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2012 Honda Odyssey

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Honda Odyssey do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 249.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

187 reports with mileage · 57 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports6 fire reports19 injury reports

What owners actually said

244 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2017
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

AS MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING FLUCTUATING RPMS AND ACCELERATION FOR REST OF DRIVE HOME. AFTER GETTING HOME EVEN IN PARKING AT IDLE WHEN I TURN ON THE AIR CONDITIONING THE VEHICLE VIBRATES. IN PARK WHEN I TURN UP THE RPMS IT SPUTTERS AFTER ABOUT 3K RPM. 100K MILES

NHTSA ODI #11003919

72,000 miles · Jun 17, 2017
Structure

PAINT BEGAN PEELING IN TWO SMALL SPOTS ON ROOF DURING A DRIVE, AND CURRENTLY THE ENTIRE FRONT PART OF THE ROOF IS PAINT-FREE. PAINT HAS RECENTLY BEGUN PEELING IN A SMALL SPOT BEHIND THE DRIVER-SIDE SLIDING DOOR. I'M TRYING TO AVOID THE $1,000+ REPAIR COST BY DOING IT MYSELF, BUT AS I PREP THE AREA (LIGHT SANDING), LARGE SHEETS…

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PAINT BEGAN PEELING IN TWO SMALL SPOTS ON ROOF DURING A DRIVE, AND CURRENTLY THE ENTIRE FRONT PART OF THE ROOF IS PAINT-FREE. PAINT HAS RECENTLY BEGUN PEELING IN A SMALL SPOT BEHIND THE DRIVER-SIDE SLIDING DOOR. I'M TRYING TO AVOID THE $1,000+ REPAIR COST BY DOING IT MYSELF, BUT AS I PREP THE AREA (LIGHT SANDING), LARGE SHEETS OF PAINT ARE CONTINUALLY PEELING OFF. I'M SURE THE ENTIRE VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE.

NHTSA ODI #10995660

63,000 miles · Jun 6, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or OtherInjury

THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE BATTERY TERMINAL POST WHILE DRIVING AT FULL HIGHWAY SPEED (75 MPH)!! THIS RESULTED IN COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, BUT THE DOOR LOCKS WERE LOCKED AND INOPERABLE. WITHOUT POWER I WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS OR ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS. …

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THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE BATTERY TERMINAL POST WHILE DRIVING AT FULL HIGHWAY SPEED (75 MPH)!! THIS RESULTED IN COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, BUT THE DOOR LOCKS WERE LOCKED AND INOPERABLE. WITHOUT POWER I WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS OR ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS. WITHOUT POWER I HAD NO AIR CONDITIONING. I WAS TRAPPED IN THE CAR ON A HOT DAY. THE BATTERY CABLE MISMATCH (CLAMP TOO BIG TO TIGHTEN COMPLETELY ON POST) IS A KNOWN ODYSSEY PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN DISCUSSED ON ONLINE FORUMS. DOOR AUTO-LOCKING PROBLEMS IN A VARIETY OF HONDA MODELS HAVE ALSO BEEN DOCUMENTED. PUTTING THE TWO TOGETHER IS A DEADLY MIX. WITHOUT A CELL PHONE TO CALL MY HUSBAND AND 911, I AND MY THREE SMALL DOGS WOULD HAVE DIED IN THE HOT CAR. THIS IS A FATAL DESIGN FLAW.

NHTSA ODI #10993345

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2017
Wheels

THE FRONT LEFT AXLE IS WOBBLING AND BEGINS AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE BOOT ON HE WHEEL HAS BECOME CRACKED AND IS NOW LEAKING. HAD THE CAR INSPECTED AND THE BOOT IS DEFINITELY LEAKING AND THEIR IS DEFINITE PLAY IN THE AXLE. MY SISTER HAS THE SAME VAN AND HERS DID THE EXACT SAME THING. VERY DANGEROUS. FEEL LIKE THIS SHOULD BE A M…

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THE FRONT LEFT AXLE IS WOBBLING AND BEGINS AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE BOOT ON HE WHEEL HAS BECOME CRACKED AND IS NOW LEAKING. HAD THE CAR INSPECTED AND THE BOOT IS DEFINITELY LEAKING AND THEIR IS DEFINITE PLAY IN THE AXLE. MY SISTER HAS THE SAME VAN AND HERS DID THE EXACT SAME THING. VERY DANGEROUS. FEEL LIKE THIS SHOULD BE A MANUFACTURING WARRANTY ISSUE SINCE I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL OTHER HONDA ODYSSEY OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME ISSUES. HAPPENS ON CITY AND HIGHWAY, MAKES KNOCKING NOISE WHEN TURNING EVEN AT LOWER SPEEDS.

