1999 Honda Odyssey Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles and mini vans, the ignition switch may wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to "park."

Risk: If the vehicle operator does not shift to "park" before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that determines the amount of cylinder body wear. If significant wear is indicated, the dealer will replace the cylinder body, collar, and latch plate. If no signs of wear are indicated, dealers will replace the latch plate with a redesigned part. Owner notification began december 8, 2003. Owners should contact honda at 1-800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: Vehicle description: mini vans. The dimmer control for the instrument panel lights can fail.

Risk: At night, the driver would not be able to see instrument panel gauges and displays.

Fix: Dealers will replace the multiplex unit.

Problem: Vehicle description: minivan. The sliding doors may not latch properly.

Risk: An improperly latched door could open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion. Under certain circumstances, a door could open completely. An unrestrained rear seat passenger could fall out of an open door of a moving vehicle and be seriously injured or killed.

Fix: Dealers will replace the door latch assembly on all odyssey minvans built from december 3, 1999 through december 16, 1999. Also included in this recall are approximately 1,612 odyssey minivans that had the latches replaced under recall 99v-158 or under warranty, that may need to have the latches replaced again. Owners of these vehicles will be notified by honda to bring the vehicle to their honda dealer for inspection of the previously replaced latch assembly. Latches with the suspect date code will be replaced.

Problem: Vehicle description: mini vans. A wire harness, located within the engine compartment, could be damaged by contact with a metal pipe, possibly resulting in a blown fuse.

Risk: If a fuse blows, engine power, or operation of any or all electrical components, can be lost, including lights, windshield wipers, horn, and the anti-lock function of the brakes. A sudden loss of power or lighting, or a failure of the windshield wipers or anti-lock brake feature in bad weather, could result.

Fix: Dealers will install a protective covering over the wire harness and metal pipe to prevent this problem. If any wires are damaged, the dealer will make the necessary repairs, and then install the protective covering.

Problem: Vehicle description: minivan. In extremely cold, wet weather, ice can form in the throttle body preventing the throttle return to the idle position. This could cause the throttle to remain open even though the driver has removed his or her foot from the accelerator pedal.

Risk: If the vehicle contains to maintain speed when the driver is expecting the vehicle to slow, a crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will drill two additional drain holes in the bottom of the resonator.

Problem: Vehicle description: minivan. The sliding doors may not latch properly.

Risk: An improperly latched door could open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion. Under certain circumstances, a door could open completely. An unrestrained rear seat passenger could fall out of an open door of a moving vehicle and be seriously injured or killed.

Fix: Dealers will replace the door latch assembly.

Problem: Vehicle description: minivan. The power door lock remote control actuator unlatches the door in response to input from the remote transmitter. Excessive grease in the actuator could cause a slow return of the activation lever to the proper latching position.

Risk: If the activation lever has not returned to the proper latching position by the time the sliding door closes, the door will not latch.

Fix: Dealers will replace the power door lock remote control assembly.