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 2005 Honda Odyssey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
My wife had a doctor's appointment and was waiting in the office. She has parked the car in parking lot. After sometime all of a sudden car's alarm went off. All from doctor's office rushed out to parking lot to see what happened. She noticed some smoke coming out under the hood. And within seconds car caught fire and burnt. Whole front of the car burnt completely. Insurance company has called it a total loss. I'm still puzzled to figure it out why this has happened. Car was parked and engine was off. Car was maintained as per the Honda's guidelines. There were no problems or warning signs what so ever. It was running perfectly fine. Had only 76000 miles on it. And strongly believe many years of driving left in it. We were pleased with the performance of it over the years. …
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. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle did not stop. The contact had to turn the ignition to the off position in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the brakes and transmission failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V504000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
On 05 Honda Odyssey touring at 170,000 the vehicle will become so powerless. Wont shift. Let it cool down even with a extra tranny cooler and cleaned the sylenoids and replaced transmission filter and fluid did a flush to. It still is guttless. I have done exactly what it says to do, nothing changes. Did have tranny blowing out tranny fliuid and got that fixed . After driving the vehicle for a time frame and the fluid get hot the vehicle then looses all its power. This is bad and it must be recalled .
We are the only owner of the van bought brand new from a Honda dealer. At approximately 145K miles the engine light came on. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a second opinion who diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The local dealers wanted a small fortune to repair it, more than the car was worth it. I learned that it is a typical problem with those Honda odysseys. The car has been repaired though.
Transmission fluid blew out and had gave me no power . Smells but have rinsed/flushed the lines and tranny through already,plus installed a new transmission cooler radiator no issues and drove awhile then go drive around some more alll good then I go up a hill and boom and it still is happening. We have looked it over cant figure it out. Help please
While the car was idling and the transmission was in park, the van rolled down the street with my kids still inside the van. Eventually, the van hit a parked car and the van stopped. The parking brake was not on. I took the vehicle to the Honda dealership and they could not replicate the failure.
Transmission complaints in other Odyssey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Honda Odyssey?
NHTSA has 106 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Honda Odyssey, 13% of the model year's 830 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (44 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Honda Odyssey transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 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.