I bought the 2005 Odyssey van in 12/2015. It now has 192,426 miles on it. Three or four times every year since I bought it, the engine will suddenly surge when coming to a stop sign or light, with my right foot on the brake pedal, braking and slowing the van for the stop sign or light. The engine revs to about 5000 or 6000 RPMs. It is as if the engine is flooring the gas pedal. Every time, I have been able to push the brake pedal down hard, even though the car continues to slowly roll forward, and shove it into neutral. I have to then tap the gas pedal to stop the engine accelerating. It then goes back to idling normally. Note, it even happened to me one time when I put it into reverse while parking! So very scary each and every time it happens. On [XXX], I took the van to Don Jacobs Honda Dealership, Lexington, KY. They said there were no reports of this ever happening to anyone else. They charged me $3216.06, with most of the cost for a new timing belt/water pump and a valve adjustment. When their repairs did not solve the problem, I called them. They said they would like to put a monitor on the van and drive it until the surge happened again. I told them to let me drive the van with the monitor, as the next surge might not happen for several months, and I needed to drive the van on a daily basis for work. They said they weren't allowed to let customers use the monitor! I finally had time today to research the surging problem. I noticed on [XXX] that this problem with Honda has never been figured out or fixed! And it keeps happening on even newer Honda Odysseys! I now have the resources to quit driving this van. I would be willing to donate the van to the federal safety agency so that they may research and try to figure out how to stop this defect! No telling how many people have been injured or killed due to this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The worst 2005 Honda Odyssey problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine155
- Body138
- Transmission106
- Steering99
- Airbags90
- Brakes78
- Electrical54
- Fuel system41
- Tires33
- Locks27
- Suspension27
- Acceleration23
- Visibility23
- Seat belts18
- Driver assistance12
- Lights10
- Wheels7
- Seats5
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Honda Odyssey
Airbag light 50Grinding brakes 41Door locks 27Fuel pump 26Transmission failure 26Shudder 24Stalling 19Whining noise 19Check engine light 18Fire or smoke 13Power steering loss 12Brake failure 11Fuel smell 11Loss of power 11Steering noise 10Tire blowout 9Headlights 8ABS 6Oil consumption 6Slipping 6No deployment 5Engine failure 5Fuel leak 5Hesitation 5Premature wear 5
Recalls 8
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 23, 2004, through September 4, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump strainer cover may deteriorate allowing fuel to leak out.
- Risk
- A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Parts to permanently repair the affected vehicles are not currently available. Honda will notify owners with an interim letter during May 2014. A second notice was mailed to owners October 6, 2014 when the remedy became available. Any vehicles that are currently leaking from the fuel pump cover will get a replacement, original cover. All vehicles, including those receiving the interim repair, will get an improved cover when they are available. Owners may contact Honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009. The recall numbers associated with this campaign are JD9 (inspection and/or preliminary part replacement) and JE0 (final parts replacement).
Recall number 14V112000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 odyssey and acura rl vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as a lubricant for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and the seal may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak from the seal into the brake booster.
- Risk
- A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder seal free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during december 2010. Owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.
Recall number 10V504000 · Recall details
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut
- What is wrong
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 odyssey touring vehicles equipped with power operated rear liftgate. The power liftgate gas struts may deteriorate unexpectedly early. Struts that have worn out prematurely may fail to hold the power liftgate in the fully open position, causing the power liftgate to close unexpectedly.
- Risk
- Injury may result from a power liftgate closing unexpectedly when a person is within the closing path of the liftgate.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the gas liftgate struts and replace if within the recall population. This service will be performed free of charge. The campaign began on march 26, 2010. Owners may contact honda automobile customer service at 1‑800‑999‑1009.
Recall number 10V055000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles, a coil wire inside the fuel pump relay may break, causing the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine may not start.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump loses power while driving, the engine could stall without warning, and a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump relay free of charge. The recall began on april 2, 2007. Owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.
Recall number 07V097000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- What is wrong
- The frontal air bag system has two external impact sensors. On certain mini vans,some sensors were insufficiently sealed during manufacturing. If water enters a sensor, corrosion can occur. Corroded sensors could short circuit internally. If sensors fail, the SRS warning lamp on the instrument panel will turn on and remain illuminated.
