2017 Honda Odyssey Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026
Ranks 5th of 25 Odyssey years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 39
- 2 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 13.6
- 27,113 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.57×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 19
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 2
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2017 Honda Odyssey?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2017 Honda Odyssey is 77 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 5th of the 25 Odyssey years we score.
The most reported problem is the ignition coil or spark plug (5 of 39 complaints). Owners also complain about the transmission and piston rings or cylinders. 19 of the 39 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 2 recalls. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2016 scores 74.
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 77
- 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
- Ignition coils or spark plugs failure5 complaints
- Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts4 complaints
- Piston rings: a loss of power3 complaints
How the 2017 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 | 0.63× | −8 |
| Everyday problems | 0.43× | −3 |
| Problems in the last two years | 0.84× | −8 |
| Recalls | 0.54× | −4 |
| Score | 77 |
What Owners Report
We read all 39 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Honda Odyssey, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
5 complaints (13%)
A failure that needed a new part, a loss of power and damage. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 62,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
4 complaints (10%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, locking up and vibration or shudder. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Piston rings: a loss of power
3 complaints (8%)
A loss of power and rough running or misfires. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Sliding doors: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (8%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (8%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 23,000 miles.
Alternator or charging failure
2 complaints (5%)
A failure and a loss of power. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Brakes: loss of braking
2 complaints (5%)
Loss of braking and vibration or shudder.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
2 complaints (5%)
Rough running or misfires.
Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
2 complaints (5%)
Not opening or unlocking and the system acting on its own.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (5%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Torque converter: fault code
2 complaints (5%)
A stored fault code and vibration or shudder.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (5%)
Sudden acceleration. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Reported Once (14)
Show the 14 problems reported once
- Airbags: deployment with no crash
- Battery drain: draining the battery
- Cooling system: a leak
- Cylinder head gasket: damage
- Engine: sudden acceleration
- Engine failure: locking up
- Hood latch failure
- Ignition or push-button start: the system acting on its own
- Key fob: the car not starting
- Aftermarket trailer coupler lock (not vehicle): parts breaking or coming apart
- Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
- Seat belts: deployment with no crash
- Windshield: shattering or cracking
- Wiring, fuses or body control module: stopped working
How the 2017 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 This year | 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 | 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 |
2017 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 23V858000Recall 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 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.
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 2017 Odyssey ratings on NHTSA.gov.
Van FWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2017 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
On the Test Drive
- Have the engine scanned for stored misfire codes. A rough idle or a flashing check-engine light is a warning sign.
- Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
- Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Ignition coil or spark plug
- Transmission
- Piston rings or cylinders
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid 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
