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2012
New 2026
Used 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Honda Odyssey

EPA MPG: 21 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
View of 2012 Honda Odyssey Front 3/4, facing to the left view of 2012 Honda Odyssey
Rear 3/4, facing to the right view of 2012 Honda Odyssey Side Profile, facing to left view of 2012 Honda Odyssey
Full Dash view of 2012 Honda Odyssey

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2012 Odyssey is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2012 Honda Odyssey has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2012 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Honda Odyssey owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Alignment

"Can no longer align rear wheels."

Anonymous, PA (2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5-L V6)
Other steering/suspension problem

"It looks like the aging of 3 of the wheel rims resulted in a bad seal with the tires. I have to put air on them once a month during winter and every two months in other warmer seasons. Ill probably have to buy new rims to solve the problem."

Anonymous, (2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5-L V6)

"Intermittent creaking and rattling, when going over bumps or turning. Havent had it evaluated yet."

Anonymous, VA (2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5-L V6)
Power steering

"As the van idle, I could not turn the steering wheel easily until I got the RPMs up. Backing out of a parking space was a challenge. Took a lot of effort to turn."

Anonymous A., MN (2012 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5-L V6)

""Began with slow leak(s) that increased slightly, before the power steerings close proximity ruined and shorted the alternator causing the van to be undriveable. Parts shortages are causing issues for full repair""

Anonymous, NC (2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5-L V6)
Shocks or struts

"The shocks leaked and the right rear began to make a loud popping noise every time the suspension extended."

Anonymous A., CA (2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5-L V6)
Load more

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"failed emissions had to replace"

Anonymous, VA (2012 Honda Odyssey Unsure 3.5-L V6)

"Sorry, I dont remember. I think a service engine light came on and we took it in."

Anonymous, VA (2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5-L V6)

"The catalytic medium was exhausted (pun not intended)"

Anonymous A., NS (2012 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5-L V6)
Exhaust leaks

"exhaust pipe separated from catalytic converter"

Anonymous A., OH (2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5-L V6)
Other/unsure

"The tire pressure warning light needed a new nut to enable a good connection in order to send a signal to the computer."

Anonymous, NJ (2012 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5-L V6)

"TPMS system has failed."

Anonymous, OH (2012 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5-L V6)
Load more

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

""The trim on the windshield (driver side) kept coming loose. On the interstate, it would flap and make a terrible noise against the glass. I got it fixed, but it came loose again so I just super-glued it.""

Anonymous, SC (2012 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5-L V6)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint chips off. Honda painted half of the vehicle as a in 2021, but continues to chip away. Just saw same year honda in mexico with same issue"

Anonymous, NV (2012 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite 3.5-L V6)

"Paint peeling off in sheets. Not fixed. Will require complete paint job"

Anonymous, CA (2012 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5-L V6)

"The paint is peeling on the roof in front of the sunroof. Also seems like it is getting thinner along the edges of the body at the rear windows"

Anonymous A., FL (2012 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5-L V6)
Load more

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"Abs module failure. Replaced brake Master Cylinder first"

Anonymous, CA (2012 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5-L V6)
Master cylinder

"Was replaced in error, as the problem was the ABS module. But there were no faults recorded."

Anonymous, CA (2012 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5-L V6)
Premature brake wear

"Uneven wear of rotors and pads on the front are directly related to the quick wearing of the CV joints in the front"

Anonymous, NC (2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5-L V6)
Pulsation or vibration

"Brakes vibrate the steering wheel severely under braking when the front pads get low. Can be dangerously bad vibrations."

Anonymous A., CA (2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5-L V6)
Load more

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Cylinder head

"Two cylinder heads were fowling and had to be replaced."

Anonymous, IL (2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5-L V6)
Engine rebuild or replacement

""replace bank 1 piston rings, belt, timing w/ water pump w/ drive belts, cooling system flush, replace spark plugs""

Anonymous, PA (2012 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5-L V6)
Head gasket

"mechanic said eco mode does this where the unused cyindars are jolted on and causes the gaskets to be stressed where they leak. We replaced all of them. I also still haven't figured out on how to turn off eco mode"

Anonymous, NY (2012 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5-L V6)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"Oil leaked from the front spool valve onto the alternator. The alternator has to be replaced as a result."

