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
- 20
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 20 complaints
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 | 960 |
| 2003 | 914 |
| 2004 | 585 |
| 2005 | 830 |
| 2006 | 703 |
| 2007 | 830 |
| 2008 | 499 |
| 2009 | 198 |
| 2010 | 255 |
| 2011 | 235 |
| 2012 | 244 |
| 2013 | 210 |
| 2014 | 310 |
| 2015 | 207 |
| 2016 | 270 |
| 2017 | 39 |
| 2018 | 1,005 |
| 2019 | 991 |
| 2020 | 483 |
| 2021 | 146 |
| 2022 | 141 |
| 2023 | 104 |
| 2024 | 124 |
| 2025 | 445 |
| 2026 | 59 |
| 2027 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
10 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
The ignition locks without warning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-20
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, 2002-11-18
Vehicle speed control
3 of 20 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-11-05
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
transmission problem
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-09-05
Also filed under Forward collision avoidance and steering
Visibility
2 of 20 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and power window devices and controls.
Show complaint excerpts
7/29 large quantity of smoke emitting from drivers side door while driving and one window stops operating. 7/30 happens again while van is stationary and another window stops working.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-08-30
Service brakes
2 of 20 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Tires
1 of 20 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1999-05-17Suspension99V069000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
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2002-06-14Electrical system02V120000 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…
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…
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R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Honda Odyssey — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 99V069000 · Suspension
- Recall 02V120000 · Electrical system
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Honda Odyssey have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.