2009 Honda Odyssey Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 7th of 25 Odyssey years we score.

Owner complaints: 198; 6 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 26.0; 73,780 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.67×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 63; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 3
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2008 Odyssey 2010 Odyssey →

Should You Buy the 2009 Honda Odyssey?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2009 Honda Odyssey is 76 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 7th of the 25 Odyssey years we score.

The most reported problem is the power liftgate (37 of 198 complaints). Owners also complain about the brakes and the sliding doors. 63 of the 198 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 3 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings). For comparison, the 2008 scores 71 and the 2010 scores 78.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 13-080 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 76
Fewer problems than the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Power liftgate failure37 complaints
Brakes: vibration or shudder19 complaints
Sliding doors: parts breaking or coming apart18 complaints

How the 2009 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	0.61×	−8
Everyday problems	0.83×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.52×	−6
Recalls	0.83×	−6
Score		76

What Owners Report

We read all 198 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Honda Odyssey, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Power liftgate failure
37 complaints (19%)
A failure, won't stay open and the system acting on its own. 15 of these 37 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Brakes: vibration or shudder
19 complaints (10%)
Vibration or shudder, loss of braking and early wear. 5 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 5 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 28,000 miles.
Sliding doors: parts breaking or coming apart
18 complaints (9%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, not closing or latching and the system acting on its own. 9 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 106,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
14 complaints (7%)
Burning or using oil. Median mileage when it started: about 129,000 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: rough running or misfires
9 complaints (5%)
Rough running or misfires, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 3 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 89,000 miles.
Paint and rust: peeling
8 complaints (4%)
Peeling, peeling / flaking and oxidation. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
6 complaints (3%)
Not opening or unlocking and not closing or latching. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 121,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
6 complaints (3%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, a failure and vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
6 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration. 5 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
6 complaints (3%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Steering: vibration or shudder
5 complaints (3%)
Vibration or shudder, pulling or wandering and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (3%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, shattering or cracking and a failure. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Engine: sudden acceleration
4 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration, pinging / detonation and surging. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Seat belts: not releasing
4 complaints (2%)
Not releasing, not closing or latching and problems that come and go. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
4 complaints (2%)
Deployment with no crash and a failure. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.

Show 25 more problems

Wiring, fuses or body control module: rust or corrosion
4 complaints (2%)
Rust or corrosion, a failure that needed a new part and damage. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 64,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 67,000 miles.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
3 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part and rust or corrosion. Median mileage when it started: about 147,000 miles.
Fire (origin not stated) (cause not stated)
3 complaints (2%)
A fire. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
Piston rings failure
3 complaints (2%)
A failure, burning or using oil and damage. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Power windows or regulator: not closing or latching
3 complaints (2%)
Not closing or latching, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Stability control (VSA): loss of braking
3 complaints (2%)
Loss of braking, a failure and the system acting on its own. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Variable cylinder management (VCM): burning or using oil
3 complaints (2%)
Burning or using oil and a failure. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
A/C: a leak
2 complaints (1%)
A leak and problems that come and go.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (1%)
Water leaking in.
Climate controls: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (1%)
Sticking or stiffness. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Engine (misfire codes): stalling
2 complaints (1%)
Stalling and rough running or misfires. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine failure: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and damage. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure.
Fuel filler door: not opening or unlocking
2 complaints (1%)
Not opening or unlocking.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
A loss of power and failure or loss of drive. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Noise (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises.
Drive belt tensioner or bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Serpentine belt: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Phone and navigation: wrong readings
2 complaints (1%)
Wrong readings.
Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Taillights or brake lights: water leaking in
2 complaints (1%)
Water leaking in.
Torque converter: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder and a failure.

Reported Once (20)

Show the 20 problems reported once

12V battery failure
Uneven tire wear: cannot be aligned
Alternator or charging: works on and off
Ball joints and control arms: fitment interference
Battery drain: draining the battery
CV axles failure
Engine sensors or computer failure
Exterior lights: stopped working
Fuel system: a leak
Fuel leak
Key fob: stopped working
Underhood fire (cause not stated)
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
Oxygen sensor failure
Seats: not closing or latching
Timing chain or camshaft: early wear
Tire pressure monitoring: a leak
Valve train: a leak
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
Windshield wipers: stopped working

How the 2009 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 This year	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	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

2009 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.
Structure: support device/strut
Struts with diminished performance can lead to unexpected closure, increasing the risk of personal injury.
NHTSA 12V062000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 16, 2012.
Parking brake: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Drivers would not be aware of brake system failure and braking capability would not be possible, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 09V057000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 18, 2009.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Warranty extensionHonda 13-080
Engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings)
The problem:
Piston rings can turn and line up, which can foul the spark plugs. The engine then misfires and the check engine light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the misfire for free. This can include an engine software update, new spark plugs, cleaned pistons and new piston rings.
Who qualifies:
Only EX-L and Touring trims qualify. A cylinder misfire fault must be stored and the spark plugs must be fouled. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
Coverage:
8 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit for these misfire repairs.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

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

Power liftgate closing unexpectedly on 2008-2009 Odysseys
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation found liftgate struts failing early on 2008-2009 Odyssey models with power liftgates. A weak strut could let the liftgate drop on people or trap them as it power closed. Recalled vehicles had 101 complaints and 12 injuries. Honda recalled about 45,747 Odysseys under recall 12V-062. NHTSA closed the case in February 2012.
NHTSA PE11034 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Sep 23, 2011 to Feb 29, 2012
Stabilus rear liftgate struts failing
Closed
NHTSA opened inquiry EQ12-010 in September 2012 on failing Stabilus rear liftgate struts. It lists Odysseys from 2005, 2008 and 2009. The record only refers to an attached closing summary and gives no finding. NHTSA closed the inquiry in December 2012. No recall number is listed.
NHTSA EQ12010 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Sep 28, 2012 to Dec 31, 2012

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2009 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 2009 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 2009 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
Structure: support device/strut NHTSA 12V062000
Parking brake: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings NHTSA 09V057000

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

13-080: engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings)

On the Test Drive

Open and close the liftgate several times and check that it holds open.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
Open and close each sliding door several times, by button and by hand, and check that it latches.

Ask the Seller

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

Power liftgate
Brakes
Sliding doors
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.