Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Honda Odyssey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unintendedly shifted into gear. An unknown dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was included in four unrepaired recalls. The contact informed the dealer that she was afraid to drive the vehicle due to the failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission and the motor mounts were replaced in May 2025. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 251,599.
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission hesitated to shift into third gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter, clutch, and hydraulic control system were 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 89,000.
I never had issues with my van when I bought it but On Monday got all the fluids drove to Phoenix and the transmission got hot the TCL light and ABs light turned on as well as the SRS light no check engine the floor on the driver side and passenger side was super hot. The transmission on 1st gear start hitting hard 2nd gear started slipping we pulled over right away let the car cool down but the transmission level where normal motor oil was at normal we did the oil service transmission service the dealer I bought it from has did Amazon service I don't really drive it only to visit my kids. I looked up the recall and my van has a lot of them I'm worried of driving home to California I'm in Phoenix so I hope the dealer will fix the recall when u put the year of the 2003 honda odyssey my vin switch to a different one on your site please help
While exceeding 60 mph on the highway with my two young children. The vehicle began to loose power. I tried accelerating the van would regain then bog down again. This happens suddenly. This could of been a horrible accident. The van just loosng all power without warning.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact noticed that the RPM needle fluctuated back and forth as the vehicle started to lose power. The contact had to pull the vehicle over to the shoulder and turn off the engine. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed a burning odor under the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle, but it failed to shift from park. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer and independent mechanic were not contacted for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. While the vehicle was parked with the key removed from the ignition and the emergency brake engaged, the vehicle rolled away in reverse and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not towed, diagnosed, or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was previously repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 12V573000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 253,000.
The gear in the transmission broken in to pieces, shot in to bearing and broken the case of transmission, made a terrible big sound. The car on free way in more than 65 miles, all the lights is on. Engine died and speed out of control. I have asked just answer, the expert told me that is not normal accident! If you like we will sent pic to you and feed back center. [redacted] '
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda Odyssey. While parked in front of the contact's residence, the vehicle suddenly rolled across the road and collided with a fence. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 147,112.
I have a 2003 Honda Odyssey and was driving on thanksgiving evening on an interstate hwy. In florida back to my home in orlando. During this trip the check engine light came on suddenly...and then my transmission had a catastrophic failure. Leading up to this the minivan was driving nicely. Suddenly the vehicle spewed out transmission fluid onto the engine and there was a horrible burning smell. The car decelerated, and I nearly lost control of the vehicle. I was able to steer it onto the shoulder. Fortunately, there was very little traffic close behind...so I avoided a collision. After this event, I have found out that my Honda Odyssey was recalled for a faulty transmission. Recall id 04V176000. The dealer is coggin Honda orlando, and they now acknowledge that it was recalled. They were instructed by Honda America to install a modified oil jet kit. …
I paid $9,998.48 for my Odyssey. I bought it used. I was told that all the maintenance was up to date and they showed me the paper work indicating that as well. I also took the van to a shop to be sure that all the maintenance was up to date. I bought a 5yr/100,000 mile warranty from the dealership where I bought the van as well, just to be sure that if anything was to happen I would be covered. I put less than 40,000 miles on my van when it left me sitting in the middle of the highway with my three kids in the van on my way home from work. I was driving home from work when my van started acting crazy. I was driving and the rpms would go from 2 to 5 and the van would slow down. It kept doing this, when suddenly I was at a full stop. I had the vehicle in drive and was pressing the gas pedal but the only thing that moved was the rpms. …
Related recalls
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.
Remedy: 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.
Transmission complaints in other Odyssey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Honda Odyssey?
NHTSA has 533 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Honda Odyssey, 58% of the model year's 914 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (332 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Honda Odyssey transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-176 (automatic transmission, Apr 15, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Honda Odyssey transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 9 fires and 5 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.