2012 Honda Odyssey Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026
Ranks 1st of 25 Odyssey years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 244
- 3 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 16.4
- 147,117 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.43×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 80
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 5
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2012 Honda Odyssey?
Yes. Our reliability score for the 2012 Honda Odyssey is 80 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 1st of the 25 Odyssey years we score.
The most reported problem is the brakes, mostly vibration or shudder (56 of 244 complaints). Owners also complain about the sliding doors and seats. 80 of the 244 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 5 recalls. Honda also offers 2 warranty extensions that may still apply, for engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings) and torque converter judder. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2011 scores 78 and the 2013 scores 73.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 13-081 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Excellent reliability score of 80
- About half the problems of the average car its age
- Recent complaints at or below average
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
Cons
- Brakes: vibration or shudder56 complaints
- Sliding doors: parts breaking or coming apart22 complaints
- Seats: seat flipped forward15 complaints
How the 2012 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
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 0.39× | −6 |
| Everyday problems | 0.53× | −3 |
| Problems in the last two years | 0.38× | −5 |
| Recalls | 1.1× | −6 |
| Score | 80 |
What Owners Report
We read all 244 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Honda Odyssey, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Brakes: vibration or shudder
56 complaints (23%)
Vibration or shudder, loss of braking and damage. 9 of these 56 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 16 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Sliding doors: parts breaking or coming apart
22 complaints (9%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, not closing or latching and problems that come and go. 9 of these 22 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. 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 70,000 miles.
Seats: seat flipped forward
15 complaints (6%)
Seat flipped forward, not closing or latching and a feature that stopped working. 8 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Steering: unusual noises
13 complaints (5%)
Unusual noises, loss of steering control and problems that come and go. 3 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 23,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
10 complaints (4%)
Surging and sudden acceleration. 4 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
9 complaints (4%)
Rough running or misfires and a stored fault code. 2 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 87,000 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: fouled spark plugs
9 complaints (4%)
Fouled spark plugs, a failure that needed a new part and early wear. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Seat belts: not releasing
9 complaints (4%)
Not releasing, the system not working when needed and early wear. 4 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
7 complaints (3%)
A loss of power. All 7 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Piston rings failure
7 complaints (3%)
A failure and early wear. 5 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Transmission: vibration or shudder
7 complaints (3%)
Vibration or shudder, hesitation and slipping. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
12V battery: works on and off
6 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go, parts breaking or coming apart and the car not starting. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 63,000 miles.
Engine: rough running or misfires
6 complaints (2%)
Rough running or misfires, sudden acceleration and stalling. 4 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 74,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, dry rot and sudden deflation. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 44,000 miles.
Alternator or charging failure
5 complaints (2%)
A failure and a fire. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Show 27 more problems
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
5 complaints (2%)
Burning or using oil. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 89,000 miles.
Paint and rust: paint peeling
5 complaints (2%)
Paint peeling and peeling / flaking. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
5 complaints (2%)
Hesitation. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
5 complaints (2%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
4 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 37,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
4 complaints (2%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Headlights: too dim / poor illumination
3 complaints (1%)
Too dim / poor illumination and aimed too low / poor forward illumination. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Instrument cluster: insufficient illumination
3 complaints (1%)
Insufficient illumination, problems that come and go and wrong readings. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
3 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: being stranded.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Taillights or brake lights: not shutting off
3 complaints (1%)
Not shutting off, shattering or cracking and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 77,000 miles.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
3 complaints (1%)
A failure, stalling and a stored fault code. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
ABS: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a stored fault code.
Airbag warning light failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and warning lights.
Airbags: deployment with no crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
Deployment with no crash and deployed airbag residue burned skin. Both describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem.
Body seals (water leak): unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and water leaking in.
Door latches: rear sliding door not flush
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rear sliding door not flush and door opens when the lock is engaged.
Engine failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Engine oil leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Screen and audio: wrong readings
2 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings and clock flashing, cannot be reset.
Seeping spool valve (system not stated) (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Vehicle fire (origin not stated) (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Power windows or regulator failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a leak.
Variable cylinder management (VCM): vibration or shudder
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder and burning or using oil.
