2013 Honda Odyssey Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 10th of 25 Odyssey years we score.

Owner complaints: 210; 10 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 21.9; 91,284 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.59×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 67; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 6
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2012 Odyssey 2014 Odyssey →

Should You Buy the 2013 Honda Odyssey?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2013 Honda Odyssey is 73 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 10th of the 25 Odyssey years we score.

The most reported problem is the brakes, mostly vibration or shudder (53 of 210 complaints). Owners also complain about piston rings or cylinders and the ignition coil or spark plug. 67 of the 210 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 6 recalls. Honda also offers 3 warranty extensions that may still apply, for engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings) and white paint peeling (roof and tailgate). NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2012 scores 80 and the 2014 scores 76.

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

Good reliability score of 73
About half the problems of the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating

Cons

Brakes: vibration or shudder53 complaints
Piston rings failure30 complaints
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure27 complaints

How the 2013 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	0.53×	−7
Everyday problems	0.72×	−4
Problems in the last two years	1.2×	−10
Recalls	1.1×	−6
Score		73

What Owners Report

We read all 210 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Honda Odyssey, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Brakes: vibration or shudder
53 complaints (25%)
Vibration or shudder, loss of braking and early wear. 4 of these 53 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 27 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 21,000 miles.
Piston rings failure
30 complaints (14%)
A failure, rough running or misfires and damage. 22 of these 30 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 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 94,000 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
27 complaints (13%)
A failure that needed a new part, damage and rough running or misfires. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
12 complaints (6%)
Rough running or misfires. 3 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 104,000 miles.
Paint and rust: peeling paint
11 complaints (5%)
Peeling paint, peeling / flaking and sticky paint. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
10 complaints (5%)
Stalling, rough running or misfires and vibration or shudder. 7 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 104,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
8 complaints (4%)
No deployment in a crash, ignited clothing on deployment and deployment with no crash. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
8 complaints (4%)
Sudden acceleration. 7 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
7 complaints (3%)
Burning or using oil. Median mileage when it started: about 71,000 miles.
Seats: not closing or latching
5 complaints (2%)
Not closing or latching and seat tipping. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Sliding doors: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, won't stay open and the system not working when needed. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 57,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
4 complaints (2%)
A loss of power. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
4 complaints (2%)
Hesitation. Median mileage when it started: about 27,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
4 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome.

Show 14 more problems

Check engine light (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
Warning lights.
Engine failure
3 complaints (1%)
A failure. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
3 complaints (1%)
A leak. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Steering: loss of steering control
3 complaints (1%)
Loss of steering control and pulling or wandering. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control.
A/C: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Uneven tire wear: early wear
2 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear.
Alternator or charging failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a stored fault code.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell and smoke or a burning smell.
Screen and audio: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and blacked-out screen areas.
Seat belts: not releasing
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not releasing and a failure.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
Deployment with no crash. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
2 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away. Both describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Vibration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.

Reported Once (32)

Show the 32 problems reported once

12V battery failure
EVAP system: fault code
Control module (unspecified): hesitation
Cylinder head gasket: a leak
Several warning lights at once
Engine mounts: vibration or shudder
Fuel diluting the engine oil
Frontal airbags: deployment with no crash
Fuel injector failure
Fuel leak
Instrument cluster: works on and off
Interior trim: overheating
Key fob: stopped working
Noise (cause not stated)
VV timing oil pressure switch failure
Crash sensors failure
Cruise control: the system not working when needed
Door-open warning beeper: the system not working when needed
Engine gasket set failure
Fire (origin not stated) (cause not stated)
Seat heater element: works on and off
Valve cover and spark plug well gaskets failure
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
Wheelchair ramp motor (conversion equipment) failure
Power liftgate failure
Stall (cause not stated)
Timing belt
Transmission
Variable cylinder management (VCM): burning or using oil
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
Windshield: shattering or cracking
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure

How the 2013 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 This year	Good	73	0.59×	21.9	6	Brakes: vibration or shudder
2012	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

See every Odyssey year

2013 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
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V858000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 18, 2023. By the second quarter of 2026, 73% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Seats: mid/rear assembly
If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 17V725000 Recall 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 16V933000 Recall 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.
Engine
A worn piston may suddenly fail, causing the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 13V382000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 27, 2013.
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 13V143000 Owner 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 13V016000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 18, 2013.

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.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 19-055
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:
A Honda dealer has a certified body shop repair the peeling roof or tailgate paint for free.
Who qualifies:
The roof or tailgate paint must be peeling. Honda must approve each paint repair first. Rock chips, scratches, dents and crash damage are not covered. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
7 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 19-057
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:
A Honda dealer has a certified body shop repair the peeling roof or tailgate paint for free.
Who qualifies:
The roof or tailgate paint must be peeling. Honda must approve each paint repair first. Rock chips, scratches, dents and crash damage are not covered. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
7 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

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 open
A 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 DP26005 Opening 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 2013 Odyssey ratings on NHTSA.gov.

Van FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2013 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 23V858000
Seats: mid/rear assembly NHTSA 17V725000
Seats: mid/rear assembly NHTSA 16V933000
Engine NHTSA 13V382000
Power train: automatic transmission NHTSA 13V143000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 6 recalls and which are still open.

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)
19-055: white paint peeling (roof and tailgate)
19-057: white paint peeling (roof and tailgate)

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.
Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
Have the engine scanned for stored misfire codes. A rough idle or a flashing check-engine light is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

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

Brakes
Piston rings or cylinders
Ignition coil or spark plug
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.