Honda Odyssey Paint Recalls: A Closer Look

Bob M
Jan 21, 2021

Sporting a Honda Odyssey with pride? Long-live the minivan! While the Odyssey is one of the best family-haulers around, there have been some issues related to its paint.

Are there any recalls for defective Honda Odyssey paint jobs?  

No. Safety recalls are only issued for problems that could risk the life or health of a vehicle’s driver and occupants, or other drivers on the road. Defective paint does not qualify as a safety issue.

Silver 2021 Honda Odyssey From Front-Driver Side

However, Honda has offered some remedies on some models of Honda Odyssey and other Honda vehicles through technical service bulletins and extended warranties. In this article, we’ll discuss Honda’s paint problems and what remedy, if any, car owners have.

The Honda Odyssey Paint Problem

Honda started having problems with its paint and primer in new model vehicles in the early 2000s. The brand-new vehicles would be purchased and then the paint and primer started peeling away within a matter of months.

The problem was mainly confined to northern states, so it’s possible that the paint wasn’t holding up well due to road salts and other contaminants during the snowy months.

This would sometimes cause the vehicles to look extremely nasty, as if they had been sitting out in the elements unattended for 20 years. Needless to say, car buyers weren’t happy.

Honda has never admitted fault or an actual cause for the peeling paint.

Amond the reasons that Honda has cited for the paint problems:

It seems most likely that the problem was a combination of cold weather, road salts and cheap paint and primer. However, Honda has never admitted an actual cause.

Honda Vehicles Plagued with Paint Problems

The Honda Odyssey was just one of Honda’s vehicles that was facing this problem. The following model years all had hundreds of complaints of peeling paint and primer from new Honda owners:

Honda issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to do free repainting of the vehicles listed above, but only in certain selected parts of the cars. For example, 2011-2012 Honda Odyssey van owners could get the tailgate refinished and polished at no cost (not a full paint job).

The problem with Honda paints went away for several years, but we should note that the 2018 Honda Accord has been receiving numerous complaints about the paint peeling, sometimes as little as three months after owners drive the car off the lot.

How to Check Your Honda Odyssey for Technical Service Bulletins

To find out whether there is a TSB regarding your Honda Odyssey (or any other vehicle), go to the NHTSA Recalls website. You can search for your specific vehicle with the 17-digit VIN number, or by year, make and model.

