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1997 Honda OdysseyProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 20 owner complaints about the 1997 Honda Odyssey, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints206 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage150kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 5, 2021. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Honda Odyssey has problems

20 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system91
Vehicle speed control31
Visibility21
Service brakes, hydraulic21
Power train10
Air bags11
Steering10
Suspension10
Tires10
2 other systems20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1997 Honda Odyssey recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Ignition: switch

Recall 02V-120 · May 16, 2002 · 1,000,000 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Control arm: lower ball joint

Recall 99V-069 · May 10, 1999 · 124,875 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Honda.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other Odyssey year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Odyssey median. How we score

'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1997 Honda Odyssey safety ratings

1997 Honda Odyssey in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Odyssey owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH CAUSES THE ENGINE TO SPONTANEOUSLY SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. SINCE THE ENGINE CANNOT BE RESTARTED WHILE NOT IN PARK, THIS REQUIRES COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT THE AID OF POWER BRAKES OR STEERING. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND VARIOUS SPEEDS AND…
Complaint 10394035 · Apr 2, 2011 · 150,000 miles
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR A RECALL ON IGNITION OIL RETAINER. UPON PICKING UP VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICED ALARM SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLES DOOR WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED, LOCKS WERE POPPING UP ON THEIR OWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Complaint 8022942 · Nov 18, 2002
RECALL 02 V 120 000/IGNITION SWITCH: DEALER: CUSH HONDA IN ESCONDIDO, CA. PHONE # 760/737--3259 REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL. DEALER STATED THAT VEHICLE MUST REACH 65,000 MILE BEFORE RECALL REPAIRS COULD BE DONE. SEEKING NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Complaint 8016854 · Aug 21, 2002

Own a 1997 Odyssey?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.