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2018 Honda Odyssey: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 1,005 owner complaints[1] and 16 recalls on file for the 2018 Honda Odyssey[2]. That is the highest complaint count of any Odyssey model year in our data[2].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 1,005 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of those, 14 mention a crash, 3 a fire and 30 injuries, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.
The groups with the most complaints are:
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system[5] | 261 | 0 | 13,000 |
| Forward collision avoidance[6] | 208 | 4 | 70,000 |
| Engine[7] | 202 | 0 | 93,000 |
| Power train[8] | 165 | 3 | 29,000 |
| Unknown or other[9] | 147 | 1 | 7,800 |
| Lane departure[10] | 143 | 1 | 50,000 |
Crash counts and mileages come from[5],[6],[7],[8],[9] and[10]. Structure has 99 complaints[11] and fuel/propulsion has 82[12].
In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe a few patterns. Electrical complaints mention screens, camera views and infotainment going dark or restarting, and sudden loss of power[5]. Power train complaints describe rough or hesitant shifting, and the van shifting into Park by itself[8]. Engine complaints describe stalling or shutting off[7]. Forward collision avoidance complaints describe automatic braking or cruise control slowing the van for no clear reason[6].
Electrical complaints show up early, at a median of 13,000 miles[5]. Forward collision avoidance complaints have the most crashes of any group, at 4[6]. This is a small sample, so it shows what owners describe and not how often it happens.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2018 Odyssey[2]. Each remedy below is listed as a repair at no charge to the owner[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. None says the remedy is still pending. Several recalls cover many other models, and some cover only certain vans, so not every 2018 Odyssey is in each one. You can search a VIN on NHTSA.gov to see which apply[13].
- Rearview camera water (26V423). Water can get into the rearview camera, so the image may not show in reverse. That breaks the federal rear visibility rule and raises crash risk. It covers certain 2018-2020 Odysseys, 325,588 units[13], and expands an earlier recall, 20V438.
- Passenger seat weight sensor (26V332). The sensor can crack and short, which may set off the air bags by mistake in a crash and raises injury risk. It covers certain 2018-2026 Odysseys along with many other Honda and Acura models, 98,892 units[14]. The repair is a new sensor.
- Side air bag software (26V227). A programming error can make the side and side curtain air bags go off unexpectedly, which raises injury risk. It covers certain 2018-2022 Odysseys, 440,830 units[15]. Dealers reprogram the control unit or replace it if needed.
- Fuel pump (23V858). The pump inside the tank may fail and stall the engine while driving, which raises crash risk. It spans many Honda and Acura models, 2,490,460 units[16]. Dealers replace the pump module.
- Connecting rod bearing (23V751). A manufacturing error can wear a bearing until it seizes and damages the engine. The engine may run badly or stall, which raises the risk of fire, crash or injury. It covers certain 2018-2019 Odysseys among other models, 248,999 units[17]. Dealers inspect and repair the engine or replace it.
- Rearview camera cable (23V431). A faulty cable connector can keep the camera image off the screen, which raises crash and injury risk. It covers certain 2018-2023 Odysseys, 1,209,673 units[18]. Dealers replace the cable harness and add a cover over the connector.
- Front seat belt buckle (23V158). The buckle can interfere with its own release button so the belt will not latch, and an unlatched belt cannot hold an occupant in a crash. It covers certain 2018-2020 Odysseys, 448,613 units[19]. Dealers replace the buttons or the whole buckles.
- Braun fuel tank (21V010). This applies only to 2018-2021 Odysseys modified by Braun, 1,258 units[20]. The tank can overfill into the charcoal canister and fuel may leak, which raises fire risk. Dealers inspect and, if there is a leak, install a new tank and canister.
- Sliding door cables (20V437). Water can get into the outer handle cables of the sliding doors and freeze in cold weather. A power sliding door may then fail to latch and open while moving, which raises injury risk. It covers certain 2018-2020 Odysseys, 324,196 units[21]. Dealers replace the cables.
- Instrument panel software (20V439). Wrong software can blank the instrument panel, including oil pressure, speed and gear position, until the next ignition cycle. It can also keep the rearview image off. It covers certain 2018-2020 Odysseys, 607,786 units[22]. Dealers reprogram the module.
- Third row outlet wiring (20V066). The wiring for the third row power outlet can get pinched and short out, which raises fire risk. It covers certain 2018-2020 Odysseys, 241,339 units[23]. Dealers inspect the wiring and replace it if damaged, or else tape and re-route it.
- Battery and transmission computer (19V299). Loose battery terminals or a worn battery can make the transmission computer restart and shift to Park, which may damage the parking rod and let the van roll when parked. It covers certain 2018-2019 Odysseys, 50,504 units[24]. Dealers tighten the connections, update the software and check the parking rod.
- Braun wheel speed wiring (19V213). This applies only to 2018-2019 Odysseys with a Braun in-floor wheelchair ramp conversion, 404 units[25]. Wiring for the rear wheel speed sensors may be on the wrong wheels, so anti-lock brakes may not work properly. Dealers inspect and correct it if needed.
- Sliding door latch (18V795). The rear latches on the power sliding doors may stick and fail to catch, so a door could open while moving. It covers certain 2018 and 2019 Odysseys, 107,774 units[26]. Dealers replace the left and right rear latches.
