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1997 Honda Odyssey problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Honda Odyssey is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical Odyssey model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
20
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
39
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
20mpg

The worst 1997 Honda Odyssey problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    9
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Airbags
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    9
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 2

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported May 16, 2002 · 1,000,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 vehicle is started.
Risk
Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 remedy within a reasonable time should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.

Recall number 02V120000 · Recall details

Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball jointReported May 10, 1999 · 124,875 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 suspension to collapse.
Risk
This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. Also steering controllability would be reduced.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.

Recall number 99V069000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1997 Honda Odyssey

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Honda Odyssey 39

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 39 bulletins for the 1997 Honda Odyssey

1997 Honda Odyssey fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.2L 4‑cylFWD182420

What 1997 Honda Odyssey owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 5, 2021 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · GU

transmission problem

Filed Apr 2, 2011 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · NE

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 conditions. It is very similar to the situation in recall 05v025000.

Filed Jul 14, 2004 · Suspension · 5,000 miles · WA

When the vehicle was turned off and the key removed from the ignition there was a loud popping noise that sounded like an explosion from the rear right of the vehicle. The noise went away for a while when the brake pads were replaced. Dealership serviced the vehicle several times for this problem but could not identify what component the noise was coming from.

Filed Jun 23, 2004 · Tires · 120,000 miles · CA

While driving at any speed vehicle was running roughly. Consumer examined the tires and saw that the tread separated on the right rear. Several months later, the same thing happened on the left rear tire. Dealer gave the consumer a discount on the first tire, but refused any discount on the second tire.

Filed Jan 20, 2004 · Electrical · 88,000 miles · OH

The ignition locks without warning.

Filed Nov 18, 2002 · Electrical · NC

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

Filed Sep 23, 2002 · Airbags · FL · crash · 1 injury

While involved in an accident, the air bags deployed, knocking consumer out temporarily. The air bag hit consumer so hard to the point it knocked her right leg up and hit the dash causing bruising and a nasty cut. Four weeks later, consumer is still experiencing pain in the chest area due to the air bag. When consumers husband who was driving at the time of the incident, air bag deployed, he only recieved a red spot on his arm.

Filed Aug 21, 2002 · Electrical · CA

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 the federal safety agency help in this matter. Feel free to provide any further information.

Filed Jul 29, 2002 · Electrical · MN

While traveling in traffic vehicle will cut off without prior warning. Dealership is aware of problem.

Filed Jul 11, 2002 · Electrical · NJ

While driving vehicle stalled repeatedly. Vehicle was checked by dealer, who advised consumer there was recall 02v120000 concerning ignition switch. Consumer was very upset that never notified of recall. Dealer advised consumer he did have parts to repair vehicle/ consumer concerned about safety until repairs were made.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1997 Honda Odyssey before you buy

Compare the 1997 Honda Odyssey

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Other model years

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Questions about the 1997 Honda Odyssey

Is the 1997 Honda Odyssey reliable?

Owners have filed 20 complaints about the 1997 Honda Odyssey, fewer than a typical Odyssey model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Honda Odyssey?

Electrical system, with 9 complaints. Next is acceleration (3).

How many recalls does the 1997 Honda Odyssey have?

2 recalls, covering electrical system and suspension.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Honda Odyssey electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 02V120000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Honda Odyssey have the most electrical problems?

The Honda Odyssey model years with the most electrical complaints are 2018 (265 complaints), 2025 (242 complaints) and 2019 (225 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Honda Odyssey get?

Official estimates for the 1997 Honda Odyssey range from 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 24 highway.

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