NHTSA ODI #10992992

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2017
Engine

MY VAN HAS AN ISSUE WITH EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION (A KNOWN ISSUE BY HONDA), THE SPARK PLUGS EXCESSIVELY FIRE WHICH IS WHAT CAUSES THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AS WELL AS AN EXCESSIVE NEED TO CHANGE THE SPARK PLUG. THIS MAY ALSO LEAD TO PRE MATURE WEAR ON THE ENGINE,ALSO MAY CAUSE THE ENGINE TO GET TOO HOT WITH NO OIL IN IT AND…

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MY VAN HAS AN ISSUE WITH EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION (A KNOWN ISSUE BY HONDA), THE SPARK PLUGS EXCESSIVELY FIRE WHICH IS WHAT CAUSES THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AS WELL AS AN EXCESSIVE NEED TO CHANGE THE SPARK PLUG. THIS MAY ALSO LEAD TO PRE MATURE WEAR ON THE ENGINE,ALSO MAY CAUSE THE ENGINE TO GET TOO HOT WITH NO OIL IN IT AND MAY CATCH FIRE. WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE ISSUE I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS TOLD IT HAD NO OIL IN IT (MY OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON) THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME I WAS TOLD THIS AND THE FIRST TIME I WENT TO A NON-HONDA MECHANIC . I AM NOW HAVING TO UNDER GO A SERIES OF TESTS IN ORDER TO GET THE ISSUE FIXED

NHTSA ODI #10992807

22,000 miles · Apr 30, 2017
Service Brakes

PROBLEM WITH FRONT BRAKES. WHILE TRAVELING ON VACATION DRIVING DOWN A LONG INCLINE WHILE APPLYING BRAKES TO STAY IN THE SPEED LIMIT MY FRONT END STARTED SHAKEN SO BAD I HAD TO PULL OVER. WHILE HOME I SEARCH THIS ON THE WEB TO SHOW I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBELM. ROTORS GET WARPED. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND SCARY. THIS CAR NE…

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PROBLEM WITH FRONT BRAKES. WHILE TRAVELING ON VACATION DRIVING DOWN A LONG INCLINE WHILE APPLYING BRAKES TO STAY IN THE SPEED LIMIT MY FRONT END STARTED SHAKEN SO BAD I HAD TO PULL OVER. WHILE HOME I SEARCH THIS ON THE WEB TO SHOW I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBELM. ROTORS GET WARPED. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND SCARY. THIS CAR NEEDS A SAFTETY RECALL. 22,000 THOUSAND MILES. A $30,000 VAN.

NHTSA ODI #10981518

3 miles · Apr 22, 2017
Service Brakes

WE PURCHASED VAN USED AT 33K MILES. AT THAT TIME IT ALREADY DISPLAYED A SLIGHT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN COMING TO A STOP WHILE BREAKING LIGHTLY. I THOUGHT IT WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER TO FIX. PER DEALER FRONT ROTORS WERE RESURFACED BECAUSE OF 'UNEVEN SURFACE' AND THAT WAS THE CAUSE O…

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WE PURCHASED VAN USED AT 33K MILES. AT THAT TIME IT ALREADY DISPLAYED A SLIGHT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN COMING TO A STOP WHILE BREAKING LIGHTLY. I THOUGHT IT WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER TO FIX. PER DEALER FRONT ROTORS WERE RESURFACED BECAUSE OF 'UNEVEN SURFACE' AND THAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS PROBLEM BEGAN AGAIN. IT STARTED WITH A VERY SLIGHT VIBRATION ONLY NOTICEABLE WHEN BREAKING FROM ABOUT 60 MPH. AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS OF DRIVING DURING THE WINTER WEATHER IN ILLINOIS THE VIBRATION BECAME UNNERVING AS THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK SO VIOLENTLY. STILL UNDER WARRANTY, I RETURNED TO DEALER TO ADDRESS PROBLEM. THEY WOULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY CLAIMED THAT THE REMAINING WARRANTY WOULD NOT NOT COVER THE ROTORS OR ANY BRAKE ISSUES, BUT WOULD GLADLY CHANGE ALL BRAKES AND DO AN ALL WHEEL ALIGNMENT FOR ABOUT $1200. INSTEAD I OPTED TO SEE MY TRUSTED MECHANIC OF OVER 25 YEARS WHO CHANGED THE FRONT ROTORS AND PADS IN EARLY FALL OF 2016. THE PROBLEM DISAPPEARED FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS AND I HAD TO RETURN RIGHT AFTER THE 2017 NEW YEAR BECAUSE THE VIBRATION HAD RETURNED AT A CONSIDERABLE LEVEL ONCE AGAIN. "MAYBE IT WAS A BAD BATCH," HE SAID, "VERY UNUSUAL FOR THAT TO HAPPEN." THE ROTORS HAD A ONE YEAR WARRANTY SO THEY WERE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE EXCEPT FOR LABOR. HOWEVER, TODAY IS 4/22/17 AND I AM BACK AGAIN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BECAUSE THE VIBRATION IS GETTING WORSE ONCE AGAIN AND I MUST DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY OFTEN. I HAVE THREE KIDS AND I FEAR FOR THEIR SAFETY WHENEVER THEY RIDE IN THE VAN. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT FOR SOME TIME AND IT STILL HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED PROPERLY. I HAD ONE SERVICE REP AT THE DEALER TELL ME OFF THE RECORD THAT THE DISKS ARE TOO SMALL FOR THE SIZE OR WEIGHT OF THE VAN AND THAT IS WHY THEY OVERHEAT AND WARP SO EASILY.

