VehicleVerdict

1999 Honda Odyssey problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 664 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Odyssey year — the 1999 model ranks #12 of 34 Odyssey years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 29 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 172 reports (26% of the total).

664

NHTSA complaints

9

Recalls

1

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

11

Fires reported

29

Injuries

2

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Odyssey years?

See all Odyssey years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Honda Odyssey problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission17226%
Electrical System12018%
Body & Structure8012%
Latches & Locks7812%
Engine457%
Brakes213%
Other213%
Tires & Wheels193%
Airbags183%
Fuel System162%
Speed Control122%
Seats112%
Suspension102%
Seat Belts102%
Steering102%
Visibility & Wipers71%
Lighting71%
Child Seat30%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%
Driver Assistance20%

Does the 1999 Honda Odyssey have recalls?

9 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V026000AirbagsJanuary 17, 2020 · 1,439,841 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.

03V423000Electrical SystemOctober 27, 2003 · 563,861 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO "PARK."

Consequence

IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT SHIFT TO "PARK" BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT DETERMINES THE AMOUNT OF CYLINDER BODY WEAR. IF SIGNIFICANT WEAR IS INDICATED, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CYLINDER BODY, COLLAR, AND LATCH PLATE. IF NO SIGNS OF WEAR ARE INDICATED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LATCH PLATE WITH A REDESIGNED PART. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

02V120000Electrical SystemMay 16, 2002 · 1,000,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Consequence

WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

00V183000LightingJuly 6, 2000 · 78,910 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THE DIMMER CONTROL FOR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS CAN FAIL.

Consequence

AT NIGHT, THE DRIVER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SEE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES AND DISPLAYS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MULTIPLEX UNIT.

00V119000Latches & LocksApril 25, 2000 · 7,085 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVAN. THE SLIDING DOORS MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.

Consequence

AN IMPROPERLY LATCHED DOOR COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, A DOOR COULD OPEN COMPLETELY. AN UNRESTRAINED REAR SEAT PASSENGER COULD FALL OUT OF AN OPEN DOOR OF A MOVING VEHICLE AND BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY ON ALL ODYSSEY MINVANS BUILT FROM DECEMBER 3, 1999 THROUGH DECEMBER 16, 1999. ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL ARE APPROXIMATELY 1,612 ODYSSEY MINIVANS THAT HAD THE LATCHES REPLACED UNDER RECALL 99V-158 OR UNDER WARRANTY, THAT MAY NEED TO HAVE THE LATCHES REPLACED AGAIN. OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES WILL BE NOTIFIED BY HONDA TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THEIR HONDA DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED LATCH ASSEMBLY. LATCHES WITH THE SUSPECT DATE CODE WILL BE REPLACED.

00V030000Electrical SystemFebruary 11, 2000 · 77,695 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. A WIRE HARNESS, LOCATED WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, COULD BE DAMAGED BY CONTACT WITH A METAL PIPE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A BLOWN FUSE.

Consequence

IF A FUSE BLOWS, ENGINE POWER, OR OPERATION OF ANY OR ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, CAN BE LOST, INCLUDING LIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HORN, AND THE ANTI-LOCK FUNCTION OF THE BRAKES. A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER OR LIGHTING, OR A FAILURE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE FEATURE IN BAD WEATHER, COULD RESULT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVERING OVER THE WIRE HARNESS AND METAL PIPE TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM. IF ANY WIRES ARE DAMAGED, THE DEALER WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS, AND THEN INSTALL THE PROTECTIVE COVERING.

99V157000Speed ControlJune 24, 1999 · 31,097 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVAN. IN EXTREMELY COLD, WET WEATHER, ICE CAN FORM IN THE THROTTLE BODY PREVENTING THE THROTTLE RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO REMAIN OPEN EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER HAS REMOVED HIS OR HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Consequence

IF THE VEHICLE CONTAINS TO MAINTAIN SPEED WHEN THE DRIVER IS EXPECTING THE VEHICLE TO SLOW, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL DRILL TWO ADDITIONAL DRAIN HOLES IN THE BOTTOM OF THE RESONATOR.

