Most common 2005 Honda Odyssey problems
Share of the 830 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Honda Odyssey complaints by model year
Best Odyssey years: 2017, 2015, 2013. Years to avoid: 2025, 2019, 2018, 2020, 2002. Compare all years →
2005 Honda Odyssey recalls (8)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 23, 2004, through September 4, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump strainer cover may deteriorate allowing fuel to leak out.
Remedy: Parts to permanently repair the affected vehicles are not currently available. Honda will notify owners with an interim letter during May 2014.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 odyssey and Acura rl vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as a lubricant for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder seal free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during December 2010. Owners May contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 odyssey touring vehicles equipped with power operated rear liftgate. The power liftgate gas struts May deteriorate unexpectedly early. Struts that have worn out prematurely May fail to hold the power liftgate in the fully open position, causing the power liftgate to close unexpectedly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the gas liftgate struts and replace if within the recall population. This service will be performed free of charge. The campaign began on March 26, 2010.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
On certain vehicles, a coil wire inside the fuel pump relay May break, causing the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine May not start.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump relay free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2007. Owners May contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
The frontal air bag system has two external impact sensors. On certain Mini vans,some sensors were insufficiently sealed during manufacturing. If water enters a sensor, corrosion can occur. Corroded sensors could short circuit internally.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front impact sensors. The recall began on August 30, 2005. Owners May contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
On certain passenger vehicles, a loose terminal in the main fuse box May cause the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine May not start.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the entire fuse box free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2005. Owners May contact Honda at 800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.
Show 2 more recalls
Steering › Column
On certain minivans and sport utility vehicles, the steering column May be incorrectly assembled, which could result in a loss of steering control.
Remedy: Owners were notified by telephone on January 25, 2005, and arrangements were made to have their vehicles towed to their dealers and have the repairs performed. The recall began on January 25, 2005.
Service brakes, air › Antilock › Wheel speed sensor
On certain minivans, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) uses a sensor on each wheel to detect wheel speed. Some sensors on the rear wheels were installed incorrectly, which means the sensor May report the wrong wheel speed to the ABS control unit.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear wheel speed sensors. If an incorrect gap is detected, the sensor will be removed and the knuckle checked for cross threading damage. If damage is found, the knuckle will be replaced.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2005 Honda Odyssey:
Unexpected closing of power liftgate
The liftgate gas struts for the subject vehicles May have damaged gas seals that allow the liftgate to close unexpectedly.at the completion of a power-open command, the power liftgate May either close without power actuation (I.e., descend unassisted under the force of gravity) or automatically power-close without input from the operator.some owners are caught unaware of the unintended closing of the liftgate while…
Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing
Please see the attached closing resume summary.It has been attached to this document as a PDF.
Unexpected Closing of Power Liftgate
Honda will replace the liftgate struts in approximately 21,776 model year 2005 Honda Odyssey Touring vehicles equipped with power liftgates that were built before a manufacturing change of the liftgate strut assembly on July 16, 2005 (NHTSA Recall No.
What 2005 Honda Odyssey owners say
Engine & cooling all 155 →
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, power steering and braking functionality before the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast into a parking lot. The contact did not notice any warning lights being illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to her residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the drive belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had become difficult to turn with the occasional recurring loss of power steering functionality. The contact related the steering failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V039000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
The engine VCM system is burning oil and destroying emissions systems on the vehicle. Catalytic converters are mainly affected as burned oil goes through the exhaust system. The check engine light comes on and the the engine starts to misfire and very abrupt engine vibrations make it into the cabin.
Body & structure all 138 →
I have a 2005 Honda Odyssey. About 6 months ago the drivers side sliding door fell off the tracks. This happened while we were trying to close the door but it would not slide at all. We were out at a restaurant and it was imperative that the door had to be shut because it was not safe to drive in that condition. We were able to somewhat put it back on but it can not be used at all at this time. When the door fell off, it gouged the side of the van, damaged the gas filler door, and the rear door is hard to close. I don't know if its closed or not until I get in the car and see that the indicator light on. Also, the car alarm goes off on its own even though my son disabled it. It's very disruptive. After do some research, I have learned that this is an ongoing problem with Honda Odysseys. Honda needs to be held responsible because this is obviously a manufacturer defect. …
We have owned out dark blue 2005 Honda Odyssey for approximately 5 years. Recently, I am finding that the paint along the roof and side/front trim panels is chipping away. I have attempted to sand some of the bed spots and paint /protect again, but it is no use. The problem seems to be with the base layer below the blue paint. I have seen where this was identified, but I do not know where to go for more information on this defect the second area of concern is in the wiring for the radio and temperature control. There seems to be a loose wire or connection behind the panels. The back-lights for the radio and temperature control will turn on or off with no warning or indication as to why. The systems themselves work fine, it's only the visible lights that flicker, or turn off and on with no pattern. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 106 →
I am the original owner of a 2005 Honda Odyssey. In 2014, while driving up hill on the grapevine in gorman, ca I hit the gas to accelerate, but nothing happened. The speedometer did not move. It was stuck on 40mps. I tried pushing on the gas, but that did nothing. It was as if the transmission was just not working. I started to loose power as was able to pull over by divine intervention. Thank you aaa for towing me to scott robinsons Honda- torrance, ca. After all of this and they said it was a speed sensor that needed to be replaced. The dealership said that is what it was, so that is what it has to be. They never make mistakes. On June 22, 2016 going up hill, and trying to accelerate to pick up speed, the speedometer would not move. Pushing on the gas did nothing. I continued to move until the hill became to steep, and the car just stopped. …
We have owned out dark blue 2005 Honda Odyssey for approximately 5 years. Recently, I am finding that the paint along the roof and side/front trim panels is chipping away. I have attempted to sand some of the bed spots and paint /protect again, but it is no use. The problem seems to be with the base layer below the blue paint. I have seen where this was identified, but I do not know where to go for more information on this defect the second area of concern is in the wiring for the radio and temperature control. There seems to be a loose wire or connection behind the panels. The back-lights for the radio and temperature control will turn on or off with no warning or indication as to why. The systems themselves work fine, it's only the visible lights that flicker, or turn off and on with no pattern. …
2005 Honda Odyssey engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Honda Odyssey a good car?
Based on 830 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Odyssey rates avoid: 2.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the Odyssey at the same age. It is one of the Odyssey years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Honda Odyssey?
The engine & cooling — 155 complaints, 19% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cooling system. Next are the body & structure (138) and transmission & drivetrain (106).
How many recalls does the 2005 Honda Odyssey have?
There are 8 recalls for the 2005 Honda Odyssey, the most recent from March 14, 2014 (fuel pump). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Honda Odyssey?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2015 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2019, 2018, 2020 and 2002. See the full Honda Odyssey years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Honda Odyssey problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 74,000 miles; 32% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.