Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
2005 Honda Odyssey '-the sliding doors fell off !!!!!!. I researched and discovered a numerous amount of problems with the sliding doors. There is a recall for newer models and they too have the exact same issues. The problems range from a grinding noise , auto doors not opening completely than closing. To the back of the door slightly opening then the beeping indicator is constantly on while driving. The battery is being drained because the doors never close completely. The center rollers are cheap plastic which I believe causes the grinding noise. Once they wear out it gets worse. These are not some isolated complaints!! There are too many others with every year of the Odyssey that have these issues !! And now I finally see a recall. All theses issues have happened during different times. Some while stationary. Some while driving. …
Transmission currently vehicle has less than 88,000 miles and transmission is about ready to fail completely hard gear shifting and when shifting from park to reverse or drive transmission makes a big metal clunk and harsh movement of vehicle
One owner of a 2005 Honda Odyssey. Vehicle used to drive back and forth to work, general errands, occasional drive out of town. Within the past couple of months, my wife noticed severe shaking of steering wheel when accelerating at 65 MPH. Vehicle taken to shop, had vehicle inspected: usual tire rotation, alignment, balancing performed; however problem persisted, and replaced two new tires. Took vehicle back to same shop, alignment and balancing re-done; however, problem persisted. Took vehicle to different shop--purchased 4 new tires, and had alignment and balancing performed once again; however, problem persisted. Had tires replaced and alignment and balancing performed yet again; however, problem persists. Advised by shop manager that he is 95% sure based on driving test that motor mounts are in need of replacement. …
We experienced significant swaying while driving our Honda Odyssey 2005 with 4 other adults and 2 kids in our vehicle. We were in fairly normal weather conditions, no significant winds or icy roads but just trying to drive our vehicle we had too many difficulties to continue. We felt particularly unsafe and unsafe for other drivers on the road. We ended up having to cancel our trip as we were swerving and unable to control the "sway" of the van when reaching speeds of 55-60 MPH. We were unsafe to maneuver on the highways and upon a check up we found out our right strut was completely blown out, and the left one also had to be replaced (on the front of the vehicle/van). We had the repairs done at river city tire, davenport, ia and it was a significant finding that they also said was very dangerous to be driving.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel was tight and the serpentine belt fractured. In addition, the bolts fractured associated with the suspension pulleys more than twice causing a failure. The vehicle was towed more than once and taken to an independent mechanic a third time, who replaced the serpentine belt, the bolts and the pulleys. The independent mechanic checked with the manufacturer on the OEM parts that had been ordered and they stated that the bolts were newly designed but provided no resolution on why the bolts prematurely fractured three times. The independent mechanic repaired the vehicle. The contact was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V039000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
When purchased new off the lot, experienced substantial pull to the right. Drove 500 miles and returned to dealer for service. Was told they needed to install camber bolts then align suspension (they reduced tire pressure in all four tires by ten pounds). Problem was not abated. After 5000 road trip, returned to dealer to align again(again reducing tire pressure). Six months later was still experiencing pull, but now accompanied by progressively worsening vibration. Dealer rotated and cross switched tires (once again reducing tire pressure). Problem seemed solved. Midway though next 5000 mile road trip vibration and pull started to recur, growing progressively worse as trip was concluded. Now at 26000 miles both front tires have substantial wear and need to be replaced and the car once more needs to be aligned.
I have a 2005 Honda Odyssey with 34,000 miles on it. The left rear shock is blown and needs replaced. A vehicle with such low mileage should not have a blown shock. The power steering has problems as well. After the van has been running for 15-20 minutes the power steering makes loud noise during turns and when parking, the power steering becomes very difficult to turn. I have contacted Honda dealer and they are not willing to cover the costs for either repair since I'm past the 36,000 mile or 3years warranty period. From what I have researched, the steering issue is a big problem. Why hasn't this been a recall issue!!!! It's very dangerous to continue having this problem.
Our 2005 Honda Odyssey vibrates, especially around 35-45 MPH. Honda told us that the engine mounts have broken and that is what is causing it. They are not a cheap fix. Engine mounts, the last thing that you would think would go out on a vehicle! Yet, when you go online, this apparently seems to be a massive problem with these vans. Honda has a problem with their engine mounts braking and this seems to be OK with them. This is not OK. They need to take responsibility for this failure. We have already been through having to replace many other failures from Honda throughout the years, including replacing the fuel cap before they recalled it. We will no longer be purchasing Honda vehicles.
Dt*: the contact stated while making u-turns, at 5 MPH, a noise was heard coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the brake clip on the passenger front was replaced. The noise persisted and the dealer replaced the steering pump on a second visit. The replacement of the steering pump did not remedy the problem and the vehicle has not been returned to the dealer for further inspection. The driver side door did not close properly, the right side door seal was broke. Updated 05/23/06.
Shimmy in front end when applying brakes on downhill. Honda advised: caused by brake wearing. Honda replaced front brakes and resurfaced rotors , 32,310 miles. Now, 14,000 miles later, shimmy occurring on downhills when applying brakes. This is very unsafe especially to older or inexperienced drivers. I have been driving for over 55 years; I'm 74 years old...and I do know cars and engines, and have not had a vehicle with a shimmy since I was a kid! First occurred June 07 and started again 828/08..yesterday.
Suspension complaints in other Odyssey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2005 Honda Odyssey?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the suspension of the 2005 Honda Odyssey, 3% of the model year's 830 complaints. The component named most often is front (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Honda Odyssey suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2005 Honda Odyssey, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Honda Odyssey suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 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.