99V158000Latches & LocksJune 24, 1999 · 19,830 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVAN. THE SLIDING DOORS MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY.

Consequence

AN IMPROPERLY LATCHED DOOR COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, A DOOR COULD OPEN COMPLETELY. AN UNRESTRAINED REAR SEAT PASSENGER COULD FALL OUT OF AN OPEN DOOR OF A MOVING VEHICLE AND BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY.

99V159000Latches & LocksJune 24, 1999 · 6,714 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVAN. THE POWER DOOR LOCK REMOTE CONTROL ACTUATOR UNLATCHES THE DOOR IN RESPONSE TO INPUT FROM THE REMOTE TRANSMITTER. EXCESSIVE GREASE IN THE ACTUATOR COULD CAUSE A SLOW RETURN OF THE ACTIVATION LEVER TO THE PROPER LATCHING POSITION.

Consequence

IF THE ACTIVATION LEVER HAS NOT RETURNED TO THE PROPER LATCHING POSITION BY THE TIME THE SLIDING DOOR CLOSES, THE DOOR WILL NOT LATCH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER DOOR LOCK REMOTE CONTROL ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT TRANSMISSION SLIPPING.. IT WOULD BE IN ONE GEAR THEN SLIP INTO A LOWER GEAR. THE SPEED VARIED WHEN THIS TOOK PLACE. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO TOLD CONSUMER THAT IT MAY COST UP TO $5000.00 TO REPLACE IT.*AK CONSUMER FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM TWO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 29, 2004

AFTER GETTING OUT OF VEHICLE ALARM AUTOMATICLY SET OFF ITSELF. VEHICLE ROLLED BACK INTO ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE. CONSUMER NOT SURE IF VEHICLE WAS IN PARK GEAR. AFTER ACIDENT, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO REMOVE KEYS FROM IGNITION IN DRIVE GEAR. WHICH ACCORDING TO HONDA HE SHOULD NOT BEE ABLE TO DO. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 6, 2002 · crash

CONSUMER STATED THE SLIDING DOOR WILL NOT SHUT PROPERLY, IT KEEPS POPPING OPEN. DOOR AJAR LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. *AK THE DOORS POP BACK OUT AFTER CLOSING, CAUSING THE AJAR LIGHT TO COME ON AND ALARM TO SOUND, ALARM FAILS IF THE VEHICLE IS PUT IN PARK OR NEUTRAL. DOORS HAVE BEEN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 22, 2002

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 HONDA ODYSSEY EX. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON A CLEAR DAY THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. HE STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHUT OFF AND THE LIGHTS DIMMED. ALSO , THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO THRUST, JERK, AND FINALLY SHUT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · April 16, 2007 · fire

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, CONSUMER WAS THEN INFORMED THAT BAD FUEL MAY HAVE BEEN USED, AND THE DEALER CLEANED THE EGR SYSTEM, HOWEVER SEVERAL WEEKS LATER CONSUMER RECEIVED A NOTICED REGARDING THE PCV AND EGR CLOGGING, CONSUMER THEN PETITIONED THE DEALER FOR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 2001

1999 Honda Odyssey — common questions

Is the 1999 Honda Odyssey reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 664 complaints put the 1999 model at #12 of 34 Odyssey years. It is one of the Odyssey years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Odyssey problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (172 complaints), electrical system (120 complaints), body & structure (80 complaints).

Does the 1999 Honda Odyssey have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Honda Odyssey. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Honda Odyssey under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Honda Odyssey years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Odyssey years to avoid are 2018, 2019, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2006, 2020, 2000, 2001, 2004, 1999, 2008, 2025, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. The cleanest record among Odyssey years belongs to 1994.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.