1997 Honda Odyssey
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 96 |
| 1996 | 70 |
| 1997 | 20 |
| 1998 | 73 |
| 1999 | 518 |
| 2000 | 675 |
| 2001 | 619 |
| 2002 | 959 |
| 2003 | 914 |
| 2004 | 584 |
| 2005 | 830 |
| 2006 | 703 |
| 2007 | 829 |
| 2008 | 499 |
| 2009 | 198 |
| 2010 | 254 |
| 2011 | 232 |
| 2012 | 241 |
| 2013 | 209 |
| 2014 | 307 |
| 2015 | 199 |
| 2016 | 261 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2018 | 932 |
| 2019 | 876 |
| 2020 | 417 |
| 2021 | 123 |
| 2022 | 126 |
| 2023 | 87 |
| 2024 | 70 |
| 2025 | 231 |
| 2026 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system.
3 of 20 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
APPLYING THE BRAKES WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF PARKING THE VEHICLE LUNCHED FORWARD, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A BRICK WALL. ANOTHER TIME, APPLIED THE BRAKES WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF PARKING THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD INTO TRAFFIC. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19971105
transmission problem
NHTSA ODI report, 20210905
2 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
THE IGNITION LOCKS WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040120
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021118
2 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIRE1 of 20 total reports mentions: visibility.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUS
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.
Campaign 99V069000 — check if this car was fixed
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 VEHIC
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
Campaign 02V120000 — check if this car was fixed
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Honda Odyssey — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V069000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V120000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Honda Odyssey reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Honda Odyssey?
The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition:switch, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Honda Odyssey have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.