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Honda · Known Issues

1999 Honda Odyssey Problems: 4 Known Issues

1999 model year · 3,254+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,254+ owner reports, the 1999 Honda Odyssey has 4 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Automatic Transmission Complete Failure (2nd Gen), 1998-2000 Odyssey NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall (NHTSA 20V026000), Worn Ignition Switch Defeats Key-in-Park Interlock on 1999 Odyssey (Recall 03V423000) and Ignition Switch Electrical Contact Degradation — Stall Risk (Recall 02V120000). The most commonly reported issue is Automatic Transmission Complete Failure (2nd Gen) with 3,254 owner reports. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Odyssey Electrical2
  • Odyssey Transmission1
  • Odyssey Safety/Recalls1
  • Recalls23
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Electrical2
  • Transmission1
  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Recalls23
FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

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On the 1999 Honda Odyssey, the 1999 Honda Odyssey is included in NHTSA recall 03V423000, a campaign spanning 563,861 Honda and Acura passenger vehicles and minivans in total. The defect is wear in the ignition switch cylinder body. Normally the interlock prevents the key from reaching "OFF" and coming out unless the Odyssey's transmission is in Park. Once the switch wears, that block can be bypassed, and the key comes out with the van still in gear. For a minivan that spends its life in driveways, school pickup lines and parking lots, this is a real rollaway hazard: if the driver did not shift to Park and did not set the parking brake, the Odyssey can roll away and crash.

Common Symptoms

  • Key can be turned off and pulled out without the shifter being in Park
  • Interlock feels loose or no longer resists key removal out of Park
  • Van rolls after the key is removed when the parking brake is not applied

How to Fix

Honda dealers perform this correction at no charge. They inspect the ignition cylinder body to measure wear. Significant wear means replacement of the cylinder body, collar, and latch plate; if there is no wear, the dealer fits a redesigned latch plate instead. Owner notification started December 8, 2003. Honda's recall line is 1-800-999-1009, and you can check your Odyssey's VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls before booking.

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 1997-1999 Honda Odyssey, nHTSA recall 02V120000 includes the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Honda Odyssey. Each engine start pushes a high electrical current through the ignition switch, and that current can degrade the switch's electrical contacts over the life of the van. If the contacts wear enough, the engine can stall without warning while the Odyssey is in motion — a serious concern in a vehicle typically carrying passengers. NHTSA reports about 1,000,000 units for the entire campaign, a figure that spans all the Honda and Acura sedans, coupes, hatchbacks and SUVs involved rather than the Odyssey specifically.

Common Symptoms

  • Engine stalls without warning during driving
  • Unexpected loss of engine power

How to Fix

Honda dealers replace the ignition switch at no cost under this recall. Owner notification began June 14, 2002; if your first-generation Odyssey was bought used or you have no service records showing the switch was changed, look the VIN up at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the campaign is still outstanding, then book the free repair at an authorized Honda dealer. Should the dealer schedule the work and then fail to deliver the free remedy in a reasonable time, Honda can be contacted at 1-800-999-1009.

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
3,254 owners

On the 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey, complete transmission failure due to faulty bearings and defective 3rd clutch components in 4-speed (1999-2001) and 5-speed (2002-2004) automatic transmissions. The 2002-2004 transmission can suddenly downshift from 5th to 2nd gear causing dangerous drivability issues. Honda recalled 1.1 million vehicles in 2004 and settled class-action lawsuit in 2006.

This issue also affects: Acura CL, Acura ILX, Acura MDX

Common Symptoms

  • Sudden harsh downshifts from 5th to 2nd gear
  • Grinding or whining noises from transmission
  • Slipping between gears
  • Transmission overheating
  • Complete failure to shift
  • Metal fragments in transmission fluid

How to Fix

Complete transmission replacement or rebuild required. Honda extended transmission warranty to 93 months/109,000 miles for 1999-2001 models. For 2002-2004 models with under 15,000 miles, dealers modified oil cooler return line; over 15,000 miles showing overheating damage received complete transmission replacement.

