NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
This page covers 25 recalls, 898 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Honda Odyssey.
22 mpg combined
10.7 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
The 2018 Odyssey draws a high volume of complaints spread across the electrical system, engine, and powertrain. Transmission behavior is one of the most consistent themes, owners frequently describe hesitation or delayed engagement when pulling away from a stop, sluggish response when shifting between reverse and drive, and in a smaller number of cases, the transmission appearing to engage park on its own while the vehicle is moving at speed. On the engine side, owners report sudden power loss while driving, sometimes accompanied by a check engine light, and a number of complaints point to internal engine failures involving connecting rods. Fuel system problems also come up, with some owners describing stalling, failure to restart, and warning lights tied to fuel pump issues. The power-loss-while-moving pattern, whether traced to the transmission or engine, shows up across many complaints in this model year.
898
Total Complaints
13
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
15
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Honda Odyssey has 25 recalls, the most serious involving a transmission that can unexpectedly shift itself into Park while the vehicle is moving, which can damage the parking mechanism and allow the van to roll when parked.
Several recalls involve fire risk. Wiring for the third-row accessory power outlet can get pinched against the body or rear trim panel, short-circuit, and overheat the wire harness. On Odyssey vans converted for wheelchair access by BraunAbility with a power in-floor side-entry ramp, the fuel tank can overfill into the charcoal canister, causing fuel to leak onto nearby components or the ground near an ignition source.
Two separate recalls cover unexpected airbag deployment: a software error in the airbag control module can cause the side and side curtain airbags to inflate without a crash, and a fault with the front passenger seat sensor can cause airbags to deploy unintentionally during a crash. Both raise the risk of injury. On the engine side, a connecting rod bearing can wear and seize, potentially stalling the engine while driving.
The Odyssey has multiple door and latch concerns. The power sliding door latch assemblies can stick and fail to fully close, and in cold weather, water that enters the outer door handle cables can freeze and prevent the latches from engaging securely, leaving a sliding door that may swing open while the van is moving. The rear brake calipers on some vehicles have pistons with insufficient coating that can develop gas pockets and reduce braking performance. On BraunAbility-
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Driver Assistance
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 →
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the rearview camera, causing the backup camera image to stop displaying when you shift into reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rearview camera at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and create an electrical short, potentially causing airbags to deploy unexpectedly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software problem may cause the side airbags and side curtain airbags to inflate unexpectedly under certain conditions.
What the fix does
Honda will reprogram or replace the airbag control unit to fix the software problem.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the airbag control system can cause the side and side curtain airbags to deploy without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will update or replace the airbag control computer software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing error may cause the connecting rod bearing in the engine to wear and seize, which damages the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and repair or replace it as necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The audio display unit's coaxial cable terminals may be defective, causing the rearview camera image to fail when you shift into reverse.
What the fix does
A dealer will replace the MOST cable harness and install a protective cover over the audio display unit connector.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty connector on the MOST communication cable can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying, reducing rear visibility.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a protective cover over the cable connector at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt buckle channel may interfere with the release button, preventing the buckle from latching properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or buckle assemblies as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank can be overfilled, allowing fuel to enter the charcoal canister. Fuel may then leak from the canister onto engine components and the ground.
What the fix does
A new fuel tank assembly with a modified fill limit vent valve will be installed, the charcoal canister will be replaced, and a warning label will be added to the fuel filler neck.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank assembly may allow fuel to overflow into the charcoal canister. If the canister fills with enough fuel, it can leak out.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the vehicle. If fuel leakage is found, they'll replace the fuel tank assembly and charcoal canister at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture can freeze inside the rear sliding door handle cables, causing the handle to stick open. This prevents the door from latching properly when closed, allowing it to open while driving.
What the fix does
Honda will mail you instructions to visit a dealer, who will replace the outer handle cables on the power sliding doors.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the instrument panel control module may prevent the display of vehicle speed, engine oil pressure, gear selector position, and rearview camera image.
What the fix does
Honda will mail instructions for you to visit a dealer, where the instrument panel control module will be reprogrammed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the instrument panel control module can prevent the dashboard from showing critical information like oil pressure, speed, and gear position until you restart the engine. It may also block the rearview camera image.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel control module software at no cost to restore normal display function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the outer door handle cables on the sliding doors. In cold weather, this water may freeze, which can prevent the front and rear sliding doors from latching securely.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power sliding door outer handle cables at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wire harness for the third row seat power outlet can get pinched between the vehicle body and trim panel, damaging wires and causing an electrical short.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the wire harness for damage and replace it if needed. If undamaged, they'll apply protective tape and re-route the harness.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring for the third-row seat accessory power outlet can get pinched, causing a short circuit that overheats the wiring harness.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect the outlet's wire harness. If damaged, it will be replaced. If undamaged, it will be wrapped with protective tape and re-routed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Loose battery terminal connections or a worn battery may cause the transmission control computer to restart unexpectedly. When it restarts, it may shift the transmission to Park, potentially damaging the parking rod.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten battery terminal connections, update the transmission control computer software, and inspect the parking rod for damage, all at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A loose battery connection or low battery can disrupt the transmission control module, causing the transmission to shift into Park while driving. This may damage the transmission's park mechanism, allowing the vehicle to roll when shifted to Park even without the parking brake applied.
What the fix does
Honda dealers will secure battery terminals, update transmission control software, and replace the transmission if the park gear cannot hold the vehicle without the parking brake.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear wheel speed sensor wires may be connected to the wrong rear wheels, preventing the anti-lock brake system from detecting each rear wheel's speed correctly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and correct the rear wheel speed sensor wires at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear latch assemblies on the power sliding doors may stick, preventing the doors from closing fully. In some cases, a door may open unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear latch assemblies on both sliding doors. Until repair is completed, dealers will disable the power opening and closing functions.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The latch assemblies on the power sliding doors may stick and fail to properly latch onto the door strikers, preventing the doors from securing.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the left and right power sliding door rear latch assemblies at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear brake caliper pistons lack proper coating, allowing gas pockets to form and reduce braking power.
What the fix does
Dealer will bleed the brakes to restore proper brake function at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The third row center seat belt tongue may have been installed incorrectly during assembly, preventing it from latching into the buckle properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the third row center seat belt and replace the tongue if it was installed incorrectly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The third row center seat belt tongue may not fit properly with its latch, preventing the seat belt from securing correctly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the third row center seat belt and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