When you get to the section on Recalls for the vehicle you are researching, click on “Communications.” This tab relays all of the TSBs for your vehicle, where you can learn whether the auto manufacturer is offering any free repairs for your particular model.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Brad and Brenda Ackersviller on January 1, 2024
2013 Odyssey paint peeling everywhere!
NO MORE HONDA'S FOR ME! We bought a 2013 Odyssey brand new expecting to take care of it as it may be our last purchased vehicle. The hatch paint began peeling within the first year and was painted under warranty. A number of years later, there appeared small areas peeling as well thinking this may have been caused by some outside source. The areas continued to get larger and larger and since my husband and I are not tall people, we didn't notice the area on the roof about the size of a human body until we used a step ladder to wash the van roof! We contacted Honda Canada and after a length process (possibly designed to move you to frustration and give up) They agreed to pay half to paint the roof and tailgate! When I questioned them about the two spots on the rear side panel, they fell into the companies canned response that "they are doing this as a favour for being a loyal customer." When I asked them if they would be happy painting a roof that no one sees and leaving a very visible side panel with two spots peeled off, blarger than the human head, they fell into the same spiel "They are doing this as a favour ...." I lost count how many times they repeated this after I questioned them on numerous paint issues on the van. We have friends who have a 2013 Toyota with the same issue and the Toyota dealership painted the entire vehicle, no questions asked! Needless to say, our Honda will go to the grave in whatever state of paint, as it continues to peel all over the vehicle and we do not have the money to repaint the entire vehicle as is needed! Our Honda Odyssey will be the last vehicle we purchase and will go to the scrap yard looking like it should have gone there many years before.
accountCircle Bob Johnson on September 1, 2022
My sister has a 2014 Honda CR-V -- peeling paint
I was at my sister's house and noticed the peeling paint one door panel and rear hatch of the car. My brother-in-law asked, why did that happen. I said it is a factory defect. I've been a car guy all my life, I'm 70 years old and know about cars. This morning I decided to check and sure enough, Honda has had this issue for far too long. Luckly our 2011 Honda CR-V doesn't have the peeling paint issue. Exterior black door trim pillars do have clear coat issues which is a common problem among many cars. Why don't they go with chromed metal? It couldn't be more than another $100? This is a known issue, and I am amazed that Honda has not addressed this issue. I won't be going with Honda on anything until they fix the crappy primer. The lame reasons from the company, sun, bird droppings, washing too often, harsh wax. Poppycock! Today's clear coating is rock hard and it is a problem of not prepping well and or cheap paint.
accountCircle Bob J on September 1, 2022
Sisters car Paint peeling - will not buy another Honda until they fix issue
I was at my sister's house and noticed the peeling paint one door panel and rear hatch of the car. My brother-in-law asked, why did that happen. I said it is a factory defect. I've been a car guy all my life, I'm 70 years old and know about cars. This morning I decided to check and sure enough, Honda has had this issue for far too long. Luckly our 2011 Honda CR-V doesn't have the peeling paint issue. Exterior black door trim pillars do have clear coat issues which is a common problem among many cars. Why don't they go with chromed metal? It couldn't be more than another $100? This is a known issue, and I am amazed that Honda has not addressed this issue. I won't be going with Honda on anything until they fix the crappy primer. The lame reasons from the company, sun, bird droppings, washing too often, harsh wax. Poppycock! Today's clear coating is rock hard and it is a problem of not prepping well and or cheap paint.
accountCircle Used to be a Honda fan on May 11, 2023
2014 Honda Oddyssey
My 2014 Honda Oddysey starts to peel few years ago, starting with a small (dot) paint cheeped away and then big paint pieces fall out. The vehicle looks really bad to a point I felt embarrassed driving the car. Dealer commented that paint issue is not included in their warranty coverage. We all know it's very expensive to repaint the car. Manufacturer knows the problem for years, but did not take the issue seriously for many years. Dealers don't want to take the responsibilities. It's not only frustrated but also killed my royalty with Honda. Honda had been my priority brand to purchase since I bought my first car. Now I am done with Honda. The prior Oddysey van I had prior had numerous problems and cost me a lot of money to fix. This Oddysey will be my last Honda. I am going for the Toyoya.
accountCircle Dan M from Michigan on August 9, 2023
2013 Honda Odyssey Pear White Pain coming off
For a 2013 Honda Odyssey, our tailgate paint was coming off and we got it repainted 2-3 of years ago under some sort of recall. It only covered the tailgate. A few months after the recall ran out, we started having paint peel off on the roof between the windshield and sunroof. It started off small a couple of years ago and has grown. It’s embarrassing pulling up to a hotels valet looking like a hooptie. We have the Touring Elite with all the bells and whistles and bought new for over $40K. What is needed is a class action lawsuit dince Honda doesn’t seem to care about their factory defect…
accountCircle N. Kothiya on September 1, 2022
Paint is peeling from roof of 2014 : Decided Never Ever buy any honda car model
I have two honda odyssey 2007 Ex and 2014 Elite. In 2014 Elite it is top class model in odyssey around $44000. Currently odometer is arpund 113000. Suddenly last week i see my car from my friend's home (2nd Floor) and top of my car paint is peeling. Alsoin this car i change two time alternator and 1 time timing belt. I bought this car last year from private party i thought this is top class model in odyssey. But now i am wrong i am thinking wish i bought toyota sienna instead of odyssey.
accountCircle kb on May 6, 2023
2008 Honda Odyssey paint peeling off roof and seeing lot's of different odyssey and pilots on the road with same issue
Large chunks of paint peeling off roof. Everywhere I look are similiar models with the white paint peeling off and some of the 2010+ models also. I usually see 5-6 every morning with the same problem. Really does not want me to buy another Honda until they fix this problem. It's pretty sad they are now everywhere on the road and easily noticeable issue with Honda quality. They really should fix these no matter the age of the vehicle as it makes their brand look bad.
