Honda Odyssey Years to Avoid
We analyzed 4175 owner complaints and 102 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Honda Odyssey model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2018 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in electrical system.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Electrical System
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Honda Odyssey Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Honda Odyssey Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Honda Odyssey | 245 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Honda Odyssey | 210 | 6 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Honda Odyssey | 310 | 5 | 87/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Honda Odyssey | 207 | 6 | 93/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Honda Odyssey | 271 | 6 | 96/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Honda Odyssey | 39 | 2 | 22/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2018 Honda Odyssey | 1011 | 16 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Honda Odyssey | 997 | 20 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Honda Odyssey | 491 | 14 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Honda Odyssey | 147 | 8 | 74/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2022 Honda Odyssey | 142 | 9 | 89/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Honda Odyssey | 105 | 5 | 61/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
Buying a Used Honda Odyssey: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Honda Odyssey years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Honda Odyssey model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring electrical system issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Honda Odyssey?
The most reliable used model year for the Honda Odyssey is 2017 (as well as 2017), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Honda Odyssey?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Honda Odyssey are Electrical System, Powertrain & Transmission, Engine & Cooling. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Honda Odyssey?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 102 safety recall campaigns and recorded 4175 official owner complaints for the Honda Odyssey.