2020 Honda Odyssey Reliability Report

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

Avoid

Ranks 23rd of 25 Odyssey years we score.

Owner complaints: 465; 19 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 59.5; 74,907 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 2.5×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 120; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 14
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2019 Odyssey 2021 Odyssey →

Should You Buy the 2020 Honda Odyssey?

We would look at other years first. Our reliability score for the 2020 Honda Odyssey is 58 out of 100, which rates Avoid. Owners reported about 2.5 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 23rd of the 25 Odyssey years we score.

The most reported problem is the driver-assist camera and radar, mostly stopped working (164 of 465 complaints). Owners also complain about the screen and audio and the engine. 120 of the 465 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 14 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for audio and display network connectors (speaker popping, no audio). NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2019 scores 55 and the 2021 scores 64.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 21-013 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

About 2.5 times the problems of the average car its age
More complaints than average about major systems in the last two years
Driver-assist camera and radar: stopped working164 complaints
Screen and audio: works on and off51 complaints

How the 2020 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	1.9×	−14
Everyday problems	3.8×	−8
Problems in the last two years	2.1×	−12
Recalls	2.5×	−8
Score		58

What Owners Report

We read all 465 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Honda Odyssey, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Driver-assist camera and radar: stopped working
164 complaints (35%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and warning lights. 3 of these 164 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. In 7 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
51 complaints (11%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and unusual noises. In 8 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 13 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
46 complaints (10%)
Stalling, the car not starting and unusual noises. 42 of these 46 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 14 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 8 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Power liftgate: stopped working
39 complaints (8%)
A feature that stopped working, the system acting on its own and not opening or unlocking. 5 of these 39 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 13 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
25 complaints (5%)
Water leaking in. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Sliding doors: not closing or latching
24 complaints (5%)
Not closing or latching, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. 2 of these 24 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
20 complaints (4%)
The car not starting. 19 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 5 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Rearview camera: stopped working
18 complaints (4%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and a failure that needed a new part. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Battery drain: draining the battery
12 complaints (3%)
Draining the battery. 4 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Stall (cause not stated)
12 complaints (3%)
Stalling. 10 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
11 complaints (2%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead and warning lights. 3 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 51,000 miles.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
11 complaints (2%)
Failure or loss of drive, warning lights and harsh or delayed shifts. 6 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Engine failure
10 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part and locking up. 8 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 87,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
7 complaints (2%)
Loss of braking, unusual noises and warning lights. 4 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
7 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.

Show 32 more problems

12V battery failure
6 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Airbags: deployment with no crash
6 complaints (1%)
Deployment with no crash. 5 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem.
Coil spring: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 5 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
6 complaints (1%)
Deployment with no crash.
Airbag warning light
5 complaints (1%)
Warning lights, a failure and a feature that stopped working.
Door latches failure
5 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, rust or corrosion and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Fuel pump failure
5 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, stalling and unusual noises. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Steering: loss of steering control
5 complaints (1%)
Loss of steering control, sticking or stiffness and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control.
Shifter or park: the system acting on its own
5 complaints (1%)
The system acting on its own, drove forward when reverse was selected and failure or loss of drive. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Key fob: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Struts or shocks failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, damage and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: unusual noises
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, loss of all electrical function and a failure.
Several warning lights at once
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and unusual noises.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Phone and navigation: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own.
Starter failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Adaptive cruise control: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working.
Brake hold or auto hold: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Headlights: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off and the system acting on its own.
Lane keeping assist: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Mirrors: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and parts breaking or coming apart.
Noise (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
ADAS features (no part named): warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working.
ADAS suite (cause not named): works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and warning lights.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Failure or loss of drive and hesitation. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Seat belts: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and not releasing. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Stability control (VSA): the system not working when needed
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed and a feature that stopped working.

Reported Once (33)

Show the 33 problems reported once

A/C: works on and off
Blower motor failure
Climate controls: stopped working
Control module (unspecified): damage
Engine air intake: carbon buildup
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
Frontal airbags: deployment with no crash
Fuel filler door: stopped working
Fuel leak
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
Ignition or push-button start: hard starting
Passenger airbag sensor failure
Cabin Watch camera: stopped working
Back-up sensors: stopped working
Emissions system: warning lights
Grille shutter: reduced power or limp mode
Interior lights: stopped working
Rear cross-traffic monitor: stopped working
Security alarm and beeping: the system acting on its own
Steering wheel controls: stopped working
Tailgate rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Trunk fire (cause not stated)
Paint and rust: paint flaking
Parking brake: stopped working
Power windows or regulator failure
Side blind zone alert failure
Sunroof: not opening or unlocking
Taillights or brake lights: not shutting off
Tire pressure monitoring: stopped working
Transmission computer failure
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
Valve train: parts breaking or coming apart
Windshield wipers: stopped working

How the 2020 Honda Odyssey Compares With Other Years

The other Odyssey years of the 5th generation, 2018 to 2026, 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
2026	Too new	–	–	6.0	3	Auto idle stop system: the car not starting
2025	Provisional 38	–	–	40.7	3	Car not starting (cause not stated)
2024	Caution	62	1.9×	13.1	4	Car not starting (cause not stated)
2023	Good	71	1.0×	11.6	6	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2022	Caution	65	1.6×	18.4	10	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2021	Caution	64	1.7×	26.7	8	Power liftgate: stopped working
2020 This year	Avoid	58	2.5×	59.5	14	Driver-assist camera and radar: stopped working
2019	Avoid	55	2.6×	64.7	20	Driver-assist camera and radar: stopped working
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

See every Odyssey year

2020 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.