Reported Once (32)
Show the 32 problems reported once
- A/C condenser: damage
- Uneven tire wear: alignment off
- Control module (unspecified): fault code
- CV axles: damage
- Engine overheating
- Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
- Exterior trim: damage
- Fuel economy: high fuel use
- Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
- Fuel leak
- Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
- Oil pressure failure
- HomeLink garage door transmitter: not shutting off
- Auto idle stop system: hard starting
- Electrical system: electric shock to occupant
- Fire (origin not stated) (cause not stated)
- Front passenger side window glass: shattering or cracking
- Front valve cover: rust or corrosion
- Glove box power outlet: stopped working
- Rear hatch window glass: shattering or cracking
- Rear passenger sliding window glass: shattering or cracking
- Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
- Third-row AC power outlet: cover pulled off exposing live screw
- Phone and navigation: stopped working
- Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
- Stability control (VSA): warning lights
- Stall (cause not stated)
- Struts or shocks: unusual noises
- Timing chain or camshaft: early wear
- Shifter or park: the car rolling away
- Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
- Windshield wipers: parts breaking or coming apart
How the 2012 Honda Odyssey Compares With Other Years
The other Odyssey years of the 4th generation, 2011 to 2017, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Avoid | 54 | 3.1× | 85.3 | 16 | Driver-assist camera and radar failure |
| 2017 | Good | 77 | 0.57× | 13.6 | 2 | Ignition coils or spark plugs failure |
| 2016 | Good | 74 | 0.57× | 17.8 | 6 | Piston rings failure |
| 2015 | Good | 77 | 0.44× | 15.2 | 6 | Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
| 2014 | Good | 76 | 0.53× | 20.7 | 5 | Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
| 2013 | Good | 73 | 0.59× | 21.9 | 6 | Brakes: vibration or shudder |
| 2012 This year | Excellent | 80 | 0.43× | 16.4 | 5 | Brakes: vibration or shudder |
| 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 |
2012 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.
Seats: mid/rear assembly
If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 17V725000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 17, 2017. By the third quarter of 2019, 79% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Seats: mid/rear assembly
An unlocked second row outboard seat increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant during a crash.
NHTSA 16V933000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 27, 2016. By the third quarter of 2018, 80% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Power train: automatic transmission
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.
NHTSA 13V143000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 15, 2013.
Air bags
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.
NHTSA 13V016000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 18, 2013.
Suspension: front
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.
NHTSA 11V602000Issued Dec 22, 2011.
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 13-081
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 engine misfire caused by this problem for free.
- Who qualifies:
- A cylinder misfire fault must be stored and the spark plugs of the affected cylinders 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.
- Warranty extensionHonda 16-052
Torque converter judder
- The problem:
- The torque converter can be damaged and make the car shudder at 20 to 45 mph.
- The fix:
- A Honda dealer repairs the torque converter for free.
- Who qualifies:
- The shudder must come back after the earlier software update 16-046. A Honda dealer test must show the torque converter is damaged. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 8 years or 105,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
- Service campaignHonda 16-046
Torque converter lock-up software update
- The problem:
- The torque converter lock-up clutch can make the car shudder at 20 to 45 mph.
- The fix:
- A Honda dealer installs a transmission software update and replaces the transmission fluid.
- Who qualifies:
- No symptom is needed. Every car the VIN check lists gets the update. Honda dealers must complete it before selling an affected used car.
- Coverage:
- No time limit and no mileage limit for the software update.
- Warranty extensionHonda 19-056Ended
White paint peeling (roof and tailgate)
- The problem:
- The factory Taffeta White paint on the roof or tailgate can peel off. The paint is too thin in some places.
- The fix:
- While the program ran, a Honda dealer had a certified body shop repair the peeling roof or tailgate paint for free.
- Who qualifies:
- The roof or tailgate paint had to be peeling. Honda had to approve each paint repair first. Rock chips, scratches, dents and crash damage were not covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
- Coverage:
- A 6 month grace period for cars already past the 7 year paint coverage. It has ended. The end date is not given.
- Warranty extensionHonda 19-058Ended
White paint peeling (roof and tailgate)
- The problem:
- The factory White Diamond Pearl paint on the roof or tailgate can peel off. The paint is too thin in some places.
- The fix:
- While the program ran, a Honda dealer had a certified body shop repair the peeling roof or tailgate paint for free.
- Who qualifies:
- The roof or tailgate paint had to be peeling. Honda had to approve each paint repair first. Rock chips, scratches, dents and crash damage were not covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
- Coverage:
- A 6 month grace period for cars already past the 7 year paint coverage. It has ended. The end date is not given.
NHTSA Investigations
Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.
Petition on Odyssey air bags deploying without a crash
Still openA petition from May 2026 asks NHTSA to investigate air bags deploying by mistake in 2011-2017 Odysseys. It says they can deploy without an impact or rollover, and that fault codes and recorded data conflict. It cites 10 complaints. NHTSA opened a defect petition in July 2026 to decide whether to grant or deny it. It is still open.
NHTSA DP26005Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Open since Jul 13, 2026
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2012 Odyssey ratings on NHTSA.gov.
Van FWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2012 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.
- Seats: mid/rear assembly NHTSA 17V725000
- Seats: mid/rear assembly NHTSA 16V933000
- Power train: automatic transmission NHTSA 13V143000
- Air bags NHTSA 13V016000
- Suspension: front NHTSA 11V602000
Ask a Honda Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- 13-081: engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings)
- 16-052: torque converter judder
On the Test Drive
- 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.
- Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Brakes
- Sliding doors
- Seats
- 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