Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Honda Odyssey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 contact owns a 2005 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to her residence. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed with needing a power steering line to be replaced. The local mechanic repaired the vehicle however, the failure recurred. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 05V039000 (Steering) however, the Vin was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Tl*- the contact owns a 2005 Honda Odyssey. The contact was experiencing steering problems related to recall #05V039000. While driving 50 MPH the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a ditch. While attempting to gain control of the steering the vehicle moved from the left to the right. The contact called the police, and was not given a police report. The mechanic replaced the tires, and stated that the failure was due to the tires. The contact advised the mechanic of the steering recall ,and he denied that it was related. None of the air bags in the vehicle deployed at the time of the collision. Recall #05V344000 was related to the air bags: frontal:sensor/control module. The drivers side door was difficult to close unless pressure was applied. The weather was not a factor. The current and failure mileage was 36,200.
Purchased my van used in 2012. It had a steering issue but I was new to the feel of Honda handling and thought it was OK and normal. I have had increasing issues with my capability to steer. There was an extended warranty recall on the power steering pump and reservoir but the previous owner of my van did not have it serviced. I called Honda and they said it is passed warranty and cannot absorb the cost of the repair. I say, that since the problem was never fixed while under warranty, it should be fixed now because Honda new about the problem while the time frame still obligated them to fix the problem. I am having difficulty steering my van, turning the van, with children in it, and so this is a safety issue that needs attention because it was not addressed and fixed when Honda should have fixed it.
Driving through a local park with 3 speed tables, after crossing the 3rd table I heard a clunk from the engine on the passenger side, lost the power steering and the check charging system light came on. I had to keep driving as there was no safe place to stop. I drove slowly without power steering, the clunking contunied until something broke free and I noted it's location on the road in the rear view mirror. I was able to get back to the place within 30 mins so the part was still there. It was a metal ring with grooves on the outside, looked like a belt went on it. I got it to a shop and they told me the harmonic balancer was gone and that it would need to be replaced. Driving down the road and loosing steering is a big safety issue, and needs to be looked into by Honda.
Subaru/Honda dealership refused to acknowledge secondary safety recall for fuel pump module, possible fire and explosion. ($710.31 repair estimate) dealership inspection showed additional safety issues/repairs needed to steering and axles that exceeded $6,000.00 in repairs. Vehicle purchased and sold with no concern for safety or dependability. All trust violated, we can not trust this dealership with repair or service of our vehicles. Dealership refused to acknowledge even after investigation by the ohio attorney general. We requested an investigation as to how a vehicle with so many safety and repair issues was sold to us as a well maintained vehicle with no issues. Previous repairs exceeded $8,000.00. All documentation is with the oag.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that there was a random failure that progressed concerning the power steering. The vehicle shook excessively each time the failure occurred. The vehicle performed extensive diagnostic testing, but was unable to provide a specific remedy to prevent the failure. In addition, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a second opinion who diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and provided no specific recommended repair solution to the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 126,607.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel shook violently and the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred daily. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda Odyssey. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn without warning. The failure recurred each time the vehicle was driven. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
When maneuvering in low mileage areas, I.e. Driveways, parking lots, my power steering pump does not assist well, if at all. The vehicle makes a noise similar to an rc car with a dying battery and the steering wheel is almost impossible for me to move. In order to get out of a parking space, it can take me up to 10 or so moves because I cannot get the wheel to turn properly.
Related 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.
Steering complaints in other Odyssey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Honda Odyssey?
NHTSA has 99 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Honda Odyssey, 12% of the model year's 830 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › pump (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Honda Odyssey steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-039 (column, Feb 3, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Honda Odyssey steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.