accountCircle John Austin on November 6, 2023
Terrible Paint Job
We paid extra for the pearl white paint because the dealer said it is premium paint and cost more to produce and apply. That is a load of c**p. If the paint is so premium then why is it peeling on the roof and tail gait. It looks like it came out of the junk yard. I am very disappointed with Honda Motor Company. My wife and I have owned 7 Hondas. This is the last. If Honda can not back up its paint then I don't need any more Hondas.
accountCircle Judith Reid on May 17, 2022
Bad paint. Failure to honor recall
Purchased a 2014 Honda Odyssey diamond pearl white. The paint is flaking off the roof, the rear, the bottom of the doors. It's a mess. I took it for Honda to honor their recall. They kept my car in the shop for 2 weeks only to be told that the recall has expired so thy will not honor it, that most likely it is related to the Freeze. Now I am having trouble to get the insurance to cover the job. This is ridiculous
accountCircle STEVE on August 11, 2022
HONDA ODYSSEY 2006 PAINT ISSUE FOR YEARS
AS MUCH AS I LIKE HONDA'S ENGIN AND EVERYTHING ELSE ABOUT THE CAR. I'M NOT LIKELY TO EVER BUY A HONDA AGAIN BECAUSE OF THE PAINT PEELING ISSUE. HONDA BETTER FIX THIS ISSUE. I'VE HAD LOTS OF CARS FROM YEARS PAST, IN THE NORTH, BUT NONE OF THEM EVER HAD THIS KIND OF PROBLEM. HONDA BETTER WAKE UP BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM IS STILL HERE WITH THE NEWER HONDA'S.
accountCircle B. Mak on January 30, 2023
2014 Honda Odyssey pearl white paint peeling off
Bought it in 2014. 2017, paint peeled off on roof, driver side door. Had to pay out from pocket and later on Honda reimbursed me after they admitted it's their paint issue. Just now passenger side door starting to peel. This time they would not cover me. I also see a lot of pearl white Odyssey by me have this issue. Think twice before getting this Van
accountCircle Jerome on May 29, 2021
Owner
I have the Honda Odyssey 2005 and even after the recall to paint the peeling paint, it still peeled off after 5 years, It's something about the paint not sealing properly. Particularly the color we chose, dark blue pearl. Honda will not honor this warranty after the first recall. Most of Honda vehicle has paint problems that I have heard.
accountCircle Kevin Nguyen on July 22, 2022
Honda Odyssey paint flaking
Purchase an new 2011 Honda Odyssey taffeta white. The paint is flaking off the roof, the rear, the bottom of the doors. It's a mess. I took it for Honda to honor their recall. They kept my car in the shop for 2 weeks only to be told that the recall has expired so thy will not honor it, that most likely it is related to the Freeze.
accountCircle Drew on January 8, 2022
2014 Odyssey-White Diamond Pearl Paint problems.
Had the paint on the roof repainted when it began to flake off about a year ago. Now the extension now the extension on the warranty is past the 7 year mark and the tailgate and side door paint is flaking off…. Hope to get some help from Honda to fix this, or I’ll probably dump it and never buy a Honda again
accountCircle David on August 26, 2023
2002 Honda Odyssey
Our white Honda van, purchased new back in 2002, started to peel after 10 years. We live in NC and always garaged it at home so weather or washing wasn’t an issue. When it first started to peel the local Honda dealership admitted this was a problem, but nothing could or would be done by Honda.
accountCircle ROBIN SISCO on October 19, 2021
Robinsisco@gmail.com
2014 Honda Odyssey. White paint peeling on doors. Honda will not pay for repair because it isn't under warranty, even though it is a known factory defect. They agreed to pay half which still leaves me with a bill over one thousand dollars. This sucks!!!!!
accountCircle Jessica on April 8, 2023
Paint peeling everywhere
My 2014 pearl white odyssey is peeling everywhere. It started on the trunk door, then roof and now the sidedoors. We have seen 4 other white ones with paint peeling in the same location.
accountCircle Heather on March 9, 2022
White Honda Odyssey
The paint job on my van has been horrible from the beginning. As soon as I pay to have one area repainted, another area begins to peel. Honda’s customer service has been horrible!
accountCircle Robert Clayton on October 14, 2021
Dad2eajn@gmavt.net
I have a 2022 Honda odyssey elite van white in color and after1 month of ownership the paint on front bumper already peeling NOT HAPPY after spending over 50 thousand dollars
accountCircle David Paterson on November 27, 2021
Dpslidin@aol.com
Have a 2009 Honda Odyssey and the paint is mostly peeling off on bumper, hood and top of the van. Runs good but looks totally like c**p..
accountCircle Edwin Lopez on October 19, 2022
Honda Odyssey 2012 roof paint gone
I called Honda about it and they stated not recall on paint issue. According to them the car is too old. I am not buying more Hondas.
accountCircle Von on June 12, 2022
Flaky 2010 Odyssey
I live in Tennessee and the white paint has been flaking on the roof, hood and sides. Other than that I think it is a great 2010 van.
accountCircle Philip Roach on April 11, 2023
2014 Odessey Pearl white paint
Large pieces of paint bubbling up near moon roof and near back hatch window. This sucks.Don’t buy a Honda They need to own up.
accountCircle Beverly Cail on July 23, 2023
2011 Honda Odyssey paint fading
Paint fading on roof and hood. Worsens daily. My 2011 Ford and 2011 Kia still look great! Very unhappy with the Honda paint.
accountCircle Juan on August 14, 2021
2022 Honda Odyssey
Purchased a brand new 2022 Honda Odyssey and the paint on the rear bumper is already starting to peel off!
accountCircle Derek D on January 5, 2023
2017 Honda Fit peeling paint
Honda is the worst. My paint started peeling on my roof 3 years after buying my fit new off the lot.
accountCircle Jamie Powell on March 22, 2022
Jamie.dale.powell@gmail.com
I'mnot in northern states so that poor excusewon't fly
accountCircle Kevin Nguyen on July 22, 2022
Paint flaking
I’m probably not going to buy anymore Honda product
accountCircle james on February 9, 2023
Sue Honda, they are profiteers
Is there a way to sue Honda for a class action?
accountCircle Joe N on December 9, 2022
Bad
My 2010 Odyssey is peeling too
avatar Bob M
Bob M. is an author and award-winning speaker whose TV commercials have appeared on every news network. Whenever he’s cruising in the minivan with his large family, he’s actually daydreaming about a two-seater sports car.
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