Back over prevention: camera
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 26V423000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 1, 2026.
Air bags: front passenger
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 26V332000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2026.
Air bags: software
Air bags that deploy unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 26V227000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 9, 2026. By the second quarter of 2026, 28% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: front passenger
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 24V064000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 1, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 52% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
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.
Back over prevention: display function
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 23V431000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 15, 2023. By the first quarter of 2026, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 8 more recalls

Visibility: exterior
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V174000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 16, 2023. By the fourth quarter of 2025, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Seat belts: buckle assembly
An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
NHTSA 23V158000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 9, 2023. By the first quarter of 2025, 75% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel system, gasoline: storage (Braun Corporation)
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
NHTSA 21V010000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 14, 2021. By the fourth quarter of 2022, 61% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Electrical system: software
Operating a vehicle without a functioning instrument panel or rearview camera display increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V439000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 28, 2020. By the second quarter of 2022, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Back over prevention: camera
A distorted or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V438000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 28, 2020. By the second quarter of 2023, 88% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Latches/locks/linkages: latch
A power sliding door that fails to latch may open while moving, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 20V437000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 28, 2020. By the second quarter of 2022, 90% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Electrical system: software
A delayed or inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V440000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 28, 2020. By the second quarter of 2022, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Electrical system: wiring
An intermittent electrical short could overheat the wire harness, increasing the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 20V066000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 6, 2020. By the second quarter of 2021, 89% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

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 21-013
Audio and display network connectors (speaker popping, no audio)
The problem:
A loose connection in the audio and display network can cause speaker popping or crackling, no audio, a Network Loss message or display problems.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the network connectors for free.
Who qualifies:
The car must show the symptoms, and the Honda dealer must find they come from the network connectors. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
5 years or 60,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Service campaignHonda 23-008
Auto idle stop software update
The problem:
After the car stops with auto idle stop on, the engine may not restart by itself. The driver must select Park and push the engine start/stop button.
The fix:
A Honda dealer installs an engine control software update.
Who qualifies:
The car's VIN must show the update as open. Honda dealers must update affected new or used cars before selling them.
Coverage:
No time or mileage limit is given. Ask a Honda dealer whether this applies to the car's VIN.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

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

Engine failures outside the scope of an engine recall
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's recall query tested whether Honda recall 23V-751 was wide enough. That recall covers 3.5-liter V6 engines with a crankshaft defect. The query covered 2018-2020 Odysseys, 2015-2020 Pilots and 2017-2019 Ridgelines. NHTSA found Honda had set the scope properly and closed the query in August 2025. It moved the complaints to PE25-008.
NHTSA RQ24013 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 8, 2024 to Aug 20, 2025
Engines failing to restart after automatic idle stop
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in March 2025, looks at engines that fail to restart after automatic idle stop shuts them off at a light. It lists 2016-2025 Pilots and 2018-2025 Odysseys, plus Passports and Ridgelines. Honda issued service bulletins and a 10-year warranty on some parts. Owners still report failures after the fixes. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA25004 Opening report (PDF)Open since Mar 26, 2025
Engine failures from connecting rod bearings in V6 models
Still open
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation, opened in August 2025, covers 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5-liter V6. It lists 2016-2020 Pilots, 2018-2020 Odysseys and 2017-2019 Ridgelines. These engines fall outside Honda recall 23V-751, and NHTSA saw no sign of the same crankshaft defect. The case is still open.
NHTSA PE25008 Opening report (PDF)Open since Aug 20, 2025
Side air bags deploying by mistake in Odysseys
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked at side curtain and side torso air bags deploying by mistake in 2018-2022 Odysseys. Honda said the air bag computer had deployment settings that strong road jolts could trigger. It cited 130 warranty claims and 25 injury reports. Honda issued recall 26V-227 in April 2026. NHTSA closed the case in June 2026.
NHTSA PE25018 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Oct 28, 2025 to Jun 25, 2026

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2020 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 2020 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.

Back over prevention: camera NHTSA 26V423000
Air bags: front passenger NHTSA 26V332000
Air bags: software NHTSA 26V227000
Air bags: front passenger NHTSA 24V064000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 23V858000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 14 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

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

21-013: audio and display network connectors (speaker popping, no audio)

On the Test Drive

Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
Open and close the liftgate several times and check that it holds open.

Ask the Seller

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

Driver-assist camera and radar
Screen and audio
Engine
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.