NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 27 owner complaints for the 1997 Honda Odyssey. Most complaints involve electrical system (10) and vehicle speed control (3). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Odyssey model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 77 |
| 1997 | 27 |
| 1998 | 73 |
| 1999 | 528 |
| 2000 | 685 |
| 2001 | 629 |
| 2002 | 972 |
| 2003 | 940 |
| 2004 | 585 |
| 2005 | 829 |
| 2006 | 703 |
| 2007 | 830 |
| 2008 | 499 |
| 2009 | 198 |
| 2010 | 255 |
| 2011 | 235 |
| 2012 | 245 |
| 2013 | 210 |
| 2014 | 310 |
| 2015 | 207 |
| 2016 | 271 |
| 2017 | 39 |
| 2018 | 1,012 |
| 2019 | 998 |
| 2020 | 492 |
| 2021 | 147 |
| 2022 | 142 |
| 2023 | 105 |
| 2024 | 126 |
| 2025 | 447 |
| 2026 | 63 |
| 2027 | 1 |
“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. *TR”
“transmission problem”
“CONSUMER NOTICED A STRONG FUEL SMELL. VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY A MECHANIC. MECHANIC NOTICED A HOLE IN FUEL TANK THAT WAS CAUSED BY CONSTANT CONTACT WITH METAL UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK *TT”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (10), vehicle speed control (3), fuel system, gasoline (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1997 Honda Odyssey at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).