- Risk
- Front impact sensor failure could cause a delay in, or loss of, frontal air bag deployment, which can increase the risk of injury in a frontal crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front impact sensors. The recall began on august 30, 2005. Owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.
Recall number 05V344000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, a loose terminal in the main fuse box may cause the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine may not start.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump loses power while driving the engine could stall without warning which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the entire fuse box free of charge. The recall began on april 13, 2005. Owners may contact honda at 800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.
Recall number 05V132000 · Recall details
Steering: column
- What is wrong
- On certain minivans and sport utility vehicles, the steering column may be incorrectly assembled, which could result in a loss of steering control.
- Risk
- Loss of steering control can cause a vehicle crash without prior notice.
- Remedy
- Owners were notified by telephone on january 25, 2005, and arrangements were made to have their vehicles towed to their dealers and have the repairs performed. The recall began on january 25, 2005.
Recall number 05V039000 · Recall details
Service brakes, air: antilock: wheel speed sensor
- What is wrong
- On certain minivans, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) uses a sensor on each wheel to detect wheel speed. Some sensors on the rear wheels were installed incorrectly, which means the sensor may report the wrong wheel speed to the ABS control unit.
- Risk
- The driver could experience a loss of brake force and a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the rear wheel speed sensors. If an incorrect gap is detected, the sensor will be removed and the knuckle checked for cross threading damage. If damage is found, the knuckle will be replaced. If no damage is found, the sensor will be reinstalled correctly. The recall began on november 12, 2004. Owners should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.
Recall number 04V536000 · Recall details
See all 8 recalls for the 2005 Honda Odyssey
Defect investigations
Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing
Please see the attached closing resume summary.It has been attached to this document as a PDF.
EQ12010
Unexpected Closing of Power Liftgate
Honda will replace the liftgate struts in approximately 21,776 model year 2005 Honda Odyssey Touring vehicles equipped with power liftgates that were built before a manufacturing change of the liftgate strut assembly on July 16, 2005 (the federal safety agency Recall No. 10V‑055).Vehicles built after the change experience significantly lower failure rates.The recall will inform consumers of the dangers of the existing struts and provide the opportunity for vehicle owners to obtain new struts that are more robust.Based on Honda's action, the agency has decided to close the investigation.While Honda has not made a decision that the recalled vehicles contain a safety-related defect, in view of the recall, further use of the agency's resources does not appear to be warranted.The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.Additional information can be found in the attached Engineering Analysis Report.
EA08015
Unexpected closing of power liftgate
The liftgate gas struts for the subject vehicles may have damaged gas seals that allow the liftgate to close unexpectedly.at the completion of a power-open command, the power liftgate may either close without power actuation (I.e., descend unassisted under the force of gravity) or automatically power-close without input from the operator.some owners are caught unaware of the unintended closing of the liftgate while under the rear liftgate door.there have been ten reported injuries related to the alleged problem on the subject vehicles.this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea08-015).
PE08026
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Honda Odyssey 155
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Service News
- ServiceNews Article
- There are several A/C leak detection tools available
- These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters
- This SKU is a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid
- Navigation system information.
- All of the listed vehicles have a type 4 immobilizer system that disables the vehicle unless a programmed...
- Honda Job Aid
- Job aid
- Do you have an Odyssey in your shop that has a power sliding door that wont open or close by using the...
2005 Honda Odyssey fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 23-26 | 19-20 |
What 2005 Honda Odyssey owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The engine VCM system is burning oil and destroying emissions systems on the vehicle. Catalytic converters are mainly affected as burned oil goes through the exhaust system. The check engine light comes on and the the engine starts to misfire and very abrupt engine vibrations make it into the cabin.
The transmission was making noise and missing and the vehicle was not picking up speed.
