1999 Honda Odyssey: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Honda Odyssey: 9 recalls, 518 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.

Recalls
9 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #99V157000 · 1999 · 31,097 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the vehicle contains to maintain speed when the driver is expecting the vehicle to slow, a crash could occur.
The fix: Dealers will drill two additional drain holes in the bottom of the resonator.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #99V159000 · 1999 · 6,714 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the activation lever has not returned to the proper latching position by the time the sliding door closes, the door will not latch.
The fix: Dealers will replace the power door lock remote control assembly.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #99V158000 · 1999 · 19,830 vehicles
What's wrong: The sliding doors May not latch properly.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace the door latch assembly.
Electrical Vehicle recall #00V030000 · 2000 · 77,695 vehicles
What's wrong: A wire harness, located within the engine compartment, could be damaged by contact with a metal pipe, possibly resulting in a blown fuse.
Why it matters: 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,…
The 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.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #00V119000 · 2000 · 7,085 vehicles
What's wrong: The sliding doors May not latch properly.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Interior lights Vehicle recall #00V183000 · 2000 · 78,910 vehicles
What's wrong: The dimmer control for the instrument panel lights can fail.
Why it matters: At night, the driver would not be able to see instrument panel gauges and displays.
The fix: Dealers will replace the multiplex unit.
Electrical Vehicle recall #02V120000 · 2002 · 1,000,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began June 14, 2002.
Electrical Vehicle recall #03V423000 · 2003 · 563,861 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Airbags Vehicle recall #20V026000 · 2020 · 1,439,841 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 7 mention a fire, 23 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (170): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (63), warning light on (37), stalls / loses power (15).
- Electrical (110): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (55), electrical failure (31), door / lock issues (23).
- Latches & locks (78): the most common themes are door / lock issues (74).
- Body & structure (77): the most common themes are door / lock issues (77), noise or vibration (3).
The 1999 Honda Odyssey has 518 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 34 Odyssey model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 376). Complaints peaked in 2003 (61 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 100,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (73 complaints, 3 recalls), 2000 (675 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Honda Odyssey.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 Honda Odyssey have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recalls for the 1999 Honda Odyssey. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 Honda Odyssey problems?
Owners have filed 518 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (170), electrical (110), latches & locks (78).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Honda Odyssey get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 Honda Odyssey repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.