Faults:

Bad brakes - dealer didn't tighten all the lug nuts on tightly after the fix... caught it in time.

Multiple plastic pieces inside broke off.

Gas tank inside rear leaked gas!!!

Catalytic converter gone at 96,000 miles.

General Comments:

So many things ... and so expensive to repair.

Shoddy construction - that doesn't hold up to wear and tear.

Under-sized engine.

Faults:

I took the Van to Honda for the CE light and they informed me that the Catalytic Converter had failed, with a cost of $900.00 + to replace it. I paid them the $85.00 for the diagnostic support and took the van back home. I decided to order an aftermarket converter by CATCO for $168.00. (two flanges with 3 bolts each... easy work) This cleared the light for approximately 30,000 miles. The light recently came back on. The error code, once again, pointed to the O2 sensors or the Cat Converter. I replaced both O2 sensors (Bosch aftermarket) and reset the error code. The CE light came back on about 30 miles later. After reading several reviews, I then ordered and replaced another Cat Convertor (DEC) for $187.00. The CE light has been clear for ~ 200 miles. (Keeping fingers crossed) The DEC brand converter has much more surface area for cleaning the exhaust, so I'm hoping for the best.

General Comments:

The Check Engine (CE) light has been a constant presence in the vehicle. Failures include a transmission, EGR valve, O2 sensors and Catalytic converter (twice). If you decide to replace the converter and/or O2 sensors, jack the right side up and remove the right front tire. This will give you easy access to the downstream O2 sensor connector. It me about an hour to replace the sensors and about 1 hour to replace the Cat Converter. My guess it that the emission tolerances are very tight on this model year and many different things can cause the CE light to come on. I've found that online autoparts warehouses that can provide quality aftermarket parts at prices much much lower than Honda. I have over 208,000 miles on the Van now, trying to avoid the monthly payments of a new car, but it's been a very frustrating vehicle to maintain.

Faults:

My 2000 Odyssey, bought new, has had problems with motor mounts and transmissions. The first transmission went out at 101,000, Honda manufacturer split the cost with me. The second transmission just went out at 185,000, it was out of warranty, 3 yrs 36k.

I am very disappointed in the transmission problems I am having. I asked the mechanic at a local transmission shop, and he said the clutch that Honda puts in the transmissions flakes off and gets into the moving parts of the trans. This causes the problems. He will replace it with different parts not made by Honda to keep it from having this problem. He was not sure if Honda fixed it on the new models or not.

In addition to the transmission problems, I have also had motor mount issues. My van began to ride rough at 75,000, so I had a local mechanic replace the shocks and struts. It still rode rough. I took it in to the dealer and two motor mounts needed to be replaced. I have never heard of motor mounts going out on any cars in the last twenty years. Those two were replaced at 120,000k, and the third was replaced at 160,000k. When the fourth needs to be replaced, the total cost to replace all four will be $1,200.

I also had a motor mount go out on my 2002 Accord. I talked to the dealers mechanic and he said that they typically go out at 75,000, that is when my van starting riding rough, I asked him why, he said that the V6 engine needs room to move so it will ride better and the motor mounts just wear out.

General Comments:

If you are looking to buy a Odyssey, look at 2005 - 08; maybe they have fixed the transmission problems.