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Honda · Known Issues

2001 Honda Odyssey Problems: 2 Known Issues

2001 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 2001 Honda Odyssey has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Automatic Transmission Complete Failure (2nd Gen) and Driver Air Bag Inflator Rupture Risk After Prior Air Bag Replacement (Recall 20V027000). 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 Transmission1
  • Odyssey Safety/Recalls1
  • Recalls23
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Transmission1
  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Recalls23
  • FAQ

All 2 Known Issues

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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

Research This Issue

Based on 3,254 owner reports

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

On the 2000-2001 Honda Odyssey, for the 2000-2001 Odyssey, recall 20V027000 hinges on something most owners never track: whether the van's driver frontal air bag module was ever replaced during a repair. Some of these Odysseys received such a replacement module, and the NADI inflator inside it has a manufacturing issue that lets it absorb moisture. Honda warns that an affected inflator may rupture, or that the air bag cushion may underinflate. In a crash that deploys the driver air bag, a rupture can strike the driver or other occupants with metal fragments — a serious concern in a family van that regularly carries passengers — while an underinflated cushion simply may not protect the driver properly. The 875,966 vehicles cited by NHTSA is the total for the whole campaign, not an Odyssey figure.

How to Fix

Honda dealers handle this free of charge: inspect the air bags, and where necessary replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design. The recall began October 1, 2020, so notification letters went to the owner of record at that time — if you bought the van used, check the VIN yourself at nhtsa.gov/recalls. American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center is at 1-888-234-2138.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
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.

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Other Honda Models

Honda Civic74Honda CR-V64Honda Accord62Honda Pilot42Honda HR-V24Honda Passport21

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Odyssey problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,254+ owner reports, the 2001 Honda Odyssey has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Automatic Transmission Complete Failure (2nd Gen), Driver Air Bag Inflator Rupture Risk After Prior Air Bag Replacement (Recall 20V027000). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Honda Odyssey reliable?

The 2001 Honda Odyssey has 2 known issues documented across 3,254+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Automatic Transmission Complete Failure (2nd Gen) and Driver Air Bag Inflator Rupture Risk After Prior Air Bag Replacement (Recall 20V027000). 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 2000-2001 Honda Odyssey Driver Air Bag Inflator Rupture Risk After Prior Air Bag Replacement (Recall 20V027000)?

For the 2000-2001 Odyssey, recall 20V027000 hinges on something most owners never track: whether the van's driver frontal air bag module was ever replaced during a repair. Some of these Odysseys received such a replacement module, and the NADI inflator inside it has a manufacturi… 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.

Campaign #19V499000
27/06/2019

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.