- Rear brake calipers (18V777). A thin coating on the caliper pistons can let gas pockets form and weaken braking, which raises crash risk. It covers certain 2018-2019 Odysseys among other models, 64,785 units[27]. Dealers bleed the brakes.
- Third row center seat belt (17V397). The belt tongue may not fit the latch, so the belt may not hold securely. It covers certain 2018 Odysseys only, 3,927 units[28]. Dealers check the tongue and replace the belt if needed.
Fuel economy
EPA rates the 3.5L 6-cylinder, front-wheel drive Odyssey at 19 mpg city, 28 highway and 22 combined[3]. A second listing, with a different automatic named Automatic (S10), has the same ratings[29]. The first is listed as Automatic (S9)[3]. EPA estimates a yearly fuel cost of $3,050 for both, using its current fuel price assumptions[3][29].
Safety ratings
In NHTSA 5-Star testing, the front-wheel drive van earns 5 stars overall, 5 for frontal crashes, 5 for side crashes and 4 for rollover[4]. Rollover risk is listed at 13.6%[4].
Engine and size
The EPA test car list shows a 3.5L 6-cylinder rated at 280 hp[30]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US vans[31][32].
How 2018 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 96 | 0 |
| 1996 | 70 | 0 |
| 1997 | 20 | 2 |
| 1998 | 73 | 3 |
| 1999 | 518 | 9 |
| 2000 | 675 | 6 |
| 2001 | 619 | 1 |
| 2002 | 960 | 10 |
| 2003 | 914 | 15 |
| 2004 | 585 | 13 |
| 2005 | 830 | 8 |
| 2006 | 703 | 3 |
| 2007 | 830 | 4 |
| 2008 | 499 | 4 |
| 2009 | 198 | 3 |
| 2010 | 255 | 1 |
| 2011 | 235 | 5 |
| 2012 | 245 | 5 |
| 2013 | 210 | 6 |
| 2014 | 310 | 5 |
| 2015 | 206 | 6 |
| 2016 | 271 | 6 |
| 2017 | 39 | 2 |
| 2018 | 1,005 | 16 |
| 2019 | 991 | 20 |
| 2020 | 486 | 14 |
| 2021 | 147 | 8 |
| 2022 | 140 | 9 |
| 2023 | 105 | 5 |
| 2024 | 120 | 3 |
| 2025 | 433 | 2 |
| 2026 | 50 | 2 |
The 2018 model year has the most complaints of any Odyssey year listed, at 1,005[2]. The next highest are 991 for 2019 and 960 for 2002[2]. For recalls, 2019 is higher at 20 than 2018 at 16, and 2003 has 15[2].
Nearby years look different. 2017 has 39 complaints and 2 recalls, and 2020 has 486 complaints and 14 recalls[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many vans were sold, so read them as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2018 Odyssey?
The 2018 Odyssey has the highest complaint count of any Odyssey year in our data, plus 16 recalls[2]. Check the VIN on NHTSA.gov, since the recall repairs are done by dealers at no charge to the owner[13][14]. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe shifting and braking troubles, so a long test drive is a good idea[6][8]. On the positive side, the van has 5 stars overall from NHTSA[4] and 22 mpg combined from EPA[3]. Ask for service records, because these data cannot tell you how one particular van behaves.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Honda Odyssey?
- The groups with the most NHTSA complaints are the electrical system (261), forward collision avoidance (208) and engine (202)[5][6][7]. These are unverified owner reports.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Honda Odyssey have?
- NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2018 model year[2]. They are listed above with what failed, the risk and the repair.
- What is the gas mileage of the 2018 Honda Odyssey?
- EPA rates it at 19 mpg city, 28 highway and 22 combined[3]. The estimated yearly fuel cost is $3,050[3].
- How safe is the 2018 Honda Odyssey?
- NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[4].
- Is 2018 a bad year for the Honda Odyssey?
- It has the most complaints of any Odyssey year in our data, 1,005, and 16 recalls, while 2019 has 20 recalls[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 1,005 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Honda Odyssey (14 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 30 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Honda Odyssey model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Odyssey, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S9), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, VAN FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 13.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 261 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 13,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 208 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 202 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 93,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 165 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 29,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 147 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 7,800). NHTSA vehicle records
- 143 complaints name the lane departure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 99 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 7,800). NHTSA vehicle records
- 82 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V423, filed July 1, 2026: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V332, filed May 21, 2026: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V227, filed April 9, 2026: Air Bags › Air Bag / Restraint Control Module › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V858, filed December 18, 2023: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V751, filed November 13, 2023: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal / Mechanical. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V431, filed June 15, 2023: Back Over Prevention › Display Function. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V158, filed March 9, 2023: Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V010, filed January 14, 2021: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V437, filed July 28, 2020: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V439, filed July 28, 2020: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V066, filed February 6, 2020: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V299, filed April 12, 2019: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V213, filed March 20, 2019: Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Wheel Speed Sensor. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V795, filed November 9, 2018: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V777, filed November 1, 2018: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V397, filed June 23, 2017: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Odyssey, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S10), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2018 Honda Odyssey with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 280 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ODYSSEY EX-L/TOURING: length 204 in, width 78 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 4,511 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ODYSSEY LX/EX: length 204 in, width 78 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 4,418 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov