2018 Honda Odyssey Problems and Complaints

2018 Honda Odyssey Minivan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

Updated on: May 21, 2022

Senior Editor

Honda brings a versatile multirole vehicle in the Odyssey minivan. The Honda Odyssey shows commendable adaptability between roles. The minivan works well as a tourer, commuter, or utility vehicle alike. The minivan offers a practical and efficient drive. However, reliability is not a strong suit for the car. The record of 243 complaints and 9 recalls for the 2018 model year confirms the same. The issues with the car range from faulty door actuators to parasitic battery drain. Even so, the 2018 Honda Odyssey carries a 5-star safety rating. The minivan finds its competitors in the Toyota Sienna and the Chrysler Pacifica. The car holds the 2nd position on the CarHp list of top-10 minivans for 2018. Here’s a detailed look at the van.

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User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Problems

Brakes - Users report that the minivan shakes heavily under braking. Few complaints report intermittent flashing of the “brake system malfunction’ warning. These issues can distract the driver while driving.
Powertrain - Gear slipping and hesitant gear shifts and stalling are common issues with the van. These powertrain issues increase the chances of a crash. Fixing these issues is a costly and time-consuming affair.
Engine - Engine issues are common with the Honda minivan. These issues include engine stalling, misfiring, and slipping of the timing belt. These issues increase the chances of a crash.

Electrical Problems

Driver aids - Driver aid defects are common with the minivan. Users report cases of false triggering of the collision avoidance system. This leads to engagement of the auto emergency braking without any tangible threat. This increases the chances of a crash.
Instrumentation Cluster(IC) - The IC panel is prone to flickering and blacking out under driving conditions. This leads to a loss of driving information which can distract the driver. A lack of driving parameters increases the chances of a crash.
Battery - Parasitic battery drain is a common issue with the minivan. Users drainage of the vehicle battery at rapid rates when parked. This increases the chances of a crash. The solution to this requires replacing the vehicle battery.
Rear backup camera - The rear backup camera of the minivan is prone to display failure. This results in a loss of the camera display graphics. A lack of rearview graphics increases the chances of a crash.

Safety Problems

Airbags - Airbags are a major concern with the minivan. Users report unprompted deployment of airbags under driving conditions. This compromises the safety of the occupants and increases the chances of a crash or injury.

Structural Problems

Automatic door panels - The automatic door panels of the minivan are prone to open up under driving conditions. This increases the chances of injury to the occupants and crashing.
Sunroof/moonroof - Users report cases of sunroof/moonroof exploding without any foreign damage. This is a common issue with the car. The sunroof/moonroof explodes with a loud bang. This can distract the driver or cause injury to the occupants. Honda claims environmental pressure and temperature differences to be the cause of the issue.

Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	January 14, 2021	21V010000	The fuel tank may overfill into the charcoal canister.	Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source increases the chances of a crash.	Braun will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles. If evidence of a fuel leak is present, a new fuel tank assembly and a new Honda charcoal canister will be installed, free of charge. The recall began on February 22, 2021.
2	July 28, 2020	20V437000	The power sliding doors may open while moving.	A power sliding door that fails to latch may open while moving.	Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power sliding door outer handle cables, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2020. Honda's number for this recall is A88.
3	July 28, 2020	20V439000	Instrumentation panel software incorrect./FMVSS 101/111	Operating a vehicle without the instrumentation panel of the rear backup camera display increases the chances of a crash.	Honda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument panel control module software, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2020. Honda's number for this recall is T89.
4	February 6, 2020	20V066000	The accessory power outlet may short-circuit	An intermittent short circuit could overheat the wiring harness, increasing the chances of a fire.	Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row seat accessory power outlet wire of the harness for damage, replacing it as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and re-route the harness. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on March 16, 2020. Honda's number for this recall is T6U.
5	April 12, 2019	19V299000	Loose battery terminal connections.	A damaged parking rod can allow the vehicle to roll when parked, increasing the chances of a crash.	Honda will notify owners, and dealers will ensure the battery terminal connections are secure and will update the TCU software, free of charge. Additionally, the parking rod's effectiveness will be checked. The recall began on May 31, 2019. Honda's numbers for this recall are Z4J, and Y4K.
6	March 20, 2019	19V213000	Rear wheel speed sensor harness./FMVSS 135/126.	If the rear wheel speeds can not be monitored properly, the antilock braking system may not engage properly to prevent the wheels from locking up, Increasing the risk of a crash.	Braun has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the rear wheel speed sensor harnesses, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2019.
7	November 9, 2018	18V795000	The power sliding doors may open while driving.	A power sliding door that fails to latch may open while moving.	Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right power sliding door rear latch assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on January 3, 2019. Honda's numbers for this recall are Z33 and O36.
8	November 1, 2018	18V777000	Coating on rear brake calipers. /FMVSS 135.	A reduced braking performance increases the chances of a crash.	Owners will be notified, and Honda or Acura dealers will bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2018. Honda's numbers for this recall are C31 and L30.
9	June 23, 2017	17V397000	The third-row center seat belt may not latch. /FMVSS 208	In the event of a crash, if the seat belt does not retrain the passenger, it may increase the risk of injury to the occupant.	Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row center seat belt to make sure that it has the correct tongue, replacing the seat belt, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2017. Honda's number for this recall is KF7.

Should you buy the 2018 Honda Odyssey?

The Honda Odyssey offers a versatile and practical minivan that suits both commuting and touring. The minivan also offers a composed drive with extensive utility. Nonetheless, the minivan does not portray any confidence when it comes to reliability. The van comes across a wide range of reliability concerns. However, Honda aftersales takes control of the situation with prompt recalls and customer service. The 2018 Hyundai Odyssey makes for a versatile multirole minivan on a good budget. The minivan gets a clean chit from our side.