Honda Odyssey reliability: common problems by model year
Across 7 model years, the Honda Odyssey has 3,088 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 65 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. 2018 drew the most complaints (928), 2024 the fewest (70).
7
Model years tracked
3,088
Owner complaints
65
Recalls
415
Median per year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Honda Odyssey vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $12,988–$41,820.
Which Odyssey years have the most problems?
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
The sentiment is strongly positive regarding the Odyssey's core attributes of practicality, comfort, and long-term reliability, particularly for family transportation. It is consistently praised for its spacious interior, smooth driving dynamics compared to SU
VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) system problems: Causes excessive oil consumption, fouled spark plugs, and premature piston ring wear leading to engine damage. Very frequent mention for 2005-2017 models.
Transmission reliability concerns: Specific to model years: early 2000s models have known failures; 2018-2019 EX and EX-L trims with the 9-speed ZF automatic exhibit hard shifts, lag, and long-term reliability worries. Frequency: very frequent.
Timing belt maintenance cost: Requires replacement approximately every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 7-10 years, a costly service ($1,500-$2,500 USD). Frequency: very frequent.
Electrical/electronic gremlins: Includes infotainment screen blackouts, rear entertainment system faults, sliding door sensor errors, and Bluetooth connectivity issues. Frequency: recurrent.
Power steering pump noise/failure: Whining or groaning noise, often requiring pump replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Odyssey. Individual model years are broken down above.