Summary
The Honda Odyssey has 80 recalls spanning the 1999–2026 model years, with the most serious recent issue being a steering gearbox defect on 2023–2024 models where improperly sealed assemblies allow water to corrode the gears, binding the steering and potentially causing a complete loss of steering control.
The current and near-current generation has several other significant issues. On 2021–2026 models modified for wheelchair access by Vantage Mobility, the wheelchair restraint retractors may fail to lock, allowing the chair to shift during transit. Side and side curtain airbags on 2018–2022 models can deploy without a crash due to a software error, and a separate wiring issue on 2018–2020 models can cause the third-row accessory outlet wire harness to short and overheat, raising the risk of fire. The power sliding doors on 2018–2020 vehicles can fail to latch in cold weather when moisture freezes the outer door handle cables, and on 2018–2021 BraunAbility wheelchair conversions, the fuel tank can overfill into the charcoal canister and leak fuel. A loose battery connection on 2018–2019 models can cause the transmission control module to reboot and unexpectedly shift into park while driving, damaging the parking pawl and potentially allowing the parked vehicle to roll. The 2022 model year has second-row seat rails that may not lock into position, allowing the seat to shift unexpectedly, and certain 2022 vehicles were delivered with Bridgestone tires containing pinhole defects that cause slow air leaks. Side-view mirror glass on 2020–2022 models can detach due to poorly bonded heating pads, and rearview cameras on 2019–2020 vehicles can produce a distorted or absent image when water enters the camera housing.
The fifth-generation models from 2011–2017 carry a recurring theme of second-row outboard seat latch problems: across multiple recalls covering 2011–2016 production, the seat release lever can remain in the unlocked position after being used for third-row access, leaving the seat free to tip forward under braking. A 2012 production batch has a front suspension retention nut that may not have been properly torqued, allowing the wheel assembly to shift inward and causing loss of steering. The 2014 model has a passenger-side curtain airbag that may fail to deploy in a crash due to a damaged connector. On 2008–2009 models, power liftgate struts can lose pressure prematurely and allow the liftgate to drop without warning.
The 2003–2010 era has a concentration of fuel system issues. Fuel pump strainer covers on 2005–2010 models can deteriorate and leak fuel, and fuel tank weld failures on 2015–2016 vehicles also carry fire risk. The 2007–2008 models have a stability assist system that can apply the brakes suddenly without illuminating the brake lights. Going back further, the 1999–2000 era has sliding door latch failures that can allow doors to open while driving, a throttle body icing problem on 1999 models that can prevent the throttle from returning to idle, and an engine compartment wiring harness that can chafe against a metal pipe, blow a fuse, and knock out lights, wipers, horn, and anti-lock brakes.
