IllustrationCLUNKING SOUND WHEN TURNING. SOMETHING APPEARS TO BE LOOSE.
2012 Honda Odyssey
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2012 Honda Odyssey do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 249.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Odyssey years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
700–25K
3325–50K
3950–75K
1975–100K
16100–150K
10150K+
187 reports with mileage · 57 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
14 crash reports6 fire reports19 injury reports
Suspension complaints
5 reportsMY MINIVAN HAS 38000 MILES AND START WITH A SMALL NOISE WENT I MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND GETTING WORST, I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHERE THE NOISE IS COMING FROM.THE POINT IS THIS VEHICLE WE DON'T USE A LOT AND WE HAVE MOSTLY HI WAY MILES, WE HAVE NOT EVEN FINISH PAY FOR IT AND WE FEEL LIKE WE DRIVING AN OLD CAR. …
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MY MINIVAN HAS 38000 MILES AND START WITH A SMALL NOISE WENT I MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND GETTING WORST, I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHERE THE NOISE IS COMING FROM.THE POINT IS THIS VEHICLE WE DON'T USE A LOT AND WE HAVE MOSTLY HI WAY MILES, WE HAVE NOT EVEN FINISH PAY FOR IT AND WE FEEL LIKE WE DRIVING AN OLD CAR. I READ SOME REVIEWS AND OTHER PEOPLE HAS THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
THE REAR TIRE WENT FLAT RATHER SUDDENLY. HONDA DOES NOT MAKE THE CAMBER ADJUSTABLE (UNLIKE OTHER MANUFACTURERS), WHICH LEADS TO INNER TIRE WEAR. THIS AFFECTS THE HANDLING AND ABILITY TO BREAK. WE DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT THIS TIME, BUT I AM NOT COMFORTABLE THAT THIS WON'T BE THE CASE IN THE FUTURE. HONDA DOES THIS SO THAT TH…
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THE REAR TIRE WENT FLAT RATHER SUDDENLY. HONDA DOES NOT MAKE THE CAMBER ADJUSTABLE (UNLIKE OTHER MANUFACTURERS), WHICH LEADS TO INNER TIRE WEAR. THIS AFFECTS THE HANDLING AND ABILITY TO BREAK. WE DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT THIS TIME, BUT I AM NOT COMFORTABLE THAT THIS WON'T BE THE CASE IN THE FUTURE. HONDA DOES THIS SO THAT THE CUSTOMERS HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO HAVE COSTLY ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND PURCHASES (NEW TIRES). IT IS SHAMEFUL.
THE SAME PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED IN DEC 2012 WHEN HONDA ISSUED A TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE UPDATE, BUT ONLY WORSE. I WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 18MPH AND THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED THEN SLIPPED CONTINUOUSLY. IT WAS WORSE WHEN I WAS ON A HILL CAUSING THE VAN TO JERK BACKWARDS. IT CONTINUED TO OCCUR AND WHEN ON A FLAT ROAD I ALMOST LOST CONTROL…
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THE SAME PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED IN DEC 2012 WHEN HONDA ISSUED A TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE UPDATE, BUT ONLY WORSE. I WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 18MPH AND THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED THEN SLIPPED CONTINUOUSLY. IT WAS WORSE WHEN I WAS ON A HILL CAUSING THE VAN TO JERK BACKWARDS. IT CONTINUED TO OCCUR AND WHEN ON A FLAT ROAD I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT JERK SO HARD WHEN ACCELERATING TO 20MPH. I ENDED UP HAVING THE VAN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, HONDA SAID THEY ARE UNAWARE OF THE ISSUE. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND IT ONLY HAS 5000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS MY 4TH HONDA MINIVAN IN 10 YEARS AND THIS IS NOT TYPICAL HANDLING FOR THE VEHICLE AND THE DEALERSHIP IS TRYING TO GET ME TO BELIEVE... [PLEASE TRY TO HELP SO NO ONE GETS INJURED IN THIS VEHICLE.... THANKS, *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE TRAVELING 5- 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE STRUTS WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150.
