1997 Honda Odyssey Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 45%of 20 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 119,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Honda Odyssey, 45% of the 20 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 119,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10394035, filed 2011-04, 150,000 miles“While driving vehicle stalled repeatedly. Vehicle was checked by dealer, who advised consumer there was recall 02v120000 concerning ignition switch. Consumer was very upset that never notified of recall. Dealer advised consumer he did have parts to repair vehicle/ consumer concerned about safety until repairs were made.”
NHTSA complaint #8013772, filed 2002-07“Recall 02 v 120 000/ignition switch: dealer: cush Honda in escondido, ca. Phone # 760/737--3259 refused to honor recall. Dealer stated that vehicle must reach 65,000 mile before recall repairs could be done. Seeking NHTSA help in this matter. Feel free to provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8016854, filed 2002-08“Consumer took vehicle in for a recall on ignition oil retainer. Upon picking up vehicle consumer noticed alarm system was not working properly. The vehicles door would not stay locked, locks were popping up on their own. Please provide any further information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8022942, filed 2002-11Related recalls
- 02V120000May 16, 2002On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current…Covers: Honda Odyssey 1997–1999, Acura CL 1997–1999, Honda Accord 1997–1999 +5 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 | 38% |
| 2025 | 233 | 52% |
| 2024 | 57 | 46% |
| 2023 | 31 | 30% |
| 2022 | 37 | 26% |
| 2021 | 56 | 38% |
| 2020 | 173 | 35% |
| 2019 | 223 | 22% |
| 2018 | 263 | 26% |
| 2017 | 6 | 15% |
| 2016 | 40 | 15% |
| 2015 | 28 | 14% |
| 2014 | 31 | 10% |
| 2013 | 15 | 7% |
| 2012 | 37 | 15% |
| 2011 | 66 | 28% |
| 2010 | 31 | 12% |
| 2009 | 20 | 10% |
| 2008 | 33 | 7% |
| 2007 | 63 | 8% |
| 2006 | 44 | 6% |
| 2005 | 54 | 7% |
| 2004 | 53 | 9% |
| 2003 | 81 | 9% |
| 2002 | 35 | 4% |
| 2001 | 23 | 4% |
| 2000 | 38 | 6% |
| 1999 | 110 | 21% |
| 1998 | 34 | 47% |
| 1997 | 9 | 45% |
| 1996 | 17 | 24% |
| 1995 | 25 | 26% |
Other parts of the 1997 Honda Odyssey
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Honda Odyssey
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology