The 2007 Odyssey is mechanically solid overall, but transmission issues dominate the worry list—automatic transmission failures are common enough that you should budget for potential replacement. Engine problems, while less frequent, can be catastrophic when they occur, particularly VCM-related oil consumption and occasional piston/ring failures.
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between 2nd and 3rd gear, Shuddering during acceleration, especially around 40-50 mph, Transmission slipping or going into limp mode, Metallic debris visible in transmission fluid
Fix: Honda's 5-speed automatic has known weak spots in the torque converter and 2nd/3rd clutch packs. Rebuild is 12-16 hours labor, but many shops recommend replacement with remanufactured unit due to core damage. Requires full flush and programming.
Symptoms: Burning 1+ quart of oil between changes, Misfires in cylinders 1, 2, or 3 (bank affected by VCM), Spark plugs fouled with oil on front bank, Blue smoke on cold start
Fix: VCM system causes excessive wear on rear cylinders, leading to piston ring issues. Minor cases: VCM tuner device ($300-450 installed) or VCM disabler to prevent cylinder deactivation. Severe cases require top-end rebuild with new rings/honing, 18-24 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-4,000
Engine Mount Failure (Transmission Mount Specifically)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise when shifting from Park to Drive, Excessive vibration at idle, especially with A/C on, Engine rocks noticeably during acceleration, Vibration felt through steering wheel
Fix: Transmission mount (upper rear) and front engine mount deteriorate from heat and load. Transmission mount is 2.5-3 hours, front mount is 1.5-2 hours. Many owners replace both simultaneously.
Estimated cost: $400-800
Power Sliding Door Motor / Cable Failures
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Door stops mid-cycle with error beeps, Grinding or clicking noise during operation, Door refuses to open or close via button/key fob, Manual operation becomes difficult or sticky
Fix: Cable assemblies fray or motors fail on both sides. Each side is 2-3 hours labor to replace motor and/or cable assembly. Often both sides need attention within 20k miles of each other.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Timing Belt / Water Pump Service
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Belt is due per maintenance schedule, Squealing from engine bay on cold starts, Coolant seepage from water pump weep hole
Fix: Interference engine—belt failure destroys valves. Honda spec is 105k miles or 7 years. Always replace water pump, tensioner, and seals during belt service. 4-5 hours labor for complete job.
Estimated cost: $700-1,100
Starter Motor Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Single click when turning key, no crank, Intermittent no-start, works after 2-3 attempts, Grinding noise during cranking
Fix: Honda starters typically last well, but when they fail it's sudden. Located on transmission side, requires removing air intake. 1.5-2 hours labor with OEM or quality reman unit.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Front Wheel Bearing Noise
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Humming or growling noise that increases with speed, Noise changes pitch during turns, Vibration felt through steering wheel at highway speeds
Fix: Front hub/bearing assemblies wear from weight and front-wheel drive stress. Each side is 2-2.5 hours with pressed hub assembly. Usually one side fails first, other follows within 30k miles.
Estimated cost: $350-550
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 30k miles with Honda ATF-Z1 only—helps extend life but won't prevent eventual failure
Install a VCM tuner/disabler around 80k miles to prevent oil consumption issues before they start
Replace timing belt at 100k regardless of condition—do NOT push to 110k on this interference engine
Inspect sliding door cables during any door service—early replacement of frayed cables prevents motor damage
Buy if transmission has been replaced or shows clean fluid with no shudder—otherwise negotiate $3k off asking price as a transmission reserve fund.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Battery located under hood on driver side
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Direct TPMS system. Sensor IDs must be learned. Standard on all models.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Delphi Automotive Systems, LLC (Delphi) is recalling certain replacement fuel pump modules, part number FG1155-11B1, sold for use in 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The affected fuel pump may send an incorrect fuel reading to the fuel gauge possibly causing the vehicle to run out of fuel. The fuel gauge will always read 3/4 full to full regardless of the actual level.
Consequence: A vehicle that runs out of fuel and stalls has an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Delphi has begun notifying dealers and distributors, and will replace the fuel pump modules, free of charge. Owners may contact Delphi customer service at 1-877-411-8770. Delphi's number for this recall is GL14-004.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 23, 2004, through September 4, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump strainer cover may deteriorate allowing fuel to leak out.
Consequence: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Parts to permanently repair the affected vehicles are not currently available. Honda will notify owners with an interim letter during May 2014. A second notice was mailed to owners October 6, 2014 when the remedy became available. Any vehicles that are currently leaking from the fuel pump cover will get a replacement, original cover. All vehicles, including those receiving the interim repair, will get an improved cover when they are available. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. The recall numbers associated with this campaign are JD9 (inspection and/or preliminary part replacement) and JE0 (final parts replacement).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 13V500000
2013-11-01 · PE13024
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 8, 2006, through September 8, 2008. Due to a combination of system components and software, the Vehicle Safety Assist System (VSA) may apply the brakes unexpectedly.
Consequence: The vehicle may suddenly and unexpectedly brake hard, and without illuminating the brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash from behind.
Remedy: Parts to remedy these vehicles will not be available until the spring of 2014. Honda will send owners an interim letter notifying them of the issue and instruct them how to prevent unintended braking. A second notification will be sent when the parts become available. Interim notification was mailed in December 2013. The recall began on April 29, 2014. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or visit their website at www.recalls.honda.com. Honda's recall number is JC5.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · 10V504000
2010-10-22
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ODYSSEY AND ACURA RL VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS A LUBRICANT FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Consequence: A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR · 10V098000
2010-03-16 · EA09014
HONDA HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 ODYSSEY AND ELEMENT PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 28, 2006 AND AUGUST 21, 2008. AIR CAN ENTER THE VSA MODULAR PUMP DURING AN INITIAL SELF-CHECK PROCESS THAT OCCURS SHORTLY AFTER EACH TIME THE ENGINE IS STARTED. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ENOUGH AIR TO ENTER THE SYSTEM TO RESULT IN A BRAKE PEDAL THAT FEELS SOFT OR LOWER TO THE FLOOR.
Consequence: IF THE OWNER DOES NOT HAVE ANY BRAKE SERVICE OR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED OVER A PERIOD OF MONTHS OR YEARS, THE SYSTEM CAN CONTINUE TO ACCUMULATE ENOUGH AIR TO AFFECT BRAKING PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNER AND HONDA DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VSA MODULATOR BY REMOVING ANY EXISTING AIR IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM THEN APPLY SEALANT AND CAPS TO PREVENT AIR FROM ENTERING THE BRAKE SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
17mpg
Highway
24mpg
Combined
19mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Minivan - 2WD
Wiper blades
Third generation (RL3/RL4), 2005-2010. Standard hook attachment for front wipers, rear wiper uses hook attachment.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2007 Honda Odyssey 3.5L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.