2002 Honda Odyssey

The 2002 Honda Odyssey is a minivan known for its reliability, spacious interior, and smooth ride. It was available with a single engine option, a 3.5-liter V6 producing 240 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate its practicality, comfortable seating, and family-friendly features. Common dislikes include transmission issues, power sliding door problems, and some electrical gremlins, particularly as the vehicle ages.

Engine

3.5L V6 (J35A4)

• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets, leading to oil consumption, burning oil smell, and visible oil on the engine.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
• Oil Leaks (Rear Main Seal)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the rear main seal, leading to oil consumption and visible oil dripping from the bottom of the engine, near the transmission.
  • Solution: Replace the rear main seal. This often requires removing the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt can fail if not replaced according to the maintenance schedule (typically every 105,000 miles). Failure can cause severe engine damage, including bent valves and damaged pistons.
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt, water pump, and tensioner as a preventative measure.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (MPYA)

• Transmission Failure/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The 4-speed automatic transmission is known to have issues with hard shifting, slipping, or complete failure, particularly as mileage increases. Symptoms include delayed engagement of gears, harsh shifts between gears, and the transmission not shifting at all.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the transmission. Some owners have had success with replacing the transmission fluid more frequently to prolong its life.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: 04V008000

Suspension

• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced ride comfort, excessive bouncing, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the struts and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 (depending on whether front, rear, or both are replaced)
• Worn Ball Joints
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises from the front suspension, loose steering, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Electrical

• Power Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power sliding doors may fail to open or close properly, or at all. This can be due to worn rollers, broken cables, or issues with the door motor.
  • Solution: Replace the rollers, cables, or motor, depending on the cause.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800 (depending on the component)
• Rear Hatch Latch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear hatch may not latch properly, or may open unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Replace the hatch latch assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows fail to go up or down, or do so very slowly.
  • Solution: Replace the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400

Exterior

• Rust (Rear Wheel Wells/Rocker Panels)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust developing on the rear wheel wells and rocker panels, particularly in areas where salt is used on the roads.
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ (depending on the severity)

Interior

• Broken Cup Holders
  • Description/Symptoms: Cup holders are prone to breaking.
  • Solution: Replace the cup holders.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $50
• Climate Control Display Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The climate control display can become dim or fail completely, making it difficult to adjust the temperature.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the climate control display unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400

Summary

The 2002 Honda Odyssey is a reliable minivan, but like any vehicle of its age, it’s susceptible to certain issues. The most significant concerns are related to the transmission, with potential for failure that can be costly to repair. Oil leaks, timing belt maintenance, and electrical problems (especially the power sliding doors) are also common. Rust can be an issue in certain climates. While some fixes are relatively inexpensive, others, like transmission work, can be substantial. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for signs of these issues and factor in potential repair costs.