2006 Honda Odyssey Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Good

Ranks 8th of 25 Odyssey years we score.

Owner complaints: 703; 24 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 35.2; 193,144 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.91×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 182; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 3
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2005 Odyssey 2007 Odyssey →

Should You Buy the 2006 Honda Odyssey?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2006 Honda Odyssey is 76 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 8th of the 25 Odyssey years we score.

The most reported problem is the steering, mostly sticking or stiffness (116 of 703 complaints). Owners also complain about engine mounts and the brakes. 182 of the 703 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 3 recalls. For comparison, the 2005 scores 65 and the 2007 scores 68.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 76
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Steering: sticking or stiffness116 complaints
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart81 complaints
Brakes: loss of braking67 complaints

How the 2006 Odyssey Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.75×	−9
Everyday problems	1.3×	−5
Problems in the last two years	0.30×	−4
Recalls	0.95×	−6
Score		76

What Owners Report

We read all 703 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Honda Odyssey, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Steering: sticking or stiffness
116 complaints (17%)
Sticking or stiffness, unusual noises and a failure that needed a new part. 14 of these 116 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 7 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
81 complaints (12%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and vibration or shudder. In 5 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 84,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
67 complaints (10%)
Loss of braking, soft pedal and unusual noises. 12 of these 67 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 13 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 6 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
A/C condenser: damage
56 complaints (8%)
Damage, a leak and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 56 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
56 complaints (8%)
Failure or loss of drive, vibration or shudder and harsh or delayed shifts. 27 of these 56 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 97,000 miles.
Sliding doors: not closing or latching
55 complaints (8%)
Not closing or latching, parts breaking or coming apart and the system acting on its own. 25 of these 55 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 91,000 miles.
Tires: early wear
26 complaints (4%)
Early wear, parts breaking or coming apart and damage. 9 of these 26 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Power liftgate failure
25 complaints (4%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and does not hold open. 10 of these 25 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Door latches: not closing or latching
23 complaints (3%)
Not closing or latching, parts breaking or coming apart and not opening or unlocking. 6 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 143,000 miles.
Engine: unusual noises
13 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises, stalling and vibration or shudder. 3 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Seats: not closing or latching
12 complaints (2%)
Not closing or latching, parts breaking or coming apart and rust or corrosion. 4 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
12 complaints (2%)
Warning lights, a failure and extended stopping distance. 2 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Torque converter: vibration or shudder
11 complaints (2%)
Vibration or shudder, a failure and lugging. 1 of these 11 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 120,000 miles.
Paint and rust: peeling
9 complaints (1%)
Peeling, peeling paint and color mismatch. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
8 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, a leak and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.

Show 45 more problems

Vibration (cause not stated)
8 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
7 complaints (1%)
Warning lights and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
7 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment injury. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
7 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Seat belts: not releasing
7 complaints (1%)
Not releasing, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 85,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
7 complaints (1%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 57,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
7 complaints (1%)
Damage, a failure and unusual noises. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
ABS failure
6 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, extended stopping distance and the system not working when needed. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
6 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and peeling. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Fuel pump: a leak
6 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, a failure and a bad smell. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 122,000 miles.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
6 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
6 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash and failed to deflate / delayed deployment. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Uneven tire wear: early wear
5 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear, pulling or wandering and vibration or shudder. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Cooling system: damage
5 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, overheating and a leak. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Engine failure: shattering or cracking
5 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and a failure. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 77,000 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, rough running or misfires and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 85,000 miles.
Windshield wipers: works on and off
5 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, a failure and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Exterior lights: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 130,000 miles.
Fuel system: a bad smell
4 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 125,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
4 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation and reduced power or limp mode. Median mileage when it started: about 104,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: works on and off
4 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and not opening or unlocking. Median mileage when it started: about 130,000 miles.
Alternator or charging: warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart.
Headlights: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Ignition or push-button start: the car rolling away
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away and sticking or stiffness. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 92,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Accessory drive belt: slipping
3 complaints (under 1%)
Slipping, damage and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 111,000 miles.
Cylinder head: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Electrical system (part not stated): stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and stalling. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Vehicle fire (source not determined) (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 150,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away and sticking or stiffness. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Cylinder head gasket failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Engine oil leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Fuel leak: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a failure that needed a new part.
Heater: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Horn: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Fluid leak (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Spool valve failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Phone and navigation: wrong readings
2 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings and a feature that stopped working.
Valve train failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Variable cylinder management (VCM): vibration or shudder
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.