Official recalls
517V725000 · Seats:mid/rear Assembly
Nov 17, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The second row outboard seats can slide sideways to one of two positions. If a seat is placed between either of the two positions when attaching the seat to the vehicle floor, the seat will not latch properly to the seat striker, allowing the seat to tip forward unexpectedly during braking.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket to the second row outboard floor strikers, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2018. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is S0G.
16V933000 · Seats:mid/rear Assembly
Dec 27, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2010, to October 1, 2015. The affected vehicles have second row outboard seats that have a release lever that allows the seats to move for easier access to the third row of seats. This release lever may remain in the unlocked position allowing the seats to move unexpectedly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An unlocked second row outboard seat increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant during a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional bracket and spring to both second row outboard seats, free of charge. Interim letter has been mailed, and a second notification will be sent . Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KD5.
13V143000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
Apr 15, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.
13V016000 · Air Bags
Jan 18, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
11V602000 · Suspension:front
Dec 22, 2011
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012, ODYSSEY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 31, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2011. THE RETENTION NUT FOR THE FRONT RIGHT LOWER SUSPENSION DAMPER BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE, POTENTIALLY ALLOWING THE NUT TO LOOSEN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: HONDA CONTACTED ALL NINE OWNERS BY PHONE ON DECEMBER 19, 2011, AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP26005 · Inadvertent Deployment Of Air Bags
Opened Jul 13, 2026 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module; Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module:software
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated May 30, 2026. The Petition is requesting an investigation into inadvertent air bag deployment in model year (MY) 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The Petition contends that air bags can deploy absent a sufficiently severe event to trigger a deployment, such as an impact, rollover event, or G-force threshold breach. The Petition further alleges that the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) conflict and inaccurate data is being recorded for the air bag system. The Petitioner cites 10 complaints received by ODI alleging the same failure. ODI will evaluate these complaints to determine if they are related to the failure cited in the Petition andconduct a technical review under 49 CFR Part 552. This Defect Petition is being opened to evaluate whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11744118.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated May 30, 2026. The Petition is requesting an investigation into inadvertent air bag deployment in model year (MY) 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The Petition contends that air bags can deploy absent a sufficiently severe event to trigger a deployment, such as an impact, rollover event, or G-force threshold breach. The Petition further alleges that the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) conflict and inaccurate data is being recorded for the air bag system. The Petitioner cites 10 complaints received by ODI alleging the same failure. ODI will evaluate these complaints to determine if they are related to the failure cited in the Petition andconduct a technical review under 49 CFR Part 552. This Defect Petition is being opened to evaluate whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11744118.
Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module:software
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated May 30, 2026. The Petition is requesting an investigation into inadvertent air bag deployment in model year (MY) 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The Petition contends that air bags can deploy absent a sufficiently severe event to trigger a deployment, such as an impact, rollover event, or G-force threshold breach. The Petition further alleges that the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) conflict and inaccurate data is being recorded for the air bag system. The Petitioner cites 10 complaints received by ODI alleging the same failure. ODI will evaluate these complaints to determine if they are related to the failure cited in the Petition andconduct a technical review under 49 CFR Part 552. This Defect Petition is being opened to evaluate whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11744118.
Air Bags
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated May 30, 2026. The Petition is requesting an investigation into inadvertent air bag deployment in model year (MY) 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The Petition contends that air bags can deploy absent a sufficiently severe event to trigger a deployment, such as an impact, rollover event, or G-force threshold breach. The Petition further alleges that the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) conflict and inaccurate data is being recorded for the air bag system. The Petitioner cites 10 complaints received by ODI alleging the same failure. ODI will evaluate these complaints to determine if they are related to the failure cited in the Petition andconduct a technical review under 49 CFR Part 552. This Defect Petition is being opened to evaluate whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11744118.