumps the passenger airbag exploded. The explosion was so hard that it knocked down the rearview mirror, the glove compartment door, and caused damage to the windshield. I was so lucky not to have been hurt by flying debris or having my ear drums blowing out. Everyone I spoken to in the car service business has never heard of anything like this. An airbag exploding without impact or hitting a major bump. I had local ems come to check me out.
July 2002, I took my Odyssey to a Honda dealer because I was having several electrical problems: 1. My SRS light came on and wouldn't go off. 2. My ABS light had also begun to go on and off. 3. My power locks would lock uncontrollably and drain battery. I asked them to take a look. After $160 diagnostic charge, I was told the following: code 8-3 present on SRS. Cleared code and test drove. Light remained off for drive. Suggest replacing airbag if light comes on again. Probably a sensor problem. Cost $748 code 44 present on ABS. Right rear wheel speed sensor is faulty. Suggest replacing sensor. Cost $283 electronic locks need new lock unit. Cost $256 I was shocked that repairs would cost another $1300. After discussing these problems with the dealer and being told the issues were probably all sensor malfunctions, I opted not to pay for repairs. …
SRS light came on and stayed on at 73522 mi. Honda dealer checked all connections and wiring, also tried re-programming-that did not work. Dealer said that air bags are inoperative, and that a new SRS control unit is needed - at cost of over $700. The cost is prohibitive for us. Dealer says they have replaced numerous SRS control units on odysseys. This indicates a manufacturing defect rendering key safety system inoperative. The dealer indicated that Honda has not issued a recall and does not accept responsibility for failure of key safety component during normal use--the stated reason is that "you still have your safety belts." I believe that the SRS control unit should not have failed within normal life of the vehicle, the owner's manual says that it only needs to be checked every 10 years.
Supplemental restraint system (air bags) warning light appeared, dealer says air bags are inoperative. Dealer reset control unit. Light appeared two months later. Asked dealer if this was a problem with this vehicle. Dealer says that they have replaced numerous control units. Should a safety device of this magnitude fail within four years of service? The owners manual says to check this system every ten years. From the dealers comment of replacing numerous control units, it's my opinion that a part of this magnitude should indeed last the useful life of the vehicle. ****dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis.*****765263
Installed new battery in vehicle June 2001. After battery installation, SRS light went on. Honda mechanic diagnosed "car had a code 6-2 stored in system, we cleared code, if light comes back on the control unit will need to be replaced." upon starting car, SRS light came back on. Mechanic said I need new SRS control module. He informed me that repair would cost me $600 or more.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Honda Odyssey. While the vehicle was parked and the engine was running, the driver side air bag deployed independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,064.
My supplement restraint system light came on about 10 days ago caused by no obvious reason. I have since discovered at the service dept. That they don't know either why it went out. I feel it is a safety issue as I am unclear how it can effect the deployment of the airbags, could they go at any time or probably not at all when needed. I found information on the internet relating to this but unfortunatley not much as far as details. On the alldata site they made reference to TSB# 00-089 and two for the accord (which a dealer told me is virtually the same car) TSB # 96-061 and 97-002. Also your site made reference to a serv. Bulletin # 000101 sequence # 103. Since my car is at the shop right now I was unable to get the exact mileage on it and had to guess as well as unable to answer some questions pertaining to belts. Please let me know if you need the exact mileage etc. …
Air bag -- control module failure at 67000 miles. SRS light on panel indicated problem. Diagnostics showed code 6-2. Car needs control unit #06772-sx0-a70. Cost $654.00 + tax. If owner cannot afford repair, car will be driven without benefit of air bags. Power window -- driver's side front, click sound when rolling up window at 42,000 miles. Window stopped working entirely at dealer's repair facility. Regulator and motor were replaced. Power door locks -- locks would recycle when owner attempted to lock the car. Left front power door latch and actuator replaced at 42,000 miles. Engine -- owner drove the car 9 miles to work before oil indicator lamp finally came on when parking. Something in the engine failed when car started, evidence of sudden oil leak in home driveway, and oil spilled out of engine all the way to work. Engine oil completely gone. …
2nd incident of SRS light staying on in 11 months. Both times light reset, however the dealer recommended replacement of control unit at a cost of $750 due to code8-3 reported by computer. Declined this service due to lack of ability to confirm diagnostics. Also was told on first incident that electrical system can cause this unit to report faults -- at that time battery was recommended to be replaced. Also rumored that cell phone usage or radio transmitters can make system report faults. Need more information on these units and their failures..
Consumer stated the supplemental restraint system warning light illuminated, the dealer was unsure which components of the air bag control unit might be causing the SRS warning light to illuminate and had no way of knowing unless the entire unit was replaced, consumer denied the repairs and after leaving the dealership the light was no longer on, however in April 2002 the light illuminated again. Nar
Airbag complaints in other Odyssey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1996 Honda Odyssey?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Honda Odyssey, 34% of the model year's 70 complaints. The component named most often is frontal › sensor/control module (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Honda Odyssey airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1996 Honda Odyssey. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Honda Odyssey airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.