Reported Once (53)

Show the 53 problems reported once

12V battery failure
A/C compressor: damage
EVAP system failure
Automatic emergency braking: stopped working
Blower motor: stopped working
Brake calipers: loss of braking
Brake power assist: a hard pedal or less assist
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Climate controls: sticking or stiffness
Several warning lights at once
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
Engine sensors or computer: unusual noises
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Fuel gauge or level sensor failure
Instrument cluster: works on and off
Interior trim: damage
Oil drain plug: damage
VTEC control valve failure
Brake backing plate: early wear
Cabin water accumulation: water leaking in
Child seat LATCH straps: missing
Crankshaft failure
Crankshaft pulley: parts breaking or coming apart
Cruise control: not shutting off
Door ajar indication: wrong readings
Door check detent failure
Door hinge or detent failure
Drivetrain (part not stated) failure
Drivetrain sensor failure
Engine seals: parts breaking or coming apart
Floor mat: sticking or stiffness
Fuel pump relay failure
Heater ducts: biological contamination
High-pressure hoses (system not stated) (cause not stated)
Odor (cause not stated)
Oil filler cap: parts breaking or coming apart
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Side impact sensor failure
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
Suspension (part not stated): unusual noises
Vehicle electrical power: stopped working
Windshield washer system: stopped working
Stall (cause not stated)
Starter: parts breaking or coming apart
Tire pressure monitoring: stopped working
Transmission fluid leak
Warning lights (cause not stated)
Wheel bearings: early wear
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
Windshield: optical distortion

How the 2006 Honda Odyssey Compares With Other Years

The other Odyssey years of the 3rd generation, 2005 to 2010, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2011	Good	78	0.54×	21.2	5	12V battery: warning lights
2010	Good	78	0.54×	21.2	1	Sliding doors: parts breaking or coming apart
2009	Good	76	0.67×	26.0	3	Power liftgate failure
2008	Good	71	0.92×	34.6	4	Brakes: loss of braking
2007	Caution	68	1.0×	38.3	4	Brakes: loss of braking
2006 This year	Good	76	0.91×	35.2	3	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2005	Caution	65	1.3×	49.1	8	Sliding doors: not closing or latching
2004	Caution	65	1.2×	34.3	13	Transmission: failure or loss of drive

See every Odyssey year

2006 Honda Odyssey Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 14V112000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 14, 2014. By the third quarter of 2015, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Service brakes, hydraulic: master cylinder
A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 10V504000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 22, 2010.
Equipment: owners/service/other manual
The language in the owner's manuals is not in accordance with the current mandatory requirements.
NHTSA 06V270000Issued Jul 26, 2006.

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Soft brake pedal from air in the brake system
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked at 656 complaints of a low, soft brake pedal in 2006-2008 Odysseys. Honda said small amounts of air entered the brake system during stability control self-checks. Warranty data showed the problem in 0.67 percent of 2007-2008 models. In October 2009 NHTSA upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA09-014. Its record links recall 10V-098.
NHTSA PE09024 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)May 13, 2009 to Oct 19, 2009

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2006 Odyssey no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2006 Odyssey ratings on NHTSA.gov.

With side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat5/5

RolloverNot rated

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2006 Odyssey, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 14V112000
Service brakes, hydraulic: master cylinder NHTSA 10V504000
Equipment: owners/service/other manual NHTSA 06V270000

On the Test Drive

Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
In drive at a stop, heavy vibration through the cabin is a warning sign.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Steering
Engine mounts
Brakes
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Odyssey Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.