2002 Honda Odyssey: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2002 Honda Odyssey? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 972 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2002 Honda Odyssey Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2002 Honda Odyssey.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2002 Honda Odyssey Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Honda Odyssey has 972 owner complaints, 45 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Odyssey
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 972
- Crash-related complaints
- 45
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 23
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2002 Honda Odyssey Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Airbag Malfunctions
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2002 Honda Odyssey?
The 2002 Honda Odyssey shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2002 Honda Odyssey
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain thoroughly; request service records for any repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags and transmission.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
- Check for any history of unintended acceleration or brake system complaints.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain thoroughly; request service records for any repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags and transmission.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
- Check for any history of unintended acceleration or brake system complaints.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Honda Odyssey, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2002 Honda Odyssey has a high volume of NHTSA complaints, heavily concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain. Airbag and engine issues also appear frequently. Crash-related complaints are relatively few given the total count. Confidence in these patterns is low due to the single model year analyzed.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints dominate, accounting for the majority of all reports.
- Airbag malfunctions are the second most reported component.
- Engine problems and structural issues also appear in notable numbers.
- Transmission / Drivetrain failures or malfunctions
- Airbag system malfunctions
- Engine problems
All 2002 Honda Odyssey Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Honda Odyssey. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 612 | 4 | 4 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 100 | 21 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 69 | 5 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 56 | 6 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 36 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 34 | 6 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 33 | 7 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 24 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 24 | 4 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 17 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 13 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 9 | 3 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Honda Odyssey. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The van completely shuts down no matter where I am. When I try to turn it back on the green key light DOES NOT appear on the dash. The van will still crank but will not turn over. Until the green key light appears on the left side of the dash. I have to sit anywhere from 5 minute…
I was involved in a traffic collision on December 15, 2023. The California DMV requires a brake and light inspection for a salvage retention reregistration of my car. After going to two brake and light shops they will not perform a brake and light inspection due to a recall P30 0…
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the power seat lifted inadvertently while accelerating and when the brake pedal was depressed, the front corner of the seat went back down. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
SRS light stays on. According to my mechanic, it is a SRS fault 1-1 which is a resistance issue at assembly, not the coil.
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The contact received recall notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V501000(Air Bags) and 15V320000(Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because he no longer owns the vehicle. The dealer was not contacte…
Drivers side, side-curtain airbag spontaneously deployed.
I've noticed that while driving the vehicle maintains speed/accelerate (without gas pedal pressed, and with cruise control off). I have to constantly fight the vehicle's constant acceleration with brakes. While idling, it keeps going to high RPM and then reduce and then high R…
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Defender XT, Tire Size: 225/60R16, DOT Number: AP3V047X. The contact stated while replacing the driver's and passenger's side front tires, the contact noticed chunks of tread detaching from the tires. …
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that he had to pay out-of-pocket for the diagnostic test. The vehicle …
The contact owned a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V501000 (Air Bags) and 19V182000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list because the vehicle was sold. The local dealer and manufacturer were no…
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The emission switch, check engine, and air bag sensor lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The …
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V501000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the recall was serviced, and the passenger’s side frontal air bag inflator was replaced. The vehicle was repair…
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving around a bend, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the wheels locked up, and the parking brake was engaged to stop …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When I was on the highway the car lost power and I was almost rear-ended by a car when I was stopped on the…
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated along with a warning message which stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side air bags need to be repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V501000 (Air Bag…
Unknown
06/04/2021 2002 Honda Odyssey - Aftermarket Fuel Pump Lock Ring - Multiple Failures Safety Issue = Gasoline leaking out of the tank onto the ground. Starting in 2019, three aftermarket fuel pump lock rings have failed on one 2002 Honda Odyssey. The lock rings were all made …
MY VEHICLE TELLS ME THE PASSENGER AIRBAG ISNT WORKING THEN IT TURNS OFF SO SOMETHING ELECTRONICLY IS MESSED UP.
THIS COMPLAINT IS A CORRECTION TO COMPLAINT 11375900 WHICH REFERENCED AN INCORRECT RECALL NUMBER. REMOVAL OF THE IGNITION KEY WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS NOT IN PARK ALLOWS THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY WHEN ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. THIS SYMPTOM IS IDENTICAL TO RECALL 12V573000 WHICH MY H…
REMOVAL OF THE IGNITION KEY WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR OF THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN PARK ALLOWS THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY WHEN ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. SEE ATTACHED IMAGE. THIS SYMPTOM IS IDENTICAL TO RECALL 16V344000 WHICH MY HONDA DEALER SAYS APPLIES ONLY TO MODEL YEARS 2003 AND 2004. HOWEV…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Honda Odyssey.
2002 Honda Odyssey Recalls
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Honda Odyssey. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2002 Honda Odyssey Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Honda Odyssey reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 972 owner complaints, 45 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Honda Odyssey shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Honda Odyssey?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (612 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (100 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (69 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Honda Odyssey?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Honda Odyssey?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Honda Odyssey, NHTSA complaints include 45 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 972 total complaints. 44 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Honda Odyssey have any recalls?▾
Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Honda Odyssey. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Honda Odyssey?▾
The 2002 Honda Odyssey shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Honda Odyssey reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Honda Odyssey based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.