2000 Honda Odyssey: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Aug 12, 2013 · Electrical, Steering · 195,000 miles · IN · fire

We were driving down the road and noticed a small wisp of smoke coming from the steering column. We exited the highway and took the plastic cover off the steering column and investigated. Seeing no more smoke we figured a fuse had blown or some such and took a short break from driving. We got back in the van and started off down the highway and for 30 miles or so no problems. Suddenly we noticed the smoke again but this time there was a small cigarette lighter type flame coming from the turn signal box on the column. We immediately exited the next exit and parked on the exit ramp. We tried mango juice to extinguish the fire which worked for a short time but then the fire was back. We called 911 and before the fire department could get there (approx. 2-3 minutes) the small little flame had grown to consume the entire car in flames. The car was totally demolished by the fire.

Filed Mar 20, 2011 · Suspension · 142,000 miles · WI

Smelled burning rubber when driving my 2000 honda odyssey. Also heard rubbing and popping sounds. Found both front coil springs had broken. Abs light also stays on and won't go off. Both springs broke in same place....making me think there was a defect in these springs.

Filed Jan 3, 2010 · Transmission · 160,000 miles · CA

2000 honda odyssey transmission failure, approximately the 3rd failure since purchased in 2005 or early 2006. When the transmission fails, the van does not move at all and without warning. My wife and children were once stranded in a busy intersection when god intervened and gave her just enough power to get to the side of the road where she was towed from. January 2nd at 2am the tranny went out on highway 80 and my wife thought the engine was on fire. It was the tranny. And my 4 youngest children was with her.

Filed Dec 14, 2005 · Body · 42,000 miles · OH

Manual sliding doors stick to the point that occupants cannot get out of the car. It has taken two large adults (one pulling from the outside and the other kicking from the inside) to open the doors. Problem began in summer, 2003. We broke and had to replace one of the door handles in 11/04 because we were pulling so hard to get the door open. Complained whenever we took the car in for service, but our complaints never appear on our invoices. Therefore, according to honda, there is no record of a problem with our doors. Honda's recommendation has been to lubricate the doors, but we never notice any improvement in the problem. My dealer just informed me that a service bulletin has been issued recommending the replacement of the door seals at a cost to us of nearly $400. As a "goodwill" gesture, they have offered to pay for the parts, but we will pay nearly $200 to correct this problem. This seems to be a safety issue that honda should correct, but as the problem arose after our 30,000 mile warranty, they feel there is no obligation to fix the problem. I keep thinking about my children being trapped, perhaps with the car on fire, and wonder how honda can treat the issue so casually.

Filed Apr 26, 2002 · Fuel system · FL · fire

My wife stopped to get some gas. The van was stopped with the engine off. The went to turn the fuel cap and just turned it when flames shoot out of the filler neck about 12-18 long . My wife said it was like a blow torch. My daughter was in the van also who is hanicapped and had to crawl away from the van because my wife thought the van might blow up. I contacted honda dealership who never heard anything like that. The van was towed to the dealership to have it checked out.

Filed Apr 7, 2000 · Fuel system · VA · fire · 1 injury

While fueling vehicle fuel tank bursted into flames, resulting in minor injuries. Dealer has been notified.