Owner tips & cautions

  • WarningThis is the most serious issue affecting 2nd generation Odysseys - avoid 1999-2004 models unless transmission has been completely replaced
  • TipCheck transmission fluid regularly for metal particles and discoloration indicating overheating
  • TipRequest CarFax and maintenance records showing transmission replacement before purchasing used 1999-2004 Odyssey
  • TipTransmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles on these models (not Honda's recommended 90,000) to prolong life

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Based on 3,254 owner reports

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High ConfidenceVerified3,254 owner reportsLast reported by owners Aug 2023Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 1998-2000 Honda Odyssey, the 1998, 1999 and 2000 Honda Odyssey is included in NHTSA recall 20V026000. The driver frontal airbag in these minivans uses a Non-Azide Driver airbag Inflator (NADI), which contains no phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant — a different design, and a different recall, from the PSAN inflator campaigns. Because of a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator can absorb moisture. In a crash that deploys the driver airbag, the inflator may rupture and throw metal fragments toward the driver or other people in the van, or the cushion may underinflate and fail to protect the driver as it should. NHTSA states that both scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death. Worth noting for a family vehicle: the recall record specifically describes fragments striking the driver or other occupants, so the hazard is not confined to the driver's seat. Campaign-wide, the filing covers 1,439,841 vehicles across all affected Honda, Acura and Isuzu models.

How to Fix

The remedy is free at a Honda dealer: they inspect the driver frontal airbag inflator and replace it with an inflator of a different design if it needs it. The recall started October 1, 2020. Check your van's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the repair is still open — mailed owner notices rarely follow a 20-plus-year-old vehicle through its owners. American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center is at 1-888-234-2138.

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NHTSA Recalls23 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

Campaign #19V18200006/03/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #19V49900027/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #19V50100027/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

Campaign #18V26800026/04/2018

AIR BAGS

American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Campaign #14V70000004/11/2014

+ 18 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Odyssey problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,254+ owner reports, the 1999 Honda Odyssey has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Automatic Transmission Complete Failure (2nd Gen), 1998-2000 Odyssey NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall (NHTSA 20V026000), Worn Ignition Switch Defeats Key-in-Park Interlock on 1999 Odyssey (Recall 03V423000). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Honda Odyssey reliable?

The 1999 Honda Odyssey has 4 known issues documented across 3,254+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Automatic Transmission Complete Failure (2nd Gen) and 1998-2000 Odyssey NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall (NHTSA 20V026000) and Worn Ignition Switch Defeats Key-in-Park Interlock on 1999 Odyssey (Recall 03V423000) and Ignition Switch Electrical Contact Degradation — Stall Risk (Recall 02V120000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

What is the 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey Automatic Transmission Complete Failure (2nd Gen)?

Complete transmission failure due to faulty bearings and defective 3rd clutch components in 4-speed (1999-2001) and 5-speed (2002-2004) automatic transmissions. The 2002-2004 transmission can suddenly downshift from 5th to 2nd gear causing dangerous drivability issues. Honda reca… Severity: high.

What is the 1998-2000 Honda Odyssey 1998-2000 Odyssey NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall (NHTSA 20V026000)?

The 1998, 1999 and 2000 Honda Odyssey is included in NHTSA recall 20V026000. The driver frontal airbag in these minivans uses a Non-Azide Driver airbag Inflator (NADI), which contains no phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant — a different design, and a different rec… Severity: high.

What is the 1999 Honda Odyssey Worn Ignition Switch Defeats Key-in-Park Interlock on 1999 Odyssey (Recall 03V423000)?

The 1999 Honda Odyssey is included in NHTSA recall 03V423000, a campaign spanning 563,861 Honda and Acura passenger vehicles and minivans in total. The defect is wear in the ignition switch cylinder body. Normally the interlock prevents the key from reaching "OFF" and coming out… Severity: high.

What is the 1997-1999 Honda Odyssey Ignition Switch Electrical Contact Degradation — Stall Risk (Recall 02V120000)?

NHTSA recall 02V120000 includes the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Honda Odyssey. Each engine start pushes a high electrical current through the ignition switch, and that current can degrade the switch's electrical contacts over the life of the van. If the contacts wear enough, the engine c… Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 3,254+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.