Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Honda Odyssey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving around a bend, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the wheels locked up, and the parking brake was engaged to stop vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that failure was similar NHTSA campaign number: 02V226000 (Engine and Engine and Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The emission switch, check engine, and air bag sensor lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000.
I've noticed that while driving the vehicle maintains speed/accelerate (without gas pedal pressed, and with cruise control off). I have to constantly fight the vehicle's constant acceleration with brakes. While idling, it keeps going to high RPM and then reduce and then high RPM.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. While shifting into drive, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact crashed the vehicle into multiple objects before coming to a stop. The contact stated that the engine revved even while the vehicle was stopped. A police report was filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the insurance company deemed the vehicle totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000.
I purchased the Honda Odyssey 2002 on tues July 28th 930 pm and was driving home. I lived 1 hour away from the Honda dealership. Upon driving for first 40 minutes of highway around 1020 pm as I entered jersey city, nj the van stalled at very 1st traffic into the city. It came up with 2 indicators: TCS and malfunction indicator lamp. The engine indicator is still on. I tried to drive the van from traffic light and it wouldn't go over 20mph while RPM would move to 4-5. I pulled over and waited 5 minutes, turned off the van and restarted. I drove/made it home slowly with my heart pumping very fast. Please let me know what Honda is going to do to take care of these problems. The van had gone through multi point inspection and we were aware of known issues but these transmission issue was in the clear and happens on my drive home. …
I took my van to Honda and was advised that the transmission needs to be replaced. It will not shift into 2nd gear 99% of the time. My van only has 111,000 miles on it and I am concerned as to why it was not included in the recall of the transmission on this year/make/model. I am still making payments on it and was told a new transmission from Honda would be $4500. There is no reason a transmission should go out at 111,000 miles when it has been well maintained through Honda over the years. My car will not go above 20 miles an hour on most occasions. If I rev the engine high and get it over 30, then it will change to 2nd gear. It is a safety hazard when trying to merge onto interstates and I have been almost hit a few times. I cannot accelerate to a safe, merging speed. My drive light continuously flashes and my TCS will come on from having to rev the engine. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The independent dealer stated that the vehicle was in very good condition at the time of purchase. The contact stated that the vehicle began pulling to the left. The tires were replaced and an alignment was performed. She also observed a massive oil leak coming from the vehicle. The dealer stated that nothing could be done because she was outside of the 30-day used car warranty. An independent mechanic discovered that the vehicle was involved in a previous crash, in which the crankshaft was sealed as well as the origin of the massive oil leak. The mechanic found that the sealant previously used on the crankshaft and the tires were beginning to loosen. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were less than 105,000. Updated 12/15/08 the vehicle needed a new crank seal, water pump and timing belt. Updated 12/16/08.
Tl* - on nov 5th, 2006 the contact's vehicle was involved in a crash . The driver was pulling to a parking space at 1- 2 MPH had foot on the brakes but the engine started racing very fast and continued to move forward, striking a guard rail. The driver was wearing a seat belt. The air bags did not deploy. The weather conditions were dry. The driver was injured and hospitalized for six days. A police report was taken. The contact was able to drive the vehicle away. The bumper fell off, and the radiator had to be replaced. The dealer could not find any other problems. The contact had the body damage repaired, upon completion, as the technician drove the vehicle , the same failure happened. After further testing, the dealer diagnosed the problem as the idle air control valve needed to be replaced.
Alternator bracket (stay) has broken for no apparent reason. No work performed on engine near bracket with the exception of a new serpentine belt. Multiple complaints from several owners of 2002 to 2004 Honda Odyssey, regarding reoccurring break. Some cases the part has broken numerous times. This is a poorly manufactured part and Honda motor company needs to recall all vehicles, and replace with restructured part. The bracket breaking causes alternator failure, which causes the engine to shutdown. If this happens in a traffic situation, both driver and passengers could be at risk of causing an accident.
The first time while driving engine drive belt broke engine shut down suddenly could not stop hit vehicle in intersection second time similar situation my son driving to much oil on the belt, belt jump from tensioner and wrap around every thing vehicle too hard to stop engine not running ran in the back of some one mechanic diagnostic says it is the tensioner ,water pump,oil failed causing a over heating internally in the motor blowing the head gasket with only 70,000 miles I notified my dealer and no reply because you cant drive the vehicle in to the dealership.
Related recalls
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.
Remedy: 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.
Engine complaints in other Odyssey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Honda Odyssey?
NHTSA has 69 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Honda Odyssey, 7% of the model year's 960 complaints. The component named most often is engine (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Honda Odyssey engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-226 (engine, Aug 28, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Honda Odyssey engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.