I Purchased Cooper Evolution M+S 235/65 R16 tires that I purchased from Tire kingdom at 220 Linto BLVD Delray Beach FL. 33444. The set of tires have low miles on them and tread wear is great. When I got the tires I felt a vibration in the tires from the front pretty quickly. I had my whole front end of my car replaced including beairings, no help. So I spent money and replaced the 2 front tires with the same tires and they were very young tires and a wheel alignment and the shaking was mitigated in the front but the car still vibrated slightly. The wheel alignment had the steering wheel off center so I went back another wheel alignment to correct and I mention to them the car is vibrating still if they can inspect the tires and when we looked the front LH tire had tread seperation which looked like someone took a knife andtried to carve the tread at the seem off the tire it went in about 3 inches plus. Tire kingdom accused me of hitting something I was like we barley drive this car and why would and I hit absolutely nothing. So they analyzed it and prorated me another tire of the same brand. So now we are on 7 new tires for one mini van that barely gets driven. I went to Orlando and my back rear of the van was vibrating the last 10 miles I had to take the side streets. I went to Walmart and purchased brand new Good years for my van and there is now zero vibration I love it. My my van has been vibrating the day I got the Cooper Evolutions and I went through 7 tires a new front end and replaced rear spindles because I could believe tire with such amazing tread life would vibrate a car like that. If I went for a prorated #8 tire I would still have vibrations. I called cooper tires to complian they gave me a claim number 2003880477 and said bring to tire kindom who refused the tires. We called back Cooper who only again said bring to tire kingdom . I have all 4 tires waiting to be inspected with the 4th tire completly out of shape without air in it. Tire kindome no help
The contact owns a Dorel Disney Baby Car Seat, Model Name: Light ‘N Comfy 35, Manufactured Date: August 06, 2021, installed in a 2005 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while placing the car seat onto the base in the vehicle, the car seat would not latch securely. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the car seat was not included in a recall. The car seat was not replaced.
I have a 2005 Honda Odyssey. About 6 months ago the drivers side sliding door fell off the tracks. This happened while we were trying to close the door but it would not slide at all. We were out at a restaurant and it was imperative that the door had to be shut because it was not safe to drive in that condition. We were able to somewhat put it back on but it can not be used at all at this time. When the door fell off, it gouged the side of the van, damaged the gas filler door, and the rear door is hard to close. I don't know if its closed or not until I get in the car and see that the indicator light on. Also, the car alarm goes off on its own even though my son disabled it. It's very disruptive. After do some research, I have learned that this is an ongoing problem with Honda Odysseys. Honda needs to be held responsible because this is obviously a manufacturer defect. I can not afford to spend $1000 to replace it nor should it have to spend money to fix it.
The sliding doors would not open by any of the control switches and would not open manually to allow persons seated in back two rows to exit in emergency.
Van turns off while driving after front lights is turn on or radio with charging a phone
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, power steering and braking functionality before the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast into a parking lot. The contact did not notice any warning lights being illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to her residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the drive belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had become difficult to turn with the occasional recurring loss of power steering functionality. The contact related the steering failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 05V039000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the battery would intermittently drain overnight while the vehicle was turned off. The contact had taken the vehicle to several dealers including New Century Honda (1235 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204), AutoNation Honda Valencia (23551 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355) and several independent mechanics who replaced the battery; however, the mechanics were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the battery would last for a three to six-month period before the failure would occur again. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. Upon his own investigation, the contact stated that the failure may be linked to the rear driver sliding door after the door failed to open electronically, and could only be opened manually. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The contact states that there is an issue with the rear sliding door. This may be the cause of the battery drainage since the door often cannot be electrically opened, only manually.
Compare the 2005 Honda Odyssey
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2005 Honda Odyssey
Is the 2005 Honda Odyssey reliable?
Owners have filed 830 complaints about the 2005 Honda Odyssey, 2.7 times a typical Odyssey model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2005 Honda Odyssey year score?
The 2005 Honda Odyssey scores 33 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Honda Odyssey: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Honda Odyssey?
Engine and cooling, with 155 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles. Next is body (138).
How many recalls does the 2005 Honda Odyssey have?
8 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, service brakes, hydraulic and structure.
What year does the Honda Odyssey have bad engine?
The Honda Odyssey model years with the most engine complaints are 2025 (263 complaints), 2018 (205 complaints) and 2005 (155 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Honda Odyssey get?
Official estimates for the 2005 Honda Odyssey range from 19 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 23-26 highway.
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