2016 Honda Odyssey Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 9th of 25 Odyssey years we score.

Owner complaints: 269; 14 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 17.8; 143,296 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.57×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 91; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 6
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2015 Odyssey 2017 Odyssey →

Should You Buy the 2016 Honda Odyssey?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2016 Honda Odyssey is 74 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 9th of the 25 Odyssey years we score.

The most reported problem is piston rings or cylinders (51 of 269 complaints). Owners also complain about the ignition coil or spark plug and the sliding doors. 91 of the 269 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 6 recalls. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2015 scores 77 and the 2017 scores 77.

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 74
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

Piston rings failure51 complaints
Ignition coils or spark plugs: rough running or misfires42 complaints
Sliding doors: not closing or latching23 complaints

How the 2016 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	0.66×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.98×	−9
Recalls	1.0×	−6
Score		74

What Owners Report

We read all 269 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Honda Odyssey, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Piston rings failure
51 complaints (19%)
A failure, damage and early wear. 37 of these 51 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 10 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 91,000 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: rough running or misfires
42 complaints (16%)
Rough running or misfires, a failure that needed a new part and early wear. 13 of these 42 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 8 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Sliding doors: not closing or latching
23 complaints (9%)
Not closing or latching, the system acting on its own and parts breaking or coming apart. 8 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. 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 38,000 miles.
Seats: tipped forward
19 complaints (7%)
Tipped forward, not closing or latching and seat back will not lock. 7 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
18 complaints (7%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping and vibration or shudder. 5 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome. 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 30,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
10 complaints (4%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. All 10 describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
8 complaints (3%)
Stalling, unusual noises and sudden acceleration. 5 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 76,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
7 complaints (3%)
Vibration or shudder. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
6 complaints (2%)
Not opening or unlocking, rust or corrosion and child safety lock can be unlocked from inside. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Steering: unusual noises
6 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises, parts breaking or coming apart and a leak. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often being stranded. Median mileage when it started: about 33,000 miles.
Brakes: vibration or shudder
5 complaints (2%)
Vibration or shudder, loss of braking and a failure. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
5 complaints (2%)
Rough running or misfires.
Engine failure: locking up
5 complaints (2%)
Locking up and a failure. All 5 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 110,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
5 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Torque converter: vibration or shudder
5 complaints (2%)
Vibration or shudder, a failure and damage. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 64,000 miles.

Show 35 more problems

Check engine light (cause not stated)
4 complaints (1%)
Warning lights. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
4 complaints (1%)
Not shutting off.
Screen and audio: the system acting on its own
4 complaints (1%)
The system acting on its own, problems that come and go and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
4 complaints (1%)
A loss of power. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
4 complaints (1%)
Deployment with no crash. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
4 complaints (1%)
Stalling. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and shattering or cracking. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Variable cylinder management (VCM) failure
4 complaints (1%)
A failure and sludge buildup. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
12V battery failure
3 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and draining the battery.
Alternator or charging failure
3 complaints (1%)
A failure.
Control module (unspecified) failure
3 complaints (1%)
A failure and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
3 complaints (1%)
Burning or using oil. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine oil leak
3 complaints (1%)
A leak.
Fuel pump: hard starting
3 complaints (1%)
Hard starting and a failure that needed a new part. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
3 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go.
Key fob failure
3 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, a feature that stopped working and corrosion short on the keyless entry board. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: being stranded.
Car alarm: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (1%)
The system acting on its own.
Paint and rust: peeling
3 complaints (1%)
Peeling and rust or corrosion.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
Hesitation and a loss of power.
Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
3 complaints (1%)
Not opening or unlocking, a feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome.
Power liftgate: not opening or unlocking
3 complaints (1%)
Not opening or unlocking.
Rearview camera: works on and off
3 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go and water leaking in.
Seat belts: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, early wear and a stored fault code.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
The car not starting. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: stalling
3 complaints (1%)
Stalling, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Battery drain: draining the battery
2 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Several warning lights at once
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Frontal airbags: deployment with no crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
Deployment with no crash and no deployment in a crash. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem.
Ignition or push-button start: key removable with shifter in drive
2 complaints (under 1%)
Key removable with shifter in drive and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Oil pressure failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and wrong readings.
Spool valve assembly: clogged oil passage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Clogged oil passage and a leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Timing belt tensioner: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
2 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away and sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.

Reported Once (28)

Show the 28 problems reported once

Airbag warning light
Airbags: fault code
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
Automatic emergency braking: the system not working when needed
Cooling system failure
CV axles: loose axle nut
Engine oil sludge: sludge buildup
Exhaust or catalytic converter: smoke or a burning smell
Fuel system
Fuel leak
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
Headlights: the system acting on its own
Horn: the system acting on its own
Interior trim: damage
Noise (cause not stated)
Passenger airbag sensor: fault code
115V AC power outlet: parts breaking or coming apart
Door-open warning chime: stopped working
Oil or fuel leak (cause not stated)
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
Variable timing valve solenoid failure
Power windows or regulator: works on and off
Stability control (VSA) failure
Timing belt failure
Transmission computer: needed update
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
Valve train: sticking or stiffness
Windshield: shattering or cracking

How the 2016 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 This year	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	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

2016 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
An unlocked second row left outboard seatback increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant during a crash.
NHTSA 18V170000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 13, 2018. By the third quarter of 2019, 83% 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 center seat may increase the risk of injury to the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
NHTSA 16V932000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 27, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 84% 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.
Fuel system, gasoline: tank assembly
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
NHTSA 16V417000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 9, 2016. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 100% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

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 2016 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 2016 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 18V170000
Seats: mid/rear assembly NHTSA 17V725000
Seats: mid/rear assembly NHTSA 16V932000
Seats: mid/rear assembly NHTSA 16V933000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 6 recalls and which are still open.

On the Test Drive

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.
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.

Piston rings or cylinders
Ignition coil or spark plug
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.