CarBrief

The 2016 Honda Odyssey has 6 recalls on file, four of them about second-row seats[1][2][3][4][5]. The engine is the most-named complaint group in NHTSA data[6].

271owner complaints[7]
6recalls[1]
22MPG combined (EPA)[8]
5★NHTSA overall rating[9]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 271 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Honda Odyssey[7]. Of those, 9 mention a crash[7], 2 a fire[7] and 10 injuries[7]. No deaths are reported[7]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts, so the groups below overlap.

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Engine[6] 97 85,000
Electrical system[10] 40 23,000
Power train[11] 38 28,000
Unknown or other[12] 31 25,000
Seats[13] 26 12,000
Structure[14] 25 32,000
Fuel/propulsion system[15] 18 30,344
Forward collision avoidance[16] 13 not listed

We read a small sample of complaint texts from four of these groups. from four of these groups. The counts below are for that sample only, not for all owners.

Engine. Engine has the most complaints[6]. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, about half describe a sudden loss of power or a stall[6], sometimes when pulling out or merging. Four describe misfires and fouled spark plugs, and some of those owners link it to piston rings[6].

Power train. In a sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 8 describe rough, jerky or slipping shifts[11], often between the lower gears. Some owners say the dealer could not reproduce the problem[11].

Electrical system. This group has 4 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries in its complaints[10]. In a sample of 12 we read, 5 describe power windows or sliding doors acting on their own or failing[10]. Three describe a backup camera or display going dark or degrading[10].

Seats. Seat complaints include 4 injuries[13]. In a sample of 12 we read, 7 describe a second-row seat tipping or moving forward during braking[13]. Several of those involve a child in a car seat. Four others describe head restraint position or seat comfort[13].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year[1]. Newest first:

Honda customer service can answer questions on any of these[17][2][3][4][5][18].

Fuel economy

EPA rates the Odyssey with the 3.5L 6-cylinder engine, Automatic 6-spd, Regular fuel and front-wheel drive at 19 city, 27 highway and 22 combined MPG[8]. EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,050[8]. That figure uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the van was new[8].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the front-wheel-drive van 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal crashes and 5 for side crashes[9]. Rollover is 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 12.7%[9].

Engine and size

The EPA Test Car List rates the 3.5L 6-cylinder engine at 248 hp[19]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US vans can differ slightly.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
LX/SE/EX/EX RES[20] 203 in 79 in 69 in 118 in 4,400 lb
EX-L RES/EX-L NAVI/TOURING[21] 203 in 79 in 69 in 118 in 4,557 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

1995: 96 complaints, 0 recalls19951996: 70 complaints, 0 recalls1997: 20 complaints, 2 recalls1998: 73 complaints, 3 recalls1999: 518 complaints, 9 recalls19992000: 675 complaints, 6 recalls2001: 619 complaints, 1 recalls2002: 960 complaints, 10 recalls2003: 914 complaints, 15 recalls20032004: 585 complaints, 13 recalls2005: 830 complaints, 8 recalls2006: 703 complaints, 3 recalls2007: 830 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 499 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 198 complaints, 3 recalls2010: 255 complaints, 1 recalls2011: 235 complaints, 5 recalls20112012: 245 complaints, 5 recalls2013: 210 complaints, 6 recalls2014: 310 complaints, 5 recalls2015: 206 complaints, 6 recalls20152016: 271 complaints, 6 recalls27120162017: 39 complaints, 2 recalls2018: 1,005 complaints, 16 recalls2019: 991 complaints, 20 recalls20192020: 486 complaints, 14 recalls2021: 147 complaints, 8 recalls2022: 140 complaints, 9 recalls2023: 105 complaints, 5 recalls20232024: 120 complaints, 3 recalls2025: 433 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 50 complaints, 2 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Odyssey model year. The 2016 is highlighted[1].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995960
1996700
1997202
1998733
19995189
20006756
20016191
200296010
200391415
200458513
20058308
20067033
20078304
20084994
20091983
20102551
20112355
20122455
20132106
20143105
20152066
20162716
2017392
20181,00516
201999120
202048614
20211478
20221409
20231055
20241203
20254332
2026502

The 2016 model year has 271 complaints and 6 recalls on file[1]. Next to the years around it:

So 2016 sits above 2015 and 2017 on complaints, below 2014, and well below 2018[1]. Its 6 recalls match 2015 and are more than 2014 and 2017[1]. Counts are not adjusted for how many vans were sold, so treat them as a rough guide[1].

Should you buy a used 2016 Odyssey?

The record is mixed. Safety ratings are strong, with 5 stars overall[9], but 6 recalls are on file and four of them are about second-row seats[1][2][3][4][5]. Before you buy, ask for proof that every recall remedy was done, check that the second-row seats latch firmly, and test the transmission in stop-and-go driving, since owners in our sample describe jerky shifts[11]. Engine complaints are the most numerous, with a median failure mileage of 85,000[6], so ask for service records. Complaints are unverified and the sample we read is small, so treat this as a checklist and not a prediction.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Honda Odyssey?
Engine has the most NHTSA complaints at 97, followed by electrical system at 40 and power train at 38[6][10][11]. In small samples we read, owners describe power loss, rough shifts and powered doors or windows misbehaving[6][10][11].
How many recalls does the 2016 Honda Odyssey have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls[1]. Four involve second-row seats, one a fuel tank and one a fuel pump[17][2][3][4][5][18].
What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Honda Odyssey?
EPA rates it at 19 city, 27 highway and 22 combined MPG[8].
Is the 2016 Honda Odyssey safe?
NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[9]. It also has 6 recalls, so check that all were completed[1].
How many horsepower does the 2016 Honda Odyssey have?
The EPA Test Car List rates the 3.5L 6-cylinder at 248 hp[19].

Facts and sources

  1. Owner complaints and recalls for every Honda Odyssey model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  2. Recall 18V170, filed March 13, 2018: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 17V725, filed November 17, 2017: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 16V932, filed December 27, 2016: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 16V933, filed December 27, 2016: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  6. 97 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. NHTSA has 271 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Honda Odyssey (9 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 10 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. EPA rating for Odyssey, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  9. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, VAN FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 12.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 40 complaints name the electrical system component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 38 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 28,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 31 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 26 complaints name the seats component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 25 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 18 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,344). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 13 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. Recall 23V858, filed December 18, 2023: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 16V417, filed June 9, 2016: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  19. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Honda Odyssey with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 248 hp. www.epa.gov
  20. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ODYSSEY 4DR MINIVAN LX/SE/EX/EX RES: length 203 in, width 79 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 4,400 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ODYSSEY 4DR MINIVAN EX-L RES/EX-L NAVI/TOURING: length 203 in, width 79 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 4,557 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.