Faults:

I got the Honda Odyssey because of the name Honda. Got it for a great price used. Van was great for the first year I had it, but it has been a nightmare since then.

The second year I owned it, the catalytic converter had to be replaced for $1200.

Motor mounts $400.

Retainer spring for the brakes $300.

The air conditioner $800. The gas cap $250.

The traction control light started acting up, so another $287.

I've done all the work with the Honda Service and have spent more than $3200 on repairs. And now in the third year of my ownership the transmission is acting up. God only know what that is gonna run me.

General Comments:

The car has a lot of space and looks great, but I would not recommend it. I went foreign after owning American, and the problems still happened.

Faults:

Catalytic converter need to be replaced.

General Comments:

It is relatively reliable, but there are some potential problems such as transmission and catalytic converter. Do Internet research on those problems before you purchase new Odyssey. There are too many people complaining about catalytic converter to be coincidences. And it is over 1000 dollars to fix. Buyers be aware! Honda will not do anything once your warranty is up.

Faults:

Defective EGR valve.

Car revs loudly while idling.

Automatic car doors get stuck open.

TCS light and check engine light came on at 80,000 miles despite pampering. Dealer says it needs a new transmission.

General Comments:

This car handles very well. The interior is very well designed and comfortable.

However, I have had some problems that warranty action from Honda. I feel that I have not been treated like a valuable customer despite my loyalty to Hondas.

For example, at about 60,000 miles, I had a problem with the engine revving while the car was idling, so I went in to the dealer and had work done. They told me it was not the defective EGR valve that was under an extended warranty I was recently informed about. After the repair, the problem returned in a few days. I returned the van and had work done again, and was also told that it was "not the EGR valve." The problem returned again. This time I insisted that they do the work on the EGV valve, which they did. Consequently, the problem went away and did not return.

Recently however (at about 80,000 miles) the TCS and check engine light came on. The dealer told me that the transmission needs to be replaced. Coincidentally, the TCS light only comes on when I am driving over 60MPH with a cruise control (I have checked this theory for several months). The van is not performing any differently so I am reluctant to spend $5,000 on a new transmission.

In disbelief, I called the Honda corporation and asked them about the problem. The person I spoke to admitted that the 2001 Honda Odysseys have had some transmission problems. Today, on this website, I am reading about a class action lawsuit resulting in an extended warranty with the transmission of 2001 Honda Odysseys. Why have I not been informed? Would the dealer have made me pay $5,000 to have work done even though it should be free? If I replace the transmission, will the problem come back like other people say? Honda owes me an answer.