This page covers 4 recalls, 241 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Honda Odyssey.
21–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.2 L/100km
Minivan - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Brake complaints dominate what owners report for the 2012 Honda Odyssey, making up the largest share of the complaint set by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe brake performance concerns including pedal feel changes, reduced stopping ability, and premature wear. The electrical system is the second most-reported area, with multiple owners describing alternator failures, several accounts involve the battery warning light appearing, followed by a burning smell and the alternator catching fire while driving. On the engine side, owners report rough running, misfires, and check engine lights tied to cylinder deactivation system issues, with some noting premature piston ring wear at relatively modest mileage. A separate cluster of complaints involves odometer discrepancies discovered after private-party purchases, where actual mileage reportedly far exceeded what was shown at the time of sale.
241
Total Complaints
14
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
19
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Honda Odyssey has 4 recalls, the most serious involving a front suspension nut that may not have been tightened correctly, leaving the wheel assembly held by a single bolt and able to shift to an extreme inward angle, causing a sudden loss of steering.
Two recalls cover the second-row outboard seats, which can move or tip unexpectedly. In one case, the seat's access lever can remain in the unlocked position after being used to slide the seat forward, leaving the seat free to shift during a crash rather than holding the occupant in place. In the other, if the seat is positioned between its two designated floor positions when being locked down, it can fail to latch onto the floor striker and tip forward under hard braking, throwing the occupant off balance. On the drivetrain side, in sub-freezing temperatures the brake-shift interlock mechanism can slow down enough that the gear selector can be moved out of Park without the brake pedal being pressed, allowing the vehicle to roll away on its own.
At a glance
What can fail
The second row outboard seats can slide between two positions. If a seat is positioned between these two spots when attached, it won't latch properly to the floor striker, causing the seat to tip forward during braking.
What the fix does
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will install a bracket on the second row outboard floor strikers to ensure the seat latches securely.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The release lever on second row outboard seats may stay unlocked, allowing seats to move unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional bracket and spring to both second row outboard seats at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In cold temperatures, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may slow down, letting you move the gear selector out of Park without pressing the brake pedal.
What the fix does
A Honda or Acura dealer will install an updated brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The retention nut on the front right lower suspension damper bolt may not be tightened to proper specifications, which could allow it to loosen.
What the fix does
Honda tightens the retention nut to the correct specification at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