NHTSA ODI #10979946

56,000 miles · Apr 7, 2017
Unknown Or Other

WHEN I ARRIVED AT HONDA OF LISLE (4475 LINCOLN AVE, LISLE, IL 60532) THIS MORNING FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND RECALL SERVICE 16V-933, THE SERVICE GREETER TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE I REFUSED TO PROVIDE AN EMAIL ADDRESS (PRESUMABLY FOR MARKETING PURPOSES), AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. WOULD NO LONGER MAIL SAFETY RECALL NOTICES TO ME OR MAK…

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WHEN I ARRIVED AT HONDA OF LISLE (4475 LINCOLN AVE, LISLE, IL 60532) THIS MORNING FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND RECALL SERVICE 16V-933, THE SERVICE GREETER TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE I REFUSED TO PROVIDE AN EMAIL ADDRESS (PRESUMABLY FOR MARKETING PURPOSES), AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. WOULD NO LONGER MAIL SAFETY RECALL NOTICES TO ME OR MAKE RECALL INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR MY VEHICLE. WHEN I PROTESTED, HE AGREED IT WAS A TERRIBLE POLICY BUT SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THAT HE OR I COULD DO ABOUT IT. THIS IS AN UNCONSCIONABLE AND LIFE-THREATENING POLICY. PLEASE DO WHAT YOU CAN TO STOP THIS ACTION OF AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. AND KEEP OWNERS OF HONDA PRODUCTS SAFE, NO MATTER WHAT THEIR MARKETING PREFERENCES. MANY THANKS.

NHTSA ODI #10971216

70,000 miles · Mar 21, 2017
SeatsInjury

2ND ROW SEAT SWUNG FORWARD SUDDENLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND BRAKED AT A STOPLIGHT. I BELIEVE THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IS DESCRIBED IN THE CURRENT RECALL OF HONDA ODYSSEYS. MY DAUGHTER RAMMED HER CHIN AGAINST THE FRONT SEAT.

NHTSA ODI #10967534

Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2017
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND THE EMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10958982

Official recalls

5

17V725000 · Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Nov 17, 2017

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

16V933000 · Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Dec 27, 2016

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unlocked second row outboard seat increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant during a crash.

Remedy: 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.

13V143000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Apr 15, 2013

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

13V016000 · Air Bags

Jan 18, 2013

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

11V602000 · Suspension:front

Dec 22, 2011

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP26005 · Inadvertent Deployment Of Air Bags

Opened Jul 13, 2026 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module; Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module:software

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated May 30, 2026. The Petition is requesting an investigation into inadvertent air bag deployment in model year (MY) 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The Petition contends that air bags can deploy absent a sufficiently severe event to trigger a deployment, such as an impact, rollover event, or G-force threshold breach. The Petition further alleges that the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) conflict and inaccurate data is being recorded for the air bag system. The Petitioner cites 10 complaints received by ODI alleging the same failure. ODI will evaluate these complaints to determine if they are related to the failure cited in the Petition andconduct a technical review under 49 CFR Part 552. This Defect Petition is being opened to evaluate whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11744118.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated May 30, 2026. The Petition is requesting an investigation into inadvertent air bag deployment in model year (MY) 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The Petition contends that air bags can deploy absent a sufficiently severe event to trigger a deployment, such as an impact, rollover event, or G-force threshold breach. The Petition further alleges that the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) conflict and inaccurate data is being recorded for the air bag system. The Petitioner cites 10 complaints received by ODI alleging the same failure. ODI will evaluate these complaints to determine if they are related to the failure cited in the Petition andconduct a technical review under 49 CFR Part 552. This Defect Petition is being opened to evaluate whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11744118.

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module:software

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated May 30, 2026. The Petition is requesting an investigation into inadvertent air bag deployment in model year (MY) 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The Petition contends that air bags can deploy absent a sufficiently severe event to trigger a deployment, such as an impact, rollover event, or G-force threshold breach. The Petition further alleges that the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) conflict and inaccurate data is being recorded for the air bag system. The Petitioner cites 10 complaints received by ODI alleging the same failure. ODI will evaluate these complaints to determine if they are related to the failure cited in the Petition andconduct a technical review under 49 CFR Part 552. This Defect Petition is being opened to evaluate whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11744118.

Air Bags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated May 30, 2026. The Petition is requesting an investigation into inadvertent air bag deployment in model year (MY) 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The Petition contends that air bags can deploy absent a sufficiently severe event to trigger a deployment, such as an impact, rollover event, or G-force threshold breach. The Petition further alleges that the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) conflict and inaccurate data is being recorded for the air bag system. The Petitioner cites 10 complaints received by ODI alleging the same failure. ODI will evaluate these complaints to determine if they are related to the failure cited in the Petition andconduct a technical review under 49 CFR Part 552. This Defect Petition is being opened to evaluate whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11744118.