Anonymous, OK (2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5-L V6)

""Oil leading in specific cylinders, Had to replace plugs often.""

Anonymous A., MI (2012 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5-L V6)

""Leak at oil pan after an oil change at dealership. Have been back three times for multi-day attempts at repairs. Cam plug replaced, cylinder head gaskets, oil pan gaskets replaced on first five-day repair. Leak continued with no changes. Oil pan gaskets replaced under warranty on second visit - three days. Last repair (one week in duration) required replacing the oil pan and oil pan gaskets again. Car is still at shop so we do not know if this resolved the issue, but dealership is confident.""

Anonymous A., GA (2012 Honda Odyssey Unsure 3.5-L V6)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Doors or sliding doors

"one door failed in 2024 and the other started failing in 2025. the cord is snapped so the door electronics don't work but i have been able to manually open/close it"

Anonymous, NY (2012 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5-L V6)
Locks and latches

""Power door lock on both front doors have failed to lock or unlock at random times. Sometimes they work fine, other times one or the other will not lock or unlock with the power feature and need to be locked-unlocked manually.""

Anonymous A., FL (2012 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5-L V6)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Heated or cooled seats

"The drivers side heated seat just stropped working. I havent had time to take it to see whats wrong."

Anonymous, SC (2012 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5-L V6)
Spark plugs or wires failure

"Piston oil leak into spark plugs."

Anonymous, CA (2012 Honda Odyssey Unsure 3.5-L V6)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Other electrical system problem

"Failed to charge battery and could not supply sufficient power to keep engine running."

Anonymous, GA (2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5-L V6)

"Replaced alternator due to burning smell; the climate control system often doesn't start with rest of car but usually turns on after a few minutes. The side mirrors are on the same circuit and also don't work when the climate control system isnt working."

Anonymous A., CO (2012 Honda Odyssey Touring 3.5-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

CV joint

"Started to hear a clancking sound while driving."

Anonymous, (2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5-L V6)
Driveshaft or axle

"Clicking noise during sharp turns; had to replace the axle."

Anonymous, PA (2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5-L V6)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"From Dashboard and in interior of the car."

Anonymous, CA (2012 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5-L V6)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Blower (fan) motor

"The AC Blower does not function or change from one setting to another one, when it is changed."

Anonymous, CA (2012 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5-L V6)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2012 Minivans & 3-Row SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Honda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY Provided by NHTSA
SEATS
Nov 17, 2017
If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The second row outboard seats can slide sideways to one of two positions. If a seat is placed between either of the two positions when attaching the seat to the vehicle floor, the seat will not latch properly to the seat striker, allowing the seat to tip forward unexpectedly during braking.
What should you do:
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket to the second row outboard floor strikers, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2018. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is S0G.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V725000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 806936
Hide Recall Details
SEATS
Dec 27, 2016
An unlocked second row outboard seat increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant during a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2010, to October 1, 2015. The affected vehicles have second row outboard seats that have a release lever that allows the seats to move for easier access to the third row of seats. This release lever may remain in the unlocked position allowing the seats to move unexpectedly.
What should you do:
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional bracket and spring to both second row outboard seats, free of charge. Interim letter has been mailed, and a second notification will be sent . Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KD5.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V933000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 633753
Hide Recall Details
POWER TRAIN
Apr 15, 2013
If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
What should you do:
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V143000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 204169
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS
Jan 18, 2013
The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver's airbag during deployment. This could potentially increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.
What should you do:
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
For more information:
Honda's recall campaign number is S75.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V016000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 748481
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION
Dec 22, 2011
IF THE NUT LOOSENS, THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY WOULD ONLY BE ATTACHED BY ONE BOLT, ALLOWING THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO SHIFT TO AN EXTREME INWARD ANGLE, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012, ODYSSEY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 31, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2011. THE RETENTION NUT FOR THE FRONT RIGHT LOWER SUSPENSION DAMPER BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE, POTENTIALLY ALLOWING THE NUT TO LOOSEN.
What should you do:
HONDA CONTACTED ALL NINE OWNERS BY PHONE ON DECEMBER 19, 2011, AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
For more information:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V602000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 9
Hide Recall Details
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