For more than 25 years, Honda’s Odyssey has been the reliable choice for minivans. However, the biggest complaints with several of its model years point to transmission troubles, brake issues, and fuel pump problems, which may cause serious damage and cost thousands to repair.
Key Points
- Based on data from the NHTSA, the best years for Honda’s Odyssey minivan are 2013, 2015-17, or 2021 and newer.
- Honda Odyssey’s 2010 model year was marked with recalls for failing fuel pumps as well as complaints about faulty rear sliding doors.
- Odyssey minivans from 2011 and 2012 have complaints about strong vibrations while hard braking.
- Newer Odyssey models from 2020-2022 have just nine recalls and 63 registered complaints combined.
- The 2017 Odyssey was undoubtedly the best year with only one recall and 19 registered complaints.
Early Honda Odyssey Models Had Transmission and Fuel Pump Troubles, but by 2010, Registered Complaints Had Plummeted
It’s worth noting that even though the Honda Odyssey has a stellar record for reliability, older models (most notably the second generation) suffered from transmission woes. Car Complaints says the entire second generation should be avoided over the transmission issue.
Things took a turn for the better with the last two model years of the Odyssey’s third generation, 2009 and 2010, being met with markedly lower registered complaints. The NHTSA saw consumer complaints drop from 489 to 187 in 2009 and remain similarly low for 2010.
The most common problem surrounding 2010 Odyssey minivans is the functionality of the sliding rear doors. Customers complain of the automatic power sliding feature failing, the doors falling off their tracks, or outright not opening.
Other complaints align with the two open recalls for the model year, which both cite faulty fuel pumps. One recall addresses the potential of cracks forming on the fuel pump and causing fuel leaks as well as posing a fire risk. Customers have also reported a fuel smell in the cabin.
The other recall is over fuel pumps delivering false readings that may cause vehicles to sputter or stall due to the electronics not sending the proper amount of fuel to the engine. Combined, recalls concerning the fuel pump affect nearly 900,000 Odyssey minivans from 2005 to 2010.
Fourth-generation Odyssey Minivans Remain Consistently Reliable With Few Recalls or Complaints
The fourth-generation Odyssey was sold as a 2011 through 2017 model year. Recalls concerning the second-row seatbacks not staying in place during a collision permeate the entire generation, but compared to other years, complaints remained low.
The 2011 and 2012 Odysseys did see a spike in brake-related complaints in which drivers report noticeable vibrations during moderate to hard braking, which was the top reported problem for the model years.
The Odyssey’s best year on record remains the 2017 model, with only one recall and 19 registered complaints. The recall is for the second-row seats mentioned earlier, a problem for the entire generation, and the complaints were sporadic indicating no major flaws.
Honda Odyssey Models from 2018 and 2019 Struggle With Rocky Start, but 2021 and Newer Minivans Look to be Very Reliable
The current-generation Odyssey debuted as a 2018 model, with the first two years accumulating 22 recalls and 389 complaints. This isn’t too worrying in itself, but from a brand with Honda’s reliability record and coming off the most reliable year on record, the 2018 and 2019 models marked a rocky start for a new design.
Complaints about these models focused mainly on the electronic components of the vehicle, such as the gauges and infotainment options. Sporadic operation and failure were the themes with consumers unable to use some of the modern features, like reverse camera systems.
Newer models have fewer recalls and complaints with less time on the road, but it does appear that the 2021 and 2022 models have course-corrected with three recalls on file and just 28 complaints.
Typically a Safe Bet, the Honda Odyssey Has Had Some Troubling Years to Beware of When Shopping
Lauded as one of the best people-movers on the planet, and sharing Honda’s stellar reputation for reliability, it is hard to go wrong with a Honda Odyssey minivan. Check out Odyssey models from 2009 onward for the best experience.
Do your research, however, as there are some years to avoid in that timeframe. Generally, the first couple years of a generation have manufacturers working out minor defects or flaws in designs, which leaves 2011, 2012, 2018, and 2019 models on a list to watch out for.
Conversely, the 2017 model has the fewest recalls and complaints of any other model year by a large margin and earned Vehicle History’s Owner’s Choice Award, signifying it as the highest-ranked in its class by owners.
Photos: Honda
