2001 Honda Odyssey LX review from North America

The First problems with this vehicle was the rear door light switch not connecting and the dome lights would stay on. This happened several times and wasn't noticed which killed the battery. This resulted in a premature failure with the battery which was replaced after 3 1/2 years. Why did Honda not provide roadside assistance if the vehicle was so good, they would never have to use it.

The cruise control didn't work correctly from day 1, it would work and then when I disengaged the cruise, I would have to switch the cruise button on the dash off and back on before the buttons on the steering wheel would work. The truck was in 3 times for this and because it was intermittent they couldn't find it and wouldn't take any steps to repair the problem. Finally it happened with a technician was in the vehicle and they replaced the dash control, steering wheel control and the control on the brake pedal because they didn't know which one was bad...

The vehicle arrived with a broken plastic assembly around the steering column and after driving it for a couple of days I found some clips on the front floor which held the plastic dash pieces in place causing the dash to vibrate and rattle... so much for quality control.

The oxygen sensor was replaced after the 3 year warranty ran out; most vehicles cover the emission control devices for 5 years.

And the good old transmission failed at 79,800 Km approx. 49000 miles. I did not have a complete failure as some people have had, just the check engine light and TCS light on at the same time. This also happened when the O2 sensor failed and I thought it was happening again. I will say that they charged me nothing for the transmission, but while they fixed it they said a wire for the power steering was partially cut through and they replaced that for $130.00. They told me if they had not replaced the wire it was an 8 hour job to remove and replace the trans. to get at the wire.

It is really too bad because both my wife and I like the way the Honda van drives, it is the nicest mini-van, drive wise we have owned. The original Michelin tires only lasted for 70,000 km.