VehicleVerdict

2005 Honda Odyssey problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,046 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median Odyssey year — the 2005 model ranks #5 of 34 Odyssey years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 37 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (158), body & structure (139), and transmission (106), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,046

NHTSA complaints

9

Recalls

3

Investigations

25

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

37

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Odyssey years?

See all Odyssey years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Honda Odyssey problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine15815%
Body & Structure13913%
Transmission10610%
Steering10010%
Airbags909%
Brakes828%
Electrical System697%
Other515%
Fuel System414%
Tires & Wheels414%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)313%
Suspension283%
Latches & Locks273%
Visibility & Wipers232%
Speed Control232%
Seat Belts182%
Lighting101%
Seats50%
Child Seat30%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2005 Honda Odyssey have recalls?

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

14E049000Fuel SystemJuly 28, 2014 · 280 units

Defect

Delphi Automotive Systems, LLC (Delphi) is recalling certain replacement fuel pump modules, part number FG1155-11B1, sold for use in 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The affected fuel pump may send an incorrect fuel reading to the fuel gauge possibly causing the vehicle to run out of fuel. The fuel gauge will always read 3/4 full to full regardless of the actual level.

Consequence

A vehicle that runs out of fuel and stalls has an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Delphi has begun notifying dealers and distributors, and will replace the fuel pump modules, free of charge. Owners may contact Delphi customer service at 1-877-411-8770. Delphi's number for this recall is GL14-004.

14V112000Fuel SystemMarch 14, 2014 · 886,815 units

Defect

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 23, 2004, through September 4, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump strainer cover may deteriorate allowing fuel to leak out.

Consequence

A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Parts to permanently repair the affected vehicles are not currently available. Honda will notify owners with an interim letter during May 2014. A second notice was mailed to owners October 6, 2014 when the remedy became available. Any vehicles that are currently leaking from the fuel pump cover will get a replacement, original cover. All vehicles, including those receiving the interim repair, will get an improved cover when they are available. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. The recall numbers associated with this campaign are JD9 (inspection and/or preliminary part replacement) and JE0 (final parts replacement).

10V504000BrakesOctober 22, 2010 · 471,820 units

Defect

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ODYSSEY AND ACURA RL VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS A LUBRICANT FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

Consequence

A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

10V055000Body & StructureFebruary 23, 2010 · 21,776 units

Defect

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 ODYSSEY TOURING VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER OPERATED REAR LIFTGATE. THE POWER LIFTGATE GAS STRUTS MAY DETERIORATE UNEXPECTEDLY EARLY. STRUTS THAT HAVE WORN OUT PREMATURELY MAY FAIL TO HOLD THE POWER LIFTGATE IN THE FULLY OPEN POSITION, CAUSING THE POWER LIFTGATE TO CLOSE UNEXPECTEDLY.

Consequence

INJURY MAY RESULT FROM A POWER LIFTGATE CLOSING UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN A PERSON IS WITHIN THE CLOSING PATH OF THE LIFTGATE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE GAS LIFTGATE STRUTS AND REPLACE IF WITHIN THE RECALL POPULATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON MARCH 26, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.

07V097000Fuel SystemMarch 14, 2007 · 166,561 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, A COIL WIRE INSIDE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY MAY BREAK, CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO LOSE POWER. IF THE FUEL PUMP BECOMES INOPERATIVE, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START.

Consequence

IF THE FUEL PUMP LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING, AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

05V344000AirbagsAugust 1, 2005 · 85,154 units

Defect

THE FRONTAL AIR BAG SYSTEM HAS TWO EXTERNAL IMPACT SENSORS. ON CERTAIN MINI VANS,SOME SENSORS WERE INSUFFICIENTLY SEALED DURING MANUFACTURING. IF WATER ENTERS A SENSOR, CORROSION CAN OCCUR. CORRODED SENSORS COULD SHORT CIRCUIT INTERNALLY. IF SENSORS FAIL, THE SRS WARNING LAMP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL TURN ON AND REMAIN ILLUMINATED.

Consequence

FRONT IMPACT SENSOR FAILURE COULD CAUSE A DELAY IN, OR LOSS OF, FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT IMPACT SENSORS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

05V132000Electrical SystemApril 5, 2005 · 1,923 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A LOOSE TERMINAL IN THE MAIN FUSE BOX MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LOSE POWER. IF THE FUEL PUMP BECOMES INOPERATIVE, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START.

Consequence

IF THE FUEL PUMP LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUSE BOX FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 13, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

05V039000SteeringFebruary 3, 2005 · 203 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE STEERING COLUMN MAY BE INCORRECTLY ASSEMBLED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Consequence

LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL CAN CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

Remedy

OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON JANUARY 25, 2005, AND ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLES TOWED TO THEIR DEALERS AND HAVE THE REPAIRS PERFORMED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2005.

04V536000BrakesNovember 15, 2004 · 2,247 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) USES A SENSOR ON EACH WHEEL TO DETECT WHEEL SPEED. SOME SENSORS ON THE REAR WHEELS WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, WHICH MEANS THE SENSOR MAY REPORT THE WRONG WHEEL SPEED TO THE ABS CONTROL UNIT.

Consequence

THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF BRAKE FORCE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSORS. IF AN INCORRECT GAP IS DETECTED, THE SENSOR WILL BE REMOVED AND THE KNUCKLE CHECKED FOR CROSS THREADING DAMAGE. IF DAMAGE IS FOUND, THE KNUCKLE WILL BE REPLACED. IF NO DAMAGE IS FOUND, THE SENSOR WILL BE REINSTALLED CORRECTLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND MOMENTS LATER FLAMES WERE PRESENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 9, 2014 · fire

OUR 2005 HONDA ODYSSEY HAD JUST BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND WE WERE ON OUR WAY HOME. WE WERE AT A STOPLIGHT WHEN WE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. WE QUICKLY DROVE IT A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY FROM ANYONE, JUMPED OUT AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS COMPLETELY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 14, 2012 · fire

WHILE THE CAR WAS IDLING AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN PARK, THE VAN ROLLED DOWN THE STREET WITH MY KIDS STILL INSIDE THE VAN. EVENTUALLY, THE VAN HIT A PARKED CAR AND THE VAN STOPPED. THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE FAILURE.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 9, 2007 · crash

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING STEERING PROBLEMS RELATED TO RECALL #05V039000. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING THE VEHICLE MOVED FROM THE LEFT TO THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 3, 2007 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 23, 2014 · crash

2005 Honda Odyssey — common questions

Is the 2005 Honda Odyssey reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,046 complaints put the 2005 model at #5 of 34 Odyssey years. It is one of the Odyssey years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Odyssey problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (158 complaints), body & structure (139 complaints), transmission (106 complaints).

Does the 2005 Honda Odyssey have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Honda Odyssey. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Honda Odyssey under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations 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.