Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Honda Odyssey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 1999 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the ignition switch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,617.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Honda Odyssey ex. While driving 35 MPH on a clear day the contact smelled something burning and noticed smoke rising from the steering column. He stated that the instrument panel shut off and the lights dimmed. Also , the vehicle began to thrust, jerk, and finally shut off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. He stated that the engine sounded as if the battery was losing power. The vehicle was towed to his residence and was able to restart a few days later. The contact discovered recalls 00v0300 concerning electrical system:wiring:front underhood, and 03V423000 concerning electrical system :ignition :switch, and called the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was included in the abovementioned recalls. …
Our 1999 Honda Odyssey has had the p0740 torque clutch converter solenoid circuit (open) code displayed numerous times, we thought since it was a serious issue and the transmission had already been replaced within 20,000 miles that we should actually take it to the dealer in marysville, wa and have them do a transmission flush then a supervisor and said no you should have us run a diagnostic by one of our master techs. After reiterating this seriousness of our transmission issue the code coming on and delays in shifting mostly just barely noticeable, they assured us if we paid $129 for a diagnostic that a master tech could get to the issue, however they later told us after we got the car back and called on the issue that an apprentice (not a master tech) had done the entire inspection and came up with no problems except a different code having to do with up bad catalytic converter which …
Recently, while traveling on interstate 94, the check engine light came on in my vehicle along with a light that reads "TCS". Shortly after these two lights came on, my vehicle began having problems accelerating. When I drive my vehicle, I have problems with the van taking off and maintaining stability once in motion. During travel on highways, freeways, interstates, or city streets, my vehicle violently shifts from first gear to second gear when I press on the accelerator, causing it to slow down unexpectedly before jerking into motion in the middle of traffic. Also, during recent night time travel the headlights began to flicker, go dim then get bright again. The vehicle also slows down when turning corners then will suddenly jump into motion. Also, the driver side passenger door recently went off track causing a screaming alarm to sound during travel. …
Several times over past two weeks vehicle has stalled unexpectedly shortly after starting or while driving - dashboard lights and gauges (including odometer) all blank except 3 blinks of green "key" light (immobilizer indicator); accessories stay operational (radio, etc) but engine shuts off. Will re-start after a few tries, typically; failed tries include engine starting while key held in start position but dying immediately when returning key to "run" position. Will stay running if key is held between "start" and "run" location. When this happened while driving, was able to shift to neutral while coasting and restart the engine, holding key near start, to get enough runtime to get the car to a safe place off the road. Recall to this effect apparently was performed back in 2002-2003; looks like recurrence of same problem?? What are my recourses?
Tl contact owns a 1999 Honda Odyssey. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact noticed smoke coming from the steering column. All of the instrument panel lighting illuminated. While continuing to drive, the vehicle began to stall and jerk as if it would shut off. The contact was able to safely maneuver the vehicle to her destination. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and inspected by a technician, who determined that the ignition switch was failing and the wires were melting. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $150. The contact called the Honda manufacturer and was informed that no compensation or replacements would be made because the vehicle was previously repaired according to a recall. The NHTSA campaign id number was unknown. The failure mileage was 142,150 and current mileage was 142,260.
Driving the vehicle without sputtering or otherwise indicating a problem all gauges and engine cuts out, I can put the vehicle in neutral and usually it will restart and go, but lately not all the time. It May take getting to the side of the road putting it in park and restart 3 or 4 times and then stay running and not have a problem for a few days. When it does this on the interstate traveling at 70 MPH with no warning, this can be dangerous for the person behind me. When it stops running and I lose power steering, brakes and coasting trying to restart while in neutral praying I don't get hit from behind as I navigate decelerating cutting across traffic to the shoulder. Scary. Chances are my airbag won't work either at this critical time if the brakes fail to stop me. All the built in safety features are not working.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the trunk would independently open. The contact also stated that the sliding door on the passenger side failed. The contact mentioned that the slider button had to remain deactivated in order for the alert for the slider door to deactivate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 213,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Honda Odyssey. While parked, the vehicle would not start. After the vehicle was parked for 30 minutes, it was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 175,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the key warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle could be restarted. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles and Mini vans, the ignition switch May wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to "park."
Remedy: Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that determines the amount of cylinder body wear. If significant wear is indicated, the dealer will replace the cylinder body, collar, and latch plate.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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…
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Vehicle description: Mini vans. A wire harness, located within the engine compartment, could be damaged by contact with a metal pipe, possibly resulting in a blown fuse.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective covering over the wire harness and metal pipe to prevent this problem. If any wires are damaged, the dealer will make the necessary repairs, and then install the protective covering.
Electrical complaints in other Odyssey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1999 Honda Odyssey?
NHTSA has 110 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Honda Odyssey, 21% of the model year's 518 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (38 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Honda Odyssey electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-423 (switch, Oct 27, 2003); NHTSA recall 02V-120 (switch, May 16, 2002); NHTSA recall 00V-030 (front underhood, Feb 11, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Honda Odyssey electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 125,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 5 fires and 4 injuries to electrical system 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.