Gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve) problems of the 2003 Honda Odyssey

The minivan was being driven at about 30mph when the idle suddenly jumped to 3500 rpm. The brake had to be applied to keep the car from dangerously accelerating. The driver was able to pull the minivan into a gas station. The vehicle was turned off then back on a few minutes later. The minivan immediately idled at 3500 rpm again. After letting the vehicle sit turned off for 20 minutes, it was turned on and showed no further problems. In the past two years there have been three similar incidents with this vehicle. Outside temperature may be a contributing factor since it has always happened in a temperature of 80+ degrees fahrenheit. After letting the car sit for 10-20 minutes, the problem goes away. The local Honda dealership investigated the problem, but found no computer codes or other signs of problems. We are concerned this problem could cause an accident and that the problem may occur in other Odyssey's of this year.

2003 Odyssey approximately 67k miles developed fluid leak in past week. Vehicle had been serviced regularly. While driving with family coolant leaked onto exhaust system causing smoke and had to pull off interstate. Engine had operated normally and there were no warning indicators or abnormal temperature gage readings. Had vehicle towed to local Honda dealer. Diagnosed as leaking head gasket. Upon removal of the cylinder head, the head bolts pull from the block ports with the bolt threads. Apparently head bolts had become loose given the thread failure in the block and allowed leakage of fluids in the cylinder head. Honda stated that the engine will need to be replaced at a cost of 3k++. Apparently this same issue has occurred to several other 2003 Odyssey owners according to on-line search. The dealer was at a loss to explain the failure of the bolts at the given mileage. It appears that this could be a defect in the block design or manufacture and could lead to premature engine failure. Honda should address this issue as well as automatic transmission and egr valve defects which have also been a continual problem with the 2003 Odyssey. Very disappointed in the reliability of this van.

Transmission failed egr valve failed.

2003 Honda Odyssey vehicle quality and vehicle service** the consumer stated the dealership was doing dishonest business practices. The consumer stated the dealership did not do enough to help with the problems he was experiencing with his vehicle. The consumer stated after the recall was performed regarding the automatic transmission, the tcs and engine light illuminated. It was later determined that the problem was due to a faulty egr valve. The part was not available, so the dealer reset the light, however the next day it illuminated again. The consumer was later involved in an accident, which the consumer believed was due to mechanical problems with the vehicle. The consumer stated the steering was off center, it was recommended that an alignment be performed, the consumer was told the steering problem was due to the accident.